SEGA has released a special interview with the Japanese voice actors who returned to record new scenes for Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut on Nintendo Switch 2.
Those who make an appearance in the video include Takaya Kuroda (voice of Kazuma Kiryu), Hidenari Ugaki (voice of Goro Majima), Kazuhiro Nakaya (voice of Akira Nishikiyama), and Hitoshi Ozawa (voice of Daisaku Kuze).
Kazuma Kiryu – Takaya Kuroda
How do you feel about returning to Yakuza 0 after 10 years?
Takaya Kuroda: “Well, I’m shocked, to say the least. I was just chatting with the staff about this, but I honestly feel like I recorded Yakuza 0 two days ago or something like that. To hear it was 10 whole years ago, I just couldn’t believe it.
“Back then, I was a 50-year-old guy playing a 20-something-year-old upstart, and had to channel my late teens while saying my lines. Now that I’m getting older and returning to that role, I wasn’t entirely confident I pulled it off, but I was still excited. I really wanted to give it a shot.”
Could you share some highlights from this new title?
Takaya Kuroda: “There are aspects of the original Yakuza 0 that always bothered fans and even myself. When I read through the added scenes in the script, some felt very cathartic. I hope everyone playing, whether they’re a new Like a Dragon fan or a series veteran, feels a sense of catharsis, or even a sense of satisfaction, just as I did, as they play through the game.
A comment for the fans!
Takaya Kuroda: “If you’ve never played Yakuza 0, I encourage you to give the Director’s Cut a try. I guarantee you’ll have a blast. For those that have already played Yakuza 0, you’ll find it refreshing, in many ways. Truly. I strongly suggest revisiting it, as I’m sure you’ll find a new way to appreciate it.”
Goro Majima – Hidenari Ugaki
How do you feel about returning to Yakuza 0 after 10 years?
Hidenari Ugaki: “Yakuza 0 was my first starring role in the series chronologically. I remember being totally fired up at the time. I’m not sure I can take any of the credit but I’m incredibly proud that the game went on to become such a beloved title.
“I briefly wondered why Yakuza 0 was being re-released when it had faded out of everyone’s memory, but I guess Majima’s really that popular, huh? I’m kind of happy that 10 years later, I get to return to this role.”
Could you share some highlights from this new title?
Hidenari Ugaki: “When I saw the new script, it reaffirmed to me how important Makoto is to Majima and what lengths he’d go to protect her. Even though Majima comes off as this intimidating yakuza thug, his kindheartedness really shines through in this game.”
A comment for the fans!
Hidenari Ugaki: “These new parts bring a lot to the table and improve upon the original. Please look forward to the game, and I hope you pick it up.”
Akira Nishikiyama – Kazuhiro Nakaya
How do you feel about returning to Yakuza 0 after 10 years?
Kazuhiro Nakaya: “I had barely started voice acting when I played Nishikiyama, so when Yakuza’s fans responded to my performance positively, the role really launched my career. I was able to reach where I wanted to be as an actor, so I feel incredibly indebted to these games and see them as my roots.”
Could you share some highlights from this new title?
Kazuhiro Nakaya: “As fans, I suppose you’re wondering what’s next and what content is going to be added. I know I can’t share any spoilers, and anything I say is gonna lead to spoilers, so I’ll just leave things to your imagination.”
A comment for the fans!
Kazuhiro Nakaya: “Yakuza 0 is finally back, in a completely new form for all of you to enjoy. As a work of art and as a game, it’s remarkably well-polished. On top of that, I’m sure that Yakuza 0 is sure to leave behind a new legacy in this age as well. Please patiently look forward to the game’s upcoming release. It was great reprising the role of Nishikiyama, and I hope you pick up the game on launch day and have a wonderful, cathartic experience. Thank you.”
Daisaku Kuze – Hitoshi Ozawa
How do you feel about returning to Yakuza 0 after 10 years?
Hitoshi Ozawa: “The game’s time period overlaps with my late teenage years. It’s probably hard for you to imagine, but because I lived during that time, I understood what the game was going for when I first saw it. It was just incredible to see how they could casually create things I couldn’t do in a live-action performance. Like crashing a helicopter in Kabukicho or using a gesture like this to make all of Kabukicho disappear, or have the lights go out at once. I found it amazing.
“So, 10 years? It’s really been 10 years? Time flies, huh. Maybe it’s because of content on YouTube, but I feel like it hasn’t been long since I last saw Kuze. So for me, once they showed me the game, it was easy to dive back in.”
Could you share some highlights from this new title?
Hitoshi Ozawa: “Kiryu and Kuze’s relationship is now more defined. [Yakuza] 0 touches upon it briefly, but it doesn’t elaborate on it too deeply. Some of Kuze’s lines now give a better idea of what their dynamic is like.”
A comment for the fans!
Hitoshi Ozawa: “”Everyone, especially people who didn’t play the original Yakuza 0, will find the game fun. I mean, the story is so compelling. The script is full of amazing moments, so it’s a no-brainer that the game, too, has been taken to a whole new level. I’m sure you’ll really appreciate and enjoy some of the new scenes that the Director’s Cut adds. Please look forward to its release.”
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut will be released at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide on 5 June 2025.
