How to Watch Like a Dragon: Yakuza – Streaming Status and Release Schedule

Six total episodes of the video game-to-TV series Like a Dragon: Yakuza will stream on Prime Video.

Oct 24, 2024 - 14:00

How to Watch Like a Dragon: Yakuza – Streaming Status and Release Schedule

The loose TV adaptation of the long-running Yakuza game series is already here after being announced in June. As a fan, I was initially both stoked and skeptical hearing the news: The games are downright cinematic, but would the show be able to also capture the goofy humor and charm that also exist within the games, particularly in the side quests? Luckily, Ryu Ga Gotoko Studio was heavily involved in production and Ryoma Takeuchi, the actor playing Kazuma Kiryu, did not half-ass his preparations to inhabit the icon Kazuma Kiryu. Watching the trailer for the first time assuaged about 75% of my worries; even just going off the costuming of random yakuza guys wandering the streets, it's clear the series appears to Get It. You can read IGN's Like a Dragon: Yakuza review for more of our takes.

With the first three episodes just released, Yakuza heads won't have to wait any longer to find out how well the Amazon series stands on its own. Read on to find out more about how to stream the Like a Dragon: Yakuza TV show online now.

How to Watch Like a Dragon: Yakuza

Like a Dragon: Yakuza is streaming exclusively on Prime Video. You'll need a subscription for that; if you don't already have one, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial that gets access to all of the Amazon Prime benefits (free shipping, exclusive deals, free Grubhub+, etc.).

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Episode Release Schedule

The Yakuza series is six episodes total releasing in two parts: the first three on Thursday, October 24 and the other three on Thursday, October 31. Each episode runs around 40-45 minutes long.

How to Play the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Games

If you aren't already in the (unofficial) Yakuza Fan Club, but, after watching the series, you're thinkin' it's about time you joined, I have some great news: The nine (soon to be 10) mainline Yakuza/Like a Dragon games and spinoffs are available on most platforms. The only console that's a little light on Yakuza options is the Switch, which is getting a little love thrown its way. Yakuza Kiwami, the remake of the first Yakuza game, is also out on the Switch starting today.

What Is the Like a Dragon: Yakuza TV Show About?

The Yakuza TV show is specifically not trying to remake the game series on a story basis, going as far as discouraging the cast from playing the games at all. Instead, it's aiming more for an adaptation in vibes and spirit. Here's the official synopsis from Prime Video:

"This Japanese action drama plunges into the dark underworld of the yakuza, exploring the universal theme of family not only through bloodline but also through ties between yakuza bosses and their underlings, orphans and their caretakers, as well as mentors and students. These relationships are marked by deep affection at times, and by intense conflict at others, all intricately intertwined. Set in the fictional town of Kamurocho, the story unfolds across two intersecting timelines – 1995 and 2005.

"In 1995, eager to escape their restrictive lives, Kiryu and his friends, Nishiki, Yumi, and Miho plan a heist at a local arcade. However, the arcade is under the control of the Dojima Family, a powerful yakuza organization that rules Kamurocho. They dive into the yakuza-controlled underworld of 1995 Kamurocho. Meanwhile, in 2005, Kiryu is set to be released from prison. He learns from Detective Date that his friends are in danger and decides to return to Kamurocho to protect them. However, their friendship has deteriorated, as tensions between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance are at a boiling point."