Sega and Prime Video recently treated fans to a sneak peek of their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza series, 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 Fresh Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26th, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series. Ryoma Takeuchi portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku takes on the role of the main antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama emphasized the actors' unique approaches to these established characters.
In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "To be frank, their portrayals are completely different from the game's originals. But that's precisely what makes it so compelling." He acknowledged the game's perfected depiction of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the series provides.
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 entertainment 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 viewers a side of Kiryu previously unexplored in the games.
Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama
Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's potential to miss the game's lighter moments, Yokoyama reassured viewers that the Prime Video series captures "the essence of the original."
In his SDCC interview with Sega, Yokoyama explained his primary concern: "My biggest fear was simply creating an imitation. I wanted viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their very first encounter with the world."
He continued, "Honestly, it was so good, I was envious. We created this setting 20 years ago, and they've made it their own... yet they haven't disregarded the original story."
After viewing the series, Yokoyama commented, "For newcomers, it's a whole new world. For fans, it's a guaranteed smile-inducing experience." He even hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him thrilled.
The teaser offers only a brief glimpse, but 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.
