The Yakuza series has always been known for its RPG brawler stylings, with Yakuza 0 often being hailed as one of the best video games ever made. With an upcoming Amazon series adaptation set to release in October, fans are eager to see how the live-action portrayal will bring these beloved characters to life. Actor Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays Kiryu, shared in an interview with IGN Japan that he approached the role by creating Kiryu from scratch rather than imitating previous depictions.
A Search for Love
Takeuchi delves into Kiryu’s character motivations, describing him as a man who is “starved for love” and constantly seeking for something missing in his life. He believes that at the core, everyone desires to be loved, and this universal theme drives Kiryu’s actions throughout the series. Takeuchi’s portrayal of Kiryu as a complex character searching for family and love adds depth to the character’s journey in Kamurocho.
In addition to exploring Kiryu’s emotional journey, Takeuchi also discussed how he approached portraying Kiryu’s fighting style evolution over the series timeline. He highlighted the differences in Kiryu’s martial arts proficiency before and after his time in prison, emphasizing the character’s growth as a fighter. By showcasing Kiryu’s transition from a rough, instinct-based fighting style to a more refined and effective technique, Takeuchi adds layers to the character’s development.
Despite being a newer face compared to the iconic Dragon of Dojima, Takeuchi’s dedication to portraying Kiryu’s essence shines through in his performance. His focus on capturing Kiryu’s emotional depth and growth as a character demonstrates a deep understanding of the series and its themes. From honing Kiryu’s fighting styles to embodying his search for love and family, Takeuchi’s portrayal breathes new life into the beloved character for fans to enjoy.
Translating the Legacy
Beyond the portrayal of Kiryu, the localization team behind Yakuza: Like A Dragon also plays a crucial role in bringing the series to a wider audience. Their efforts to translate the humor and nuances of the games from Japanese to English highlight the strong bond between Kiryu and Ichiban as great mates who support each other. Through their careful attention to detail, the localizers ensure that the essence of the Yakuza series remains intact for international fans to appreciate.
Ryoma Takeuchi’s interpretation of Kiryu in the Yakuza series brings a fresh perspective to the iconic character. Through his portrayal of Kiryu’s emotional depth, evolving fighting style, and search for love and family, Takeuchi adds new dimensions to the beloved character’s legacy. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Amazon series adaptation, Takeuchi’s dedication to embodying Kiryu’s essence ensures that the character’s journey will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Leave a Reply