Yakuza Like a Dragon Will Always Be \"Middle-Aged Guys Doing Middle-Aged Guy Things\"

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, while expanding its appeal to younger and female players, remains committed to its core identity: middle-aged men navigating middle-aged life.

Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes Authenticity Over Broadening Appeal

Staying True to the "Middle-Aged Dude" Experience

The enduring popularity of the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) series, spearheaded by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, has attracted a diverse fanbase. Yet, the developers have affirmed their intention to retain the franchise's core identity.

Director Ryosuke Horii, in an interview with AUTOMATON, stated, "We've seen a significant increase in new fans, including women, which is fantastic. However, we won't alter our storytelling to pander to this broader audience. That would prevent us from exploring themes relevant to our characters' experiences, like, say, uric acid levels."

Horii and lead planner Hirotaka Chiba believe the series' unique appeal stems from its relatable portrayal of "middle-aged guy things," reflecting their own experiences. From Ichiban's Dragon Quest obsession to his complaints about back pain, they see this "humanity" as the source of the game's originality. Horii added, "The characters are relatable because they're ordinary people facing everyday problems, making the game immersive."

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, in a 2016 Famitsu interview (reported by Siliconera), expressed surprise at the rising number of female players (approximately 20%). While acknowledging this positive trend, he reiterated the game's primary target audience: men. He emphasized a cautious approach to avoid compromising the series' core vision to accommodate female players.

Scrutiny of Female Representation in the Yakuza Series

Despite its male-centric marketing, the series has faced criticism regarding its portrayal of women. Some fans argue that female characters are often relegated to stereotypical supporting roles or are objectified.

ResetEra users have highlighted the shortcomings in female representation, citing sexist tropes and scenarios. Concerns have been raised about the limited number of female party members and the often suggestive or sexualized comments made by male characters towards women.

The damsel-in-distress trope is frequently employed, with characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4) serving as examples. This recurring pattern raises concerns about the future representation of women in the series.

Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledged that even in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, female character interactions are sometimes overshadowed by male-dominated conversations.

While the series has shown progress in adopting more inclusive perspectives, it occasionally falls back on outdated tropes. Despite these setbacks, newer installments represent a positive evolution. Game8's 92/100 review of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth praised the game as a successful blend of fan service and forward-thinking direction. For a detailed analysis, see our full review.