Katsuhiro Harada, TEKKEN director and producer, is leaving Bandai Namco in the most Harada way possible: by dropping a mixtape on Soundcloud.
Katsuhiro Harada announced his departure from Bandai Namco and the TEKKEN Project, thanked his fans, and dropped a mixtape. According to the industry legend, this is something that he has always wanted to do.
Harada leaves Bandai Namco, TEKKEN
He made his announcement through a long post on X/Twitter, going from his early days in the fighting game community, his experiences throughout the years, and what inspired him to make this monumental decision.
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.
Harada added that his responsibilities at Bandai Namco and the TEKKEN project have all been gradually handed to the team in the past four to five years. He also said that, along with these responsibilities, he passed down the stories and worldbuilding that he oversaw.
In terms of his decision to leave Bandai Namco, Harada said that he sought advice from Ken Kutaragi, former CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment and "the Father of PlayStation."
In recent years, I experienced the loss of several close friends in my personal life, and in my professional life I witnessed the retirement or passing of many senior colleagues whom I deeply respect.
Those accumulated events made me reflect on the “time I have left as a creator.”
During that period, I sought advice from Ken Kutaragi—whom I respect as though he were another father—and received invaluable encouragement and guidance.
TEKKEN Project also made an announcement, and Harada will still be present in some upcoming events.
Harada's Soundcloud mixtape
In the most Harada way possible, he dropped an hour-long TEKKEN DJ-style mix on Soundcloud.
Harada himself mixed the track, and this is apparently a culmination of his 30-year desire to DJ at a tournament. You can listen to TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey - Harada's Final Mix here.
Fans thank Katsuhiro Harada
Many members of the TEKKEN fanbase, FGC, and general gamers went to thank Harada for his service and contribution to the scene.
They have also taken to the Soundcloud track itself and left some messages there.
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