Like a Dragon: Prologue

The story unfolds from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s in Japan, tracing Kiryu and Nishikiyama's growth, Yumi's arrival at the orphanage, and the events leading to Kiryu's 1995 imprisonment. The era's yakuza code and urban underworld shape their loyalties and choices. The narrative culminates with Kiryu taking responsibility for Dojima's murder to protect his surrogate family, ending with the end of his ten-year sentence.

Sunflower Orphanage is where Kiryu, Nishikiyama, and Yuko were raised under Shintaro Kazama's care. The orphanage serves as the makeshift family that binds them together through trust and loyalty. Kamurocho, Tokyo's red-light district, becomes a backdrop for Yumi's move and the boys' entry into the Dojima Family's world.

🐉 Loyalty

Loyalty to a chosen family and father figures drives much of the film’s action, from Kazama’s protective role to Kiryu and Nishikiyama’s devotion to Yumi. The orphanage creates a forged family whose bonds are tested by crime, betrayal, and the pursuit of safety. The story explores how loyalty can endure under great strain and demand costly sacrifices.

🛡️ Duty

Characters confront moral obligations that override personal freedom. Kiryu accepts responsibility for Dojima's murder to shield Yuko and preserve her heart condition; Kazama’s code guides his mentorship, shaping the protagonists’ identities. The theme emphasizes the costs of living by a strict code in a violent world.

⚔️ Rivalry

A close friendship is tested by jealousy and competing loyalties as Kiryu and Nishikiyama vie for status and love for Yumi. Their rivalry accelerates the moves within the yakuza hierarchy and triggers life-altering choices, including imprisonment. The power dynamics within the Dojima family add further pressure and stakes.