Yakuza Game's Live-Action Series Unveiled

Sega and Prime Video recently treated fans to a sneak peek of their upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the show's details and highlights director Masayoshi Yokoyama's perspective.

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 emphasized the actors' unique approach to the characters.

"Their portrayals are vastly different from the game," Yokoyama stated in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's precisely what makes it exciting." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the series offers.

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

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

Loosely based on the first game, the series explores Kiryu's life 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 fans that the series captures the essence of the original.

In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama explained his primary goal: "to avoid mere imitation. I wanted viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter."

"Honestly, the result exceeded my expectations," Yokoyama continued. "They made the 20-year-old setting their own, yet remained faithful to the original story."

He hinted at a surprising twist at the end of the first episode, stating it elicited a strong reaction from him.

While the teaser provides only a brief glimpse, fans won't have long to wait. 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.