It's a unique gameplay element :)
Oh, on a side note: In the US version, each copy of Blue Dragon is packed with a big avertisment for Eternal Sonata and Naturo: Rise of a Ninja. Interesting cross-promotion. Very cool artwork for both. I'm very tempted to pick up Naturo at some point, since the X360 is showing off it's great artwork.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.