Why Like A Dragon: Yakuza may be another great video game TV adaptation
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I have to admit that I am genuinely excited about the upcoming premiere of “Like A Dragon: Yakuza” on Prime Video. Having grown up playing the original Yakuza games, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation for this live-action adaptation.
Following an impressive series of video game-to-TV transformations, such as HBO’s “The Last of Us” and Amazon’s “Fallout,” the expectation for Sega and Amazon’s upcoming show based on the Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) games is significant. The creators and cast of the October release, “Like A Dragon: Yakuza,” are confident they can meet this high standard, in part due to its roots in local culture and its universal theme of family ties that resonate globally.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey as well! Masayoshi Yokoyama, the producer of the Like A Dragon game series and head at Ryu Ga Gotoku studio, has given his approval to the script for the TV show and is serving as executive producer on Like A Dragon: Yakuza. During a Zoom interview with TopMob, he shared that he engaged in detailed discussions with the director and cast about the series’ mythology and the guidelines they should adhere to.
In response to the script, Yokoyama initially considered rejecting it or significantly altering it. However, upon reading it, he found it exceptionally impressive. From then on, he adopted a gentle approach and allowed the film crew to manage the production independently.
Yakuza” – a six-part live-action crime series, draws its narrative from the initial game in the franchise, rather than the game titled “Yakuza: Like A Dragon” that shares a similar name.
Yokoyama explained that the linear narrative structure of “Like A Dragon: Yakuza” offers an unique perspective on the story, as it allows viewers to experience the narrative in a way that players cannot when they’re not directly controlling Kiryu’s character during gameplay.
In a television narrative, focusing on Kiryu, Akira Nishikiyama, and Yumi Sawamura is recommended. By shifting perspectives, we can provide a comprehensive, panoramic viewpoint, which offers a unique and liberating approach to storytelling. This method could be one of the key advantages that sets our adaptation apart from the original game.
In terms of depicting the vibrant, fictional district of Kamurocho in Tokyo, Yokoyama noted that the Prime Video series might surpass the video games. He expressed, “We’ve put so much effort into creating this fictional city in all our versions, but the adaptation seems to be outdoing us in making it feel genuinely lively. It’s like we’re a bit envious and motivated to improve the depiction of Kamurocho in our games.”
As a passionate gamer and the executive producer on Like A Dragon: Yakuza, I’ve always believed that keeping our game deeply rooted in Japan, both in setting and production, is crucial. This commitment allows us to create an authentic gaming experience for players worldwide, immersing them in the unique culture and atmosphere of Japan.
“You’ve seen Hollywood take Japanese IP and bring it to the U.S. and not always do it successfully or authentically,” Barmack said. “You’ve seen great video game adaptations in the U.S. for the world, but there aren’t many examples of a great Japanese video game that are done locally and authentically to the material, which is really a tribute to the games. You could really only do it authentically in Japan, and the fact that Amazon took the chance to do something that’s a pretty big show in Japan, for a global audience, is really interesting and unique.”
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share Ryoma Takeuchi’s perspective on what makes Like A Dragon: Yakuza potentially resonate with audiences worldwide. He attributes this global appeal to the heartfelt human relationships and the intricate tapestry of the family that revolves around Kiryu.
“Takeuchi mentioned, as translated, that what attracted him to the story with a universal appeal was the orphans yearning for human connection due to their lack of family. This central aspect, he added, is what makes the story so compelling and easily understood by many.”
In their own words, Kento Kaku – co-star to Takeuchi, portraying the character Akira Nishikiyama who becomes both friend and adversary to Kiryu – expressed gratitude for the duty of breathing life into these characters on screen and the weight of anticipation that accompanies it.
“Kaku shared that he has a wealth of knowledge from working on well-known manga adaptations in Japan, and he’s aware of the challenges involved in bringing them to life on screen. Initially, he was considering declining [the part]. However, upon reading the script, he discovered a richness in the characters and their histories, as well as an insight into Kazuma and Nishiki’s relationship, which piqued his interest.”
Takeuchi agreed with that remark, yet clarified that he’s not solely focusing on satisfying longtime Yakuza game enthusiasts. Instead, he aims to depict Kiryu as a character who embodies both the rugged strength and tender sensitivity that are characteristic of Sega’s cherished hero. He further explained that this portrayal should be unique to live-action.
According to Takeuchi, simply attempting to appease fans isn’t the best method. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of being genuine and true to oneself. This path is demanding and pressured, but it’s where we all should strive to be.
“It is terrifying,” he said with a laugh.
Takeuchi, at the very least, has Yokoyama’s approval in how he portrays Kiryu onscreen.
Yokoyama shared, “It’s incredibly liberating to collaborate with such a gifted ensemble, and seeing [Takeuchi] breathe life into the role in his unique manner is truly invigorating. He doesn’t mimic or copy the game character; instead, he embodies the essence of the character and reincarnates him as a fresh entity. There’s no likeness. It’s simply something entirely new and exciting.”
Similarly to “Like A Dragon: Yakuza,” this game spans over a decade, unfolding an extensive narrative, but it can also delve into intimate and emotional moments, as stated by Barmack.
He stated, “This series doesn’t rely on extravagant $20 million spaceship explosions for its success. Instead, focus on the emotional bonds and conflicts between Kiryu, Akira, and Yumi. Fifteen years ago, it would have been unthinkable to bring a Japanese-language show to the scale this one has reached, with an audience matching those who played the games. The platform that made this possible is Amazon, allowing the game to traverse the globe as it has. It’s both terrifying and awe-inspiring that such a series can even exist.”
Like A Dragon: Yakuza premieres on Prime Video worldwide on Oct. 24.
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2024-08-06 23:49