Updated on September 21, 3:20 p.m. (GMT+8): Added Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name’s main theme.

SEGA’s highly anticipated release, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, is set to captivate gamers with its tale of intrigue, redemption, and power.

At the heart of this captivating narrative are eight major characters, each with unique backgrounds and motivations, intricately shaping the events of the game. Allies and adversaries leave a lasting impression on players, delivering an immersive and multifaceted gaming experience.

As players navigate the intricate web of rival factions, they encounter two powerful and secretive organizations vying for supremacy within the city’s shadows. Decisions made along the way will influence Kiryu’s destiny, setting the stage for an epic adventure that redefines the boundaries of the action-adventure genre. 

Here is everything you need to know about Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.



What is Like a Dragon Gaiden?

The Like A Dragon video game series, formerly known as Yakuza, has grown into a massive franchise.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a captivating spin-off game poised to delve deeper into the franchise’s expansive lore.

Following the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, the series’ main protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma, inadvertently stumbles upon highly classified and illegal Japanese military secrets.

Fearing for the safety of his loved ones, Kiryu decides to leave his past behind and strike a deal. He will keep the secrets to himself in exchange for the opportunity to fake his death. 

This pivotal moment marks the juncture at which Kiryu “erases his name,” setting the stage for the events that unfold in Like A Dragon Gaiden. 


Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name release date

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is scheduled for a global release on November 9, 2023. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

When you pre-order, you’ll receive the exclusive “Legendary Fighter Pack,” featuring bonus boss battles against iconic characters such as Daigo Dojima, Goro Majima, and Taiga Saejima.

You can watch the game trailer below.



Like a Dragon: The Man Who Erased His Name story

Once a revered yakuza legend, Kazuma Kiryu fakes his death and severs ties with his past life and loved ones. Under the alias Joryu, he strikes a deal with the enigmatic Daidoji Faction and guards an illegal gold smuggling site in the Port of Yokohama.

A mysterious group recognizes Kiryu during a chaotic encounter, unraveling his carefully crafted persona. Despite cutting all ties with his past, Kiryu finds himself drawn back into the enigmatic underworld, navigating conflicting loyalties and newfound adversaries.

As Kiryu’s shadowy past resurfaces, the allure of his former life clashes with the treacherous world he now inhabits. Amidst hidden truths and encounters, he embarks on a journey testing his true strength, with fate casting a shadow upon his path.


Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name’s characters and factions

Eight Major Characters

Kosei Shishido

Kosei Shishido in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

He is the formidable ace in the hole for the powerful Watase Family, a prominent subsidiary of the Omi Alliance. As a ruthless lieutenant, he fearlessly wields deadly weapons and enforces authority through terror and intimidation.

Shishido has no regard for the lives of his victims under the leadership of Masaru Watase, the next in line to become the alliance’s chairman.

Yuki Tsuruno

Yuki Tsuruno in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

He is a dedicated Yakuza bound by allegiance to the Watase Family, a dominant force within the Omi Alliance. 

As a captain and the second highest-ranking member, Tsuruno exhibits boldness and meticulous planning, expertly leading the group without its head with unwavering loyalty and tenacity. Driven by a relentless desire to ensnare Kiryu, he has cunningly laid a plethora of traps in pursuit of his goal.

Akame

Akane in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

She is a mysterious and versatile figure, well-versed in the intricacies of Sotenbori, Osaka. A jack-of-all-trades, she holds an extensive network known as the Akame Network, which grants her knowledge of every corner of the city’s underbelly. 

Acting as a proficient intermediary, she guides individuals to their intended destinations while remaining shrouded in secrecy.

Homare Nishitani III

Homare Nishitani III in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

As the third patriarch of the Kijin Clan, Nishitani stands as a direct subsidiary of the formidable Omi Alliance. Despite his youthful appearance, Nishitani swiftly climbed the ranks to assume leadership, concealing his madness behind his dashing facade. 

Thriving on life-and-death battles, he holds an unwavering influence within the Omi Alliance, standing on equal footing with figures like Watase.

Kihei Hanawa

Kihei Hanawa in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

Kihei Hanawa, a seasoned veteran, takes on the role of a smooth-talking leader for the Daidoji Faction, relying on wit and charm rather than brawn. He serves as the sole point of contact between Kazuma Kiryu and the outside world. 

Operating with a strictly professional demeanor, Hanawa’s interactions with Kiryu lack any trace of warmth, and he does not hesitate to reprimand the legendary Yakuza when necessary.

Yoshimura

Yoshimura in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

As a manager within the Daidoji faction, Yoshimura is known for his expertise in employing violence.

His unwavering dedication lies with the faction, and he spares no mercy in swiftly neutralizing anyone deemed a danger. He makes no effort to conceal his disdain for Kiryu, a man who refuses to align himself with any group.

Boss

Boss in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

Apart from his prominent position as a senior officer within the Daidoji faction, little else is revealed about this elderly man who relies on a wheelchair.

Holding considerable authority within the organization, he insists that Kiryu honor the agreement they forged with the Daidoji.

Head Priest

Head Priest in Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

The leading clergyman of the Daidoji, he’s unattached to worldly cravings, finding solace in solitary games of Go.

Among the limited individuals Kiryu trusts, he stands as one.

Two Powerful Organizations in the Underworld

Omi Alliance

The Omi Alliance headquarters in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

The group is Japan’s largest yakuza organization based in Osaka. In light of their main rival, the Tojo Clan’s decline, the Omi Alliance is poised to extend its dominion, solidifying its grasp over the entire country.

Daidoji Faction

The Daidoji Faction headquarters in the Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Credit: SEGA

The group is the heir to the late Minoru Daidoji’s wealth and political influence. The Daidoji Faction operates covertly with deep roots in the underbelly of the political and business world.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name’s theme



SEGA announced on September 20 that the game’s main theme will be “Kakatoki” (片時), an original song from Japanese musical artists, Yojiro Noda and J.I.D.

Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.

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