Tekken Director Harada's Go-To Fighting Stick Revealed

Tekken's mastermind, Katsuhiro Harada, recently revealed his trusty fighting stick, a controller that's become an extension of himself. This article delves into the story behind his choice and the sentimental value it holds.

Harada's Fighting Stick: A Legacy of "Fighting EDGE"

Following the Olympics, where Harada noticed an athlete using a custom arcade stick, fans inquired about his own preference. Much to everyone's surprise, the Tekken 8 director confessed his unwavering loyalty to the discontinued Hori Fighting EDGE, a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 fightstick.

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

Whether this serial number was a deliberate choice, a gift, or a fortunate coincidence remains unknown. Nevertheless, the number carries deep sentimental value for Harada, representing Namco's legacy. His attachment is so strong that he even incorporates the numbers into his car's license plate.

Given the availability of modern, high-tech fighting sticks like the Tekken 8 Pro FS Arcade Fight Stick (used by Harada during his EVO 2024 match against LilyPichu), his choice is intriguing. While the Hori Fighting EDGE lacks the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable for Harada. It's more than just a controller; it's a piece of his history.