The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series, Like a Dragon, will notably omit the beloved karaoke minigame, a staple of the franchise since Yakuza 3 in 2009. This decision, revealed by executive producer Erik Barmack, has sparked a mixed reaction among fans.

Barmack acknowledged the karaoke minigame's popularity, including the iconic "Baka Mitai" song's meme status, but cited the challenge of condensing the extensive game content into a six-episode series. He hinted at the possibility of karaoke's inclusion in future seasons, especially given lead actor Ryoma Takeuchi's fondness for karaoke. The limited episode count necessitates prioritizing the main storyline, potentially at the expense of side activities.

The absence of karaoke has raised concerns among fans that the series might sacrifice the comedic elements and quirky side stories that define the Yakuza franchise. The success of adaptations hinges on faithfulness to the source material, as evidenced by the contrasting reception of Prime Video's Fallout (highly praised for its accuracy) and Netflix's Resident Evil (criticized for deviating significantly).

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama described the series as a "bold adaptation," aiming for a fresh perspective rather than a direct imitation. He assured fans that the show will retain elements of the game's quirky charm, promising moments that will elicit smiles throughout. While details remain scarce, this suggests the series won't completely abandon the franchise's signature humor. The success of this bold approach remains to be seen.