Upcoming Yakuza Prequel Features the Likeness of a Late Actor from Over a Decade Ago

Xbox and Sega recently held a broadcast revealing exciting new information about their upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger than Heaven. However, the announcement has sparked controversy due to RGG Studio’s decision to use the likeness of the late film actor Bunta Sugawara, who passed away in 2014.

In a statement regarding the game, Sega clarified, “In STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd.—which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series—RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time.

“The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara,” Sega added.

Bunta Sugawara is celebrated for his role in the five-part series Battles Without Honor and Humanity, a groundbreaking yakuza film saga from the 1970s that played a significant role in shaping the modern genre and ultimately inspired the Like a Dragon games. Takashi Ukaji, known for his work in franchises like Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Fist of the North Star, will be making his video game debut by voicing Sugawara’s character in Stranger than Heaven.

This marks the first instance of RGG Studio using the likeness of a deceased individual in their games, and many view it as a misstep. While the studio has not employed generative AI for Sugawara’s likeness, the decision raises concerns about the potential exploitation of his legacy. If the goal is to honor Sugawara’s contributions, it might be more fitting to celebrate his extensive body of work during his lifetime rather than resurrecting his image posthumously.