Baka Mitai! Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Won’t Have Karaoke

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series will notably omit the beloved karaoke minigame. Let's delve into producer Erik Barmack's comments and the fan reaction.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza – Karaoke Takes a Backseat (For Now)

Karaoke's Potential Return

Executive producer Erik Barmack recently revealed that the live-action series will initially forgo the iconic karaoke minigame, a fan-favorite feature since its introduction in Yakuza 3 (2009). Its popularity, particularly the meme-worthy "Baka Mitai" song, extends far beyond the game itself.

Barmack hinted at the possibility of karaoke's inclusion in future installments, stating, "Singing may come eventually," acknowledging the wealth of source material and the actor Ryoma Takeuchi's (Kazuma Kiryu) personal affinity for karaoke. The decision to omit it from the initial six episodes likely stems from the need to focus on the core narrative within a limited timeframe. The 20+ hour game, including side activities, presented a significant challenge for adaptation.

While disappointing to some, the absence of karaoke in this first season might pave the way for its inclusion in future seasons, should the series prove successful.

Fan Reactions: Dame Da Ne?

While fans remain optimistic, concerns have arisen that the exclusion of karaoke might shift the series towards a more serious tone, potentially overlooking the comedic elements and quirky side stories that define the Yakuza franchise.

Successful adaptations often strike a balance between faithfulness to the source material and creative adaptation. Prime Video's Fallout series, praised for its fidelity, attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks. Conversely, Netflix's 2022 Resident Evil adaptation faced criticism for deviating significantly from the source material.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the series as "a bold adaptation," aiming for a fresh perspective rather than a simple imitation. He assured fans that the series will retain elements that will keep viewers "grinning the whole time," hinting at the preservation of the series' signature charm despite the absence of karaoke.

For more details on Yokoyama's SDCC interview and the series teaser, check out our related article.