A live-action TV series inspired by the iconic Sega video games Yakuza and Like a Dragon is set to premiere on October 25. Recent casting announcements have been made, adding excitement to the series. Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi will portray Kazuma Kiryu, the legendary Dragon of Dojima, while Kento Kaku is cast as Akira Nishikiyama.
In the game series, Nishikiyama and Kiryu share a deep bond, having grown up together in an orphanage and forged a strong alliance prior to the events of the first Yakuza game. Nishikiyama is a complex character who crosses a moral line when he kills Sohei Dojima, the patriarch of the Dojima family, to protect his friend Yumi Sawamura from assault. Kiryu later takes the fall for this crime, serving a decade in prison, only to discover that his relationship with Nishikiyama has changed drastically during his absence, setting them on a path toward conflict.
Kento Kaku, who began his acting career in 2007, has appeared in various television and film projects and recently took on a leading role in a series about a ninja family.
The Like a Dragon: Yakuza series will unfold across two significant time periods—1995 and 2005—exploring not only Kazuma Kiryu’s journey but also the impact of his choices on those close to him. Maintaining the franchise’s signature blend of gripping action and emotional storytelling, the show will be set in the fictional Kamurocho district, the heart of the Yakuza universe since its inception in the early 2000s.
The official plot synopsis highlights the series’ aim to highlight the rich narrative potential of modern Japan and the compelling lives of its characters, promising an engaging exploration of Kazuma Kiryu’s legendary saga.
