Katsuhiro Harada visits Waffle House and sparks Tekken memories

Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the beloved fighting game franchise Tekken, has finally paid a visit to Waffle House, making for an exciting moment in the gaming community. Harada’s trip to the 24/7 breakfast chain is especially notable because fans have spent years asking for a Waffle House stage to be added to the Tekken games.

The Waffle House experience

On May 24, 2026, Harada shared on his X/Twitter account that he had finally found the chance to visit Waffle House. During the visit, he even bought a menu for just $5. In his tweet, he said: "I finally went to Waffle House. The staff are always friendly, and when I asked if I could buy a menu, they sold me one for $5. Next time I’ll come back at 3 a.m. for fight time." The comment plays into the internet phenomenon around Waffle House, which is often linked to late-night adventures and memes.

Background on the Waffle House stage

Tekken fans have repeatedly voiced their wish for a Waffle House stage in the game. While Harada is not opposed to the idea, he has previously said there could be trademark and rights issues that make it difficult. He discussed this back in 2024, but the designer has not taken any definitive steps to make it happen.

Changes in Harada’s career

In 2025, Harada announced that he would be leaving Bandai Namco, the publisher where he spent his entire career. That announcement was followed by news of his new venture, VS Studio, a few weeks ago. It seems Harada’s future is now focused on new projects, but his connection to Tekken and the wishes of fans remain.

The evolution of Harada’s career and the lead-up to his Waffle House visit continue to be a talking point among fans. Although he is no longer involved in Tekken’s development, his influence in the industry is still felt. Despite the challenges surrounding a potential Waffle House stage, the connection with fans seems stronger than ever.