How Old is Kiryu in the First Yakuza Game?
The iconic protagonist of the Yakuza series, Kazuma Kiryu, begins his journey in the first Yakuza game at the age of 27. The original Yakuza, released in 2005 (and later remade as Yakuza Kiwami in 2016), introduces us to a Kiryu who has already spent a decade behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. This crucial fact significantly impacts his life, and the narrative unfolds as he navigates the turbulent world of the Yakuza following his release.
Kiryu’s Age Throughout the Yakuza Timeline
Understanding Kiryu’s age in the first game requires a broader look at his chronological journey within the Yakuza series. The timeline can be confusing, with prequels and remakes, but keeping key ages in mind makes it clearer.
Yakuza 0: A Young Kiryu
The prequel, Yakuza 0, is set in 1988, when Kiryu is just 20 years old. This game showcases a younger, less seasoned Kiryu as he struggles with the complex workings of the Yakuza and the challenges that arise in his early career as a debt collector for the Dojima Family. His character arc in Yakuza 0 is instrumental in understanding the man he becomes by the time of the first game.
Yakuza 1/Kiwami: Returning to Kamurocho
After spending a decade in prison, Kiryu is 27 years old when he is released and embarks on the events of the first Yakuza game (or its remake, Yakuza Kiwami). The ten years in prison are a crucial part of his backstory, explaining both his absence from the Yakuza scene and his desire to protect his adopted daughter, Haruka.
Later Appearances: Growth and Aging
As the series progresses, we see Kiryu mature, his life intricately woven into the narrative of each installment. By Yakuza 6, set in 2016, Kiryu is 48 years old. Yakuza 7, which is set in 2019, sees him at 51 years old, and even at that age, he is still a formidable force of nature. Despite his age, he remains a critical character, even sharing the protagonist role in Like a Dragon 8.
Why Kiryu’s Age Matters
Kiryu’s age isn’t just a number. It’s integral to understanding his experiences, motivations, and the relationships he forms. The fact that he’s been through so much at a young age and has spent a decade in prison shapes his resolve and his strong moral compass. His experiences at 20 in Yakuza 0, contrasted with the older Kiryu from later games, illustrate how much he has grown. His journey isn’t just about fighting, but a process of maturation and finding his place in the world.
The age also affects how his interactions with other characters play out. Majima’s “Kiryu-chan” nickname reflects the fact that he’s older and had watched Kiryu grow up in the Yakuza. The way he is perceived by younger characters and the struggles he faces as he ages become a core part of the series’ evolving narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Majima in Yakuza 0?
Majima is 24 years old in Yakuza 0. He is depicted as a more flamboyant and eccentric character compared to his later appearances, highlighting his history before fully becoming the Mad Dog of Shimano.
2. Is Kiryu older than Majima?
No, Kiryu is younger than Majima. In Yakuza 0, Kiryu is 20 while Majima is 24. This age difference leads to Majima’s often playful and sometimes teasing attitude towards Kiryu throughout the series.
3. How old is Nishiki in Yakuza 0?
Nishiki is 20 years old in Yakuza 0. As Kiryu’s closest friend and brother in the Yakuza, he shares many similarities, yet the events of Yakuza 0 and the subsequent decade reshape him into a very different person from Kiryu.
4. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza 6?
In Yakuza 6, Kiryu is 48 years old. This game sees an older and arguably wearier Kiryu grappling with the realities of a life lived in constant conflict and his responsibility towards Haruka.
5. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza 7/ Like a Dragon?
By the time of Yakuza 7/ Like a Dragon, Kiryu is 51 years old. He’s still shown as a formidable fighter, even alongside younger protagonists like Ichiban Kasuga.
6. Will Kiryu be in Yakuza 8?
Yes, Kiryu will be in Like a Dragon 8. He will be a co-protagonist, sharing the spotlight with Ichiban Kasuga, marking a significant return for the legendary Dragon of Dojima.
7. Is Majima a virgin?
No, Majima is not a virgin. Despite his wild persona, it’s confirmed he is not one, although his love life has been as chaotic as he is.
8. How many people has Majima killed?
Majima has a reluctance to kill people. He reluctantly agrees to carry out a hit in Yakuza 0 but hasn’t killed anyone before that point in the timeline. He is not a cold-blooded killer by nature.
9. Who is Kiryu’s love interest?
Kiryu has had two primary love interests throughout the series: Yumi Sawamura and Kaoru Sayama. Both relationships were ultimately marked by tragedy, leaving Kiryu hesitant to pursue other romances.
10. Who is more powerful, Kiryu or Majima?
Kiryu is considered to be more powerful than Majima, especially later in the series. Kiryu’s pure strength and fighting prowess exceed Majima’s more unorthodox and erratic style. Majima played a role in training Kiryu so that he would get stronger.
11. Is Kiryu modeled after a real person?
No, Kiryu is not modeled after a real person. He is a carefully designed fictional character that captures a heroic image and ideal.
12. Why did Kiryu fake his death in Yakuza 6?
Kiryu faked his death to protect Haruka and Haruto, ensuring their safety and shielding them from his dangerous life.
13. How many people has Kiryu killed?
Kiryu has not killed anyone throughout the series, despite his incredible fighting ability and the brutal world he inhabits. This adherence to a strict moral code is a significant part of his character.
14. Is Yakuza 0 appropriate for younger audiences?
Yakuza 0 is not appropriate for children due to its mature themes, violence, and sexual content. The series is targeted at mature audiences.
15. Is Kiryu depressed in Yakuza 5?
Kiryu is depicted as depressed in Yakuza 5. This game showcases him struggling with his past and the weight of his responsibilities, portraying a more vulnerable side of his character. His time as a taxi driver was a conscious attempt to be separate from conflict, but it never lasts.
In conclusion, Kiryu’s age is more than just a numerical value. It’s a key component of his narrative, explaining his character development, motivations, and the world he inhabits. His journey from a 20-year-old recruit in Yakuza 0 to a 51-year-old legend in later titles highlights his incredible resilience and the complex stories the Yakuza series continues to tell. Understanding his age in each game provides a vital perspective on his actions and the challenges he faces.