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 significant sentimental value.

Tekken's Maestro Favors a Legacy Fightstick

Harada's Fighting EDGE: A Symbol of Dedication

Katsuhiro Harada, the mastermind behind the Tekken series, sparked curiosity after observing a custom arcade stick used by an Olympic sharpshooter. This prompted fans to inquire about his personal preference. Surprisingly, Harada 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 corresponds to the Japanese pronunciation of "Namco," Tekken's developer.

Whether Harada specifically requested this serial number, received it as a gift, or it was a chance occurrence remains unknown. Regardless, the number carries deep sentimental value, representing his company's heritage. His affection for "00765" extends beyond the fightstick; he even incorporates it into his car's license plate.

Considering 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 may lack the advanced features of newer models, its long-standing companionship makes it irreplaceable to Harada.