Prime Video is developing a new live-action crime series based on Sega's hit video game Like a Dragon 7,the title is Like a Yakuza.
The series is set in two time periods, 1995 and 2005, and “depicts the life of a fearsome yet unique Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty and humanity, his childhood friends and the repercussions of his decisions.”
The series is described as “presenting a dramatic story of modern-day Japan and strong characters not explored in previous games, including the legendary Kazuma Kiryu.”
The game “depicts the violent and passionate gangsters and the lives of the locals in Kamurocho, a fictional city and huge entertainment district modelled on Shinjuku Ward's violent Kabukicho.”
This six-part series Masaharu Take (100 Yen Love) and Kengo Takimoto (Masked Teacher)and Sean Crouch and Yugo NakamuraJapanese script Yasuhiro Yoshida and Kana Yamada.
“I have poured my heart, soul and 35 years of experience into Yakuza 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness,” Takeshi said in a statement.
James Farrell, head of international originals at Amazon-MGM Studios, added: “The open interest in Japanese content both in Japan and around the world is growing exponentially.
“Prime Video Japan continues to offer a wide variety of content across genres, but adapting a globally popular game franchise with deep relatability and multi-layered characters creates a unique appeal, making for a highly engaging viewing experience.”
Masayoshi Yokoyama, head of Yakuza Studio and executive producer, said: “From the day I first began working on the script for Yakuza, I have never once thought about revisiting my work on the series.
“I fully understand the challenges and struggles that come with remaking a finished title, but if I were to be sent back in time as some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I would want to create.
“If we're going to go to any trouble, we want to portray Kamurocho and Kiryu Kazuma in the most compelling way possible, and this show has it all. While the game allows you to experience the world through a subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimate objective way to enjoy the show.”
“Fans of the series are sure to be enthralled by how it brings the game to life and adds some new surprises, while first-time viewers will be enthralled by the authenticity of the show.”
The star of this series is Ryoma Takeuchi (Kamen Rider) in the lead role, Kazuma Kiryu.
Prime Video will release the series in two tranches of three episodes each on October 25th and November 1st, and will offer subtitled and dubbed versions in 30 languages.
