‘Yakuza’ Stars Kaku Kento, Takeuchi Ryoma Unveil New Trailer

Leading Japanese star Kaku Kento has confirmed his starring role in ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza,’ Amazon MGM Studios’ live-action adaptation of the popular Sega video game. Kaku, joined by co-lead Takeuchi Ryoma, made this announcement at the San Diego Comic-Con during a teaser trailer reveal for the upcoming series.

The series, which is set to span six episodes of crime, suspense, and action, is directed by Take Masaharu, known for ‘100 Yen Love,’ and Takimoto Kengo, known for ‘Kamen Teacher.’ The screenplay and story are penned by Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura, with the Japanese screenplay by Yoshida Yasuhiro and Yamada Kana.

True to its gaming roots, the series action takes place in the fictional entertainment district of Kamurochō, inspired by Tokyo’s Kabukichō area in Shinjuku. The game, which has been known as both “Yakuza” and “Like a Dragon” at different times in its history, serves as a detailed model for the series’ setting, capturing the gritty and vivid life within.

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” follows the intense and passionate lives of gangsters and inhabitants of Kamurochō across two time periods—1995 and 2005. Particularly, it focuses on the life and friendships of a formidable Yakuza warrior known for his strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.

Kaku, with past credits including ‘House of Ninjas,’ ‘Tokyo MER,’ and the movie ‘AI Amok,’ plays the character Akira Nishikiyama, also known as Nishiki. His character closely interacts with that of Takeuchi, who has appeared in numerous ‘Kamen Rider’ titles.

During the Comic-Con panel, the duo revealed the official teaser trailer and engaged in discussions alongside James Farrell, head of international originals at Amazon MGM Studios, and executive producer Erik Barmack. The panel highlighted their distinct creative roles and contributions to the series.

The first three episodes of ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’ are set to premiere on Prime Video starting October 24.

Watch the trailer here.