Prime Video Developing LIKE A DRAGON: YAKUZA Series Based on the Hit SEGA Video Game
Prime Video is developing a new live-action crime series based on SEGA’s hit video game Yakuza Like a Dragon, and it will be titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza.The series is set in two time periods, 1995 and 2005, “and follows the life, childhood friends and the repercussions of the decisions of a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.”It’s explained that the series “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.”The game “depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō.”The six-part series will be directed by Take Masaharu (100 Yen Love) and Takimoto Kengo (Kamen Teacher) and from scripts written by Sean Crouch and Nakamura Yugo, with a Japanese screenplay by Yoshida Yasuhiro and Yamada Kana.Take said in a statement: “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”James Farrell, head of international originals, Amazon MGM Studios added: “The unfettered appeal for Japanese content from within Japan and other parts of the world has been growing exponentially. “While Prime Video Japan continues to offer a variety of content across genres, adapting an internationally popular game franchise that has such deep resonance and layered characters presents a unique charm and makes for an extremely compelling watch.”Yokoyama Masayoshi, head of Ryugagotoku Studio and executive producer shared: “Since the day I first put pen to paper on the original ‘Yakuza’ script, I’ve never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series. “It’s because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I’d want to create. “If I had to go through the wringer anyhow, I’d want to make the most engaging versions of Kamurochō and Kazuma Kiryu I could —and this show has it all. While the games let you experience their world through the subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimately objective way to enjoy the show. “I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. Newcomers, I’m sure will find themselves invested simply in the gritty realism of the show.”The series stars Takeuchi Ryoma (Kamen Rider) as the lead character and Kiryu Kazuma.Prime Video will release the series in two batches of three episodes on October 25 and November 1, with subtitled and dubbed versions in 30 languages.
Prime Video is developing a new live-action crime series based on SEGA’s hit video game Yakuza Like a Dragon, and it will be titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
The series is set in two time periods, 1995 and 2005, “and follows the life, childhood friends and the repercussions of the decisions of a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.”
It’s explained that the series “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.”
The game “depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō.”
The six-part series will be directed by Take Masaharu (100 Yen Love) and Takimoto Kengo (Kamen Teacher) and from scripts written by Sean Crouch and Nakamura Yugo, with a Japanese screenplay by Yoshida Yasuhiro and Yamada Kana.
Take said in a statement: “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”
James Farrell, head of international originals, Amazon MGM Studios added: “The unfettered appeal for Japanese content from within Japan and other parts of the world has been growing exponentially.
“While Prime Video Japan continues to offer a variety of content across genres, adapting an internationally popular game franchise that has such deep resonance and layered characters presents a unique charm and makes for an extremely compelling watch.”
Yokoyama Masayoshi, head of Ryugagotoku Studio and executive producer shared: “Since the day I first put pen to paper on the original ‘Yakuza’ script, I’ve never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series.
“It’s because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I’d want to create.
“If I had to go through the wringer anyhow, I’d want to make the most engaging versions of Kamurochō and Kazuma Kiryu I could —and this show has it all. While the games let you experience their world through the subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimately objective way to enjoy the show.
“I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. Newcomers, I’m sure will find themselves invested simply in the gritty realism of the show.”
The series stars Takeuchi Ryoma (Kamen Rider) as the lead character and Kiryu Kazuma.
Prime Video will release the series in two batches of three episodes on October 25 and November 1, with subtitled and dubbed versions in 30 languages.
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