Like a Dragon Live-Action Series Drops Karaoke

The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series will notably omit the beloved karaoke minigame. This decision, and fan reaction, are explored below.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza – No Karaoke… Yet?

Karaoke's Potential Future

Executive producer Erik Barmack recently confirmed the live-action series will initially exclude the popular karaoke minigame, a fan-favorite feature since its introduction in Yakuza 3 (2009). The iconic "Baka Mitai" song, a meme in its own right, will be absent from the initial run.

However, Barmack hinted at the possibility of future inclusion, stating (via TheGamer) that "singing may come eventually." The decision to omit it for the initial six-episode run stems from the need to condense a vast amount of source material. The actor portraying Kazuma Kiryu, Ryoma Takeuchi, a self-professed karaoke enthusiast, further fuels speculation about its eventual return.

The six-episode format necessitates a focused narrative, and including extensive side activities like karaoke might detract from the main plot and the director's vision. While disappointing some fans, this omission opens the door for future seasons to expand upon the series' lighter elements. A successful first season could lead to more episodes and the highly anticipated inclusion of Kiryu's karaoke performances.

Fan Reactions: A Chorus of Disappointment?

While anticipation remains high, the absence of karaoke has raised concerns that the series might prioritize a serious tone over the franchise's signature blend of drama and quirky humor.

Successful video game adaptations often strike a balance between faithfulness to the source material and creative adaptation. Prime Video's Fallout series, praised for its accuracy, attracted 65 million viewers in its first two weeks. Conversely, Netflix's Resident Evil (2022) faced criticism for deviating significantly from the games, alienating many fans.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the series as a "bold adaptation" at SDCC, emphasizing a desire to avoid mere imitation. He aimed for a fresh experience, even for long-time fans. Yokoyama also hinted at elements that will keep viewers entertained, suggesting the series retains some of the original's unique charm, though the specifics remain under wraps.

For more on Yokoyama's SDCC interview and the series' first teaser, check out our related article.