An ongoing campaign against the recasting of a character in Yakuza Kiwami 3 — a remake of the original PS3 game — has gained some additional momentum today, as SEGA’s released a new trailer that focuses on the title’s Japanese voice talent.
Goh Hamazaki, one of the game’s main antagonists, was recast for this remake, with September’s initial reveal confirming that he would now be played by Japanese actor Teruyuki Kagawa. Kagawa lends both his likeness and his voice to the character in Kiwami 3.
However, this isn’t just some kind of backlash against change. Shortly after said reveal, fans spread word of Kagawa’s past: in 2019, he was accused of sexually harassing two women. In 2022, Kagawa officially admitted to sexual misconduct against one of those women through his agency.
Photographs from one of the incidents, in which Kagawa can be seen forcibly grabbing a woman by her hair, immediately started circulating online.
Fans began rallying around a ‘#REMOVEKAGAWA’ slogan on social media and the like, with the backlash only growing as SEGA, seemingly, continues to ignore the outcry.
And now, as noted, Kiwami 3’s latest trailer stars the man himself. In fact, he’s the very first character you see, just 13 seconds into the video.
Needless to say, the YouTube comments section is absolutely packed with the aforementioned hashtag, along with criticism aimed directly at SEGA and developer RGG Studio for casting Kagawa in the first place.
Again, the companies have yet to comment on any of this. During an official SEGA livestream two weeks ago, in which English-speaking presenters showcased some Kiwami 3 gameplay, the live chat was swamped with ‘#REMOVEKAGAWA’ — but it was never acknowledged on the broadcast.
Many fans have argued that the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series has often depicted scenes of sexual harassment — and so having Kagawa be a part of the property simply goes against what the games so obviously condemn.
It’ll be interesting to see if SEGA or RGG Studio produce any kind of statement on the matter — especially as the title’s release date draws closer, and the noise potentially gets louder.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is set to launch on the 12th February, and so you’d think that it’s probably too late to take the criticism to heart and actually replace Kagawa. Still, there seem to be plenty of people demanding action.
Yakuza 3 Remake Backlash Blows Up Again as Actor Guilty of Sexual Harassment Stars in new Trailer
The Controversy reignites Around Yakuza 3 Remake Casting Choices
The Yakuza 3 remake, a much-anticipated title among fans of the legendary crime drama series, has unexpectedly stirred controversy yet again. The latest backlash is centered on one of the actors starring prominently in the new official trailer, who has a documented history of sexual harassment allegations. This revelation has ignited fresh debates in both gaming circles and broader social media platforms, raising ethical questions about the industry’s casting decisions.
As its announcement, the Yakuza 3 remake was expected to rejuvenate one of the most beloved chapters in the Yakuza franchise, bringing modern visuals and gameplay enhancements. However, the resurfaced controversy threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a celebratory return to the streets of Kamurocho.
Who Is the Actor in Question?
While the game’s developers have not officially commented on the controversy, fans quickly identified the actor featured largely in the trailer. This actor was previously embroiled in a high-profile sexual harassment scandal that damaged their public image and professional reputation.
What complicates matters is that the actor was initially cast before the allegations came to light.The inclusion in the remake’s new promotional material suggests ongoing collaboration by the production team despite strong public opposition.
Key Points About the Actor’s Involvement
- Previously found guilty of sexual harassment in a court of law.
- starred in the new Yakuza 3 remake trailer prominently featured on official channels.
- Fans and advocacy groups have called for removal or recasting.
- Game devs have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the backlash.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Uproar
The news of the actor’s involvement has led to a strong wave of backlash from the Yakuza fanbase. Many vocal critics have expressed disappointment, calling it a failure on the developers’ part to uphold social responsibility standards. hashtags and discussion threads proliferated rapidly across Twitter, Reddit, and gaming forums.
Common themes seen in fan reactions include:
- Boycott calls for the Yakuza 3 remake until recasting occurs.
- Debates about separating art from the artist.
- Concerns over the message this casting sends to victims of harassment.
- Demanding clarity and accountability from the game publisher.
Impact on Yakuza 3 remake’s Critical Reception and Sales
Though the yakuza series has enjoyed critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and rich world-building, controversies like these risk impacting the commercial success and cultural legacy of the remake. Industry analysts suggest that sustained negative press could:
- Reduce pre-orders and day-one sales metrics.
- Trigger negative reviews that focus on ethical concerns.
- Alienate a portion of the franchise’s loyal and socially conscious fanbase.
Below is a fast snapshot summarizing the potential effects:
| Potential Impact | Short-Term | Long-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Sales & Pre-orders | Moderate decline due to boycott calls | Recovery possible if issues resolved |
| Critical Reception | Mixed reviews with controversy noted | Potential for lasting stigma |
| Brand Image | Damage among socially aware gamers | depends on developer response & future choices |
Case Study: Previous controversies in Gaming Industry Casting
This is not the first time a controversy involving an actor’s misconduct allegations has intersected with a major video game release. Similar situations in the past-such as with other franchises-offer insights:
- Recasting or removing the actor frequently enough mitigates fallout but can delay production.
- Ignoring public concerns usually amplifies backlash and harms brand loyalty.
- Clear communication from developers is key for managing reputational risks.
Practical Tips for Fans Navigating the Backlash
if you are a fan concerned about whether to support the Yakuza 3 remake amid the controversy,here are some practical tips:
- Research: Understand the facts behind the allegations and actor’s history.
- Engage respectfully: Use social media to voice concerns but avoid personal attacks.
- Consider yoru values: Decide based on your stance about separating art from artist.
- Wait for official statements: Monitor developer responses and potential changes.
Potential Developer responses to Expect
- Issuing a public apology and clarifying their position.
- Recasting or digitally altering the actor’s presence in the game.
- implementing stricter vetting procedures for future casting.
- Engaging with advocacy groups to improve industry standards.
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