Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon 8 Coming to America with Unlimited Riches?

The upcoming release of Like a Dragon 8: Infinite Wealth may see a departure from the series' long-standing tradition of being set solely in Japan, with hints suggesting that Ichiban may be embarking on an adventure across the ocean. While no official confirmation has been made, the possibility of a new setting opens up exciting opportunities for a game that could deviate significantly from its predecessors. Since its inception in 2005, the Like a Dragon franchise has always been rooted in Japanese culture, with even its spin-off titles remaining within the country. However, a change of location could potentially have far-reaching implications for the game and its storyline. The prospect of Ichiban traveling abroad poses many intriguing questions that will have fans eagerly anticipating the release of the new game.

Like a Dragon 8's Teaser Implies it May Take Ichiban Kasuga to America

In a teaser for the upcoming Like a Dragon 8, showcased at the Xbox Summer Showcase, Ichiban is shown waking up naked on a beach with various objects comically censoring him in the foreground. Interestingly, the people reacting to Ichiban's situation are all speaking in English, whereas Ichiban himself is speaking in Japanese. This leads to a language barrier between Ichiban and the others, and it takes him a while to understand what is going on. It is speculated that Ichiban may not even be in Japan, but rather on a beach in an English-speaking country such as America, which could explain the communication gap between them.

It is uncertain if Like a Dragon 8 will feature new cities abroad, despite the trailer's suggestion. It is possible that Ichiban washed up on a beach in places like Osaka or Okinawa, coinciding with a high influx of tourists. The presence of English speakers lends credence to this theory. In such a scenario, it is likely that Ichiban will return to his familiar surroundings sooner rather than later. Moreover, for Ichiban to be stranded on a beach, it would make sense for him to be relatively close to home unless there was a significant event that caused him to travel farther. If Ichiban ends up in the United States for the game's grandest installment, several questions need to be addressed. Firstly, the game's promotion already heavily features Ichiban and Kiryu as the lead characters, which may prove difficult if Ichiban is not present during the game's events. Additionally, the reason behind Ichiban's arrival in America must be meticulously explained, as it is likely to be a crucial plot point.

Fans eagerly anticipate more information about Like a Dragon 8 before the plot can fully take shape. While a shift to America could provide new opportunities for side activities and NPCs, it may also prove challenging for Ichiban to participate in beloved mainstays like UFO Catchers and Mahjong, which are not as prevalent in the US. Regardless of its setting, Like a Dragon 8: Infinite Wealth promises to deliver an entertaining adventure when it releases in 2024 for multiple platforms.