Yakuza Live-Action Series: First Look

Sega and Prime Video have finally unveiled a teaser for their highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. Read on to discover more about the show and what RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama had to say.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24

A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu

The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the series' antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the fresh interpretations brought by Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) and Kaku. In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "To tell you the truth, their portrayal of the characters is totally different from the original story. But that’s what’s great about it." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu, but expressed his appreciation for the show's unique take on both characters.

The teaser offered fleeting glimpses of the iconic Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and Kiryu's confrontation with Futoshi Shimano.

The teaser's description promises a depiction of "the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in the huge entertainment district, Kamurochō"—a fictional district inspired by Shinjuku's Kabukichō.

Loosely based on the first game, the series follows Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, exploring aspects of Kiryu's life "that games in the past have not been able to explore."

Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama

Addressing initial fan concerns about the show's ability to capture the game's lighter moments alongside its grittier aspects, Masayoshi Yokoyama assured fans that the Prime Video series will capture "aspects of the original’s essence."

In his SDCC interview with Sega, Yokoyama explained his biggest fear was "just an imitation. Rather, I wanted people to experience Like a Dragon as if it was their first encounter with it."

He continued, "To be honest, it was so good to the level I was jealous. We created the setting 20 years ago, but they were able to make it their own… Yet they didn’t neglect the original story."

After viewing the show, he commented that "If you’re new to the game, it’s a new world. If you know it, you’ll be grinning the whole time." He even teased a major surprise at the end of the first episode that elicited a strong reaction from him.

While the teaser is brief, fans won't have long to wait. Like a Dragon: Yakuza premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video October 24th, with the first three episodes released simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1st.