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 a beloved fan-favorite: the karaoke minigame. Producer Erik Barmack's comments and the fan reaction reveal a complex situation.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Skips Karaoke (For Now)

Karaoke's Potential Future

Executive producer Erik Barmack confirmed the live-action series will initially exclude the popular karaoke minigame, a staple since Yakuza 3 (2009) and even featured in the 2016 Yakuza Kiwami remake. The iconic "Baka Mitai" song, a meme in its own right, won't be making an appearance... at least not yet.

Barmack hinted at the possibility of karaoke's inclusion in future installments, stating, "Singing may come eventually," acknowledging the sheer volume of source material to condense into a six-episode series. This decision, however, is understandable given the challenge of adapting over 20 hours of gameplay into a limited runtime. The actor portraying Kazuma Kiryu, Ryoma Takeuchi, a frequent karaoke enthusiast, further fuels hopes for its eventual return.

Fan Concerns and Optimism

While fans remain hopeful, the absence of karaoke has raised concerns about a potential shift towards a more serious tone, potentially sacrificing the comedic elements and quirky side stories synonymous with the Yakuza franchise.

The success of video game adaptations hinges on faithfulness to the source material. Prime Video's Fallout series, for example, attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks due to its accurate portrayal. Conversely, Netflix's 2022 Resident Evil series faced criticism for straying too far from the original.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the adaptation as "a bold adaptation," aiming for a fresh perspective rather than a simple recreation. He assured fans the show will retain elements that will keep viewers "grinning the whole time," suggesting the quirky charm hasn't been entirely lost.

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