Real-Life Cities that Inspired Yakuza's Iconic Locations

Summary

Yakuza games are based on real cities like Kamurochō, Sotenbori, and Shinsekai, reflecting Japan’s diverse locales.
Honolulu in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii marks the series’ first venture outside Japan, showcasing meticulous city recreation.
Games like Like a Dragon provided an immersive exploration of cities like Yokohama, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, highlighting diverse urban settings.

Real-world cities often serve as a source of inspiration for open-world video games. For instance, the city of Los Santos in “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” was modeled after Los Angeles, while New Marais in “InFamous 2” bears a striking resemblance to New Orleans. It’s less common to find games that directly use an existing city and its layout as their setting.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how games like “The Getaway,” “Prototype,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man” have breathed life into iconic cities such as London, NYC, and my beloved New York City. However, the Yakuza series has taken immersion to a whole new level by incorporating various districts across Japan that are so strikingly authentic, they could almost pass for real maps. For those passionate Yakuza fans longing to traverse the Land of the Rising Sun, these are the places to keep an eye on once Japan resumes international travel.

This second game takes place outside Japan, after its initial appearance in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As such, it was appropriate to make some adjustments to this article, including revisions to format, information, a bit of tidying up, and the addition of new content. Notably, Honolulu is the city receiving the Yakuza treatment, but there are other locations that also warrant special attention.

1. Kabukichō, Shinjuku, Tokyo

A Non-Digital Version Of Kamurochō

Photo Credit: TonyLee0619.
Inspired: Kamurochō.
Appears in: Yakuza 0-6, Yakuza: Dead Souls, Yakuza Kiwami 1-2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Judgment, Lost Judgment, Kurohyō 1-2, Streets of Kamurochō, Ryu Ga Gotoku Online, Project X Zone 2.

In many cases, repeatedly using the same setting in multiple games might seem unoriginal. However, Sega has successfully pulled off this feat with Kamurochō, appearing in numerous mainline Yakuza titles without explicitly disclosing its real-world inspiration. Interestingly, if you were to stroll north from Kabukichō’s Ichiban Street Gate (as opposed to Tenkaichi Street), you would encounter a theater square reminiscent of Kamurochō.

Moving in an easterly direction beyond Sakura Street, they would eventually reach Golden Gai – a compact area filled with tiny pubs and bars much like the Champion District. Notably, there’s a structure similar to the Millennium Tower located in the Toho Building. However, as the games have yet to depict, a Godzilla model graces one of the cinemas, and the Robot Restaurant offers an adult-oriented experience, combining dining with robot performances on stage – a more sophisticated version of Chuck E. Cheese.

2. Dōtonbori, Osaka

Sotenbori In Situ

Photo Credit: Kristoffer Trolle.
Inspired: Sotenbori.
Appears In: Yakuza 0, Yakuza 2, Yakuza 5, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Kurohyō 2, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,

Dotombori is not just featured in the Yakuza series in video games, but also appears in SNK VS Capcom: Match of the Millennium, where Ebisu Bridge (Iwao Bridge in Yakuza) serves as a stage. However, Sotenbori stands out as the most comprehensive and authentic depiction, featuring elements such as river boats, the giant crab outside Kani Doraku, and the large blowfish by Zuboraya. While some alterations were made for the games, such as transforming the Glico Running Man into a beer-chugging Muscle Man, perhaps the most surprising change was moving the Don Quijote branch from north to south of the river.

Despite being second only to Kamurochō, it boasts a significant number of appearances within the game series. This is consistent with many Japanese games that often explore the rivalry between their Kanto and Kansai regions, symbolized by Tokyo and Osaka respectively. Similarly, the Yakuza/LAD games didn’t shy away from this theme, as they delved into the cultural conflicts between their characters and non-player characters, showcasing everything from street debates about which city has the best broth, to the dominating influence of Obatarian in Osaka.

3. Shinsekai, Osaka

Something New Becomes Something Missed

Photo Credit: Fabrizio Chiagano.
Inspired: Shinseichō.
Appearances: Yakuza 2.

In the Y/LAD games, Sotenbori serves as Kamurochō’s main competitor. However, Shinsekai might be the Osaka district most similar to Tokyo’s notorious red-light district, although it’s significantly smaller in size. Developed initially as a tourist destination during the early 1900s, Shinsekai’s fortunes declined until the 1990s when it gained a reputation as a place to avoid unless absolutely necessary, much like Kamurochō. Despite its less-than-desirable reputation, Shinsekai is home to some of Osaka’s famous landmarks, such as Tsutenkaku Tower, which has also appeared in games like Capcom Vs SNK 1.

In the game Yakuza 2, Shinseichō made its first appearance alongside Sotenbori, serving as the primary location where Kiryu and Sayama searched for leads regarding the Jingweon Massacre. This street was essentially a small area they investigated for clues. Later in Yakuza Kiwami 2, RGG Studio moved significant landmarks (such as the acupuncturist who helps Kiryu recall his old fighting techniques) from Shinseichō to Sotenbori. Although it’s debatable whether or not Shinseichō should return, it was a distinctive location that added more depth to Osaka and remains fondly remembered by some long-time fans today.

4. Gion, Kyoto

Taking Things Back To The Past

Photo Credit: Zairon.
Inspired: Gion.
Appearances: Ryu ga Gotoku: Kenzan, Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Kyoto is home to many of Japan’s historical structures and landmarks that have endured through time. Consequently, it proved an ideal setting for the samurai spin-off games in the Ryu ga Gotoku series, namely Ryu ga Gotoku: Kenzan and Like a Dragon: Ishin. Notably, during the Sengoku and Edo periods, Gion was the city’s main hub for entertainment. It was particularly renowned for its geisha houses, where some geisha and their maiko apprentices can still be found today—often attracting attention from tourists.

Although the Edo Period concluded roughly 150 years back, there has certainly been a shift since then. The district now boasts contemporary attractions such as pachinko parlors and gambling venues. Yet, it’s worth noting that numerous traditional buildings have been preserved, restored or reconstructed to preserve the area’s historical essence. This allows for some breathtaking vistas of the nearby Kiyomizu-dera temple.

5. Kyoto

Ishin Goes Beyond Gion To Bring In The Rest Of The City

Photo Credit: Bagustris.
Inspired: Kyo.
Appearances: Ryu ga Gotoko: Kenzan!, Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Kyoto, once known as Kyo, is renowned for housing the majority of Japan’s historical landmarks, making it a frequent choice for backdrops in historical dramas and settings, such as both of Y/LAD‘s samurai games. While Kenzan primarily focused its action within the famous Gion district, Ishin ventured into the neighboring areas like Fushimi, Rakunai, and Rakugai, showcasing more of Kyoto’s iconic sites, such as Mibudera (the old barracks of the Shinsengumi) and Kiyomizu-dera.

Instead of strictly adhering to the actual locations from the Bakumatsu era, they needed to make some adjustments for smoother gameplay. The areas of Fushimi and Rakunai were sufficiently drab and dusty to traverse, but if RGG Studio had maintained the authentic scale, players would have been running and dueling for approximately two hours just to reach Mibudera from the hotel in Fushimi, followed by another hour to get to Gion. This is not unusual, as many open-world games based on real locations compress the scale (like Watch Dogs), but Ishin features a more significant compression than other Yakuza/Like a Dragon games.

6. Makishi, Naha

An Urban Sprawl In The Ryūkyū Islands

Photo Credit: 663Highland.
Inspired: Downtown Ryūkyū.
Appearances: Yakuza 3.

In Yakuza 3, the main character Kazuma Kiryu travels to Okinawa, located at the Ryūkyū Islands which is essentially the farthest point from Tokyo within Japan without exiting the country. The game’s city area is named ‘Downtown Ryūkyū’, which could be likened to referring to Honolulu as ‘West USA’. In actuality, it’s the Makishi district, a region that has served as the capital of Naha since 1429, Okinawa’s primary city.

This game effectively replicates several of its key landmarks such as the monorail station, Ryūkyū Street (known as International Street in-game), and the Public Market, where you can buy or sell fresh produce. Compared to other locations, it’s relatively peaceful. Don’t expect to find yourself battling a mob wielding a tuna stick like Kiryu does, but there’s still a chance such an encounter might occur, albeit unlikely.

7. Nakasu, Fukuoka

Where The Nightlife Is Fueled On Ramen

Photo Credit: Ethan Kan.
Inspired: Nagasugai.
Appearances: Yakuza 5.

Intrigued fans from beyond Japan were greatly impressed by Sega’s level of detail. However, Japanese enthusiasts were even more amazed. They inquired if they could see their hometowns included in the games at some point. Consequently, Yakuza 5 was released, introducing three new cities along with Kamurochō and Sotenbori. One of these was Nagasugai, modeled after Fukuoka’s Nakasu district, which is known for its red-light activities. In the game, this area is a large rectangle of buildings sandwiched between two rivers. This is why it was named ‘Nakasu’, meaning ‘between rivers’.

This area typically combines bars, eateries, and hostess clubs, but it also features yatai – compact food stalls specializing in noodle dishes. These are much like New York City’s hot dog stands. In the game Yakuza 5, these yatai play a role in a mini-game where the protagonist, Kiryu, must prepare the noodles according to each customer’s specifications.

Residents of Fukuoka (and people from Kyushu more broadly) are often depicted in Japanese media as straightforward and masculine. If Kiryu doesn’t have to show his mettle with the local gangsters, he must impress their hostesses, who tend to favor rugged, athletic men over the pretty boys of Tokyo.

8. Susukino, Sapporo

Tsukimino’s More Entertaining Real-Life Equivalent

Photo Credit: Choi2451.
Inspired: Tsukimino.
Appearances: Yakuza 5.

As a gamer, I find it fitting that after Yakuza 3 took us south, Yakuza 5 decides to head north to Hokkaido. Naturally, the second city in this game is set in Sapporo, specifically the area known as Tsukimino, which bears resemblance to the Susukino district. Although the story kicks off at Abashiri Prison, a place familiar from shows like Golden Kamuy, our secondary protagonist Taiga Saejima manages to escape and leave the remote village behind. His journey eventually leads him to Tsukimino, an area that locals have been referring to as Susukino since the 1870s, even though it’s officially known as Sapporo’s Central Ward. You can find this nickname on tram and subway stations throughout the city.

This district is well-known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ venues, making it a favorite spot for the community to explore. However, it’s best not to speed through the streets to reach them. The area of Susukino in Hokkaidō often experiences heavy snowfall and ice, so if a path hasn’t been salted adequately, visitors might find themselves sliding down the street instead. On the bright side, this could offer a unique view of the stunning snow sculptures before any potential crash. If they prefer to stay warm and cozy, they could opt for some Hokkaidō hotpot indoors instead.

9. Nishiki, Sakae, Nagoya

A Familiar Name To Yakuza Fans Gets A New Alias

Photo Credit: Faustino Garcia.
Inspired: Kineichō.
Appearances: Yakuza 5.

Funny you should mention Nishiki! The third new city in Yakuza 5, Kineichō, is modeled after the Nishiki San-chōme area of Nagoya’s Sakae district. Interestingly, ‘Nishiki’ is also a nickname for Akira Nishikiyama, the main antagonist from Yakuza 1. However, it’s purely coincidental since there are numerous locations in Japan named ‘Nishiki’, which means ‘brocade’. This term can be linked to the Nishikigoi, a beautiful carp fish, often depicted in tattoos on Nishikiyama or served in restaurants in Nishiki San-chōme.

Similar to other maps in the game, Kineicho’s prominent landmarks are modeled after real-life counterparts found in Nishiki. The central area corresponds to Hisaya Odori Park, featuring the TV tower and Oasis 21 Mall. Just like its actual counterpart, a Ferris wheel can be found and ridden. Regrettably, Yakuza 5 did not utilize these locations extensively, instead focusing on its ordinary streets for storylines and missions. It would have been intriguing to see these areas developed further, but compared to Yokohama and Honolulu, Kineicho remains a humble location in the game.

10. Onomichi

A Small Town With A Large Legacy

Photo Credit: 663Highland.
Inspired: Jingaichō, Onomichi.
Appearances: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

For enthusiasts embarking on a journey through the settings of the Yakuza series, Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture could serve as an ideal halfway point between Osaka and Fukuoka. Its downtown area, Shingai, was a significant influence for Jingaichō in Yakuza 6, with its harbors, narrow streets, and quaint hillside homes being accurately depicted. It provides a pleasant contrast between the bustling Kamurochō and the desolate Downtown Ryūkyū. Despite its tranquil appearance, Onomichi has a more extensive media presence beyond just Yakuza 6.

The town serves as the home base for the elderly couple in Yasujirō Ozu’s timeless film “Tokyo Story” and was also used for the 1983 live-action version of “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.” Interestingly, this town doesn’t have Ono Michio from the games as its mascot. Instead, it features MonMon Lemon-chan, a character resembling a lemon with a head and dressed in orange clothing. Though not as humorous as Ono Michio, it is less eerie compared to other cities’ mascots like Kumamoto’s famous Kumamon.

11. Isezakichō, Yokohama

Ichiban’s Town Is A Shopper’s Paradise

Photo Credit: 663Highland.
Inspired: Isezaki Ijinchō.
Appearances: Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Lost Judgment, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

As a devoted admirer, I’ve often noticed that Osaka is frequently depicted as Tokyo’s rival, not just in the realm of media, but culturally as well. It’s true that Osaka University offers prestigious education comparable to Tokyo University, and yet it’s not Japan’s second-largest city. That title was claimed by Yokohama back in the 1980s. Interestingly, Osaka didn’t get much attention in the popular Y/LAD games. However, all that changed when the protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, found himself dropped in the Isezaki Ijinchō district of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which is modeled after the real-life Isezakichō.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Yokohama has been woven into the fabric of our beloved game series. With a rich Chinese heritage, it served as the perfect backdrop for the Snake Flower Triad’s Japanese base in earlier games. And let me tell you, the ‘Foreigner District’, or Ijinchō, boasts a Chinatown that outshines even Kamurochō’s Little Asia!

In terms of the game’s interpretation of the location, it took some creative liberties compared to the older games. While Isezaki Ijinchō is one of the largest cities in our series, it’s still more condensed than its real-life counterpart. According to GoogleMaps, a person could stroll from Isezaki Road to Yamashita Park, the real-world equivalent of Hamakita Park, in just 35 minutes! Isn’t that fascinating?

12. Honolulu, Hawaii

Ichiban’s Home Away From Home

Photo Credit: photoeverywhere.
Inspired: Honolulu.
Appearances: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

After exploring almost all major cities in Japan, it was challenging to imagine where the Y/LAD games might head next. If they didn’t revisit an older city like Kineichō or Onomichi, they could venture to a new urban area, such as Nagasaki or Fukushima. They could have also explored the Asian mainland and looked into districts around Seoul in Korea or Hong Kong in China. However, they chose to travel even further east, eventually reaching the West through Honolulu.

It’s no wonder that this development occurred, given Hawaii’s substantial Japanese population outside Japan. However, this is the first time the series has ventured beyond Japanese territory. Remarkably, RGG Studio has managed to replicate Honolulu as carefully as they did Kamurochō, albeit with some distinctive landmarks and name adjustments (such as ‘Anaconda Mall’ instead of Ala Moana Mall). While it’s not an exact replica, it’s arguably the closest representation one could find without actually being there.

2025-02-03 06:56

Real-Life Cities that Inspired Yakuza’s Iconic Locations