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

Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Sparks LinkedIn Job Search Speculation

Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the renowned Tekken fighting game series, has reportedly updated his LinkedIn profile to indicate he is #OpenToWork, igniting speculation about a potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of three decades.

The news, initially reported by Japanese gaming news outlet Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showcased a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile. The post, which detailed his search for new opportunities in roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing, all based in Tokyo, quickly spread among fans.

Concerns arose amongst the Tekken community, with numerous comments on the post tagging Harada for clarification.

Harada Addresses the Speculation

Ever active on X, Harada swiftly addressed the swirling rumors. He clarified that he is not leaving Bandai Namco, but rather using LinkedIn's #OpenToWork feature to network and expand his professional connections within the industry. He stated his desire to meet more people and broaden his perspectives, emphasizing that the LinkedIn setting simply facilitates these interactions.

Positive Implications for Tekken's Future

This proactive networking strategy could potentially lead to exciting developments for the Tekken franchise. Recent collaborations, such as the inclusion of Final Fantasy XVI's Clive Rosfield as a playable character in Tekken 8, along with additional FFXVI-themed skins and accessories, demonstrate the benefits of cross-industry partnerships. Harada's expanded network may well inject fresh ideas and collaborations into future Tekken installments.