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

Tekken's Harada Explores New Industry Connections via LinkedIn

Rumors of Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada's departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of 30 years, have surfaced following a LinkedIn post indicating he's "open to work." The news, initially reported by Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showcased a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile featuring the #OpenToWork tag. His listed desired roles include Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo.

This sparked considerable fan concern regarding Harada's future and the Tekken franchise. Numerous comments on the post directly tagged Harada for clarification.

However, Harada swiftly addressed the speculation on X, reassuring fans that he isn't leaving Bandai Namco. He clarified that his LinkedIn activity aims to expand his professional network and explore new collaborations within the industry. He stated his desire to connect with more individuals and broaden his perspectives. Activating the #OpenToWork feature on LinkedIn, he explained, facilitates these connections.

This development offers positive implications for Tekken's future. Recent collaborations, such as the inclusion of Final Fantasy XVI's Clive Rosfield as a playable character in Tekken 8 (along with Jill, Joshua, and even Nektar the Moogle as cosmetic options), demonstrate the potential for enriching the franchise through expanded industry partnerships. Harada's broadened network promises to inject fresh ideas and collaborations into the Tekken series.