How Old is Haruka in Yakuza 1?
The question of Haruka’s age in Yakuza 1 can be a bit confusing given the series’ timeline and the discrepancies in ages across various games. In Yakuza 1, which is mostly set in 2005, Haruka Sawamura is 9 years old. This information is vital for understanding her character’s arc and her relationship with Kazuma Kiryu throughout the series.
Haruka’s Age Throughout the Yakuza Series
Haruka’s age is a recurring point of discussion among Yakuza fans, primarily due to inconsistencies across different titles. It’s important to note that the chronological order of release doesn’t always align with the in-game timeline. Here’s a breakdown to provide a clearer picture:
- Yakuza 1/Yakuza Kiwami: Set primarily in 2005, Haruka is 9 years old.
- Yakuza 2/Yakuza Kiwami 2: Takes place in 2006, where Haruka is 10 years old.
- Yakuza 5: In 2012, Haruka is 16 years old.
- Yakuza 6: The Song of Life: In December 2016, she is stated to be 19 years old.
- Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon: Taking place in 2019, Haruka is 23 years old.
The initial confusion arises partly from the fact that in Yakuza 6, her age is stated as 19 in December 2016, and in Yakuza 5, she states she is 16 in 2012. This creates a slight discrepancy that has led to much debate within the fanbase. The most likely explanation is that the timeline might be slightly adjusted across the games to serve the narrative, although the developers mostly remained consistent.
Haruka’s Role in Yakuza 1
In Yakuza 1, Haruka is a central figure whose fate intertwines with Kiryu’s upon his release from prison. She is initially found in the care of Kiryu’s childhood friend Yumi, who has secretly been looking after her for years. Kiryu, having just emerged from a decade-long incarceration, soon discovers that Haruka is the key to a massive sum of money and the secrets of the Tojo Clan. Her vulnerability and the threats she faces drive the plot forward, making her an integral character in Kiryu’s journey.
At the tender age of 9, Haruka is often in situations far beyond her comprehension. This makes her character highly sympathetic, as her life is constantly threatened by various factions vying for control of the money she is tied to. Haruka’s presence in Yakuza 1 not only adds emotional depth to the narrative but also provides the catalyst for many of Kiryu’s actions throughout the series. This initial introduction is foundational, setting the stage for their complex, familial bond, which endures throughout Kiryu’s entire saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Kiryu in Yakuza 1?
Kiryu is 27 years old at the beginning of Yakuza 1, which takes place in 2005.
2. How old is Haruka in Yakuza 6?
Haruka is 19 years old in December 2016, during the events of Yakuza 6.
3. Who is Haruka’s father?
While initially implied to be Yumi’s child, it’s eventually revealed that Haruka’s biological parents were not Yumi or Kiryu. Her father is eventually implied to be Fuma, a former Tojo Clan member. This plot point is a part of a large deception within the game.
4. Who is the father of Haruka’s son, Haruto?
Haruka’s son, Haruto Sawamura, is the son of Yuta Usami.
5. What is Kiryu’s fake name in Yakuza 5?
Kiryu uses the alias Taichi Suzuki while working as a taxi driver in Fukuoka during Yakuza 5.
6. Who is Kiryu’s wife?
Kiryu does not have a wife in the traditional sense. However, Mayumi Madarame is the woman he was going to marry, this never came to pass after the event of the initial plot of the original Yakuza Game
7. What year is Yakuza 1 set in?
Most of Yakuza 1 takes place in the year 2005, although the events that lead to Kiryu’s imprisonment happened in 1995.
8. Is Kiryu going to be in Yakuza 8?
Yes, Kazuma Kiryu will be a dual protagonist alongside Ichiban Kasuga in Like a Dragon 8.
9. How old is Majima in Yakuza 0?
Majima Goro is 24 years old during the events of Yakuza 0.
10. Who is older, Kiryu or Majima?
Majima is older than Kiryu. He also joined the Yakuza earlier and therefore ranks higher.
11. How old is Nishiki in Yakuza 0?
Nishikiyama is 20 years old in Yakuza 0, which is set in 1988.
12. How many years are between Yakuza 5 and Yakuza 6?
There is a four-year gap between Yakuza 5 (2012) and the main events of Yakuza 6 (2016).
13. How did Haruka get a gun?
Haruka likely picked up a gun for self-defense after encountering a bar full of dead bodies. She is also given the key to a vault by Yumi under the guise of a woman named Mizuki.
14. What does Kiryu’s tattoo symbolize?
Kiryu’s tattoo is an elongated dragon symbolizing wisdom, protection, and power, all aspects associated with Kiryu’s character.
15. What is Kiryu’s weakness in combat?
Kiryu’s weakness in combat is cold attacks, as emphasized by specific in-game mechanics.