Yakuza creator doesn’t want Kiryu in a fighting game for a very specific reason

Kiryu Kazama has become a staple when it comes to Japanese fighers. Funny really, as Kiryu has never featured in a fighting game. And no, we’re not including the limited access game that is Streets of Kamurocho. A possible reason for the absence of Kiryu in these sorts of games may be because of Yakuza creator, Toshihiro Nagoshi.

Red Bull France had the opportunity to speak to the Yakuza creator, who didn’t hold back on stating why Kiryu hadn’t made an appearance in games like Tekken. He doesn’t like the thought of seeing Kiryu fighting women.

“We do get this request a lot. Of course there are exceptions,” Nagoshi said, “but fighting games generally have female characters, and personally I don’t really want to see Kiryu beating up women.”

As Yakuza players will tell you, Kiryu is a kind person who values honor and chivalry – feeling protective over the underdog, so to speak. He also doesn’t believe in hurting women and children, so it makes sense that Nagoshi has strong feelings about Kiryu in a fighting game that includes female characters and going against his beliefs. It is just a character of course, but we believe that it speaks a lot about Nagoshi’s willingness to keep Kiryu consistent, even if he is in a game that isn’t his own.

Of course you could also argue that it’s 2020 and women can fight just as hard and well as Kiryu, but let’s be honest, it’s refreshing for a character’s integrity – whether it be fictional or not – to be considered.

Speaking of Yakuza, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is now officially available to play on PC, PS4 and XB1. Will you be going on a brand new adventure? Let us know in the comments below.

About The Author

Aimee Hart

[She/They] Aimee Hart specializes in queer fandom, video games and tabletop, having started her career writing for numerous websites like The Verge, Polygon, Input Magazine and more. Her goal now is to boost LGBTQ+ voices in the video games industry.

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