Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Actor Talks About Playing Kazuma Kiryu in Upcoming Amazon Prime Series

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Actor Talks About Playing Kazuma Kiryu in Upcoming Amazon Prime Series

As a longtime fan of the Yakuza series, I couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming live-action adaptation of Like a Dragon: Yakuza on Amazon Prime. The announcement of Ryoma Takeuchi being cast as Kazuma Kiryu only added fuel to my anticipation.


As an avid gamer, I’ve noticed that live-action adaptations of games have been a game-changer in the entertainment industry. Each TV series based on a game has drawn in huge audiences. The latest addition to this successful formula is Amazon Prime’s upcoming live-action series, “Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” which is an adaptation of SEGA’s beloved JRPG franchise. I can hardly contain my excitement as this show is set to premiere on October 25!

I was thrilled when Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his contributions to series like Kamen Rider Drive, opened up to IGN Japan about his experiences taking on the role of Kazuma Kiryu. To be honest, I was taken aback when I learned he’d been cast, considering my own long-standing connection to the Yakuza franchise. Having played the first game at my uncle’s house years ago, I understood the weight of stepping into a character from an established universe. Takeuchi spoke candidly about the thoughtfulness and careful preparation that went into accepting this ‘significant challenge.’

Kazuma Kiryu’s Qualities

Takeuchi went into greater detail, explaining that Kiryu’s traits, such as power, agility, and a strong sense of heroism, extend beyond their superficial appearance. He stressed that simply imitating these qualities was insufficient. Consequently, when developing Like a Dragon: Yakuza series, Takeuchi had to “recreate” Kiryu anew, enabling him to form a deep connection with the character and fully embody it.

How Takeuchi wishes to portray Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Yakuza

Takeuchi expresses his eagerness to present his interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu to fans rather than adhering to existing perceptions. By immersing himself in the Like a Dragon: Yakuza series, he grasped the defining traits of the character and brought them to life. Furthermore, through rigorous preparation, he plans to alter Kiryu’s combat style as both the character and his world progress. Additionally, Takeuchi has devoted time to exploring how the character’s emotions evolve with age and increasing influence within the criminal underworld.

Takeuchi expressed his full commitment to portraying his character in Amazon Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza live-action series. He recognizes that it’s impossible to outdo the original game, so instead, he focuses on paying homage to it while producing something fresh and innovative as an artist.

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2024-07-15 18:17