On Monday, December 8, 2025, Katsuhiro Harada, known for the "Tekken" series, revealed that he would be retiring from Bandai Namco, where he had worked for many years.
The announcement was made on Katsuhiro Harada's X (@Harada_TEKKEN) and the official "Tekken" series X (@TEKKEN_Project), with mentions of the future of the series.
"Tekken" Series' Katsuhiro Harada to Retire from Bandai Namco
I’d like to share that I’ll be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025.
With the TEKKEN series reaching its 30th anniversary—an important milestone for a project I’ve devoted much of my life to—I felt this was the most fitting moment to bring one chapter to a close.My roots lie…
— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) December 8, 2025
Katsuhiro Harada, the executive game director and chief producer of the "Tekken" series, originally joined the former Namco in a sales position.
In April of his second year, he transferred to the development division and has since challenged himself with ambitious titles, including the "Tekken" series, the "Soulcalibur" series, "Pokkén Tournament," and "Summer Lesson."
He has been involved in many popular works, captivating game fans around the world.
Especially for the "Tekken" series, he personally traveled to events around the world to interact with fans.
It became customary for him to announce the latest information and trailers at large tournaments like EVO, exciting the venues.
On Monday, December 8, 2025, Harada updated his X account to announce his retirement at the end of 2025.
While the announcement came as a complete surprise to fans, Harada stated, "I sought advice from Ken Kutaragi—whom I respect as though he were another father—and received invaluable encouragement and guidance." and "Over the past four to five years, I’ve gradually handed over all of my responsibilities, as well as the stories and worldbuilding I oversaw, to the team, bringing me to the present day." This suggests the decision was planned.
Harada reflected that he began considering the "time I have left as a creator" after witnessing the deaths and retirements of friends and fellow game developers, making it unlikely that this retirement will lead to his departure from game development altogether.
For his activities starting in 2026, we should keep an eye on Harada's X (@Harada_TEKKEN) and his official YouTube channel "Harada's Bar".
The "Tekken" Series Will Continue
The official "Tekken" series X (@TEKKEN_Project) commented by quoting Harada's announcement.
They released a statement regarding his retirement and the future operation of the "Tekken" series.
Regarding the Departure of Katsuhiro Harada
XKatsuhiro Harada, who has long led numerous projects including the TEKKEN series, will be leaving Bandai Namco. This comes as the TEKKEN series finishes celebrating its 30th anniversary, a milestone he deeply contributed to as Executive Director and Executive Producer on the franchise. Harada-san is making an appearance and meeting with the TEKKEN community at the "TEKKEN World Tour 2025 Global Finals" Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) and Top 20 Finals, held in Malmö, Sweden, on January 31 and February 1, 2026.
Regarding the future of the "TEKKEN" Series
XTo our fans, rest assured that we are fully committed to future development and content plans for "TEKKEN 8." We will continue to take community feedback on the game and its content to heart to ensure that we uphold the vision and spirit built by Harada-san, dedicating our utmost efforts to ensure the legacy of the TEKKEN series continues as a fighting game franchise beloved worldwide.
We express our deepest gratitude to Harada-san for providing us with vision and continued success over the years.
