During the launch event for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties in Malaysia, we had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Ryosuke Horii, the Director of the aforementioned titles. Horii has been a key figure at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the beloved Yakuza / Like a Dragon series, where he has played a central role in shaping the story, gameplay, and overall direction of the franchise for many years. Known for his deep involvement in both the mainline entries and spinoff projects.

He opened the interview with a cheerful “Apa Khabar!” — a local greeting in Bahasa Malaysia meaning “How are you?” — a small but thoughtful gesture that was especially meaningful given it was his first time visiting the country. The moment immediately set a warm and welcoming tone for the conversation that followed.

Kiryu’s Happiness and Contentment

When asked if Kazuma Kiryu would ever find a true happy ending, Horii acknowledged the difficulty of portraying Yakuza characters with a classic “happy ever after”: “Given that in our series we portray a lot of characters that are considered underground (Yakuza) in the scene, it is quite a sensitive topic in terms of game message, to portray these characters as easily being able to get a happy ever after. I know many fans are worried for Kiryu’s future and wish for him to have happiness. From my perspective, I think Kiryu is in many ways content and has some forms of happiness. In the latest game in Yakuza 8, there’s a segment where he fell ill, but he is surrounded by comrades who care for him. Kiryu, much like the users themselves, is beloved all over the world. One could say there is a current of happiness running through him, and I feel that way too.”

The Evolution of the ‘Like a Dragon’ Series

When asked how the series has evolved, Horii explained: “For twenty years, I’ve been creating games, and initially, it was all about enjoying the story. Other elements were designed so they wouldn’t interfere with the storyline. Recently, I’ve noticed that activities and freedom outside the main story have become much more important. We now develop these elements to support the story and add depth. That shift is probably one of the biggest changes in the Ryu Ga Gotoku series so far.”

Favorite Karaoke Song

When asked about his favorite karaoke song, Horii shared: “I’ve spent more than ten years creating karaoke songs for the series. We now have over 50 songs, and I truly love all of them. But if I had to choose one, it would be ‘Hands’ by Kazuma Kiryu. The lyrics can be a little depressing because it’s related to his child. I wrote it while suffering from a serious illness. While struggling, I thought a lot about myself and my son. I poured all those emotions into the song. Given this background, I have many memories associated with it and I believe it embodies warmth. That’s why it’s still my favourite.”

Fate of Tanimura and Shinada

When asked about Tanimura (Yakuza 4) and Shinada (Yakuza 5), Horii reassured fans: “All I can say is that they are not dead. We may not have portrayed their stories in subsequent titles, but I would love for fans to imagine what might be going on in their lives. Perhaps they’re facing their own battles or experiencing events we haven’t shown yet. As long as they’re alive, future protagonists could encounter them again. For now, fans can use their imagination and figure out what has been happening to these characters.”

Gaiden Possibilities

When asked about a gaiden-style game featuring Daigo or the Jima brothers, Horii said: “One concern is how well a Gaiden-style game focused on the Jima brothers would be received. As for Daigo, in the current title, his connection with Mine shows much of his background and personal story. Since Mine plays a central role, you could say it’s also Daigo’s story. I hope fans will play the game and learn more about their history together. A standalone game with Daigo as the main character would be a great challenge. We would love to try one day, but at the moment, we don’t have any plans.”

Female Yakuza as a Main Character

When asked about a female yakuza lead, Horii explained: “I often receive ideas about female yakuza, and I find it intriguing. If the right opportunity comes, and we can present a strong female character, perhaps even as a female yakuza, then it’s something we may explore. Currently, there isn’t much momentum in the game scene for female yakuza characters. However, we are seeing more games with strong female leads.”

Future Locations for the Yakuza Series

When asked about countries he would like to explore for future games, Horii shared: “There are many examples within Japan and globally that inspire me. For example, right now we are in Malaysia. It would be great to use Malaysia as a stage. Personally, I would love to set a game in space someday. I don’t know how many installments it would take to get there. It may sound ridiculous, but that’s also what makes it fun. I hope to see a setting like that in the future.”

Wacky Mini-Game Ideas

When asked about mini-game ideas he hasn’t implemented yet, Horii explained: “I’m always thinking about how to incorporate new mini-games. One idea I’m really curious about is seating arrangements in schools. Where students sit is quite important. You might move mischievous students to the front or separate two students who don’t get along. You would play as a teacher, solving a puzzle to find the best seating layout. It may sound unusual, but I think it’s interesting, and I hope we can implement it one day.”

Yakuza Kart

When asked about Yakuza Kart, Horii responded: “I love the idea of creating the Yakuza cart. We get many comments asking, ‘When is this coming out? How long do we need to wait?’ We do wonder if it would sell and how the public would receive it. That’s something we always think about. Perhaps when the studio has more flexibility, we might try it. At the moment, we don’t have any plans.”

Other Media Adaptations of Yakuza

On Yakuza stories in other formats like novels or anime, Horii explained: “If we were to serialize it or present it in other media forms, like novelizations or anime adaptations, it is entirely possible. But as someone in the game industry, we chose to express ourselves through games. Even if more adaptations appear in the future, we will continue to prioritize games as the main medium for expanding the franchise.”

Hypothetical Cliff Scenario

When asked whom he would save if Kiryu and Ichiban were falling from a cliff, Horii joked: “I wouldn’t choose to save either of them. They’re both capable people. Even if they fell off a cliff, they would find a way to survive. If I tried to save one, I might get dragged into trouble myself. So I would choose not to save any of them and get out of there.”

Bringing Yakuza Characters to Malaysia

When asked if he could bring Kiryu or Ichiban to Malaysia, Horii said: “This is my first time in Malaysia, and I was very surprised and pleased when I arrived. It’s a very interesting country. Near the city centre, you see modern development alongside nature. As a setting, it has many unique points that could be fun to use in the franchise. At the moment, there are no plans. But who knows, maybe one day. Though if it happens, it might come after we go to space.”

Trying Malaysia’s King of Fruits, the Durian

When asked if he would try Malaysia’s famous durian during his first visit, Horii immediately said, “I want to try eating it.” The team had prepared a Musang King durian for him, with Luqman, the office durian expert, explaining the fruit and carefully opening it.

Horii took a bite—and then, to everyone’s surprise, took a second bite. He smiled and said, “It’s actually really good, Malaysia is the best!”

Our durian expert explained further: “It’s the favourite for everyone because it has the perfect flavour and texture profile. Some are bitter, some sweet. Some are firmer, some creamier. But this is the perfect balance. Durian is also very heaty. Traditionally, people either drink water with salt or take the husk, fill it with water, and drink.”

Curious, Horii tried drinking from the husk and enjoyed the experience, saying, “This is a wonderful gift, thank you so much.”

Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on his first visit to Malaysia, Horii said: “For this newly released title, it took a lot of courage to remake an older game in the franchise. We truly gave it our best, and we believe it has turned out to be one of our stronger releases in recent years. We hope you continue to show support and enjoy the game. I hope I’ll have a chance to visit Malaysia again. Thank you so much! Terima Kasih!”

With that final phrase — the Bahasa Malaysia word for “thank you” — Horii brought the session to a close, ending his first Malaysian appearance the same way he began it: with a local touch.

You can check out Horii-san’s X account here.