When Will Japan Catch Up with the West in TV Adaptations of Games?
The world of video games is a global phenomenon, with developers from Japan and the West creating some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. However, when it comes to adapting these games into prestige TV series, Japan is lagging far behind its Western counterparts.
The recent announcement of an Amazon Prime Video TV adaptation of the popular Like a Dragon series (known as Yakuza outside of Japan) is a step in the right direction, but it highlights the disparity between Japan and the West in terms of TV adaptations of games.
The gritty streets of Kamurocho, Tokyo
The Like a Dragon series, developed by Sega, has a rich history and a dedicated fan base, making it an ideal candidate for a TV adaptation. The show, starring Ryoma Takeuchi as protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, promises to take viewers on a gritty journey through the streets of Kamurocho, based on Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
“Part hard-boiled crime drama and part collection of vignettes depicting the trials and tribulations of urban life in Japan.” - Masaharu Take, director of “The Naked Director”
The six-episode TV adaptation will be split between 1995 and 2005, following Kiryu as he struggles to live by a personal code of honor amidst the cutthroat world of the Japanese mafia.
Kiryu’s iconic dragon back tattoo
Takeuchi’s commitment to the role is evident in the two hours and 45 minutes it takes to apply the intricate dragon back tattoo that has become synonymous with Kiryu.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s time for Japan to catch up with the West in terms of TV adaptations of games. With the success of shows like The Witcher and Castlevania, it’s clear that there is a demand for high-quality adaptations of beloved games.
The gaming industry is evolving, and Japan needs to keep up
It’s time for Japan to take a page out of the West’s playbook and invest in adapting its iconic games into prestige TV series. The Like a Dragon series is a great start, but it’s just the beginning.
Japan needs to step up its game in TV adaptations
The world of gaming is a global phenomenon, and it’s time for Japan to take its rightful place alongside the West in terms of TV adaptations of games.
The gaming world is waiting for Japan to catch up
