Tekken Director Harada Not Seeking New Employment

Tekken's Harada Seeking Jobs on LinkedIn

Rumors of Exit from Bandai

Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has sparked rumors of his departure from Bandai Namco, where he has spent 30 years and developed the iconic Tekken series. The speculation began when Japanese video game news account Genki_JPN shared a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile on X (formerly Twitter). The post, made just an hour ago, indicated that Harada is actively seeking new employment opportunities. He has tagged himself as #OpenToWork and is looking for roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This news has caused concern among fans about Harada's future and the direction of the Tekken franchise, with many reaching out to him for clarification.

Harada Responds: No Cause for Concern

Known for his active engagement on social media, Harada quickly addressed the rumors on X (Twitter). He clarified that he is not leaving Bandai Namco but is instead looking to expand his professional network. In response to a fan's inquiry, Harada stated, "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 explained that enabling the #OpenToWork feature on LinkedIn allows him to connect with more industry professionals.

This clarification should reassure Tekken fans, who can look forward to further growth and exciting collaborations for the series. Recently, Tekken 8 showcased a collaboration with Final Fantasy 16, introducing protagonist Clive Rosfield as a playable character. Other characters from FF16, including Jill, Joshua, and even Nektar the Moogle, are available through skins and accessories. Harada's efforts to broaden his network are likely to bring fresh ideas and enhance the franchise's appeal.