Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Drops

Sega and Prime Video recently offered a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the show's details and highlights comments from RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th

A Reimagined Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon treated fans to the first look at the live-action series.

Ryoma Takeuchi portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku takes on the role of the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Yokoyama emphasized the fresh interpretations these actors bring to the roles. In a Sega interview at SDCC, he stated, "Their portrayal is completely different from the game, but that's what makes it exciting." While acknowledging the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu, Yokoyama welcomed this unique approach to both characters.

The teaser showcased iconic locations like the Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and a glimpse of Kiryu's confrontation with Futoshi Shimano.

The teaser's description promises a portrayal of "fierce yet passionate gangsters and the inhabitants of Kamurochō," a fictional district inspired by Kabukichō in Shinjuku.

Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, offering a side of Kiryu previously unseen in the games.

Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation

Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's ability to capture the game's lighter moments, Yokoyama assured fans that the series retains "the essence of the original."

In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama revealed his primary concern was avoiding mere imitation. He aimed for viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter with the story.

He expressed his surprise and delight with the final product, stating, "It was so good, I was jealous! They took our 20-year-old setting and made it their own, while still respecting the source material."

Yokoyama hinted at a significant surprise at the end of the first episode, promising a reaction of "screaming and jumping out of my seat."

While the teaser provides only a brief glimpse, the wait is almost over. Like a Dragon: Yakuza premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24th, with the first three episodes released simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1st.