Yakuza 5 expands the series in nearly every direction, delivering a deeper story, more diverse gameplay, and a broader cast of characters than any previous entry. One of the most notable features of Yakuza 5 is the inclusion of five playable characters, each with their own distinct storyline, fighting style, and city to explore. This multi-perspective approach allows players to see the events of the game unfold from multiple angles, creating a complex narrative web full of intrigue, emotion, and action. Getting to know each of these protagonists and understanding how they fit into the game’s structure is essential for appreciating Yakuza 5’s ambitious storytelling and gameplay design.
Kazuma Kiryu The Dragon Returns
Kazuma Kiryu, the longtime protagonist of the Yakuza series, returns once again as a central figure in Yakuza 5. In this installment, Kiryu is living under a false identity as a taxi driver in Fukuoka, trying to live a peaceful life away from the yakuza world. However, he is soon pulled back into conflict as a major war brews among Japan’s criminal organizations.
City: Fukuoka
Kiryu’s part of the game takes place in Nagasugai, a fictional district modeled after Fukuoka’s real-life Nakasu area. This city offers a fresh environment and a variety of new mini-games and side quests.
Fighting Style
Kiryu retains his balanced and powerful brawler style. His moves focus on powerful counters, direct punches, and brutal grapples. Over the course of his story, Kiryu’s Heat Actions become increasingly dynamic and impactful, making him feel like a seasoned veteran of street fighting.
Taiga Saejima Survival and Redemption
Taiga Saejima, introduced in Yakuza 4, returns as one of the main playable characters in Yakuza 5. A former death row inmate and feared yakuza legend, Saejima’s story begins as he is transferred to another prison facility in snowy Hokkaido. After an escape sequence, his chapter evolves into a survival narrative set in the harsh wilderness, eventually returning to an urban setting full of conflict and revelations.
City: Hokkaido (Tsukimino)
Saejima’s main exploration area is Tsukimino, a fictionalized version of Sapporo. The environment offers icy streets, hidden alleys, and unique local side stories, including hunting wildlife in the snowy mountains.
Fighting Style
Saejima’s combat style emphasizes raw power. He moves slower than other characters but deals massive damage with each hit. His grabs, throws, and heavy punches make him a tank-like fighter who can take on groups of enemies with sheer force.
Shun Akiyama The Charismatic Moneylender
Shun Akiyama, another returning character from Yakuza 4, brings his unique flair and fast-paced combat to Yakuza 5. As the head of Sky Finance, he gets involved in the unfolding chaos when a new client with a mysterious background requests a large loan. His story takes place in Osaka, filled with fast chases, financial intrigue, and street brawls.
City: Osaka (Sotenbori)
Osaka is one of the series’ staple locations, and Sotenbori remains lively with its neon signs, bridges, and comedy culture. Akiyama’s chapter includes nightlife elements, music-related events, and encounters with shady business dealings.
Fighting Style
Akiyama’s fighting style is fast and agile. He uses flashy kicks, quick dodges, and fluid combos to overwhelm enemies. His speed allows players to chain attacks effortlessly, making him one of the most stylish fighters in the game.
Haruka Sawamura A New Way to Fight
For the first time in the Yakuza series, Haruka becomes a playable character in Yakuza 5. However, she doesn’t engage in combat like the other characters. Instead, her gameplay focuses on rhythm-based mini-games, idol training, and life as a rising pop star. This major shift in gameplay provides a fresh perspective and expands the game’s world beyond street fights and gang conflicts.
City: Osaka (Sotenbori)
Haruka also explores Sotenbori, but her activities focus more on talent agencies, performance halls, and idol competitions. Her story dives into the entertainment industry’s darker corners while maintaining her hopeful and determined tone.
Gameplay Mechanics
Haruka’s battles are performance-based. Players must complete dance battles, participate in interviews, and compete in popularity contests. The rhythm game elements involve hitting cues in sync with music, adding variety to the overall gameplay structure of Yakuza 5.
Tatsuo Shinada The Underdog with a Past
New to the series, Tatsuo Shinada is a disgraced former baseball player trying to rebuild his life after a career-ending scandal. He gets pulled into the larger narrative when he’s approached by a mysterious figure offering him the chance to clear his name. His journey adds new perspectives to the Yakuza world, involving themes of redemption and legacy.
City: Nagoya (Kineicho)
Kineicho, based on Nagoya, serves as Shinada’s home turf. The city offers a mix of sports-related sub-stories, gritty alleyways, and new NPCs that expand the Yakuza universe.
Fighting Style
Shinada’s fighting is unrefined but scrappy. He uses improvised weapons like bats, chairs, and even broken signs. While his technical skills are lower than other protagonists, his resourcefulness and desperation make his combat fun and chaotic. He excels in weapon-based attacks and crowd control.
How the Characters Interconnect
While each of the five protagonists in Yakuza 5 has a separate story and city, all of them are tied to the same overarching conflict: a brewing war between major yakuza factions. As the narrative progresses, the characters’ paths gradually intertwine. Eventually, they come together for a climactic final act that ties together each personal story into a unified conclusion.
Chapter-Based Structure
- Each character has their own chapter, complete with side stories, main quests, and unique gameplay features.
- The game rotates between them as the story unfolds, building anticipation and depth.
- The final chapter unites all characters for a combined conclusion with major stakes.
This structure gives players time to fully engage with each character and their setting before moving on to the next, making the eventual convergence more impactful.
Yakuza 5’s use of five playable characters is a bold and ambitious design choice that pays off by offering a rich and varied gameplay experience. Each character brings something unique to the table from Kiryu’s timeless strength to Haruka’s musical rise to fame. By exploring different cities, stories, and play styles, players get a full picture of the world and its complex web of characters. Whether you’re battling in the streets, dancing on stage, or chasing redemption, Yakuza 5 ensures that every character’s journey feels personal and meaningful. This diversity not only enhances replay value but also solidifies Yakuza 5 as one of the most expansive and emotionally resonant entries in the series.