Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a SEGA game, will receive a live-action series from Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video announced this Tuesday the exclusive premiere of the Japanese series Like a Dragon: Yakuzaan adaptation live-action based on the SEGA game franchise, Yakuza (either Like a Dragon), presenting an original story. The first image of this was revealed:

Directed by Masaharu Take (100 Yen Love), the series will feature Ryoma Takeuchi (Kamen Rider Drive) as the protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu. Like a Dragon: Yakuza promises to show a modern Japan, mixed with dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu.

What is “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” about?

Launched in 2005 by SEGAthe game series Yakuza It was positioned as an entertainment game for adults, which found great reception among its target audience. The series portrays the lives of fierce but passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Kabukichō district of Shinjuku, which acts as a backdrop to the gameplay.

Set between 1995 and 2005, over two time periods, this action-suspense story follows the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and incomparable Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty and humanity.

What do those involved in the live-action say?

In his starring role, Ryoma Takeuchi has stated:

“I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a much-loved character in the game series. I felt strongly that he was willing to put my life on the line. Audiences will enjoy the human drama of the series and the conflict that develops around Kazuma Kiryu. In addition, you will be able to see Kiryu’s intense fight scenes with the dragon tattoo on his back».

For his part, the director of the series, Masaharu Take, mentioned:

“I have poured my heart, my soul and the experience I have accumulated over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The unbridled passion, talent and countless hours of effort of the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a fascinating series that will premiere this year, the year of the dragon. We eagerly await Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi“.

Masayoshi Yokoyama, head of RYUGAGOTOKU studio and executive producer, added:

“Since the day I first wrote the original script for “Yakuza,” I have never thought about working on the series again. This is because I understand very well the challenges and difficulties that come with reworking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent back in time through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I would like to create. If I had to jump through hoops anyway, I’d want to make the most attractive versions of Kamurochō and Kazuma Kiryu that I could – and this series has it all. There is no doubt that Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza will become another landmark release for the Like a Dragon series. While the games allow you to experience their world through a subjective lens, this adaptation will be the most objective way to enjoy the series. I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to the way it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. I’m sure newcomers will be drawn simply by the gritty realism of the series. In any case, I would love to see this version with audiences around the world, experiencing all its intensity and soaking up every second.”.

When is Like a Dragon: Yakuza released?

Made up of just 6 episodes, at least so far, Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be available exclusively on Prime Video worldwide starting October 25, 2024with confirmed dubbing for around 30 languages.

Fountain: Amazon MGM Studios Press