The hit Japanese video game is now a streaming series aiming for global appeal

TOKYO – Amazon Prime Video’s “Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” which premieres in October, has all the glorious story of a classic mobster story – bloody fights, beautiful women, expensive cars, muscles and flashy suits.

Based on a popular Sega video game that debuted in 2005, the story revolves around Kazuma Kiryu, a gangster with a heart of gold. But the latest version has evolved to appeal to global audiences today, according to its stars and production team.

“We didn’t want another copy of the original, but we wanted to create it again, respecting it but exploring it on a deeper, human level,” said Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays Kiryu.

“We are taking the concept that is the basis of the hit game and creating a modern human drama that people can more easily identify with,” he said.

The role ended up being the most challenging and time-consuming of his career, including weight loss, preparing for fight scenes and character development, in addition to the arduous filming itself.

Masayoshi Yokoyama, executive producer at Sega Studios and the game’s writer, hopes that longtime fans will be pleasantly surprised by the series’ new twists, while newcomers may be interested in his game.

“Looking back, the original is like an old samurai film, but it dramatizes a new kind of sensibility,” he said.

“Like a Dragon” is the universal coming-of-age saga, except it’s set in a fairytale world of fictional Japan. The narration spans two decades, going back and forth between 1995 and 2005.

The characters, including Kiryu’s orphanage friend Akira Nishikiyama, are filled with an unshakable belief in honor, justice, and loyalty, as well as courage in the face of danger.

It is not designed for the faint of heart. Each of the six episodes goes from one superbly choreographed violent scene to another, with barely any time to take a deep breath.

But the innocent love that the heroes and heroines show for each other is the driving force of “Like a Dragon,” despite the screaming, kicking, and shooting.

“The story of ‘Like A Dragon’ contains timeless themes such as love, human relationships and betrayal that everyone can relate to. So instead of being old or new, it’s actually popular,” said Kento Kaku, who plays Nishikiyama, known as Nishiki.

Retelling the story in a time when streaming entertainment connects audiences around the world simply translates into perfect timing, Kaku said.

Erik Barmack, the executive producer, emphasized that the franchise offers something that has made it a huge success not just in Japan but elsewhere.

“Our belief is that this happens because the characters themselves have a lot of heart. It’s not a cold existential crime story,” he said.

“It’s about why relationships can go wrong, even between people who love each other.”

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Yuri Kageyama is on X: