"Yakuza Series Teaser Unveiled: Like a Dragon"

Sega and Prime Video have thrilled fans with the first glimpse of the upcoming live-action adaptation of the iconic Yakuza series, titled "Like a Dragon: Yakuza." This eagerly anticipated show promises to bring the beloved game to life in a fresh and exciting way. Dive in to discover more about the series and hear from Masayoshi Yokoyama, Director of RGG Studio, on his vision for the project.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza to Premiere on October 24

A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, Sega and Amazon unveiled the teaser for "Like a Dragon: Yakuza," offering fans their first look at the live-action adaptation. The teaser features Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi portraying the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku as the series' main antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Masayoshi Yokoyama, Director of RGG Studio, shared his thoughts on the casting, noting that both Takeuchi, previously seen in 'Kamen Rider Drive,' and Kaku brought unique interpretations to their roles.

"To tell you the truth, their portrayal of the characters are totally different from the original story," Yokoyama stated during a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's what's great about it." He emphasized his appreciation for the new perspectives, even though the game had already established a definitive Kiryu. The teaser briefly showcased iconic settings like the Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and Kiryu's confrontation with Futoshi Shimano.

The teaser description hints that the series will delve into the lives of passionate gangsters and residents of Kamurochō, a fictional district inspired by Tokyo's notorious Kabukichō in the Shinjuku ward. Loosely based on the first game, "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" will explore facets of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends' lives that previous games couldn't fully capture.

Sega’s Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama

Addressing fan concerns about preserving the game's balance of gritty and goofy moments, Yokoyama reassured that the Prime Video series will encapsulate the "essence" of the original. In his Sega interview at SDCC, he expressed his fear that the adaptation might simply mimic the game, but instead, he aimed to create an experience that feels like a "first encounter" with the Yakuza universe.

"To be honest, it was so good to the level I was jealous," Yokoyama admitted. "We created the setting 20 years ago, but they were able to make it their own… Yet they didn’t neglect the original story." He further added that the show would be engaging for both newcomers and long-time fans, promising a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him excited.

While the teaser provides only a glimpse of what's to come, fans won't have to wait long. "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, with the first three episodes available simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1, promising an exciting continuation of this new take on the Yakuza saga.