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, will remain focused on the experiences of middle-aged men.

Like a Dragon Studio Prioritizes Its Core Identity: Middle-Aged Men Doing Middle-Aged Things

Staying True to the Core Demographic

The Like a Dragon series, fronted by the charming Ichiban Kasuga, boasts a diverse fanbase. However, the developers have confirmed their commitment to the series' core identity. Director Ryosuke Horii stated in an interview with AUTOMATON, "We’ve seen a significant increase in new fans, including women, which is wonderful. But we won't alter the core themes to cater to them. That would mean abandoning discussions about things like uric acid levels!"

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

Series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi expressed surprise at the influx of female players in a 2016 Famitsu interview (via Siliconera), noting they comprised approximately 20%. While welcoming this growth, he affirmed the series' primary focus on male players, emphasizing a commitment to avoid straying from their creative vision in response.

Concerns Regarding Female Representation

Despite its initial target audience, the series has faced criticism for its portrayal of women. Some fans argue that female characters are often relegated to stereotypical roles or subjected to objectification. Online discussions highlight the limited number of female party members and instances of inappropriate comments from male characters towards women. The recurring "damsel in distress" trope, seen in characters like Makoto (Yakuza 0), Yuri (Kiwami), and Lilly (Yakuza 4), further fuels these concerns. Chiba, in a lighthearted comment, acknowledges the tendency for female-centric conversations to be interrupted by male characters in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

While acknowledging progress towards more inclusive representation, the series occasionally falls back on outdated tropes. However, newer installments are viewed as positive steps forward, with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth receiving a 92/100 score from Game8, praised as a successful blend of fan service and future direction. For a detailed analysis, see our review.