Katsuhiro Harada has officially stepped away from TEKKEN, closing the door on a role he’s carried for more than thirty years. The longtime director and face of the franchise confirmed that he’s no longer involved with the series and that the “Harada_TEKKEN” persona fans have followed for decades is something he’s leaving behind completely.
This doesn’t come across as a dramatic stunt or a temporary break. It feels like someone who believes the story he helped tell has reached its natural ending. Harada wasn’t just a developer; he was part of Tekken’s personality; joking with fans, defending design choices, and giving the series a voice that felt uniquely human.
Tekken will continue under new leadership, and Bandai Namco has already ensured the franchise’s future is in steady hands. Even so, it’s hard not to feel the weight of this transition. A familiar presence is gone, and a very specific era of Tekken has quietly taken its final bow.
Harada hasn’t teased what comes next, and maybe that’s the point. For now, it’s simply a clean goodbye. One chapter closes, Tekken moves forward, and the fighting game community is left reflecting on a legacy that helped shape the genre.
What does Harada’s exit mean to you, and how do you feel about Tekken moving on without him? Stay tuned to VGNW for updates, and don’t forget to follow us on X for the latest gaming news and developments.
Who is Katsuhiro Harada?
Katsuhiro Harada is the longtime director, producer, and public face of the Tekken franchise, playing a key role in shaping the series for over three decades.
