Ryoma Takeuchi Brings Fresh Perspective to Kazuma Kiryu in Amazon Prime's "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" Series

A few months ago, it was announced that the Like a Dragon games will be adapted into a TV series titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza, set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 25. This series centers on Kazuma Kiryu, a character who originally starred before the introduction of Ichiban Kasuga, and he will be portrayed by Ryoma Takeuchi.

a conversation with IGN, Takeuchi delves into his interpretation of the beloved protagonist Kiryu. He shares his insights on Kiryu's motivations in Kamurocho, embodying the essence of the Dragon of Dojima. Kiryu seeks family and love, often unaware of how deeply these desires influence him. Known for living honestly and taking up arms when necessary, Kiryu is also a character who admits to making mistakes along the way.

Takeuchi emphasizes that he doesn't intend to replicate the game version of Kiryu directly. Instead, he aims to impart his own unique take on the character. He expresses a deep respect for the fans' sentiments but insists on the importance of portraying the character in a way that aligns with his own creative perspective. By conducting his own research into the games, Takeuchi identifies Kiryu's distinct qualities and strives to embody them in his unique way. While he aims to please the fans with his portrayal, he is confident that he has given his best effort to bring Kiryu to life. Rather than attempting to outdo the original game, he seeks to honor it while creating something fresh from an artistic standpoint.

Such an approach reflects thoughtful reasoning, doesn't it?