Prime Video has dropped an adrenaline-pumping new trailer for their upcoming action crime series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the iconic Sega video game franchise. The gritty Japanese action-drama promises intense fistfights, explosive shoot-outs, and a deep dive into the secretive world of the yakuza. The series will explore complex relationships, focusing on the bonds between bosses, underlings, mentors, and students—examining family in more ways than just blood ties. The show is poised to join other heavy-hitters on the streaming platform, like Reacher and Fallout.
A Dual-Timeline Story Set in Kamurocho
The series is set in the fictional town of Kamurocho, and the narrative spans two distinct timelines—1995 and 2005. In 1995, the story follows Kiryu and his friends—Nishiki, Yumi, and Miho—as they plan a heist at a local arcade. However, things take a dangerous turn when they realize the arcade is controlled by the Dojima Family, a powerful yakuza organization ruling the streets of Kamurocho. Fast forward to 2005, and Kiryu, freshly released from prison, learns from Detective Date that his friends are in danger, forcing him back into the chaotic underworld of Kamurocho.
Tensions run high as the show promises to showcase a fierce rivalry between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, threatening to boil over just as Kiryu returns to the city.
Bringing Modern Japan to Life
Created by Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura, Like a Dragon: Yakuza will bring a fresh perspective to the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a legendary figure within the game series. While previous games touched on these themes, the show promises to delve even deeper into the intense lives of the yakuza and the world of modern Japan.
The show stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama, with a star-studded Japanese cast including Munetaka Aoki, Toshiaki Karasawa, Subaru Shibutani, and Koichi Sato.
Lead Actor Ryoma Takeuchi on Honoring the Games
Lead actor Ryoma Takeuchi acknowledged the weight of bringing the beloved character to life, particularly with the expectations from die-hard fans of the video game series. While he respects the original material, he emphasized the importance of making Kazuma Kiryu his own.
“I have great respect for the feelings of the fans,” Takeuchi said. “But when I play a character, I have to express them in my own way, so I can’t pay attention to the preconceptions of others. I researched the games to identify Kiryu’s qualities and embody them in my own way. I hope fans will appreciate my portrayal, but I can confidently say I’ve done my best to play Kiryu.”
‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’ Release Date
Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, 2024. Fans of the game and action crime dramas alike won’t want to miss this highly anticipated release.
