Sega and Prime Video recently offered fans a first look at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza game series. Read on to discover more about the show and the insights shared by RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza – October 24th Premiere
A Fresh Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series, *Like a Dragon: Yakuza*, on July 26th.The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the main antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique approach to the roles.
"Their portrayals are completely different from the game," Yokoyama stated in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's precisely what makes it exciting." While acknowledging the game's definitive portrayal of Kiryu, Yokoyama praised the fresh perspective the show offers.
The teaser provided brief glimpses of iconic locations like the Underground Purgatory Coliseum 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 follows Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, exploring aspects of Kiryu's life previously unseen in the games.
Masayoshi Yokoyama’s Perspective
Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's tone, Masayoshi Yokoyama assured viewers that the Prime Video series would capture "the essence of the original."
In his SDCC interview, 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 world.
"Honestly, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama shared. "We created this setting 20 years ago, and they’ve made it their own… without sacrificing the original story."
Following a viewing, he remarked that the show is "a new world for newcomers, and a constant source of grins for fans." He even teased a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him exhilarated.
While the teaser offered 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.
