Tekken’s Director Katsuhiro Harada Isn't Looking For a New Job

Tekken's Harada Seeking Jobs on LinkedIn

Rumors of Exit from Bandai

Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has sparked speculation about his future after posting on LinkedIn that he is seeking new job opportunities. Harada, who has been with Bandai Namco for 30 years and is the mastermind behind the iconic Tekken series, indicated his interest in roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or a Marketing position, all based in Tokyo. The news, initially shared by the Japanese video game news account Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), has led to widespread concern among fans about Harada's potential departure from Bandai Namco and the future of the Tekken franchise.

Harada Responds: No Need to Worry

Quick to address the swirling rumors, Harada used his active presence on X to clarify his intentions. He reassured fans that he is not leaving Bandai Namco. Instead, Harada explained that he is looking to expand his professional network and collaborate with more people in the industry. "I meet a lot of people on a regular basis (but I don't actually have that many friends in my private world LOL), I just want to meet more people and expand my horizons in the future," he stated. By activating the #OpenToWork feature on LinkedIn, Harada aims to facilitate more conversations and connections within the gaming community.

This clarification should put fans at ease, as it suggests that Harada's commitment to Tekken and Bandai Namco remains strong. The recent collaboration between Tekken 8 and Final Fantasy 16, which introduced protagonist Clive Rosfield as a new fighter and included skins and accessories for other characters like Jill, Joshua, and even Nektar the Moogle, exemplifies the innovative direction Harada could further explore. His efforts to broaden his network are likely to bring fresh ideas and collaborations to the beloved franchise, enhancing its future prospects.