The Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza in the West, has captivated fans with its intense storytelling, vibrant environments, and diverse cast of playable characters. As the franchise has evolved, so too has the range of protagonists players can control, each bringing their own unique background, personality, and combat style. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Kamurocho or battling through a turn-based fight in Ijincho, understanding the playable characters in Like a Dragon is key to appreciating its depth and charm. This guide explores all major playable characters throughout the series, from iconic legends to bold newcomers.
Kazuma Kiryu: The Dragon of Dojima
Kazuma Kiryu is the face of the Like a Dragon series. First introduced in the original Yakuza, Kiryu’s stoic personality, unwavering moral code, and unmatched fighting skills have made him a fan favorite. He remains the central character for most of the early games and makes appearances in later titles.
Key Traits
- Expert in multiple fighting styles including Brawler, Beast, Rush, and Dragon
- Strong sense of loyalty and justice
- Deep ties to the Tojo Clan and its legacy
Kiryu’s evolution from a low-ranking Yakuza to a legendary figure in the criminal underworld is at the core of the series’ emotional storytelling. His style is primarily brawler-focused with powerful finishers and heat actions.
Ichiban Kasuga: The Hero of Ijincho
Ichiban Kasuga became the new face of the franchise starting in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, marking a shift in both narrative and gameplay. Unlike Kiryu’s beat-em-up mechanics, Ichiban’s story unfolds through a turn-based RPG system, which aligns with his childhood love of classic role-playing games.
Notable Features
- Optimistic and idealistic personality
- Uses a class-based job system in battle
- Forms a close party with other main characters
Ichiban’s appeal lies in his underdog charm. His journey from a betrayed ex-Yakuza to a leader determined to rebuild his life has resonated strongly with fans. His dynamic with his companions adds emotional depth to the gameplay.
Goro Majima: The Mad Dog of Shimano
Goro Majima, first appearing as a chaotic antagonist, becomes playable in titles like Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami 2. Known for his unpredictable behavior and loyalty to Kiryu, Majima’s duality as both a comic and tragic character makes him one of the most beloved figures in the series.
Fighting Style
- Three unique styles: Thug, Slugger (bat-based), and Breaker (dance-like acrobatics)
- Fast, aggressive combat with erratic patterns
- Intense heat actions and flashy attacks
Playing as Majima offers a contrast to Kiryu’s more measured approach. His storyline in Yakuza 0 reveals a more human side to his wild persona, highlighting the pain and sacrifices behind his madness.
Saeko Mukoda: Breaking the Mold
Saeko is one of the first major female playable characters in the franchise, introduced in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. A strong, no-nonsense hostess turned fighter, Saeko adds balance and grit to Ichiban’s party.
Combat and Role
- Wields weapons like handbags and umbrellas
- Can adopt different support and magic-based jobs
- Provides healing and buffing abilities during combat
Saeko’s presence redefines the series’ previously male-dominated gameplay. Her interactions with Ichiban and the rest of the party help shape the emotional tone of the story, especially as she confronts gender bias and personal loss.
Koichi Adachi: The Ex-Detective
Koichi Adachi is a playable character in Like a Dragon, serving as a seasoned and somewhat disillusioned former detective. His investigative skills and street smarts make him a valuable ally in Ichiban’s journey.
Adachi in Battle
- Uses brute-force, tank-like job classes
- Good at drawing enemy aggro and absorbing damage
- Wields batons and heavy-duty tools
Adachi’s character arc explores themes of justice, corruption, and redemption. Despite his gruff exterior, he becomes a loyal friend and mentor to Ichiban, often delivering moments of heartfelt wisdom and comic relief.
Yu Nanba: The Homeless Mage
Once a disgraced nurse, Nanba becomes a quirky yet powerful support member in Ichiban’s party. Known for his unique blend of sarcasm and wisdom, Nanba uses unconventional magic-like attacks inspired by his surroundings.
Combat Style
- Specializes in elemental attacks (fire, poison, etc.)
- Excellent at crowd control and debuffs
- Can heal and revive party members
Nanba’s backstory adds layers of complexity to the game, addressing issues of societal neglect and redemption. His magical approach to combat, paired with his sharp tongue, makes him both useful and entertaining in battle.
Tianyou Zhao and Joon-gi Han: Strategic Powerhouses
These two characters add international flair and tactical depth to Like a Dragon. Tianyou Zhao, leader of the Geomijul, is a stylish brawler with martial arts techniques, while Joon-gi Han, representing the Korean mafia, is a calm, calculated assassin type.
Fighting Characteristics
- Zhao: Agile and focused on status-inflicting combos
- Joon-gi: Precision attacks with blades and counters
Both characters bring unique perspectives from rival factions, highlighting the complexities of international crime syndicates. Their addition expands Ichiban’s world and provides new combat styles for players to enjoy.
Other Notable Playable Characters
Taiga Saejima
Known for his brute strength and stoic demeanor, Saejima is a recurring character who becomes playable in Yakuza 4 and Yakuza 5. His prison escape and emotional journey highlight the cost of loyalty in the underworld.
Shun Akiyama
Akiyama, the flashy loan shark with a heart of gold, first appeared in Yakuza 4. His swift kicking combat and money-themed abilities make him one of the more unique characters in the series.
Tatsuo Shinada
A disgraced baseball player turned journalist, Shinada offers a more grounded and relatable perspective. Playable in Yakuza 5, his unconventional background adds variety to the cast lineup.
Dynamic Party Systems and Class Customization
The introduction of a turn-based party system in Yakuza: Like a Dragon allows players to switch jobs (classes) and change how characters fight. Each character can adopt roles such as Bodyguard, Idol, Host, Breaker, and more, expanding their abilities beyond their original design.
This system encourages experimentation and strategic thinking. For example, Ichiban can switch from a Hero to a Dealer, drastically changing his skill set. Players are rewarded for mixing and matching to find the most effective team synergy.
The playable characters in Like a Dragon are the soul of the series. Each one brings a distinct fighting style, personality, and backstory that contributes to the game’s depth. From legendary figures like Kazuma Kiryu to fresh faces like Ichiban Kasuga and his companions, the franchise continues to innovate while honoring its roots. Whether through action-packed battles or heartfelt narrative moments, these characters make every installment unforgettable. Understanding their roles and abilities not only enhances your gameplay but also deepens your appreciation of the complex world Like a Dragon has built.