Like a Dragon: Yakuza Crime-Action Series to Debut on Prime Video

This nearly two-decade-old franchise is broadening its reach into a new medium.

SEGA

Following the success of the Fallout franchise's adaptation and the upcoming Tomb Raider series, Amazon continues this hot trend of turning popular video games into TV series.

It has been announced that the next game franchise adaptation coming to Prime Video will be Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the globally renowned SEGA franchise "Like a Dragon (Yakuza)," first launched in 2005. This adaptation will present an original story rooted in the "Yakuza" game universe.

SEGA

The game series, famous for its depiction of intense yet passionate gangsters in modern Japan, is set in the fictional district of Kamurochō, modeled after Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō. Its dramatic narratives, led by characters such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, have captivated players globally.

Ryoma Takeuchi, who will play the lead role of Kazuma Kiryu, expressed his excitement:

"I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character in the game series. Audience members 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.”

SEGA

This upcoming live-action adaptation will no doubt revitalize the 20-year-old franchise. Interestingly, a while ago, Toshihiro Nagoshi, the former chief creative officer of Sega and the mastermind behind the Like a Dragon series, talked about how the first Yakuza game was "flat out rejected" by Sega. It's worth checking out if you're interested.

The series will be released on Prime Video worldwide, in two batches of three episodes on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. It will be subtitled and dubbed in 30 languages. You can read more details about this adaptation from MGM Studio's press release.

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