Sega and Prime Video have finally unveiled a tantalizing teaser for their upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. Read on to discover more about the show and the insights shared by RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th
A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26th, Sega and Amazon treated *Yakuza* fans to their first glimpse of the live-action series. The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the series' primary antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the fresh interpretations brought by Takeuchi (known for his role in *Kamen Rider Drive*) and Kaku."Their portrayals are completely different from the original game," Yokoyama revealed in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's precisely what makes it so exciting." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu but expressed his appreciation for the show's unique approach to both characters.
The teaser offered fleeting glimpses of iconic locations like the Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and a pivotal confrontation between Kiryu and Futoshi Shimano.
The teaser's description promises a compelling narrative: "The lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and the people inhabiting Kamurochō, a fictional entertainment district inspired by Shinjuku's Kabukichō," will be explored.
Loosely based on the first game, the series delves into the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, offering fans a glimpse into a side of Kiryu previously unexplored in the games.
Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama
Addressing initial fan concerns about the potential loss of the game's comedic elements in a grittier live-action format, Masayoshi Yokoyama reassured viewers that the Prime Video series will capture "the essence of the original."
In his SDCC interview with Sega, Yokoyama explained his primary concern: "My biggest fear was simply creating an imitation. Instead, I wanted viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter."
"Honestly, the result exceeded my expectations," Yokoyama continued. "We created this world 20 years ago, but they've made it their own… without sacrificing the original story."
Following a viewing of the series, he noted, "For newcomers, it's a whole new world. For fans, it's a guaranteed grin-inducing experience." He even teased a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him genuinely shocked.
While the teaser reveals little, 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 dropping simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will be released on November 1st.
