lucadelladora – Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime face of Tekken, has announced he will leave Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. He shared the news with a heartfelt farewell on X and, in a creative twist, an hour-long DJ mix. Harada has spent three decades shaping the Tekken series and influencing the broader fighting game community. He began his career as a voice actor in the original Tekken game. Continuing to lend his voice even after becoming director of the series. Over the years, he also worked as a producer on other Bandai Namco titles. Both within and outside the fighting genre, earning widespread recognition for his creativity and dedication.
In his farewell note, Harada expressed deep gratitude to fans, colleagues, and communities worldwide. He wrote, “Each project was full of new discoveries and learning, and every one of them became an irreplaceable experience for me.” He highlighted the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and shared passion in game development. Harada’s departure marks the end of an era for Tekken and the fighting game community. Where he has remained a prominent and respected figure. Fans and peers alike recognize his influence not only in shaping game mechanics but also in cultivating global fan communities.
Beyond his direct contributions to Tekken, Harada became a bridge between developers and players. Often attending tournaments, engaging in Q&A sessions, and representing the series at major events. His approachable personality and deep knowledge of the franchise made him a beloved figure for decades. Harada has consistently pushed for innovation in both gameplay design and community interaction. Setting a standard for developers in the fighting game industry. His career highlights include managing large-scale projects, mentoring younger designers, and guiding the series to critical and commercial success.
Harada Celebrates Career with Unique DJ Mix Farewell
To celebrate his departure, Harada released a full DJ set titled ‘TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix’ on SoundCloud. He noted he had never DJed at a tournament event during his career, making this farewell a personal and symbolic gesture. The hour-long mix serves as a creative tribute to his journey, offering fans a new way to engage with his legacy. The set combines energy, nostalgia, and a sense of celebration, reflecting his three-decade-long contribution to the industry.
This DJ mix is more than entertainment; it represents Harada’s willingness to embrace new forms of expression, even after decades in game development. His legacy will continue through Tekken, the developers he mentored, and the thriving communities he helped nurture. Harada’s departure also opens opportunities for Bandai Namco to explore fresh directions for the franchise while maintaining the foundation he built. Fans can enjoy his music while celebrating the milestones he achieved, from early Tekken releases to international tournaments.
Harada’s exit marks both a conclusion and a beginning—an end to a legendary chapter and a chance for new talent to emerge under his influence. His innovative spirit, leadership, and engagement with global communities will remain a guiding example for future generations of game developers. The farewell DJ mix provides a memorable, creative closure for a career that has spanned thirty years and left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
