Yakuza’s Kazuma Kiryu Is One Of Gaming’s Greatest Protagonists

Source: The official Yakuza/Like a Dragon Wiki

Yakuza — or Like a Dragon, since the developer can’t make up its fucking mind at this point — is a franchise that took some time to gain traction in the West. It wasn’t until the successful launch of Yakuza 0 that the game’s tantalizing balancing act between serious crime-laden stories and goofy side content would become downright unputdownable for fans.

This prequel was the perfect way for me, and many others, to get into the series and figure out what made it so special. Walloping enemies to a pulp right after I’d bowled for an hour and acquired a chicken as a manager for my real estate business was a surreal experience that turned Yakuza 0 into one of my favorite games in no time.

[embed]I can’t stress enough just how batshit insane Yakuza 0 is.

There are a lot of reasons why this formula worked so well for me, but the biggest piece of the puzzle is undoubtedly the series’ legendary protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu.

For the uninitiated, Kiryu’s an honorable, straight-faced yakuza who upholds noble values like honor, loyalty, and chivalry, despite his criminal roots. He’s also one of the most unintentionally funny characters of all time, sporting a serious expression regardless of whether he’s beating down mob bosses with his fists of justice… or picking up the telephone to chat with single ladies.

[embed]The coolest way anyone has ever picked up a phone. I dare you to find another example.

It’s fascinating how the wildly varying tone of the content in every Yakuza game doesn’t lead to any tonal whiplash at all. Instead, I’m not alone in saying that I appreciate a break from the uber-serious story to manage cabaret clubs, drive taxis, and sing for an unhealthy amount of time at a karaoke club.

However, the appeal of playing as the Dragon of Dojima during these goofy moments isn’t the only reason why this protagonist is so fascinating to play as. It’s the journey he’s been on that makes him such a lovable character. From starting out as a rookie yakuza in over his head to becoming the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan, only to give it all up and raise some children in an orphanage, Kiryu really has done it all.

To highlight just one instance in the entire series where he shines brighter than ever is a Herculean challenge, but Kiryu’s appeal as a protagonist is clear as day in the ending of Like a Dragon Gaiden.

Obviously, incoming spoilers for the ending of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

After ensuring that the Tojo clan disbands and Shishido’s fire is quenched, Kiryu goes back into exile with the help of the Daidoji. His work was exemplary, which is why the organization that ensures he remains a dead man decided to reward him. They’d been keeping tabs on Kiryu’s adopted children in Sunflower Orphanage, with a hidden camera pointing to his grave being spotted by Taichi and Ayako.

In case you're wondering, the drops on the screen are some of the manliest tears in existence. [Source: Twinfinite]

The teenagers conclude that this device was possibly related to their father and decide to try and “talk” to their deceased guardian. They give an update about how life has been going ever since Kiryu faked his death at the end of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. At this point, the hero can’t control himself and starts weeping as he realizes just how much he misses his children. It’s a sobering moment that will make fans feel some kind of way, something that they didn’t expect in a game about brawny, muscled men beating each other to a pulp.

However, the biggest emotional kicker is yet to come.

After the footage ends, Kiryu is given a picture drawn by Haruto, his grandson (in a manner of speaking). As crude as it may be, it’s the pure innocence of this picture that causes Kiryu to break down. His pride at seeing Haruto’s drawing is clear as day, especially since it’s clear that he still remembers Kiryu from the brief time they spent together during the sixth mainline entry.

[embed]I can’t stress just how accurate this meme is.

This masterfully crafted tearjerker is one for the ages, and I’m not ashamed to say that I cried my ass off after seeing Kiryu act like a lovable granddad. How can you not? Just look at him, showing off this hodgepodge of crayons as if it were the second coming of Picasso itself.

It’s a moment that humanizes Kiryu and was earned over the course of seven amazing games. Sure, the appeal of beating down enemies with his monstrous strength was something that never got old, but all of this would’ve felt hollow had Kiryu never shown the emotional depth we can see at the end of Like a Dragon Gaiden (and several other moments across the series). This isn’t the ’80s anymore — a one-dimensional badass like Kenshiro won’t cut it.

Contrary to popular belief, “omae wa mou shindeiru” actually means “I’ll only be relevant for ten years.” [Source: Netflix]

Despite being a shorter game that doesn’t reach the narrative heights of previous titles, The Man Who Erased His Name is a spinoff for the ages that Yakuza fans will feel right at home with. It’s a must-play for anyone who wants to see Kiryu’s character shine like never before.

Of course, it helps that it ties in smoothly into Infinite Wealth, a game that serves as Kiryu’s umpteenth sendoff. Like, seriously — does this franchise want to move on from Kiryu or not?

🕹️ Enjoyed this read? There’s more where that came from. Head over to 404 Geek Not Found — a digital haven for fellow geeks, gamers, lore nerds, console warriors, and pop culture addicts. We write because we care (and because yelling on the internet is cheaper than therapy).