Like a Dragon: Yakuza adapted one of the games' most iconic moments, but bizarrely left it out of the show entirely
Oct. 28, 2024Dame da ne
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Like a Dragon: Yakuza’s Kiryu actor Ryoma Takeuchi filmed a pitch-perfect recreation of one of the game series’ karaoke classics – but the sequence didn’t make it into the Prime Video TV series.
As you can see from the clip below, Takeuchi takes the microphone to warble away at Baka Mitai (which translates to ‘I’ve Been a Fool’) in a take on Yakuza’s iconic karaoke minigame.
A mainstay of the Like a Dragon games, whoever is singing Baka Mitai – typically Kiryu – is shown in a mini-music video lamenting on his past, often while staring forlornly at a photograph of a friend or loved one. In this case, Takeuchi’s Kiryu has a photo of himself alongside Nishiki (Kento Kaku), Yumi (Yuumi Kawai), and Miho (Hinano Nakayama).
Despite being a nod to long-time fans of the series and its karaoke pastime, the scene – as well as the vast majority of the franchise’s more playful tone – didn’t make the cut.
Takeuchi has previously said he didn’t play the games for the roles as he wanted to build up the character of Kiryu “from scratch.” However, the Kiryu actor has recently said he is now tempted to dip into the game series.
“Yes, actually I do have a strong feeling towards that. I really want to play the game, but if only I could be given a break to do so,” Takeuchi said (via translation) whenGamesRadar+asked whether he would now be tempted to play the Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza in the west.
“What I mean is that I really like playing video games, but if I start playing it I need to play the whole game. So, I need to stay in front of the television screen for a long, long time.”
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Takeuchi added, “I have so many things that are waiting for me to do and accomplish in front of me. So, that’s where I am right now. But I look forward to playing the games.”
The first three episodes of Like a Dragon: Yakuza are now streaming on Prime Video. For more, check out the fullLike a Dragon: Yakuza release schedule, our verdict of the first season in theLike a Dragon: Yakuza review, and our ranking of thebest Yakuza games.
I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you’ll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.
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