Prime Video announced this week that the streamer will premiere the Japanese original series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the popular game franchise from SEGA. The live-action adaptation features an original story based on SEGA’s hit game franchise.
The new series is directed by acclaimed Masaharu Take, and it will feature Ryoma Takeuchi as the lead character Kazuma Kiryu. The series depicts the lives of fierce, passionate gangsters and the people living in the entertainment district Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the Shinjuku ward’s Kabukicho, which serves as a backdrop for the gameplay.
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The game series showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of the gangster, including the legendary Kazuma Kiryu. The new series explores the dramatic stories that the games have not in the past. It will debut on the streamer later this October
LIKE A DRAGON: YAKUZA LIVE-ACTION SERIES COMING TO PRIME VIDEO
The new show will be set in 1995 and 2005, spanning across two time periods. The original crime-suspense-action series will follow the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and peerless warrior among the Yakuza. Kiryu carries a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.
Speaking on his role as Kazuma Kiryu, star Ryoma Takeuchi said via a press release, “I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character and the game series. I strongly felt that I was willing to put my life on the line.” He continued, “Audience will enjoy the show’s human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu. Moreover, please take a look at Kiryu’s intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.”
Meanwhile Masaharu Take added on the upcoming series, “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza.” Take continued, “The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of effort from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a riveting series that will be launched this year, the year of the dragon. Please look forward to Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi.”
Amazon MGM Studios Head of International Originals James Farrell also chimed in, stating, “We are thrilled and extremely excited to announce the Amazon Original action-drama Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the popular Japanese game series.”
Farrell went on, “The unfettered appeal for Japanese content from within Japan and other parts of the world has been growing exponentially. While Prime Video Japan continues to offer a variety of content across genres, adapting an internationally popular game franchise that has such deep resonance and layered characters presents a unique charm and makes for an extremely compelling watch. We are committed to augmenting our content library and are confident that Like a Dragon: Yakuza will strike a chord with audiences all over the world.”
Meanwhile, RYUGAGOTOKU Studio Head and Executive Producer of the series Masayoshi Yokoyama said on the upcoming news:
“Since the day I first put pen to paper on the original “Yakuza“’s script, I’ve never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series. It’s because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I’d want to create. If I had to go through the wringer anyhow, I’d want to make the most engaging versions of Kamurochō and Kazuma Kiryu I could —and this show has it all. There is no question that Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza will become another landmark release for the Like a Dragon series.”
“While the games let you experience their world through the subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimately objective way to enjoy the show. I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. Newcomers, I’m sure will find themselves invested simply in the gritty realism of the show. If anything, I’d love to watch this version alongside audiences all around the world—experiencing all of its intensity and soaking in every single second.”
– Masayoshi Yokoyama, Head of RYUGAGOTOKU Studio and Executive Producer
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Like a Dragon: Yakuza will debut exclusively on Prime Video worldwide starting on October 25.
About Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Directors: Masaharu Take, Kengo Takimoto
Writers: Yasuhiro Yoshida, Kana Yamada
Executive Producers: Erik Barmack, Roberto Grande, Joshua Long
Based On: SEGA’s Like a Dragon (Yakuza) series
Co-Executive Producer: Brant Engelstein
Produced by: The Fool
Network: Prime Video
Cast: Ryoma Takeuchi
Synopsis: In 1995 and 2005, spanning across two time periods, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, an original crime-suspense-action series, follows the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.
What do you think of the news? Are you a fan of the Yakuza game series? Will you watch the live-action series adaptation? Let us know your thoughts about the upcoming launch of Like a Dragon: Yakuza on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Prime Video
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