Like a Dragon: Yakuzais an upcoming Prime Video series based on the popular video game franchise, and the cast is full of incredible talent. Although it isn’t entirely clear exactly which characters might make a surprise cameo throughout the series,Prime Video’sLike a Dragon: Yakuzatrailerrevealed plenty of big names will feature, and the story looks like it will be based on the franchise’s first entry, as each game tends to change its roster of characters. As a result, audiences are bound to be treated to some exhilarating action when the crime show debuts.
Given how popular the source material is,Like a Dragon: Yakuzahas plenty to get rightfrom the games, but the talented cast looks like it will manage this. The trailer already suggested that the show will maintain the unorthodox, quirky tone that has become synonymous with the gaming franchise, andmost of the cast feel like a good match for their video game counterparts. With the story being set in Japan, Amazon’sYakuzashow is unsurprisingly filled with exciting Japanese actors, many of who have already proven they are a great fit for both the action and crime genres.
Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu
Date of Birth: June 27, 2025
Actor:Having started his career as a model,Ryoma Takeuchi became famous for his role as Shinnosuke Tomari in theKaman Riderfranchise. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Takeuchi continued to branch out his career through a variety of different TV shows and movies. He was able to land the Japanese voice role for Tim Goodman in 2019’sPokémon: Detective Pikachu, which happened to be his first-ever voice-acting gig. Tekeuchi has remained active for the past decade, and his upcoming role inLike a Dragon: Yakuzalooks to be his most prolific part yet.
Downtown Rocket
Yosuke Tachibana
Character:Kazuma Kiryu is the main protagonist inLike a Dragon: Yakuzaand is one of the most important characters in theYakuzafranchise. In the games, Kiryu is an ambitious yet honorable member of the Dojima Family, who is determined to work his way up the ranks. Despite being a capable fighter, he only tends to resort to violence when necessary and resents those who use it for power and intimidation. While he starts as a plucky underdog, Kiryu achieves big things in the source material, and will likely do the same inAmazon’sLike a Dragon: Yakuzaadaptation.
Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama
Date of Birth: June 22, 2025
Actor:Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kento Kaku has over 15 years of acting experience, which has seen him be part of some top projects.Kaku’s most iconic role came in 2024 as he starred inHouse of Ninjas,a Netflix drama that proved to make a good impression among audiences and critics. Kaku has also been involved in plenty of drama shows and is easily one of the most exciting additions to Prime Video’sYakuzaseries, making it no surprise he has such a pivotal role.
From Today, It’s My Turn!!: The Movie
Takashi Mitsuhashi
Character:Akira Nishikiyama is a childhood friend of Kiryu who becomes the main antagonist of the firstYakuzagame. After starting as a loyal ally who was willing to fight beside Kiryu no matter what, his personality changes drastically, leading to him possessing a colder and more brutal demeanor. It seems like Prime Video’s adaptation will keep many of Nishiki’s character traits and give him a similar arc since he appears to be the main antagonist, which will prove to be a major challenge for Kiryu.
Munetaka Aoki as Goro Majima
Date of Birth: July 03, 2025
Actor:Munetaka Aoki was born in Osaka, Japan, and made his acting debut in 2003 inBattle Royale II. Despite the sequel not living up to the hype of the original, Aoki was able to forge a successful career, appearing in numerous projects throughout the following two decades. While he had a major role inThe Roundup: No Way Out,Godzilla Minus Oneis undoubtedly the biggest movie of Aoki’s career.Not only wasGodzilla Minus One’s box officesuccessful, but the movie performed incredibly well critically, which helped the actor’s reputation continue to flourish, hence his Yakuza role.
Battle Royale II
Jun Nanami
Character:Goro Majima is perhaps one of the wildest and most memorable characters in the entire Yakuza series. Despite being an antagonist, Goro’s issues with Kiryu don’t stem from anything personal. Instead, he wants to fight the protagonist mainly for fun. His charisma is one of his biggest strengths, and while he does tend to enjoy violence because of his fighting skills, he predominantly treats those around him with respect. Therefore, seeing his personality on screen alongside how he fits into Prime Video’s story will be interesting, as he is bound to make a big impression.
Like A Dragon: Yakuza’s Supporting Cast & Characters
Toshiaki Karasawa as Shintaro Kazama:Shintaro Kazama is the captain of the Dojima family and will be one of the show’s most important supporting characters. His ruthless personality makes him an intimidating yakuza who isn’t afraid to dispose of his enemies, but he also possesses a more remorseful side, which adds a layer of complexity to him. Toshiaki Karasawa will play the veteran, whose most notable roles includeCasshernandWelcome Back, Mr McDonald.
Yumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura:Yumi Sawamura is a close childhood friend of both Kiryu and Nishiki, making her a prominent supporting character. In addition, she is Kiryu’s main love interest and has a strong yet gentle personality. While she only began her acting career in 2020, Kawai’s mixture of voice acting and live-action roles suggests she has all the experience necessary to play such an important character, and she looks like a great addition toLike a Dragon: Yakuza’s cast.
Subaru Shibutani as Makoto Date:Mokoto Date is a police detective who happens to be a supporter of Kiryu, indicating he will be a valuable ally. His compassion towards victims of crime makes him one of the most reliable members of the police force, but he isn’t beyond pushing against the system in the pursuit of justice. Alongside being a prolific actor, Shibutani has a successful music career, indicating that he will be one of the most diverse cast members in Amazon’s new series.
Saki Takaoka as Reina:Although she was a friend of Kiryu, Nishiki, and Yumi, Reina’s love for Nishiki ultimately becomes her defining character trait. She has good intentions and comes across as a sweet and kind person, but her willingness to sell out those close to her in an attempt to win over Nishiki’s affection proves how flawed she truly is. Reina will be played by Saki Takaoka, who is best known for her roles inCrest of BetrayalandRika.
SDCC: Like A Dragon: Yakuza Stars On Bringing The Iconic Game Series To Gritty Life
The stars of Like a Dragon: Yakuza discuss fusing the game legacy with their own takes on the iconic characters and teased easter eggs for fans.
Masaya Kato as Sohei Dojima:Sohei Dojima has a menacing reputation as he is prone to violent outbursts and is corrupt to the core. Despite this, he is a relatively weak fighter, even though his high rank would suggest otherwise, highlighting his cowardly nature deep down. Masaya Kato’s lengthy tenure in the acting industry makes him a great fit for the role, as he has appeared in 1998’sGodzilla,Drive, and a number of high-profile Japanese productions.
Tomoya Maeno as The Florist of Sai:Despite what his name suggests, The Florist of Sai doesn’t sell flowers. Instead, he sells information. His laidback attitude doesn’t stop him from being a savvy businessman, as he always ensures he is well paid for his services, be it through money or favors. With Tomoya Maeno portraying the character, The Florist of Sai should provide some humorous moments, given Maeno is no stranger to more comedy-orientated roles.
Kôichi Satô as Masaru Sera:Masaru Sera is a strong mentor figure with great leadership skills, cementing himself as one of Yakuza’s best-supporting characters. He also appears as a protagonist in some of the franchise’s other entries, but his role will be more limited in Prime Video’sLike a Dragon: Yakuza. With Kôichi Satô’s award-winning history, there is no doubt he’ll be able to pull off the wise and calming personality of Masaru, hinting at the project having a capable and exciting cast.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Cast
Former Yakuza member Kazuma Kiryu, fresh out of prison, returns to Tokyo’s underworld to find his kidnapped surrogate daughter. Navigating the treacherous streets of Kamurochō, he faces old enemies and new alliances, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire city.
