Tekken Chieftain Unveils Choice Weapon

Tekken's renowned producer and director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick. Discover the story behind this controller, a long-time companion with deep sentimental significance.

Tekken's Mastermind Favors a Legacy Fightstick

Harada's "Fighting EDGE": A Classic Choice

Katsuhiro Harada, the driving force behind the Tekken franchise, sparked curiosity about his preferred controller after noticing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. The revelation? He remains devoted to the Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick—now discontinued—a testament to his loyalty to a classic.

The Hori Fighting EDGE itself isn't extraordinary; it's a twelve-year-old controller. However, its serial number, "00765," holds a special connection. This number, when pronounced in Japanese, sounds like "Namco," Tekken's parent company.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a coincidence, the number's sentimental value is undeniable. It represents his deep connection to Namco's legacy. This fondness extends beyond the fightstick; Harada even incorporates the numbers into his car's license plate.

Given the availability of cutting-edge fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (used by Harada during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his preference is intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE may lack the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable for Harada.