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Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada's LinkedIn Activity Sparks Speculation

Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the renowned Tekken fighting game series, has reportedly updated his LinkedIn profile to indicate he's "open to work," igniting speculation about a potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of 30 years.

The news, initially highlighted by Japanese gaming news outlet Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showcased a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile. The post, recently published, explicitly states his interest in exploring new opportunities and positions. His profile picture also displays the LinkedIn "#OpenToWork" indicator. He's reportedly seeking roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development positions, Vice President, or Marketing roles, all based in Tokyo.

This announcement prompted considerable concern among fans regarding Harada's future and the potential impact on the Tekken franchise. Numerous comments on the original post tagged Harada directly, seeking clarification.

Harada Addresses the Speculation

Quickly responding to the buzz on X, Harada allayed fans' fears, clarifying that he isn't leaving Bandai Namco. He explained his LinkedIn activity as a means to expand his professional network and collaborate with more individuals within the industry. He stated his desire to connect with more people and broaden his horizons, emphasizing that the LinkedIn setting simply facilitates these connections.

Positive Implications for Tekken's Future

This development could potentially lead to exciting new collaborations and innovations for the Tekken franchise. The recent successful crossover with Final Fantasy XVI, featuring Clive Rosfield as a playable character and additional FFXVI-themed content, demonstrates the potential benefits of such collaborations. Harada's expanded network could inject fresh ideas and perspectives into future Tekken installments.