""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," Harada wrote. "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.""
""Harada reflected on his "roots," which involved promoting to players in Japanese arcades; he says that those days immersed in local fighting scenes both in Japan and in community centers overseas "became the core of who [he was] as a developer and game creator." While reflecting on the past, Harada also said that recent personal tragedies and professional movement helped him come to this decision.""
Katushiro Harada will depart Bandai Namco at the end of 2025 after 31 years with the company. He chose the timing after the series reached its 30th anniversary and called it the most fitting moment to close this chapter. Harada said his roots promoting games in Japanese arcades and engaging with local fighting scenes in Japan and overseas community centers became the core of his identity as a developer and game creator. Recent personal losses and the retirement or passing of senior colleagues prompted him to reflect on the time he has left as a creator. He sought advice from Ken Kutaragi, gradually handed over responsibilities over four to five years, will attend the Tekken World Tour finals as a guest, released an hour-long mix on Soundcloud, and earlier served as a voice actor before becoming director in 1997.
Read at Kotaku
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