lucadelladora – Katsuhiro Harada, longtime Bandai Namco veteran, announced he will leave the company at the end of 2025. He shared the news through a farewell note on X and complemented it with a unique celebration: an hour-long DJ mix. Harada’s career spans 30 years, most prominently tied to the Tekken franchise, making him a well-known figure in the fighting game community.
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Harada began his journey as a voice actor in the original Tekken game and continued voicing characters even after becoming a director for the series. Beyond Tekken, he contributed as a producer on various Bandai Namco titles, both within and outside the fighting genre. In his farewell note, Harada reflected on his career, saying, “Each project was full of new discoveries and learning, and every one of them became an irreplaceable experience for me.”
He extended his gratitude to fans, communities, and colleagues worldwide, emphasizing the importance of their support throughout his career. Harada’s message highlighted both his personal connection to the gaming world and his professional commitment to creating impactful experiences. His departure marks the end of an era for Bandai Namco, especially for Tekken enthusiasts who have followed his leadership and creative direction for decades.
Harada’s exit also represents a broader moment of transition within the gaming industry. Longtime developers leaving iconic franchises often signal upcoming changes in creative direction or leadership. Fans and industry observers will likely watch closely for how Bandai Namco continues Tekken development without one of its most influential figures at the helm.
Harada Celebrates Career with Tekken DJ Mix
In an unconventional farewell, Harada released a full DJ set titled ‘TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix’ on SoundCloud. He admitted he had never DJed at a tournament event before, making this a unique way to mark his departure. The mix acts as both a personal celebration and a tribute to the Tekken community that supported him for decades.
Harada’s choice to combine music with his career retrospective demonstrates his creative personality beyond game development. Fans have praised the gesture, calling it a “swag” and memorable exit. The DJ mix also provides a nostalgic experience, reflecting the energy and history of Tekken’s evolution over three decades.
Industry commentators note that Harada’s influence extends beyond the games themselves. His leadership shaped tournament culture, game design standards, and player engagement strategies in competitive fighting games worldwide. By stepping down, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence developers, esports organizers, and fans alike.
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Looking forward, Harada’s departure may open new opportunities for him in entertainment, music, or game consulting. Bandai Namco faces the challenge of maintaining Tekken’s momentum while integrating new leadership. For fans, the DJ mix serves as both a farewell and a celebration of his contributions, preserving his presence in the community even after his official exit.
Harada’s final act—blending music and gaming history—underscores the creativity and impact he brought to the industry. His legacy will be remembered through Tekken tournaments, player communities, and the inspiration he leaves for future developers.
