Yakuza: Like a Dragon Franchise by SEGA Poised for Expansion

SEGA’s popular game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, is set to make its debut as a live-action series on Amazon Prime Video in the upcoming autumn. The series, consisting of six episodes, will be a unique adaptation of the action-adventure game, featuring an original storyline.

The narrative of the series will unfold in two distinct time periods, 1995 and 2005, revolving around the lives of two childhood friends impacted by the actions of Yakuza warrior Kazuma Kiryu. The Yakuza, often likened to Japan’s Mafia, play a central role in the storyline, with more plot details expected to be revealed in the future.

Renowned Japanese filmmaker Masaharu Take, known for his works such as 100 Yen Love (2014) and We Make Antiques (2018), will take the director’s chair for the series. Actor and model Ryoma Takeuchi, recognized for his role in the Japanese superhero franchise Kamen Rider, will step into the shoes of protagonist Kiryu.

The screenplay for the series has been crafted by Sean Crouch (Wolf Pack) and Yugo Nakamura (New Masters Of Flash). Director Take expressed his dedication to the project, stating, “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life.”

Lead actor Takeuchi also shared his excitement, saying, “I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character in the game series. Audiences will enjoy the show’s human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu.”

SEGA’s Yakuza franchise, known for its immersive role-playing video games, transports players to the fictional district of Kamurochō, inspired by Tokyo’s Kabukichō red-light district, with a focus on Kiryu’s experiences. Over the years, the Yakuza series has garnered global acclaim, with Yakuza: Like a Dragon achieving significant success since its release in January 2020, selling 450,000 copies by March. The latest installment, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, hit the shelves earlier this year.

Fans can catch the live-action adaptation, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video starting October 24, 2024.