Amazon’s Prime Video today announced that Like a Dragon: Yakuza, a new live-action TV series based on the popular game franchise, will premiere on October 25 this year. The Japanese production will be available worldwide with subtitles and dubs in over 30 languages.
The show is directed by Masaharu Take, and stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Yakuza protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. The adaptation won’t directly adapt any of the existing Yakuza games, and instead will showcase an original story “that games in the past have not been able to explore,” according to Prime Video’s press release.
The show will be set across two time periods in 1995 and 2005, and will delve into the life of Kazuma Kiryu, from his relationships with childhood friends to the repercussions of his decisions over the years. The press release describes its protagonist as a “fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.”
“I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” director Masaharu Take said. “The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a riveting series that will be launched this year, the year of the dragon. Please look forward to Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi.”
“I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character and the game series,” Takeuchi said. “I strongly felt that I was willing to put my life on the line. Audience will enjoy the show’s human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu. Moreover, please take a look Kiryu’s intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.”
Like A Dragon: Yakuza will consist of six episodes, with the first three premiering on October 25, and the final three following on November 1. The series will be available with subtitles or dubbing in 30 languages, and will air worldwide on Prime Video.