The video game series ‘Like a Dragon’ is being adapted into an action series, ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’, premiering on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, 2024. This six-episode season follows Kazuma Kiryu, a former Yakuza member navigating a changed world after his release from prison. The series, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and others, delves into the criminal underworld of Japan and features a cast including Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku.
The iconic video game franchise ‘Like a Dragon’ is set to make its screen debut on Amazon Prime Video. This action-packed series, titled ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’, is a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, 1212 Entertainment, and Wild Sheep Content. The first season is gearing up for release on the streaming platform.
Since 2020, fans of Sega’s beloved series ‘Like a Dragon’ have eagerly anticipated this new adaptation. The franchise began in 2005, and now its first game will be brought to life in a film format on Amazon Prime Video. The storyline primarily draws inspiration from the original game. Stay tuned for the premiere date of the first season of ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’.
‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’: Premiere Date
Amazon Prime Video has confirmed that the inaugural season of ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’ will debut on Thursday, October 24, 2024. This season consists of six engaging episodes. To watch the series, viewers will need an active subscription to Amazon Prime Video.
‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’: Story Overview
Throughout its six episodes, the first season of ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’ explores the complex criminal underbelly of Japan, primarily focusing on the Yakuza, Japan’s notorious mafia. The narrative centers around Kazuma Kiryu (played by Ryoma Takeuchi), a former Yakuza member.
Kiryu is depicted as a principled and honorable fighter. After taking the fall for a crime, he spends ten years in prison. Upon his release, he discovers that much has changed in Kamurocho, Tokyo’s entertainment district, where he once belonged.
His childhood friend, Akira Nishikiyama (portrayed by Kento Kaku), has transformed into a ruthless and self-centered leader. Complicating matters, the Yakuza have turned their backs on Kiryu. Caught in the middle of a brewing Yakuza war, Kiryu becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy.
‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’: Trailer Insights
The trailer for ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’ showcases Kazuma Kiryu as he navigates life after prison. Witnessing the drastic changes around him, including his friend’s unrecognizable transformation, Kiryu finds himself entangled in a web of deception within the Japanese mafia.
As a conflict looms on the horizon, the former Yakuza fighter is reluctantly pulled back into his past, confronting both old alliances and new challenges.
‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’: Cast Details
The series boasts an impressive cast, featuring Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu, Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama, Munetaka Aoki as Goro Majima, Yuumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura, and Hinano Nakayama as Miho Nishikiyama.
Additional cast members include Toshiaki Karasawa as Shintaro Kazama, Kōichi Satō as Daigo Sasaki, Subaru Shibutani as Makoto Date, Saki Takaoka as Reina, Ryudo Uzaki as Jin Goda, Shōhei Uno as Koji Shindo, and Masaya Kato as Sohei Dojima.
‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’: Behind the Scenes
Initially intended to be a movie, ‘Like a Dragon – Yakuza’ was transformed into a series through the partnership of Amazon MGM Studios, Wild Sheep Content, and 1212 Entertainment.
Filming predominantly took place in Roppongi, located near Tokyo. The screenplay was crafted by Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura, with the storyline inspired by the original video game series created by Toshihiro Nagoshi.
The series is also referred to as ‘Yakuza’. The production team includes Erik Barmack, Roberto Grande, Joshua Long, and Masayoshi Yokoyama, who are responsible for bringing this captivating tale to life.
For fans of Amazon Prime Video, be sure to explore our curated list of top series and check out the must-see films available on the platform.