Ryoma Takeuchi Craves the *Like a Dragon* Experience: Is the Actor Ready to Game?

Ryoma Takeuchi, the actor behind Kiryu in *Like a Dragon*, expresses his eagerness to explore the iconic video game series, but he finds his career commitments delaying his gaming adventure.
Ryoma Takeuchi Craves the *Like a Dragon* Experience: Is the Actor Ready to Game?

Kiryu’s Gambit: Actor Ryoma Takeuchi Eager to Dive into Like a Dragon

Despite not yet venturing into the world of Like a Dragon, Yakuza’s Kiryu actor Ryoma Takeuchi is expressing a deep desire to play the game series in the future. His enthusiasm was evident when he openly shared his interest in the franchise during recent discussions.

“Yes, actually I do have a strong feeling towards that. I really want to play the game, but if only I could be given a break to do so,” said Takeuchi, reflecting on how engaging the game seems to him.

His passion for gaming is unmistakable; however, it seems his dedication to his craft leaves little room for leisure. “What I mean is that I really like playing video games, but if I start playing it I need to play the whole game. So, I need to stay in front of the television screen for a long, long time,” he remarked, revealing the commitment required to fully immerse himself in the gaming experience.

Ryoma Takeuchi as Kiryu, the iconic protagonist of the Yakuza series.

Unfortunately for fans eagerly waiting to see him embrace the gaming world, Takuechi has a long road ahead. He stated, “I have so many things that are waiting for me to do and accomplish in front of me. So, that’s where I am right now. But I look forward to playing the games.”

A Journey from Screen to Console

In his role as Kiryu, Takeuchi is not just stepping into the shoes of a character; he’s committed to understanding Kiryu’s essence from a fresh perspective. Following suggestions from the creative team of the new Prime Video series, Takeuchi refrained from playing the games before embodying his character. “I know these games — everybody in the world knows these games,” he admitted. However, he pointed out,

“But I haven’t played them. I’d like to try them but they had to stop me because they wanted to — for the character in the script — explore from scratch. That’s why I decided not to play.”

Such a decision underscores the precision a good actor must maintain to fully deliver a character’s authenticity. The first three episodes of Like a Dragon: Yakuza are now streaming worldwide on Prime Video, allowing new audiences to discover Takeuchi’s interpretation of Kiryu.

A representation of the rich narrative in the Yakuza series.

The Potential of Like a Dragon

As fans continue to embrace this beloved franchise, Ryoma Takeuchi’s journey highlights an interesting juxtaposition between gaming and acting. With numerous titles featuring Kiryu’s adventures, including a lineup that stands the test of time, could Takeuchi’s eventually take on the games elevate the experience for his ever-expanding fan base?

At the moment, the excitement surrounding the series is palpable. For fans craving that nostalgic touch, Takeuchi’s potential foray into the gaming world gives hope for an enriched connection. Will he, in the future, be seen not only on screen but also in the consoles, honing his skills alongside players?

What Lies Ahead

The question remains: when will Takeuchi finally find the time to indulge in this iconic series? Until then, players can binge-watch the first season of Like a Dragon: Yakuza, exploring its twists and turns that that have captivated gamers for years.

For those seeking more content, be sure to check out our insights on the Like a Dragon: Yakuza release schedule, our detailed analysis in the Like a Dragon: Yakuza review, and our comprehensive ranking of the best Yakuza games. Each story brings its own unique flavor to the grand tapestry that the Yakuza universe weaves.

An overview of the rich lore and characters within the Yakuza universe.