Overview
The fighting game director who became a personality. Harada joined Bandai Namco and worked his way from voice actor (providing Tekken grunts) to series director with Tekken 3. His social media presence made him unusually accessible—engaging fans, deflecting requests with humour, and defending design decisions. He represents modern game director as public figure.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970.
- Company: Bandai Namco.
- Role: Tekken series director/producer.
- First credit: Tekken (1994).
Tekken direction
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|
| Tekken | 1994 | Voice/development |
| Tekken 3 | 1997 | Director |
| Tekken Tag Tournament | 1999 | Director |
| Tekken 7 | 2015 | Producer |
| Platform | Style |
|---|
| Twitter | Direct engagement |
| Fan requests | ”Don’t ask me for sh*t” |
| Transparency | Development insights |
| Community | Active participation |
Guest character philosophy
| Approach | Reasoning |
|---|
| Crossovers | Expanded appeal |
| Negan, Noctis | Unlikely choices |
| Careful selection | Gameplay fit |
| Fan service | Community requests |
Industry recognition
| Achievement | Note |
|---|
| Series longevity | 25+ years |
| Tournament support | EVO presence |
| Brand ambassador | Public face |
| Esports growth | Competitive scene |
See also