Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has sparked rumors of a potential departure from Bandai Namco after 30 years, as he recently updated his LinkedIn profile to indicate he is #OpenToWork. The news, first spotted by the Japanese video game news account Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showed a screenshot of Harada's profile where he expressed interest in new job opportunities. He is seeking roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This update has led to a wave of concern among fans about Harada's future and the direction of the Tekken series, with many reaching out to him for clarification on social media.
However, Harada quickly addressed the speculation on X (Twitter), where he is known for his active engagement. He clarified that he is not leaving Bandai Namco but rather looking to expand his network within the industry. "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. He emphasized that using the #OpenToWork feature on LinkedIn is simply a way to connect with more professionals in the gaming industry.
This clarification should reassure Tekken fans who are eager to see the franchise continue to thrive. Recent collaborations, such as the integration of Final Fantasy 16's protagonist Clive Rosfield as a fighter in Tekken 8, along with other characters like Jill, Joshua, and even Nektar the Moogle through skins and accessories, showcase the series' potential for growth. Harada's efforts to broaden his network are likely to bring fresh ideas and exciting new collaborations to the beloved franchise.
