Like a Dragon live-action series’ first episode made RGG Studio’s director tremble, scream and run for a cigarette break

Amazon Prime is releasing its new live-action series Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on Sega’s long-running series of games. It will be streamable on Prime from October 24. The recently released trailer has prompted much discussion among fans regarding their expectations for the upcoming series, but what do the people behind the games think of it? A video interview with Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Director and Executive Producer Masayoshi Yokoyama on Sega’s YouTube channel gives some insight. 

In the video addressed to attendees of San Diego Comic-Con, Yokoyama explains that he was worried when he first heard about the planned series. “I was pretty scared to be honest… My biggest fear was that it would be just an imitation.” However, he describes being pleasantly surprised when he saw the screenplay, as he hadn’t expected such a bold adaptation. Yokoyama was also impressed by the Prime series director’s vision; “I realized then that we’re going to get something fun if we fully entrust him with the project.” 

He describes the Amazon Prime series Like a Dragon: Yakuza as a fresh take on the story of the very first Yakuza game. “Seeing how they created something so new shocked me to the core, yet they didn’t neglect the original story.” Yokoyama states, reiterating that “The spirit of the (game) series is there.” 

Moving on to the cast of Amazon’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza, Ryoma Takeuchi will play Kazuma Kiryu, while Kento Kaku steps into the shoes of his rival Akira Nishikiyama. The way these actors portray their characters is completely different from the original story, but “That’s what’s great about it,” Yokoyama enthuses. Both actors recently appeared at San Diego Comic-Con to promote the new series. 

Yokoyama also hints at the surprises that await fans and newcomers alike. Apparently, the first episode has a shocking ending that had a big impact on Yokoyama to say the least, making him scream, jump out of his chair and run for a cigarette break (where his hands were still trembling, as he describes vividly in the full video interview). He also alludes to new characters that appear in the Amazon Prime series, particularly mentioning a new female character whose actress’s presence and acting “are on a whole different level.” 

Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be viewable on Amazon Prime from October 24, 2024. 

If you are hungry for insight into the making of the Like a Dragon games, check out our recent interview with Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth’s artists on the extensive level of detail they put into the game.