The highly anticipated video game adaptation Like a Dragon: Yakuza is fast approaching and fans can't wait to enjoy the mini-series directed by Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. The video game is known as Ryū ga Gotoku in Japan and Yakuza globally.
However, Sega decided to rebrand the game as Like a Dragon to reduce confusion and maintain consistency. Like a Dragon: Yakuza also follows the new name of the popular video game and will bring the iconic characters to life.
While Take and Takimoto helmed the directors' chairs, Sean Crouch, Yugo Nakamura, and Toshihiro Nagoshi penned the scripts. Even though the Prime Video mini-series is adapted from the video game, it will offer viewers fresh perspectives and feature deep emotional storytelling that can engage fans as well as viewers who didn't play the video game.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza mini-series release date
As previously mentioned, Like a Dragon: Yakuza is a mini-series with just six episodes in season 1. Fans don't have to wait for months as the first three episodes will hit Prime Video on Thursday, October 24 with the remaining three episodes drooping on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
However, in Japan, it will be available on Friday, October 24, and the last three on Friday, November 1, 2024. So make sure to mark the dates in your calendar and do not miss watching the mini-series if you are or aren't a fan of the video game.
Plot of Like a Dragon: Yakuza
The mini-series is adapted from the video game and follows the story of Yakuza warrior Kazuma Kiryu and his dispute with his childhood pal Akira Nishikiyama (Nishiki). The narrative in Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set in a fictional district called Kamurochō, known for violent gangs and notorious activities. According to the official synopsis:
"Like a Dragon: Yakuza is a crime-suspense-action series as well as a live-action adaptation with an original story based on SEGA’s global hit game franchise, Yakuza: Like a Dragon. The story is set in Kamurochō and tells the story of the main character, Kazuma Kiryu, and his growth through an original screenplay... strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.”
The mini-series is set in 1995 and 2005, featuring distinct visual tones to highlight the differences during the periods. Fans who've played the video game will find the story different than the game as it doesn't closely follow the narrative.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast
The leading two characters in the mini-series are secured by Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama. Considering that they're playing the main roles, fans would generally think they have played the game. But interestingly, they both never played the video games.
While speaking to GamesRadar at the San Diego Comic-Con, the actors talked about never playing the games and were advised the same by the mini-series team. Ryoma Takeuchi said:
"I know these games - everybody in the world knows these games. But I haven't played them. I'd like to try them but they had to stop me because they wanted to - for the character in the script - explore from scratch. That's why I decided not to play."
The actors also mentioned keeping the video games's legacy in mind while crafting a unique narrative. Like a Dragon: Yakuza also stars other actors including Munetaka Aoki as Goro Majima, Misato Morita as Aiko, Yumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura, Saki Takaoka as Reina, Masaya Katô as Dojima, Kôichi Satô as Masaru Sera, and many others.
Is there a trailer for Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Prime Video has released a trailer for the mini-series on YouTube. It opens with an intense fight and the iconic dragon tattoo. It features the leading characters and the supporting cast members in the series and has gained thousands of views on the platform.
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