Amazon Prime has unveiled the first glimpse of new series Like A Dragon: Yakuza, set to hit the streaming platform later this month.
The show, based on the Sega published video game franchise, is a Japanese action drama delving into the shadowy world of the yakuza.
It will tackle themes of family, not just through blood relations but also the bonds between yakuza bosses and their subordinates, as well as orphans, mentors and students.
According to the show’s synopsis, the episodes will traverse two distinct timelines, in 1995 and 2005.
In 1995, Kiryu and his friends, Nishiki, Yumi, and Miho, eager for a break from their restrictive lives, plot a heist at a local arcade, reports .
Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama and Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu in Amazon Prime’s Like a Dragon Yakuza (Image: Amazon)
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However, the arcade falls under the jurisdiction of the Dojima Family, a formidable yakuza organisation that governs Kamurocho, plunging the group deep into a sinister underworld.
Fast forward to 2005, Kiryu is on the brink of being released from prison but learns from Detective Date that his friends are in peril and decides to return to Kamurocho to safeguard them.
However, their friendship has frayed, with tensions between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance reaching fever pitch.
Fans have expressed their thrill at seeing the video game characters adapted for the screen.
However, some have raised concerns after reports emerged that the actors were prohibited from playing any of the games while filming the show.
Munetaka Aoki as Goro Majima in Amazon Prime’s Like a Dragon Yakuza (Image: Amazon)
The showrunners of the upcoming Yakuza series adaptation have stated their intention to craft a unique version of the story, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
While many are excited about the prospect of a fresh narrative, there’s concern that the show may lack the quirky elements that define the video game experience.
The Yakuza games are renowned not only for their gritty tales but also for their eccentric side, offering players a plethora of amusing mini-games such as karaoke sessions.
Reacting to the series’ trailer, one enthusiast commented: “Can’t wait…but it’s not Yakuza without some Bowling and Karaoke! Hope it’s in the series! “.
Echoing this sentiment, another fan remarked: “This show would probably be a ten if they included scenes of the characters in some of the mini games like batting cage or karaoke. And I hope we see some over the top finishing moves in the combat.”
On the gaming front, the Yakuza franchise continues to thrive with its ninth main installment, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, garnering rave reviews earlier this year.
A new spin-off game was unveiled last month, titled Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, promising yet another unconventional adventure. This time, players will navigate the escapades of a yakuza member turned pirate marooned in Hawaii.
Goro Majima, a familiar face from the game series who also appears in the Amazon Prime show’s trailer, is set to be the protagonist of this anticipated game, slated for release on February 28, 2025.