Yakuza Kiwami 3: Kagawa Casting Sparks Renewed Fan Backlash
A brand-new trailer for the highly anticipated PlayStation remake, Yakuza Kiwami 3, has inadvertently fanned the flames of a significant controversy, causing a fan-led campaign to resurface across social media. Instead of building excitement, the showcase of the game's Japanese voice talent has drawn sharp criticism for the prominent inclusion of actor Teruyuki Kagawa, whose casting has been a point of contention since the project's reveal.
The backlash centers on the recasting of Goh Hamazaki, a major antagonist from the original 2009 title. In the upcoming remake, both the likeness and voice for the character are provided by Kagawa, a well-known figure in Japanese film and television. However, revelations about Kagawa's past have led a vocal segment of the series' dedicated fanbase to call for his removal, with the hashtag #REMOVEKAGAWA gaining momentum once again.
Who is Goh Hamazaki in Yakuza 3?
For those unfamiliar with the original PlayStation 3 classic, Goh Hamazaki is a formidable and ruthless figure within the world of Yakuza 3. As a patriarch of a family within the powerful Tojo Clan, Hamazaki serves as a primary antagonist whose actions directly impact series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. His character is central to the game's crime-world narrative, making the choice of actor to portray him in a modern remake a critical decision for developer Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio. The Kiwami line of remakes is known for updating character models, often using the likenesses of famous actors to add a new layer of cinematic realism, a practice that has historically been praised by fans.
The Heart of the Controversy: Teruyuki Kagawa
The current controversy is not related to Teruyuki Kagawa's acting ability, but to serious allegations of past misconduct that have been substantiated. In recent years, Kagawa was the subject of a major scandal in Japan after reports surfaced detailing incidents of sexual harassment. These events led to a lawsuit and resulted in Kagawa being dropped from several high-profile television roles and lucrative corporate sponsorships.
For many fans, the inclusion of an individual with this history in a beloved franchise is a significant misstep. The community has expressed disappointment that the studio would align itself with the actor, particularly for a major role in such a high-profile release. The new trailer, which highlights Kagawa’s performance, has been seen by critics as a doubling-down on a poor decision, leading to the resurgence of the campaign demanding his replacement.
A History of Recasting in the Yakuza Franchise
The fan backlash is amplified by RGG Studio’s own history of dealing with controversies surrounding its actors. The studio has previously taken decisive action in similar, though distinct, situations, creating a precedent that fans are now citing.
- Pierre Taki in Judgment: The most frequently cited example is that of actor and musician Pierre Taki, who provided the likeness and voice for the character Kyohei Hamura in the 2018 spin-off title Judgment. Following Taki's arrest on drug-related charges, publisher SEGA acted swiftly. They immediately halted all sales of the game in Japan, both physical and digital. The studio then worked to replace Taki’s character model and re-record all of his lines with a different actor before re-releasing the game worldwide.
- Hiroki Narimiya in Yakuza 4: A similar situation occurred with the remaster of Yakuza 4. In the original game, the character Masayoshi Tanimura was voiced by and modeled after actor Hiroki Narimiya. After Narimiya retired from the entertainment industry following drug-use allegations, RGG Studio recast the role for the remastered version. The character was given a new voice actor and a completely new character model that no longer resembled Narimiya.
These past actions have established a clear pattern: RGG Studio and SEGA have been willing to invest significant time and resources to remove and replace actors involved in public scandals. This history has left many fans questioning why the serious allegations of sexual harassment against Kagawa are being treated differently than the drug-related issues of past actors.
The Community Calls for Consistency
The core of the #REMOVEKAGAWA movement is a call for consistency and accountability. On social media and fan forums, players are discussing the perceived double standard. The sentiment is that while the studio has taken a strong stance against illegal drug use, it is seemingly overlooking verified instances of sexual misconduct.
The release of the new Yakuza Kiwami 3 trailer has brought this debate to the forefront. While some are focused on the gameplay and graphical enhancements, the conversation is largely dominated by the controversy. Fans are voicing their concerns directly to SEGA and RGG Studio, hoping that the public pressure will encourage them to reconsider the casting of Goh Hamazaki before the game's final release. As of now, neither the developer nor the publisher has issued a public statement on the renewed backlash.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 Casting FAQ
Q: Why was Goh Hamazaki recast for Yakuza Kiwami 3?
A: In its Kiwami remakes, RGG Studio often recasts characters and uses the likenesses of famous Japanese actors to enhance the cinematic quality and realism of the game. Teruyuki Kagawa was chosen to provide his likeness and voice for the updated version of the character.
Q: Who is Teruyuki Kagawa?
A: Teruyuki Kagawa is a prominent and award-winning Japanese actor known for his extensive work in film and television. In recent years, his career was impacted by a significant scandal involving allegations of sexual harassment.
Q: Has RGG Studio ever replaced an actor in a game before?
A: Yes. The studio famously replaced actor Pierre Taki in the game Judgment following a drug-related arrest, going so far as to pull the game from sale to do so. They also replaced the actor and character model for Masayoshi Tanimura in the Yakuza 4 remaster after the original actor retired from the industry amid a scandal.