Yakuza Fans Prepare to Boycott Yakuza Kiwami 3 Over Actor With Past Sexual Misconduct
Fans of the Yakuza series are expressing strong disapproval following the recent launch of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. Criticism initially focused on redesigned characters that some claimed, “erased Okinawan culture,” but the controversy has escalated over the casting of an actor with a history of sexual misconduct.
Drama Around Yakuza Kiwami 3
A key character, Goh Hamazaki, was recast from George Takahashi to Teruyuki Kagawa, with the in-game model updated to resemble Kagawa. While some fans initially accepted the change, further scrutiny revealed that Kagawa was involved in a scandal in Japan in 2022, accused of harassing a store employee in 2019, including removing her underwear and sharing it with others. He publicly apologized and expressed deep regret, but the damage was done, leading Toyota to immediately terminate its endorsement contract. Fans view Kagawa’s casting as ignoring serious issues of sexual harassment and are calling for accountability.
Currently, campaigns on Reddit and Twitter urge a boycott of the game. Over 2,000 signatures have been collected in a petition demanding Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios recast the role, with messages such as “We cannot support this game if Kagawa is involved.” Fans are also recommending canceling preorders or buying second-hand copies to avoid directly funding the company. Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios have not yet issued a public response.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is an Extreme Remake of the action beat ’em up Yakuza 3, following ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect loved ones. The game includes a new DARK TIES mode featuring Yoshitaka Mine’s story in a standalone action-packed experience.
