"Yakuza Series Teaser Unveiled: Like a Dragon Live-Action"

Sega and Prime Video have thrilled fans by unveiling the first teaser for the upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved game series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The excitement around this project is palpable, and we're here to delve into what's been revealed so far, including insights from Masayoshi Yokoyama, the Director of RGG Studio.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza to Premiere on October 24

A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, Sega and Amazon provided the first look at the live-action series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The teaser introduced fans to Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi, who embodies the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku, portraying the series' primary antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Masayoshi Yokoyama, in a Sega interview at SDCC, shared his thoughts on the fresh interpretations brought by these actors.

"To tell you the truth, their portrayal of the characters are totally different from the original story," Yokoyama stated. "But that’s what’s great about it." He expressed appreciation for the new perspectives, despite the game's established portrayal of Kiryu, emphasizing the value of a fresh take on both characters.

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

The live-action series promises to delve into the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and the residents of Kamurochō, a fictional district inspired by the notorious Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō. The narrative, loosely based on the first game, will explore the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, shedding light on aspects of Kiryu's character previously unexplored in the games.

Sega’s Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama

Addressing fan concerns about preserving the game's unique blend of grit and humor, Yokoyama reassured that the series on Prime Video will encapsulate "aspects of the original’s essence." In his SDCC interview with Sega, he expressed his initial fear that the adaptation might simply mimic the game, but instead, it aims to offer viewers a fresh experience of Like a Dragon.

"To be honest, it was so good to the level I was jealous," Yokoyama remarked. "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 series, Yokoyama noted, "If you’re new to the game, it’s a new world. If you know it, you’ll be grinning the whole time." He hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode, which left him ecstatic.

While the teaser kept details under wraps, the wait won't be long. Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, with the first three episodes available immediately. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1.