Baka Mitai! Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Won’t Have Karaoke

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series will notably omit a fan-favorite element: the karaoke minigame. Producer Erik Barmack's comments and the fan reaction shed light on this decision.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza – No Karaoke… Yet?

Karaoke's Potential Future

Executive producer Erik Barmack confirmed the live-action series will initially exclude the beloved karaoke minigame, a staple since Yakuza 3 (2009) and even featured in the 2016 remake, Yakuza Kiwami. The iconic "Baka Mitai" song, a meme in its own right, won't be making an appearance… at least not initially.

However, Barmack hinted at the possibility of future inclusion, stating, "Singing may come eventually," according to TheGamer. The decision stems from the challenge of condensing the extensive game (over 20 hours of gameplay) into a six-episode series. Including side activities like karaoke could detract from the main narrative. The actor portraying Kazuma Kiryu, Ryoma Takeuchi, is a frequent karaoke singer, further fueling hopes for its eventual return.

Fan Concerns and Optimism

While fans remain hopeful, the omission of karaoke raises concerns about the series' overall tone. Will it lean too heavily into seriousness, sacrificing the comedic elements and quirky side stories that define the Yakuza franchise?

Successful adaptations, like Prime Video's Fallout (65 million viewers in two weeks), demonstrate the importance of staying true to the source material. Conversely, Netflix's 2022 Resident Evil series faced criticism for deviating too far from its game counterpart.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the series as a "bold adaptation" at SDCC, emphasizing a desire to avoid mere imitation. He assured fans that the show will retain elements that will keep viewers "grinning the whole time," suggesting the series hasn't completely abandoned the franchise's signature charm.

For more on Yokoyama's SDCC interview and the series teaser, check out our related article.