Katsuhiro Harada, the iconic figure synonymous with the Tekken series, is set to depart from Bandai Namco at the conclusion of 2025. With Tekken celebrating its 30th anniversary, Harada considers this a significant milestone to transition out after dedicating decades of his life to the franchise. Fans were alerted to a possible change when he expressed interest in exploring new opportunities earlier this year.
Harada’s Remarkable Journey
Throughout his 32-year tenure at Bandai Namco, Harada played a pivotal role in shaping not just Tekken but several prominent titles. From voicing characters like Marshall Law and Yoshimitsu in the initial Tekken games to taking on the role of Game Director with Tekken 3, his influence has been profound. He also contributed to other significant projects, including SoulCalibur IV, Ace Combat Infinity, and Pokkén Tournament. Recent credits include producing hits like The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan, Code Vein, and Tales of Arise.
His final major contribution, Tekken 8, was a resounding success, lauded by critics and players alike. It not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved remarkable sales, reaching two million units sold in its first month and three million units within a year, surpassing its predecessor.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As a tribute to the fans, Harada shared an hour-long TEKKEN DJ-style nonstop mix on SoundCloud, fulfilling a personal ambition. Looking ahead, he is slated to appear as a guest at the TWT Finals in January 2026, with future plans yet to be disclosed. His departure signals the end of an era, but fans remain eager to see what comes next for Harada.