Sega and Prime Video recently offered a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza game series. Dive into the details below to learn more about the show and the director's vision.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza – October 24th Premiere
A Fresh Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon treated fans to the first look at 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 antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique approach to the roles.
"Their portrayal is remarkably 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 perfected Kiryu, he praised the fresh perspective brought to both characters in the series.
The teaser provided brief glimpses of iconic locations like the 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 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 a side of Kiryu 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 goal: "To avoid mere imitation. I wanted viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter."
"Honestly, it exceeded my expectations," Yokoyama continued. "They created something unique from our 20-year-old setting...without sacrificing the original story."
He teased a major surprise at the end of the first episode, claiming it was so impactful, it made him jump out of his seat.
While the teaser offers limited footage, 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 will follow on November 1st.
