"Like a Dragon: Yakuza" TV Series Unveils Thrilling First Trailer

San Diego Comic Con became the stage for a major revelation that excited both video game and TV series fans. The very first trailer for "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" was unveiled, creating a buzz among attendees.

A Cult Game Becomes a TV Series

The "Yakuza" game, known in Japan as "Ryu ga Gotoku" (Like a Dragon), has been a fan favorite since its release on PlayStation 2 in 2005. Created by SEGA, this game series blends fighting action with adventures in the world of Japanese gangsters. After numerous installments, including the recent "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" released in January 2024, it's now time for television to bring this thrilling universe to life.

Prime Video Takes the Lead

Amazon's streaming platform, Prime Video, will be broadcasting this new series. Following the success of their "Fallout" adaptation, fans are hopeful that "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" will be equally impressive.

Promising Actors for Iconic Roles

Ryoma Takeuchi, the lead actor, was present at Comic Con to introduce the series. He will play the role of Kiryu, the legendary hero of the games. It was also revealed that Kento Kaku, known for his role in "House of Ninjas," will portray Akira Nishikiyama, Kiryu's best friend turned enemy.

A Story Between Past and Present

The series will take place between 1995 and 2005, drawing inspiration from the first game and its prequel "Yakuza 0." It promises to delve deeper into the history of Kiryu and Nishikiyama, two childhood friends who became significant figures in the yakuza world.

Images That Promise Action

The trailer showcases Kiryu, recognizable by his famous dragon tattoo on his back. It features fight scenes in streets and rings, reminiscent of the intense atmosphere of the games. Kiryu's nickname, "The Dragon of Dojima," is mentioned, highlighting how feared he is in the criminal underworld.

A Talented Creative Team

The series will be directed by Take Masaharu and Takimoto Kengo, known for their work on "100 Yen Love" and "Kamen Teacher." The story has been written by Sean Crouch, Nakamura Yugo, Yoshida Yasuhiro, and Yamada Kana.

A Highly Anticipated Global Release

"Like a Dragon: Yakuza" will be available on Prime Video starting October 24, 2024. All six episodes will be released at once, with subtitles and dubbing in 30 different languages.

This adaptation promises to be an event for fans of the game series, as well as for anyone who enjoys action-packed stories of Japanese gangsters filled with emotion and drama.

The series aims to capture the essence of the beloved video game franchise while bringing fresh perspectives to the characters and storylines. With its star-studded cast and experienced creative team, "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" is poised to become a must-watch series for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Yakuza universe.

As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build, and viewers around the world are eager to see how this beloved video game franchise translates to the small screen. The combination of intense action, complex characters, and the rich backdrop of Japan's criminal underworld is sure to make "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" a standout addition to Prime Video's lineup of original content.