News On Japan

Yakuza: 10 Best References To The Real World In The Series

Sometimes, Yakuza can feel too real. That's not a coincidence, with plenty of real-world references dotted about the series.

Jun 26 (thegamer.com) - From its debut to Like A Dragon, the Yakuza series has melded influences and locations from the real world into the raucous, wild world of the games.

The series' developer, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG), takes the details of Yakuza very seriously, making the games prime real estate to spot fun Easter Eggs and nods to the outside world.

Despite their unusual lifestyles, series regulars Kiryu Kazama and Goro Majima live in a world that isn't as distant from real life as it may seem. These Yakuza legends eat, play, and live in a setting many Japanese locals would recognize as if it were just outside their doors. Playing through Yakuza is as unexpected as it is satisfying, as the series keeps players on the lookout for clever moments that blur fantasy and reality.

Paul Lim — A Living Darts Legend

As you may remember, Dartslive has a product partnership with Yakuza. Perhaps their biggest collaboration came with the inclusion of a substory where Kiryu challenges Paul Lim, a real darts champion. Paul Lim completed a nine-dart finish in the 1990 World Dart Championship, to achieve a perfect 501 score in the fewest possible attempts.

Paul Lim was brought in to voice himself for the Yakuza appearance, and is also the only character to speak English in the entire entry. During the substory Paul teaches Kiryu how to play, as one of the game's legends shares his knowledge with the legendary Dragon of Dojima. Once you have what it takes to succeed your master, you'll receive the best darts in the game as compensation — a fitting reward from one of darts' most famous players. ...continue reading

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The streets of Shibuya became a chaotic scene during the year-end party season, with excessive drinking leading to public disorder. People were found sleeping on the streets, fights broke out among groups of young revelers, and police and emergency services were frequently called to intervene.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.

Japan's Ministry of Justice has released this year’s crime white paper, revealing that the number of recognized penal code offenses increased for the second consecutive year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Azami has been acting strangely. When Kirie approaches her, Azami says, "Can you take a look at my face?" She then removes her hat, revealing a shocking sight.

This week, we have a look at the Genroku Chūshingura cycle, and its recently published English translation. (Kabuki In-Depth)

The story follows Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman who once struck fear into the underworld but has since retired to lead a quiet life as a family man. Overweight and unassuming, Sakamoto now runs a small convenience store with his wife and daughter. (Netflix Anime)

As Momo, Okarun, and Turbo Granny investigate what happened to Jiji's family, they find themselves facing a series of bizarre encounters! (Netflix Japan)

Gomah and Degesu watches the intense battle against Majin Buu through a monitor in a mysterious world. (Netflix Anime)

The novel Sunset Sunrise by Shuhei Nire has been adapted into a live-action drama starring Masaki Suda, known for works such as Cloud. The story follows a young man who relocates from Tokyo to a small town in the Sanriku region of northeastern Japan after his workplace adopts remote work policies.

As the mononoke's attacks become increasingly dangerous, the Medicine Seller must find the Reason before it's too late. (Netflix Anime)

Nara Prefecture is under fire for allocating 270 million yen ($1.75 million) in taxpayer money to host a free K-Pop concert at Nara Park next October. The event, expected to attract 9,000 attendees, will feature South Korean artists, with their fees and travel expenses covered by the Korean side. However, Nara will shoulder the operational costs.