The upcoming release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 has sparked significant controversy, with fans calling for a boycott after it was revealed that actor Teruyuki Kagawa, who previously admitted to sexual harassment, has been cast in the remake. This marks the latest entry in the ongoing Yakuza Kiwami project, which began in 2016 with the remake of the original Yakuza game. Since then, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has steadily worked to modernize the series for new audiences, with Yakuza Kiwami 2 arriving in 2017. Fans had long speculated about the arrival of Kiwami 3, and anticipation grew even stronger after a mention briefly appeared on the studio’s official website before being removed.
That speculation was confirmed only a week later with the release of an official announcement trailer. Alongside graphical and gameplay updates, the trailer revealed that the remake will introduce an entirely new side story titled Dark Ties, which explores the backstory of Yoshitaka Mine. However, excitement around the project has been overshadowed by outrage surrounding the decision to cast Kagawa as the voice and likeness of Goh Hamazaki, one of the game’s characters.
Why Fans Are Upset
Kagawa is a well-known actor in Japan, with a career spanning over two decades across film, television, and stage. Despite his prominence, his reputation took a significant hit in 2019 when allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. In 2022, he admitted to the misconduct, resulting in the termination of his role as a corporate ambassador for Toyota. Many fans argue that RGG Studio and publisher Sega were fully aware of Kagawa’s history and still chose to hire him, which they consider a blatant disregard for the values portrayed in the Yakuza series.
The backlash has quickly grown, with many players calling for boycotts, canceling pre-orders, and expressing frustration on social media. A petition on change.org has also been launched, already gathering thousands of signatures, stating: “The Yakuza/Ryu Ga Gotoku franchise is about morality and redemption. Hiring someone who admitted to sexual misconduct contradicts the very core of what the series stands for.”
What This Means for Yakuza Kiwami 3
With Yakuza Kiwami 3 currently scheduled for release on February 11, 2026, the situation places Sega and RGG Studio in a difficult position. By this stage of development, Kagawa’s voice work and character model are almost certainly finalized, meaning that replacing him would involve costly delays. Still, given the growing public outcry, some fans believe it is possible that the studio may ultimately reconsider the casting decision.
This is not the first time the gaming industry has faced backlash over controversial casting or misconduct-related scandals, but the outcry around Kagawa’s involvement suggests it could become a defining moment for the Yakuza franchise. As of now, neither Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio nor Sega has issued an official response to the controversy, leaving fans waiting to see whether their calls for accountability will have any impact.
