Yakuza Storylines That Are Based on Real Life

As a seasoned journalist who has reported extensively on Japan’s criminal underworld and societal issues, I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape of organized crime has shifted over the past few decades. In my youth, I covered the rise and fall of the yakuza – their extravagant lifestyles, their brutal power struggles, and their influence on society at large.

Yakuza/Like a Dragon is a pretty grounded series. Through all the drama and melodrama, goofy comedy and flights of fancy, it’s still set in the real world. RGG Studio goes out of its way to make its locations, while technically fictional, resemble their real-life equivalents as closely as possible.

In a similar vein, the tales, subplots, and motifs of the series aren’t identical but share strong resemblances. The excitement surrounding the release of “Dragon Quest 3” in 1988 was just as palpable as the anticipation for “Arakure’s Quest” in “Yakuza 0”. The depicted lives of pop idols in “Yakuza 5” may be even more bleak than portrayed, and these “Yakuza” narratives are inspired by true events.

9 The Battle of Sekigahara

The Largest Battle of the Sengoku Era

Yakuza Storylines That Are Based on Real Life

Ryu ga Gotoku: Kenzan!

In the West, Ryu Ga Gotoku: Kenzan hasn’t been released, but the Sengoku period of Japan is well-known to many gamers. This time frame has been featured extensively in other games such as Samurai Warriors, Sengoku Basara, Total War: Shogun 2, and more. Players may also be acquainted with Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned samurai whose career began during the final battle of the Sengoku era – the Battle of Sekigahara. This significant clash took place between Ieyasu Tokugawa’s troops and the Western clans led by Mitsunari Ishida.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Battle of Sekigahara, where over 170,000 men clashed, with legendary figures like Tadakatsu Honda and Sakon Shima among them. Initially, it was assumed that Musashi took part for the Western factions. However, recent discoveries suggest he may have fought on the side of Tokugawa, as his father’s name appears in a list of vassals allied with the Kuroda clan. Yet, even this detail about Musashi’s life remains shrouded in uncertainty. Much of what we know about him is more myth than history.

8 Bakumatsu

The End of the Prosperous Edo Period (1853-1867)

Yakuza Storylines That Are Based on Real Life

The Battle of Sekigahara marked the start of the Tokugawa shogunate’s rule and initiated the Edo Period, which brought about extended peace and prosperity in Japan. However, after approximately 250 years, social issues and external pressures took a toll. The rigid social hierarchy with limited opportunities for advancement and the country’s compelled international trade in 1853 ignited tensions. These tensions reached their peak during the Tokugawa shogunate’s final period, referred to as the “Bakumatsu,” as depicted in the game “Like a Dragon: Ishin.“

Many elements of the story are inspired by real historical events, even if not completely precise. The depiction of anti-foreigner extremists, demonstrating protesters, and the Shinsengumi’s pursuit of Ryōma Sakamoto and Takayoshi Kido (formerly known as Katsura Kogoro) are some instances. However, creative liberties have been taken in certain areas. For instance, Ryōma Sakamoto and Saitō Hajime were two distinct individuals in history.

7 Abashiri Prison

Japan’s Alcatraz

The original Abashiri Prison has become an infamous landmark in Hokkaido. It has appeared in manga like Golden Kamuy, and was Saejima’s penal home in Yakuza 5. Since 1890, it has held some of the country’s most notorious inmates, including Yoshie Shiratori, the only man to escape the facility. That said, its depiction in Y5 is a little off.

The primary prison in Abashiri town continues to function. In contrast, the older parts of the facility were relocated to the foot of Mount Tento, now transformed into a museum. Although these historic buildings are renowned, they would have been situated away from the mountains had they not been turned into a museum in “Y5.” Saejima wouldn’t have needed to venture into the forest for hunting; instead, he could have crossed the river to reach a convenience store and a seafood restaurant.

6 Kabukichō Scams

Kamurochō’s Sketchy Aspects Are Based In Real Life

Yakuza 0-6
Yakuza: Dead Souls
Kurohyō 1-2
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Judgment
Lost Judgment

Kamurochō, the primary setting in the “Yakuza” game franchise, bears a striking resemblance to Kabukichō in its depiction. Notable features include a large red sign and an imposing tower, reflecting real-life landmarks. The district is known for its plentiful bars and nightclubs, as well as being a hotspot for deception. Numerous subplots within the series are inspired by actual scams that once preyed upon unsuspecting visitors in this area.

In the lively districts of Kabukichō and Kamurochō, there’s a common trick used by certain establishments known as bottakuri. This ploy involves a barker luring customers inside with offers of complimentary drinks. However, what they fail to mention are the hidden costs – steep cloakroom fees, pricey beverages, and other unexpected charges. These expenses only become apparent once the patron is already indoors and seemingly trapped until they pay up. Authorities have taken measures against such scams, making Kabukichō less deceitful than its fictional portrayals. Nonetheless, both tourists and locals should exercise caution.

5 The Japanese Asset Price Bubble

Economic Boom & Recession

In the 1980s, the economy was thriving for the yuppie population. Japan experienced significant growth in its real estate and stock markets towards the end of the decade. Unfortunately, this prosperity left many people struggling financially, while the wealthy flourished. This dynamic is highlighted in the game “Yakuza 0.” When Kiryu isn’t enhancing his fighting skills with money, he’s using his real estate enterprise to outmaneuver the billionaires and come out on top.

Real estate magnates served as motivation for Akira Toriyama to introduce the ruthless expanders like Frieza in “Dragon Ball Z.” US media either joked or expressed concerns over Japanese corporations gaining too much power. However, the economic bubble popped in the early 1990s, leading Japan into a recession. In reality, there were several causes for this burst. In “Yakuza 0,” it’s due to Goro Majima providing tax consulting advice to a politician – well done, Mad Dog.

4 The End of the Yakuza?

The Japanese Mafia is On The Decline

After seven turbulent games, Yakuza: Like A Dragon had Daigo Dojima make the decision to disband the Tōjō Clan and establish a legitimate security business in Osaka instead. The Omi Alliance followed suit. Just as in reality, financial struggles, stringent anti-yakuza legislation, and an exodus of members rendered the clans financially unstable and untenable.

Real yakuza groups continue to exist, but their membership had been decreasing before the creation of the first “Yakuza” video game. The inflexible structure and codes of these organizations are no longer attractive to criminal gangs seeking to establish a presence in the underworld. Although they receive significant media attention and have catchy online advertisements, this could mark the end of the yakuza as we’ve known them.

3 Getting Self-Referential

Yakuza Breaks the Fourth Wall

The Yakuza series seldom disrupts the boundary between player and game world, but it does include subtle nods to itself. For instance, actors providing voices for characters sometimes take on unusual roles prior to their involvement in the Yakuza franchise. A case in point is Takaya Kuroda, who voices Kiryu, who had previously acted in Boy’s Love drama CDs. Consequently, Yakuza Kiwami 2 incorporated a side story where Kiryu attempts voice acting and ultimately becomes the “submissive” partner in a BL production.

YK2 also had a substory where Kiryu has to help the director of ‘Yakuza Sunset 3’ not to lose hope after its poor reception, and press on with ‘Yakuza Sunset 4’. It’s generally accepted to be an allegory for Yakuza 3’s reception as, while it was an award winner, it was considered a step down.

2 Tokuryu

Japan’s Newer Brand of Criminals

After the decline of the yakuza, Japan’s criminal underworld is left with a power void. The yakuza occasionally collaborated with law enforcement to keep order, but now other groups like punks, biker gangs, and hangure take advantage of the situation. These organizations carry out their illicit activities whenever and wherever it’s profitable, even in public areas during daytime.

As a gamer, I’ve come across some notorious cybercriminals making waves in Japan – the elusive Tokuryu gang. Unlike other groups, they don’t rely on physical intimidation to commit crimes; instead, they use phones and the internet to orchestrate petty offenses. In the game “Judgment,” Sugiura is a prime example of this new breed of criminals. Driven by personal loss – his sister passed away – he joined forces with Crow under the aliases Jester and Crow, respectively. However, once his ideals shifted, he decided to go solo without any bloodshed or formal expulsion.

1 Bullying Crisis

It’s Especially Brutal In Japan

In a new storyline derived from “Yakuza,” the “Judgment” series is set in the same world as “Yakuza: Like a Dragon.” Detective Takayuki Yagami and his companion Kaito are tasked with solving the murder of a teacher in Yokoyama. However, they soon discover that the school harbors some exceptionally vicious forms of harassment and mistreatment.

Globally, this is a significant problem that has particularly escalated in Japan, with at least 514 confirmed suicides attributed to bullying in the year 2022. The narrative of “LJ” centers around the consequences of bullying, as two instances of suicide attempts – one fatal and the other resulting in a coma – set off a chain reaction of multiple homicides, intricate revenge plans, and disappointed parents who find the schools unable to provide adequate protection or support.

2024-07-20 10:34