SEGA's hit game series, Like a Dragon (Yakuza), is getting its own series adaptation, premiering soon this year! Read on to learn more about the details revealed.
Amazon Prime Announces Like a Dragon: Yakuza Series
Streaming Worldwide from October 25, 2024
Amazon Prime Video announced today its exclusive premiere of the Japanese Original series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, set to release on October 25. The series is a live-action adaptation with an original storyline inspired by SEGA’s game title franchise, Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
The Yakuza game series is known for its gripping narrative, intense combat, and richly detailed depiction of Japanese culture. The live-action adaptation, produced in collaboration with SEGA and directed by critically acclaimed Japanese film director Masaharu Take, will feature 'Kamen Rider Drive' actor Ryoma Takeuchi as the lead character, Kazuma Kiryu.
"I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza," said director Masaharu Take. "The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts 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."
The Yakuza franchise, which began with its 2005 title release, has seen numerous sequels and spin-offs, all celebrated for their storytelling and complex characters. The Amazon series follows the journey of Kazuma Kiryu and other characters navigating the criminal underworld of Japan, blending gripping drama with high-stakes action, and spans across two time-periods set in 1995 and 2005.
"Like a Dragon: Yakuza showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore," Amazon said. "The much-loved game has captured the attention and hearts of fans not only in Japan but also internationally and will now be adapted, developed, and streamed worldwide on Prime Video."
The first season of the series will contain six episodes and will be distributed episodically every three episodes (launching respectively on October 25 and November 1). The show will be based on an adapted screenplay by Sean Crouch, Yugo Nakamura, Yasuhiro Yoshida, and Kana Yamada.
