InYakuza: Like a Dragon, the job system adds a rich layer of strategy to combat and exploration. Among the many jobs available, theForemanplays a unique role not just in battles, but also in unlocking hidden paths throughout the city. The Foreman’s signature skill,Demolish, is essential for accessing blocked areas that hide valuable loot, secret bosses, or shortcut routes. Many players overlook this function, but it can lead to powerful rewards and help you complete the game’s hidden challenges. Understanding where and how to use Demolish can greatly enhance your overall experience in Ijincho and beyond.
How to Unlock the Foreman Job
Before you can use Demolish, you need to unlock the Foreman job. This job becomes available after a certain point in the story, typically around Chapter 5 when the job system opens up through Hello Work.
- Visit Hello Work in Ijincho
- Have Ichiban or another male character switch to the Foreman job
- The character must be of a sufficient level (usually around level 10)
Once equipped, the character will gain access to the Demolish skill, which is used outside of combat to destroy certain barriers and access new areas. Only the currently selected party leader can perform Demolish on overworld obstacles, so make sure the Foreman is leading when exploring.
What Is Demolish and How It Works
Demolish is a special field ability tied to the Foreman job. It allows the player to break down cracked or weakened walls that appear in several locations throughout the game. These are not random they are always placed intentionally and often guard hidden treasure chests, side quest items, or alternate paths that lead to stronger enemies and extra loot.
To use Demolish:
- Make sure a party member is assigned as Foreman
- Set the Foreman as the party leader
- Walk up to a cracked wall or barrier with yellow hazard tape
- Press the appropriate button prompt when it appears to activate Demolish
Foreman Demolish Locations in Ijincho
Ijincho is the largest area inYakuza: Like a Dragon, and several hidden locations can be accessed only through the Demolish ability. These are scattered across various districts, including Commercial District, Chinatown, and the Bar District. Below is a breakdown of the most useful and rewarding locations where Demolish can be used.
Commercial District
- Behind the Survive Bar: There’s a blocked passage behind Survive Bar leading to a few chests containing valuable accessories and healing items.
- West Carriage Highway: Near the highway underpass, there’s a cracked wall hiding a stash of high-level gear that’s useful during mid-game.
Chinatown Area
- Near the Senryo Avenue Parking Lot: A side alley has a wall you can demolish to uncover an alley filled with enemies and rare crafting materials.
- Behind the Mahjong Parlor: A hidden path leads to a chest containing money and rare items useful for job upgrades.
Bar District
- Yokohama Underground Access: A sealed tunnel near the southern edge can be opened using Demolish. Inside are powerful enemies and loot ideal for farming XP and money.
- Near Romance Workshop: Behind a building wall is a secret shortcut to the homeless camp, reducing travel time when doing side quests in this area.
Other Regions With Demolish Barriers
As the story progresses, Ichiban and his team will visit Sotenbori and Kamurocho. These cities also feature Demolish locations, although they are fewer compared to Ijincho. These areas are optional, but if you’re trying to achieve 100% completion, you won’t want to miss them.
Kamurocho
- Hotel District: A walled-off alley reveals powerful enemies and high-tier armor. This location is helpful when preparing for the final chapters.
Sotenbori
- Near the river walkway: A blocked-off path near the river contains a hidden fight with a mini-boss and drops rare equipment once cleared.
Rewards Hidden Behind Demolish Walls
The treasures and secrets behind Demolish barriers vary, but they generally include:
- Gold and silver safes with powerful weapons
- Crafting materials for Romance Workshop
- Gear that boosts stats or adds elemental resistance
- Enemies for XP farming
- Shortcuts between key map zones
Some of the most useful late-game equipment is only found through these walls, so ignoring the Foreman job could mean missing out on top-tier loot that makes boss fights significantly easier.
Best Time to Use Demolish
While you can start using Demolish from Chapter 5 onward, the best time to revisit old areas and break walls is around Chapter 7 or 8. By then, you’ll have a stronger team capable of handling the tougher enemies sometimes found behind the walls. Also, it’s a good idea to explore thoroughly before entering Chapter 12, as story events may limit access to certain areas temporarily.
Tips for Efficient Exploration
- Switch Jobs Efficiently: Don’t keep a weak Foreman in the party permanently. Switch to Foreman only when exploring.
- Mark Areas on the Map: Use manual notes or memory to mark places you’ve seen cracked walls before unlocking Foreman.
- Check Narrow Alleys: Most Demolish locations are tucked away in dead-end alleys or behind buildings.
- Don’t Forget Underground: The Yokohama Underground Dungeon also features at least one hidden path that requires Demolish.
Is the Foreman Worth Keeping in Combat?
While the Foreman job isn’t the strongest in battle, it does have a few useful skills. It focuses on blunt attacks and crowd control, making it decent for clearing weaker enemies. However, it lacks the flexibility and raw power of classes like Breaker, Chef, or Bodyguard. Most players use Foreman primarily for its overworld skill rather than its combat utility.
The Foreman’s Demolish ability inYakuza: Like a Dragonisn’t just a gimmick it’s a powerful exploration tool that opens up large parts of the map and reveals hidden rewards. By making time to switch jobs and revisit key areas, players can gain a major edge in battles and collect some of the rarest loot in the game. Whether you’re a completionist or just looking for extra help in tough fights, mastering the Foreman Demolish locations is a smart move. It turns the city into a treasure hunt, rewarding players who explore every alley and shadowed corner of Yokohama and beyond.