WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS for Like a Dragon Gaiden ahead. Proceed at your own risk.Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Namewas released earlier this month, continuing the story of former protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. On the heels oftheYakuzafranchise’s next major release,Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the title explores Kiryu’s actions afterYakuza 6: The Song of Life. While Kiryu has since taken on a new alias, Joryu,Like a Dragon Gaidensees a host of new and returning characters refer to the legendary Dragon of Dojima by a variety of former titles. During the game’s concluding scenes, Daidoji Faction manager and agent Kihei Hanawa assigns a new alias to Kiryu as he embarks on a trip to Hawaii - Taichi Suzuki. While the name may be just another alias to recent fans, veterans may recall its significance. The title of Taichi Suzuki comes from an earlier era in theYakuzafranchise, and Hanawa’s use of the title inLike a Dragon Gaidenholds a surprising reveal.
Like a Dragon Gaidenfollows Kiryu Kazuma after the Daidoji faction helps him fake his death to protect those he loves. Despite adopting a number of peaceful philosophies in the time since his heyday, Kiryu is quickly placed at the center of a critical situation, as a massive shift threatens to throw all of Japan into turmoil.Like a Dragon Gaidensees the character encounter several familiar faces while doing tasks assigned to him by Kihei Hanawa. It’s clear early on that Kiryu and Hanawa share a deep bond of trust, as the two trust each other with their lives on multiple accounts. However, Hanawa’s final assignment to Kiryu, his new alias, reveals that the connection between the two goes farther back than anyone had realized.
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Taichi Suzuki is one of Kiryu’s Yakuza Aliases
WhileLike a Dragon Gaidentakes place between 2019 and 2020, the “Taichi Suzuki” alias dates back to 2011. Many of Kazuma Kiryu’s recent adventures stem from his connection to the Morning Glory Orphanage, which he has sworn to support and protect with his life. During the events ofYakuza 5, Kiryu takes on the alias of Taichi Suzuki and becomes a taxi driver in Nagasugai, Fukuoka, in order to distance himself from Haruka Sawamura and the Morning Glory Orphanage, as the former attempts to become a pop star. While Kiryu has very little contact with the orphanage, he continues to support them from afar, sending nearly all of his paychecks to the orphans.
ThroughoutYakuza 5’s story, a massive plot to murder members of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance draws Kiryu into a rapidly spiraling series of events. With the 7th chairman of the Omi Alliance terminally ill and interim leader of the delegation, Daigo Dojima, missing, Kiryu searches for the truth as a series of murders unfold, eventually leading him to Tokyo. There he again crosses paths with Haruka and is forced to protect her concert, before finally discovering the motive for the murders. After Kiryu emerges victorious from a climactic life-or-death battle, Haruka decides to reveal her past to the public, retires from being an idol, and reunites with him.
How Hanawa Knows Taichi Suzuki
The major events ofLike a Dragon Gaidensee the Omi Alliance and Tojo Clan officially disbanded after Kiryu rebuffs all opposers to Masaru Watase’s dissolution order at a leadership gathering. The dissolution results inthe Daidoji factiongrowing in power, as organized crime’s biggest powers are no longer active. As a reward for his service, Hanawa shows Kiryu a video of the Morning Glory residents visiting his grave before he departs on a trip to Hawaii, USA. To travel beyond the Daidoji Dojo, Hanawa forges Kiryu a new identity, Taichi Suzuki, before revealing that, in his “former life”, Hanawa had met Kiryu under that same alias.
Like a Dragon Gaidenrefrains from shedding more light onHanawa and Kiryu’s first meeting, but fans can narrow down the time and place. As the Taichi Suzuki alias is contained toYakuza 5, the two would have to have crossed paths between 2011 and 2012 in Nagasugai, Fukuoka, before Kiryu left for Tokyo. While Hanawa’s former life is shrouded in mystery, fans may not have to wait long to learn more about this fated meeting. Both Hanawa and Kiryu are set to return inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which is due to arrive in January 2024.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
WHERE TO PLAY
ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE: Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding. Under the codename “Joryu,” Kiryu embarks on a gripping action narrative with bone-shattering combat in vibrant locations filled with exciting characters and activities.ULTIMATE COMBAT WITH TWO HIGH-IMPACT FIGHTING STYLES: Dynamically switch between the Yakuza and Agent fighting styles in visceral melee combat. With the Yakuza style, strike fear into enemies by unleashing wildly aggressive moves powered by Kiryu’s unparalleled strength and flair. Or up the ante with the Agent style by delivering blows with absolute speed and precision, while using an array of high-tech gadgets like electrified bind wires to stun enemies then send them flying. Strategically adapt to the situation and leverage both styles to dominate and destroy hordes of enemies.ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENTWhether you’re brawling in the secret Battle arena, singing a new karaoke song, enjoying a drink at the live-action cabaret club, or racing in the pocket circuit, the world offers a variety of immersive experiences. An intriguing informant named Akame also provides thrilling sub-missions, drawing you into an epic showdown that unfolds the more you explore and enjoy Sotenbori and Yokohama.
