For a video game series about a Japanese criminal organization, Yakuza does a good job of endowing you with moral lessons and advice. Through the substories and chapters of each entry, Kiryu tends to solve most issues with his fists. However, in-between the head-busting and humorous exchanges lie some nuggets of wisdom that come as a result of his genuine nature and unexpected emotional intelligence.
The Japanese title for the series lends itself more to this side of the franchise. Ryu ga Gotoku, meaning Like A Dragon, refers directly to Kiryu and his noble efforts of trying to reach his full potential (stemming from the folktale of the Koi evolving into a dragon with Nishikiyama). This could also be extended into the player trying to become more like Kiryu, whose noble and heroic nature helped shape the series and make him one of the best protagonists in this beloved franchise.
10 You Can Find Family
The underlying theme throughout the series has been that family doesn’t only come from blood relations. The bonds you form with the people you meet can be just as strong as any familial connection, if not stronger.
Kiryu forms a strong connection with Kazama after being raised in an orphanage. He takes care of Haruka when she has nowhere to go and then later protects other kids from the orphanage. There are numerous sets of oath brothers throughout the franchise that would die for each other. It’s prevalent throughout the whole series.
9 Always Aim Higher
Whether it’s about rising in the ranks of an alliance or fighting to become the strongest, Yakuza characters are always trying to reach for the top. Complacency isn’t a common trait but when it does show up it’s often portrayed negatively or shown to be someone’s downfall.
An interesting example of this lesson would be Kuze’s character arc from Yakuza 0. Throughout the game, his purpose is to guide Kiryu towards what a “real Yakuza” is through his resilience and determination. He berates his subordinates for preying on the weak and proclaims that he joined the Yakuza to fight those stronger than him. That’s the definition of a real Yakuza to him and Kiryu earns that title by the end of the game.
8 Don’t Kick Others While They’re Down
Funnily enough, this is something that you should always make sure to do in battle. However, outside of combat, it is looked down upon by most of the protagonists and allies. Through substories and main story content, the idea of further humiliating or harming someone when they’re at their lowest is taboo.
You’ll see Majima reprimand others for doing so and Kiryu stepping in to help. This noble characteristic is mostly on display in substory dialogue but has some flashes in story content. Let’s ignore taking his one literally.
7 Depending On Others Isn’t A Weakness
Explicitly stated in Yakuza 5, asking for help is often misconstrued as a sign of weakness. It takes strength to have enough humility to depend on someone else and that’s not a bad thing.
“It’s not weakness to depend on others. In fact, it’s proof of your strength.” - Kazuma Kiryu
There is always going to be someone out there to help you and you’re not any less of a person for needing help. According to Kiryu, letting go of your pride to depend on someone else is a bigger display of strength than bearing the weight of it yourself.
6 Don’t Cross Lines You Can’t Come Back From
Don’t be rash and don’t burn bridges due to reckless acts of anger. Before doing something, especially out of rage or a feeling of vengeance, reconsider. If it’s something you can’t come back from, it’s probably best not to do so.
The finale of Kiryu’s portion of Yakuza 0 hammers this message into the viewer’s mind. As Kiryu is about to cross the line and murder the progenitor of the events of the story, Nishikiyama steps in to stop him. He reminds Kiryu that once you murder someone, there’s no coming back from how that changes you - alluding to the events of the first Yakuza game. It’s not just a neat piece of retroactive foreshadowing but a lesson the player can take to heart.
5 Enjoy Life To The Fullest… In Your Own Style
In Yakuza 0, Majima is a prisoner in the cage known as Sotenbori. Throughout the game, he is forced to serve under others and loses all sense of individuality. After finally breaking down and refusing to be used as a tool any longer, he forges a new identity for himself.
By the end, he proclaims that he is no longer going to live a life serving others. Majima declares himself free from the cage he was trapped in for so long and that nothing is going to stop him from living life to the fullest. He gets rid of the tuxedo and adorns himself in his iconic costume.
4 Always Get Back Up
If you’ve played Yakuza 0, you know that no one ever stays down for very long. Kuze embodies this more than anyone else, fighting Kiryu five times throughout the game.
However, the two protagonists of the game are also shining examples of this message. Majima doesn’t quit and continues trying to get back into the life of a Yakuza after years of torture and punishment. Kiryu doesn’t ever stop trying to finish what Kazama started, regardless of what obstacles get thrown in his way.
3 Challenge Others To Become The Best They Can
Majima Everywhere is a standout feature in Yakuza Kiwami and gets meme’d by a lot of fans, but it’s important to take a step back and remember why it’s around. Of course, it’s fun to fight one of the most eccentric and charming characters in the franchise as he pops out of wacky locations but there’s a lesson hidden underneath that.
In hopes of fighting Kiryu in his peak - The Dragon of Dojima that is spoken about through rumors and legends - Majima keeps him on his toes after his release from prison. Majima dedicates hours of his time and the player’s time to train Kiryu back into top shape. By the time you settle the score, Kiryu is said to possibly be stronger than before he went into prison.
2 Everyone Has Dreams
Yakuza can be subtle about expressing its messages and themes of the story… but sometimes it’s not. Yakuza 5 makes sure that you know everyone has a dream. It’s explicitly stated multiple times but that doesn’t mean that the theme of the story doesn’t hold any weight.
Everyone has dreams and they should work to achieve them. Even if you have any bad luck of obstacles, you should still work towards your goals and strive for what you want. You should always pursue your dreams and Yakuza 5 makes sure that you know this.
1 Fight For What You Believe In
Figuratively or literally, every character in Yakuza fights for what they believe in. Sometimes both are necessary. Every character has a strong sense of justice, even the new and lovable Ichiban. The superhuman acts of strength are an exaggeration of the willpower and means required to fight for what’s right.
You might not have to fight hundreds of thugs on the street or brawl on skyscraper rooftops to fight for what you believe in. You could join an organization - not necessarily a criminal one - with others who share common ideals. Even something as simple as helping someone you pass by on the street could be standing for your convictions. Yakuza just takes everything up by a couple of levels.
NEXT: The Trials And Tribulations Of Being A Yakuza Fan In The Noughties
