Like a Dragon: Yakuza – Release date, Trailer, cast, plot, & Everything we know About the Video Game Series Adaptation

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled experience as Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to take the world by storm! Prime Video has just unveiled the thrilling official trailer for its upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, exciting fans everywhere. 

The trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into an original story that draws inspiration from SEGA’s iconic games. It promises to deliver a gripping mix of action, drama, and suspense.

In addition to the trailer, Prime Video has announced the addition of 11 new cast members, including Kento Kaku, who will portray Akira Nishikiyama, aka Nishiki. With its engaging narrative centered around the crime-riddled streets of Kamurochō, the series aims to capture the essence of the Yakuza world while also exploring new and original storylines.

Do you want to know what else this exhilarating series has in store? Prepare to dive deep as we reveal everything you need to know about the cast, plot twists, and the immersive atmosphere of Like a Dragon: Yakuza. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we continue to uncover more surprises leading up to its highly anticipated release!

Release date & Where to Watch

Like a Dragon: Yakuza will premiere on Prime Video with its first three episodes on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The series will consist of six episodes, with the second batch of three set to release on Oct. 31, 2024. For viewers in Japan, each batch will debut a day later, with the first three episodes airing on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, and the second set on Nov. 1, 2024.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prime Video (@primevideo)

Plot

Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set in the vibrant and chaotic entertainment district of Kamurochō, a fictional area inspired by Shinjuku’s infamous Kabukichō. The series follows Kazuma Kiryu, a formidable Yakuza warrior driven by justice and humanity, as he navigates the complexities of his life from 1995 to 2005.

Spanning a decade, the narrative explores the impact of Kiryu’s choices and the evolving dynamics among his childhood friends, including Akira Nishikiyama, who transforms from a close ally to a rival. Kento Kaku, who plays Nishiki, notes that the series delves deeper into the emotional aspects of their relationship compared to the original video game, enhancing the storytelling experience.

The show is crafted with visual contrasts between the two time periods. Director Masaharu Take has assigned distinct color palettes to represent the warmth of 1995 and the cooler tones of 2005, emphasizing the characters' growth and changes over time. Ryoma Takeuchi, who portrays Kiryu, promises viewers “intense fighting scenes” alongside the unfolding human drama and conflict surrounding the protagonist.

As Kiryu ascends within Tokyo’s underground crime world, Like a Dragon: Yakuza presents a fresh perspective on the lives of passionate gangsters and the consequences of their actions, shedding light on character narratives that past games have overlooked. This original crime-suspense-action series aims to captivate audiences with its portrayal of modern Japan and the dramatic journeys of its characters.

Cast

• Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu
• Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama/Nishiki
• Yumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura, a childhood friend of Kiryu and Nishiki
• Toshiaki Karasawa as Shintaro Kazama, the former lieutenant of the Dojima Family and current head of the orphanage where Kiryu and his friends grew up
• Koichi Sato as Masaru Sera, chairman of the Tojo Clan
• Misato Morita as Aiko, Yumi's long-lost sister
• Subaru Shibutani as Detective Date, who sends Kiryu back to Kamurocho to prevent a looming yakuza war
• Saki Takaoka as Reina, the owner of Club Serena, where Yumi worked in 1995
• Ryudo Uzaki as Goda, chairman of the Omi Alliance
• Shohei Uno as a prominent member of the Omi Alliance
• Masaya Kato as Dojima, head of the Dojima Family in 1995
• Hinano Nakayama as Miho, Nishiki's younger sister
• Tomoya Maeno as The Florist of Sai, a former cop turned skilled informant

Official Trailer

How will Like a Dragon: Yakuza Differ from the Video Games?

Instead of directly adapting the numerous installments of Sega's video game franchise, the Like a Dragon: Yakuza series on Prime Video takes a fresh narrative approach. According to Kaku, director Masaharu Take encouraged the actors to organically discover their characters through creative exploration.

“The main focus was to delve into the core relationship between Kiryu and Nishiki,” Kaku explained, “and use their ultimate objectives as a feeling. This allowed us to create a new version with deeper emotional layers than in the games.”

Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays Kazuma Kiryu, added, “It starts with respecting the original material, but once you begin filming, you have to embody the character in your own way. As you connect with the character’s spiritual essence, you naturally start to resemble the source material, which might be the most surprising aspect of the show."

Behind the Scenes

The series Like a Dragon: Yakuza is directed by Masaharu Take, known for his work on 100 Yen Love, The Ringside Story, and We Make Antiques. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Take expressed his passion for the project, stating that he poured his “heart and soul” into bringing the series to life.

Ryoma Takeuchi stars as Kazuma Kiryu, the lead character, while Masayoshi Yokoyama, a key figure in developing the original video game series, will serve as an executive producer. This involvement is expected to please longtime fans of the franchise.

The Fool produces the series with executive producers Erik Barmack, Roberto Grande, and Joshua Long. James Farrell, Head of International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed excitement about the project. He highlighted the growing global demand for Japanese content and stressed the unique appeal of adapting the popular game franchise for television. He believes the series will resonate with audiences worldwide.