RGG will Connect the New Yakuza Series to Kiwami 3
The Yakuza universe is expanding in a more planned way this time, both in games and TV series. RGG Studio’s new live-action Yakuza series will not only be a standalone adaptation but will also directly connect to the story of Yakuza Kiwami 3. This decision stands out as a significant change of direction after the disconnects experienced in previous adaptations of the series.
How Will the Yakuza Series Connect to Kiwami 3?
Like a Dragon powered by Japan Unification, produced by RGG Studio, will be available as a three-episode miniseries on Prime Video. RGG describes this production as an “almost completely faithful” adaptation of the first game in the series. The trailers, which portray characters like Kiryu, Majima, and Nishikiyama in a way closer to their game-based tone, support this claim.
The most striking detail is the announcement that the series will be directly connected to Yakuza Kiwami 3, which will be released just two days after its premiere. RGG hasn’t yet clarified exactly how this connection will be established. Whether the series will lay the groundwork for some story changes in Kiwami 3, or simply serve as a transition to complete the plot, remains unclear for now.
The fact that RGG Studio has “complete control” over the project is seen as a significant element of trust for fans. Following criticism of the previous Yakuza series for its overly serious tone and departure from the source material, this new production aims to offer a more balanced narrative. The heat moves seen in the trailers and Majima’s character-appropriate fighting style support this approach.
On the other hand, the prominence of Kiryu’s weapon use in some scenes has again sparked debate among long-time fans of the series. However, it is thought that RGG prioritized cinematic impact in this regard. This bridge established between the new Yakuza series and Kiwami 3 is considered an important part of the effort to tell the series’ story in a more cohesive way.
