The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series will notably omit the popular karaoke minigame. This decision, and fan reactions, are detailed below.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza – No Karaoke (For Now)
Karaoke's Potential Future
Erik Barmack, executive producer of Like a Dragon: Yakuza, recently confirmed the live-action series will initially exclude the beloved karaoke minigame, a fan-favorite feature since its introduction in Yakuza 3 (2009). The minigame’s enduring popularity, particularly its iconic song "Baka Mitai," which has become a widely recognized meme, is undeniable.
However, Barmack hinted at the possibility of karaoke's inclusion in future installments. He stated (via TheGamer) that “singing may come eventually,” citing the need to condense the extensive source material into a six-episode series. This openness is further supported by Ryoma Takeuchi (Kazuma Kiryu) who is known to enjoy karaoke.
The decision to omit karaoke in this first season is likely due to the challenge of adapting a 20+ hour game into a concise narrative. Including extensive side activities like karaoke could detract from the main storyline and director Masaharu Take’s vision. While disappointing to some fans, future seasons could potentially feature these beloved elements, especially if the initial series is a success.
Fan Reactions: A Chorus of Disappointment?
While anticipation for the series remains high, the absence of karaoke has raised concerns among fans about the show's overall tone. There are worries that a focus on seriousness might overshadow the comedic elements and quirky side stories integral to the Yakuza franchise’s identity.
Successful adaptations often strike a balance between faithfulness to the source material and creative adaptation. Prime Video’s Fallout series, praised for its accurate portrayal of the game's world, garnered 65 million viewers in its first two weeks. Conversely, Netflix’s 2022 Resident Evil series faced criticism for deviating significantly from the source material.
RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the series as a "bold adaptation" at SDCC, emphasizing his aim to avoid simple imitation. He expressed his desire for viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter with the franchise. He further assured fans that the series will retain elements that will keep viewers "grinning the whole time," suggesting that the quirky charm of the Yakuza series hasn't been completely lost.
For more details on Yokoyama’s SDCC interview and the Like a Dragon: Yakuza teaser, see our related article.
