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 game series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the details revealed and comments from RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th

A Fresh Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series. Ryoma Takeuchi portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku plays the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique approach to the characters.

In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Their portrayal is completely different from the game's original depiction. But that's precisely what makes it so compelling." While acknowledging the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu, he praised the fresh perspective offered by the series.

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

The teaser description promises a depiction 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, revealing aspects of Kiryu's story "previously unexplored in the games."

Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama

Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's tone, Yokoyama assured viewers that the Prime Video series would capture "the essence" of the original game, despite potential differences in style.

In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama expressed his desire to avoid mere imitation, aiming instead for a fresh experience, even for longtime fans. He commented, "It was so good, I was actually envious. They took a setting we created 20 years ago and made it their own, while remaining true to the original story."

After viewing the series, he revealed that it offers "a new world for newcomers and a nostalgic experience for fans, prompting grins throughout." He teased a major surprise at the end of the first episode, stating it caused him to "scream and jump for joy."

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 be available on November 1st.