The creative choices behind the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series have come under increased scrutiny, and a recent justification from director Ryosuke Horii regarding a controversial casting decision has only amplified the debate. Horii defended the selection of actor Teruyuki Kagawa for the role of Goh Hamazaki in 2026’s Yakuza Kiwami 3, stating the team specifically sought an actor who projected a “creepy” vibe.
The casting has drawn significant criticism due to allegations of sexual assault against Kagawa. According to reports from 4, 2025, on Facebook and detailed in a 30, 2025, ResetEra thread, Kagawa was accused of sexual harassment in 2022, admitting to one incident while his agency dismissed further allegations. This history prompted calls for his replacement, mirroring a previous decision by the studio to recast actor Pierre Taki in the Judgment series following a drug-related incident.
Horii, speaking to Japanese outlet GAME Watch (as reported by IGN), explained the rationale behind the decision. “Hamazaki is a sleazy, persistent, and militant yakuza, right?” he said. “Since he isn’t an explosive character like Kanda, when we tried to think of someone who makes you go, ‘This guy’s a creep,’ naturally it was Kagawa–that was the main factor. Kagawa’s acting is fun to watch. Even when he’s chopping a pig’s feet off with a chef’s knife, it has a slimy feel. That feeling permeates his performance, so it brings a freshness to the scene and made it feel really fun.”
The justification has been met with further backlash, raising questions about the studio’s priorities and its handling of sensitive issues. The incident arrives at a pivotal moment for RGG Studio, the developer behind the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchises. The studio is navigating a transition following the departure of series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, who is now working with NetEase on a similar project. This leadership change has coincided with a series of creative decisions that have alienated some long-time fans.
Beyond the casting controversy, concerns have been raised about alterations to the narrative and gameplay in Yakuza Kiwami 3. A recent report from TheGamer highlighted fan frustration with retconned character deaths, altered storylines, and the removal of key gameplay elements from the original Yakuza 3, specifically the “Revelation” system. This system, which allowed players to uncover new abilities by observing specific targets in the city, has been entirely omitted from the remake.
The decision to cut content from the original game has fueled a broader anxiety among fans, who fear that RGG Studio is sacrificing the integrity of its past work in pursuit of a new creative vision. One ResetEra user expressed concern that the studio’s previous retcons to Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut had eroded their trust. The user specifically lamented the loss of content from the original Yakuza 3, questioning the purpose of the remake if significant portions of the source material are being discarded.
The issues extend to visual fidelity as well. Reports indicate concerns about the graphics in Yakuza Kiwami 3, with some fans noting inconsistencies and a perceived decline in quality. This comes as RGG Studio attempts to balance respecting the legacy of the series with forging a new path forward. The studio is walking a “fine line,” as TheGamer put it, between honoring what came before and establishing its own distinct identity.
The Kagawa casting is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern of decisions that have prompted a reevaluation of RGG Studio’s direction. The studio’s willingness to defend the casting, framing it as a purely artistic choice based on the character’s needs, has only intensified the criticism. The focus on Kagawa’s ability to portray a “creep” has been widely condemned as tone-deaf and insensitive, given the serious nature of the allegations against him.
The situation raises broader questions about the responsibility of game developers when it comes to casting choices and the potential impact of those choices on players. While artistic vision is undoubtedly important, it must be balanced with ethical considerations and a sensitivity to the experiences of those who may be affected by the casting decisions. The response to the Kagawa casting suggests that many fans believe RGG Studio has failed to strike that balance.
As RGG Studio continues to navigate this period of transition, the studio faces a critical challenge: to rebuild trust with its fanbase and demonstrate a commitment to both creative excellence and ethical responsibility. The future of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series may depend on it.
