To quote artist MomoCullen, the prophesy has been fulfilled. Katsuhiro Harada, long-time director of the Tekken fighting game series, has finally been to a Waffle House. Which, without context, is perhaps not an engrossing fact. But for those who have long been involved in the lighthearted campaign for the Tekken games to feature a stage set at 3 a.m. in a Waffle House (where some nights we try to kill each other), it’s a moment of pure bliss. Na-na-na.
In 2024 we reported on the tweeted plea to Harada to set a Tekken stage in the legendary Waffle House chain. Accompanied by a mocked up image of a Waffle House as a selectable location within Tekken 8, they appealed, “Mr harada can you please add this stage to Tekken 8 please.” Harada, who is not known for his happy-go-lucky attitude, responded by asking for an explanation.
“Ok, I will only ask once about this request,” he began. “Why do some communities send me requests for ‘Waffle House’?” And then, like he was setting an assignment, he continued, “Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history and background.”
Ok, I will only ask once about this request.
Why do some communities send me requests for "Waffle House"?Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history and background.
I look forward to an explanation from someone who knows more. https://t.co/w8ozUnJ1mY
— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) March 30, 2024
People were of course quick to explain that the Waffle House is a prime spot for a good brawl, with the chain infamous for its late-night fisticuffs between customers.
Now, a couple of years on, it seems Harada has finally visited the promised lands of the Waffle House. In a superb post to his X account late May 24, the developer wrote, “I finally made it to WAFFLE HOUSE.”
He added, “The staff are always friendly, and when I asked if they would sell me a menu, they sold me one for $5.” He then joked, “Next time, I’ll be back at 3 a.m. for fight time.”
This was accompanied by four photographs, including one where Harada wields a chair, ready for combat.
https://x.com/Harada_TEKKEN/status/2058670990071091249