Like a Dragon Series to Omit Karaoke in Live-Action Debut

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon, will notably omit the beloved karaoke minigame, a staple of the franchise since its introduction in Yakuza 3 in 2009. Executive producer Erik Barmack explained in a recent discussion that adapting the game's extensive 20+ hour content, including side activities, into a six-episode series necessitates prioritization. While karaoke is absent from the initial season, Barmack hinted at its potential inclusion in future installments, especially considering lead actor Ryoma Takeuchi's fondness for karaoke.

This decision has sparked some fan concern. The fear is that excluding this iconic and comedic element might shift the series too heavily towards a serious tone, potentially neglecting the franchise's signature quirky charm and side stories. The success of adaptations like Prime Video's Fallout, lauded for its faithfulness, contrasts with the criticism leveled at Netflix's Resident Evil for its significant departure from the source material.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama, in an interview at SDCC, described the series as a "bold adaptation," aiming for a fresh perspective rather than a simple recreation. He assured fans that the show will retain elements that will keep viewers entertained. While specifics remain undisclosed, this suggests the series will retain some of the Yakuza franchise's unique humor and personality.

The absence of karaoke in the first season, while potentially disappointing to some, doesn't necessarily preclude its appearance later. The success of the series will likely determine the scope of future seasons and the possibility of expanding the storyline to incorporate beloved features like the karaoke minigame.