Ryoma Takeuchi on Becoming Kazuma Kiryu in Yakuza Series

Amazon's upcoming live-action drama series "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" draws inspiration from Sega’s popular Yakuza game franchise. Directed by Masaharu Take, the series premieres on October 25 on Prime Video. The narrative blends elements from the first game released in 2005 with original content, set primarily in the fictional Tokyo district Kamurocho in the mid-1990s and 2005. Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his role in "Kamen Rider Drive," takes on the challenging role of Kazuma Kiryu, the iconic series protagonist. Takeuchi shared his dedication to accurately portraying Kiryu, emphasizing his physical transformation and respect for the game's origins while creating a fresh interpretation of the character. The series promises action-packed sequences and a faithful recreation of Kamurocho's vibrant atmosphere. "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is poised to attract both game fans and broader audiences, exploring themes of family, love, and honor within the Japanese crime underworld.

The "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series will be released on Prime Video on October 25.

"Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is based on the renowned Yakuza game series developed by Sega. The first game, simply titled "Yakuza," was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The games primarily focus on Kazuma Kiryu, a former yakuza member navigating the criminal underworld of Kamurocho, a fictional Tokyo district heavily inspired by Kabukicho. Known for its in-depth storytelling, intricate character development, and dynamic combat system, the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Apart from the core narrative, the Yakuza games are celebrated for their rich open-world elements, engaging side stories, and diverse mini-games, making Kamurocho feel like a living, breathing entity. The live-action series aims to capture the essence of this beloved gaming universe while introducing new storylines and characters to broaden its appeal.