You Won’t Believe How This Yakuza Hero Redefines Heroism After 18 Years in Prison!

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At the start of Yakuza: Like a Dragon‘s narrative, Ichiban and Nanba take refuge in a humble, cramped shelter, grateful for its cover, walls, and floor to rest on. They appreciate the comfort of this secure spot; for Nanba, it’s preferable to the tents of a homeless settlement, and for Ichiban, the room is more inviting than a cell he endured for eighteen years in prison, unjustly serving time for a crime he didn’t commit on behalf of the Arakawa family. As they reminisce about the past, Ichiban ponders his sense of displacement at over forty, stepping into a world he barely recognizes. Nanba, wanting to find solid ground, inquires about Ichiban’s dreams as a child. After a brief pause, Ichiban replies: he aspired to be a hero.

Transitioning away from the traditional beat-em-up combat style in the “Like a Dragon” series was undeniably a daring venture. Equally challenging was the shift from iconic character Kazuma Kiryu to a fresh protagonist. It’s no wonder then that Ichiban Kasuga, the main character of “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” is born on New Year’s Day – symbolizing change while still paying homage to the past. In essence, “Like a Dragon 7” represents a different take on the Yakuza series, but at its core, it remains true to the formula with its intricate Japanese crime narratives and quirky side quests. Underneath these elements lies the emotional depth that arises from characters who stand firm for their beliefs. Ichiban aspires to be a hero, and by the end of “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” he has proven himself worthy of the title.

How Heroism is Woven into Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga

Those Who Fight Further

The heroic motifs are seamlessly integrated within the RPG elements of “Yakuza: Like a Dragon“. Ichiban acknowledges that “Dragon Quest” has been a personal influence for him, and this game pays homage to the genre’s rich legacy. The heart of “Like a Dragon 7‘s” gameplay revolves around a job-based party system, enabling Ichiban to transform into a true hero by unleashing powerful bat attacks and casting healing spells. Although there are surreal elements such as Nanba summoning pigeons with his homeless abilities or Eri impaling enemies with thumbtacks, the fact remains that Ichiban and his allies, regardless of their unique fighting styles or chances of success, all stand together in battle.

The Capacity for Change

In Like a Dragon 7, the focus on older characters, even within its typical JRPG group setup, enhances its theme of heroism. Ichi’s resilience, which is rooted in his ability to bounce back from rock bottom, is one of his fundamental traits, and it resonates strongly because of his age. This notion that it’s never too late to be a hero, or to transform your life, is integral not only to Ichi as a character but also in the impact he has on others. As a protagonist who contrasts Kiryu’s stoicism with an openly emotional demeanor, Ichi’s faith in people and ability to find goodness in them are what truly define his heroism, surpassing any battle skills. These values influence characters like Nanba and Adachi, which ultimately bolsters the party’s chemistry, shaping Kiryu’s role in Infinite Wealth, as he learns the significance of relying on others.

Seeing the Good in Others

Through this perspective, the antagonist of Like a Dragon 7 becomes more relatable. Ryo Aoki, or Masato Arakawa, may commit despicable acts during the game’s storyline, but the way he is portrayed in relation to Ichiban serves as an illustration of compassion within Ichiban’s heroism. Just like Ichiban, who sees the good in others, he also perceives when someone is straying from the right path and steps in to help them when they can’t help themselves. Feeling for Masato’s suffering – while reminding him that he was, and still is, loved by many – underscores Ichiban’s unwavering commitment to people and his belief in their potential for change.

Expressing it in a more natural and easy-to-read manner: It’s not just that Ichiban motivates his allies; it’s an understatement. He is a character, much like Kiryu, who consistently extends help regardless of the circumstances, simply because lending a helping hand makes the burden others carry feel lighter. Whether it’s during the intense emotional journey in Yakuza: Like a Dragon‘s exploration of the Ijin Three and Masato’s political rebellion or through its offbeat side-stories, Ichiban’s altruistic mindset is portrayed as a significant aspect of his character, rather than being seen as naive or overly sentimental. Just like RGG series has revealed the emotional vulnerability in protagonists like Saejima and Tanimura, Ichiban embodies the deep compassion that underscores just how relatable and impactful the Like a Dragon series can be in its characters and the human emotions that give them depth.

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2025-01-16 14:06