Is Nintendo part of the Yakuza?
Nintendo is not part of the Yakuza, as the company severed its ties with the infamous Japanese criminal organization years before entering the video game industry. Although the Yakuza played a role in Nintendo’s early success, there is no evidence to suggest that the company has any current or ongoing connections with the Yakuza.
Understanding the History
Nintendo had its hands in various businesses before becoming a prominent player in the video game industry, and it was during this time that the company had interactions with the Yakuza. However, these interactions were limited and did not result in any long-term partnerships or affiliations.
The Yakuza Series and Nintendo Switch
The Yakuza series, developed by SEGA, has not been released on the Nintendo Switch due to the perception of the console and Nintendo in Japan. According to Masayoshi Yokoyama, the head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the Yakuza series may never make its way to the Switch due to concerns about how the game’s content would be received by Nintendo’s audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Yakuza series available on Nintendo Switch? The Yakuza series is not available on the Nintendo Switch, and it is unlikely that it will be released on the platform in the future.
- What is the Yakuza series about? The Yakuza series is an action-adventure game series that follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu and other characters as they navigate the world of Japanese organized crime.
- Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon available on Nintendo Switch? Yakuza: Like a Dragon is not available on the Nintendo Switch, and it is only available on PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, and XSX|S.
- What is Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing game that follows the story of Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist in the Yakuza series.
- Is the Yakuza still active in Japan? Yes, the Yakuza is still active in Japan, with approximately 11,400 members engaged in illegal activity, according to the Japanese National Police Agency.
- Who created the Yakuza series? The Yakuza series was created by Toshihiro Nagoshi and SEGA, with the first game released in 2005.
- Is Sega developing Yakuza games? Yes, SEGA is still developing Yakuza games, with the latest game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, released in 2020.
- Is the Yakuza illegal in Japan? The Yakuza is not entirely illegal in Japan, but its activities are heavily regulated, and members are subject to certain restrictions and penalties.
- Do Yakuza members harm civilians? Generally, Yakuza members do not target civilians, and their activities are usually focused on other organized crime groups or rival Yakuza clans.
- Why do Yakuza members cut their pinky finger? Yakuza members cut their pinky finger as a form of atonement or remorse for an offense, in a ritual known as yubitsume.
- Should I play Yakuza: Like a Dragon first? While it is possible to play Yakuza: Like a Dragon first, it is recommended to play the series in order to fully appreciate the story and characters.
- Is Yakuza: Like a Dragon a parody? Yakuza: Like a Dragon contains some parodic elements, including a Pokemon-like mini-game called Sujimon.
- Why is Yakuza not available on Nintendo Switch? The Yakuza series is not available on the Nintendo Switch due to concerns about the game’s content and the Switch audience.
- Which Yakuza game should I play first? It is recommended to start with Yakuza 0, which is a prequel to the series and provides a good introduction to the story and characters.
- What does Kiwami mean? Kiwami means “ultimate” or “the pinnacle” in English, and it is used to describe something that is of the highest quality or excellence.