Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Drops

Sega and Prime Video recently treated fans to a sneak peek of 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 Novel Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26th, Sega and Amazon presented the first footage of the live-action series.

Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku takes on the role of the main antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama emphasized the fresh perspectives these actors bring to their roles.

In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "To be frank, their portrayals are vastly different from the game's originals. But that's the beauty of it." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the series' unique take on both characters.

The teaser showcased fleeting glimpses of the series, including the iconic Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and a confrontation between Kiryu and Futoshi Shimano.

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

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.

Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama

Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's ability to capture the game's lighter moments alongside its grittier aspects, Yokoyama reassured fans that the Prime Video series would retain "the essence of the original."

In his SDCC interview with Sega, Yokoyama explained 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.

"Honestly, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama continued. "We built this world 20 years ago, but they made it their own... without sacrificing the original narrative."

After viewing the finished product, he commented that the show is "a new world for newcomers, and a source of constant grins for veterans." He even hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode that elicited a strong reaction from him.

While the teaser offers limited glimpses, the wait is short. 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.