Harada denies Tekken job switch

Tekken Director Harada Sparks Speculation With LinkedIn Job Search

Bandai Namco Departure Rumors Surface

Katsuhiro Harada, longtime director of the Tekken series, has prompted industry speculation after updating his LinkedIn profile to indicate he's exploring new opportunities. Fans noticed his profile shows the #OpenToWork tag, raising questions about his future with Bandai Namco where he's worked for three decades.

Japanese gaming news account Genki_JPN first highlighted the development on Twitter, sharing a screenshot of Harada's updated LinkedIn profile. The post indicates Harada seeks executive roles including Game Director, Producer, or VP-level positions based in Tokyo.

The sudden announcement triggered widespread concern among Tekken fans, with many directly tagging Harada seeking clarification about the franchise's future.

Harada Clarifies: No Plans To Leave Bandai

Known for his active social media presence, Harada swiftly addressed the speculation. Contrary to rumors, he confirmed he remains with Bandai Namco and simply aims to expand his professional network.

Responding to concerned fans on Twitter, Harada explained: "I regularly meet industry colleagues (though privately I'm quite selective with friendships). Enabling #OpenToWork helps me connect with more professionals and explore creative possibilities."

This revelation suggests potential future collaborations for the Tekken franchise. The series recently partnered with Final Fantasy XVI, adding Clive Rosfield as a playable character alongside cosmetic items featuring Jill, Joshua, and even Moogle companion Nektar. Harada's networking efforts may yield similarly exciting crossovers moving forward.