In a nutshell

• Yakuza is finally making its way to more screens across the world with a live-action adaptation from Prime Video
• Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be a six-episode series that will air in two batches, starting October 24
• Ryoma Takeuchi will play the role of Kazuma Kiryu

Amazon has announced that the long-running Ryu Ga Gotoku/Like A Dragon series of videogames, known in the West as Yakuza, will be adapted into a series.

The six-episode live-action adaptation will air in two batches, October 24 and November 1, containing three episodes each. It will be directed by the critically acclaimed Masaharu Take, and the lead star will be none other than Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu.

Film director Masaharu Take gained fame when his 2014 film, 100 Yen Love, was submitted as an entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

Ryoma Takeuchi has previously been cast in a major role as the main protagonist, Shinnosuke Tomari, aka. Kamen Rider Drive. This is a very big step, as Takeuchi-san will be filling the shoes of one of gaming’s most famous characters in Kazuma Kiryu.

Playing the lead, Ryoma Takeuchi said, “I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character and the game series. I strongly felt that I was willing to put my life on the line. Audience will enjoy the show’s human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu. Moreover, please take a look Kiryu’s intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.”

“I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” said director Masaharu Take. “The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a riveting series that will be launched this year, the year of the dragon. Please look forward to Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi.”

This is definitely amazing news for fans of Like A Dragon/Ryu Ga Gotoku, as the memorable world and characters of this crime-drama series of video games are now making a big leap from game to series. Here’s hoping the iconic Bakamitai song makes it in somehow, or even a cameo by Kiryu’s Voice Actor, Takaya Kuroda.