Not many anime can match the energy of the Yakuza games, but these shows come close.
Fans of Yakuza enjoyed the “insider’s view” of life from the perspective of Japan’s infamous gangsters. The series offers a slightly exaggerated take on the yakuza story, inspired heavily by yakuza films and crime drama. However, aside from over-the-top action, Yakuza perhaps shines the most with its compelling story. After all, a game series that explores the life of a reformed gangster isn’t exactly a common find.
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A lot of Yakuza fans might clamor for this game series to get an action/slice-of-life anime. After all, what better way to watch Kazuma Kiryu’s story than with the action and wackiness of modern anime? However, fans might be surprised to learn that anime similar to Yakuzaalready exist. Some of these anime might even be up their alley.
Updated on August 2, 2023, by Rhenn Taguiam: Gamers who want to deep-dive into more of Japanese culture can venture into gangster territory with the Like A Dragon or Yakuza series. With Like A Dragon: Ishin! giving players a historical take on the Yakuza phenomenon, fans who want to become more involved as a viewer than a gamer could try watching some anime that provides a similar take on Yakuza’s stories and themes. Among recommended anime to watch include a hilarious story of a family of spies, two assassins adopting the daughter of a target, a rich detective teaming up with a gutsy inspector, an agency of supernaturally-empowered individuals, and a gang leader coming to terms with their past.
25 Spy x Family (2022)
The story of Spy x Family centers around Loid Forger, a supposedly-ordinary husband who is the secret agent Twilight. As an agent working for the nation of Westalia, he maintains peace between Westalia and its rival Ostania by spying on the latter’s Donovan Desmond, whose reclusive nature only lets others see him in his children’s private school.
After donning his new persona, Loid marries Yor Briar and adopts a child named Anya to infiltrate said school. Unbeknownst to Loid, Yor is actually a professional assassin and Anya is a telepath. Despite the hilarity of this triple deception, Spy x Family is a neat break from Yakuza with its secret agent focus. However, seeing how the likes of Yor and Loid interact with other unsavory factions while keeping their objectives is something players may notice in Yakuza as well.
24 Buddy Daddies (2023)
Fans of Yakuza who want an alternate take on the weird family dynamic Buddy Daddies, an anime revolving around assassins Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa as they care for the child Miri Unasaka while managing their missions is a great option. With Miri’s father being the pair’s recent assassination target, the Buddy Daddies protagonists took it upon themselves to care for the child after what they’d done.
The backstory of someone in the criminal world caring for a youngster is reminiscent of Yakuza‘s Kazuma Kiryu eventually establishing Sunshine Orphanage throughout the series. It’s also interesting for viewers to get to know the dynamic between bubbly but info-savvy Kazuki and non-smiling but combat-intensive Rei as well as how they ended up being friends in the first place.
23 The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited (2020)
It’s not always that an anime focuses on the activities of the modern police, with The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited tackling the misadventures of the comedic duo Daisuke and Haru. The story begins when extremely wealthy detective Daisuke Kambe is assigned to the Modern Crime Prevention Headquarters, the designation of officers who often cause trouble. Set as his partner is hot-headed Haru Kato, whose disdain for Daisuke’s penchant for bribing leads to hilarious exchanges.
Despite not immediately dealing with the Yakuza, The Millionaire Detective makes for an interesting watch due to its tackling of the Yakuza lifestyle’s immediate opposite: the authorities. The anime gives a fresh take on the activities of the police, providing a perspective on what it may be like on their end to chase the likes of Yakuza protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga.
22 Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)
An alternate take on exploring what investigators may think when chasing the Yakuza could be seen in Bungo Stray Dogs, this time revolving around the affairs of the Armed Detective Agency. Comprised of investigators with superhuman powers, protagonist Atsushi Nakajima and his partner Osamu Dazai eventually get involved in the affairs of other supernaturally-invested groups.
While not directly dealing with the Yakuza, Bungo Stray Dogs offers an exciting take on the detective concept from the perspective of power users. Organizations outside the Agency such as the Port Mafia, the Fellowship of the Guild, and the Decay of Angels also seem Yakuza-esque with their many activities that border on the illegal.
21 Banana Fish (2018)
In what appears to be one of the most riveting tales created in the 80s, Banana Fish is a critically-acclaimed manga for tackling modern themes such as boys love in an age dominated by romance fantasy stories. Adapted into an anime in 2018, Banana Fish stars street gang leader Ash Lynx as he investigates the mysterious “banana fish” who leads him into a conspiracy theory that changes his life.
The anime explores Ash coming to terms with his past as an abused child of Corsican mafia boss Dino Golzine and his goal to dismantle this very group he was groomed to lead. While arguably more mature in its story than Yakuza, the New York-set Banana Fish is a breath of fresh air from the Japan-focused series.
20 Akira (1988)
While appearing in more anime films than anime series, Akira back in 1988 remains a powerful icon in both the cyberpunk and general punk genre. Set in a dystopian 2019 future, the accidental destruction of Tokyo back in 1988 triggered a world war that engulfed today’s Neo-Tokyo with corruption, terrorism, and especially gang violence. Protagonist Shotaro Kaneda spends much of his days fighting rival gangs to establish the street cred of his gang the Capsules, but an unfortunate accident would have his friend Tetsuo Shima crash into Takashi, an esper trying to escape a government research facility.
Unfortunately for them, this accident would have Tetsuo awaken his latent psychic abilities, which are at a level similar to Akira, the esper who destroyed Tokyo back in 1988. As a film that has both action and philosophical counterparts, the gang life aesthetic seems to be put on the sidelines. However, Akira remains oddly similar to the Yakuza series from the perspective of its narrative themes, where the group behaviors of the Capsules such as camaraderie and brotherhood become more front and center than its group aesthetic.
19 Kemonozume (2006)
It’s not all the time that a Yakuza-themed anime centers around the supernatural, and this is exactly a theme that Kemonozume tries. In this 2006 anime, the Momota Family has dedicated itself to learning the Kifuken or Ogre-Sealing Sword martial arts in order to fight the growing threat of the Shokujinki, flesh-eating supernatural monsters.
However, what makes Kemonozume rather unique is its romance angle, especially between Toshihiko who is the recent Momota heir, and Yuka, a Shokujinki. This forbidden romance theme is a rather common sight in tales like Yakuza, where one’s background and involvement in the violent life of the Yakuza is often a deal-breaker for the “more mundane” things in life such as romance. However, Kemonozume highlights how love trumps all, despite the challenges one might experience.
18 Dorohedoro (2020)
Despite being a manga written way back from 2000 to 2014, it’s only around 2019 that Dorohedoro got an anime adaptation, and it’s well worth the wait. Its dystopian modern fantasy format has all the elements needed for a Yakuza-like setting, particularly with its three major factions having their own version of a crime-ruled society. Hell, headed by demon lord Chidaruma, enjoys the reverence of Sorcerers, human-like creatures created by Chidaruma who are capable of casting magic through Smoke. Years of warfare had magic commoditized and sold by rivaling gangs, with the value of magic causing Sorcerers to be constantly kidnapped and harvested for magic had it not been for the crime boss En, who has united the Sorcerer’s Realm under his heel.
The story of Dorohedoro takes place in the Hole, a favela-like city inhabited by powerless Humans, who became helpless victims in the Sorcerer’s power struggle. Protagonist Caiman, who is a reptile-headed amnesiac, uses his proficiency with knives to hunt down dangerous Sorcerers to find out the truth about his past and reverse the curse that turned his head this way in the first place. However, his quest for the truth brings him along the path of the rebellious Cross-Eyes gang, alongside the wrath of En who wants to stop his quest for some reason. This intrigue caused by Caiman’s amnesia, alongside his involvement with warring gangs, is a good take on the Yakuza formula.
17 Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor (2007)
Sometimes, a Yakuza-like story doesn’t necessarily have to involve rivaling gangs in order for it to work. In the case of Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, the mere idea of a protagonist thrust into the violent dog-eat-dog life rife with gangsters is enough to resemble a story like the Yakuza game. In Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, protagonist Kaiji Ito is forced into a ship called the Espoir in order to play games that will repay his debt to a violent loan shark. While Kaiji reluctantly agrees, his new life in the boat will force him to play various games, contend with other people eager to repay their own debts, and encounter various life stories along the way.
The idea of a gambling-focused “game of desperation” is a common theme in Yakuza stories, which often have outsiders making deals with the Yakuza that they don’t fully comprehend until it’s too late. While Kaiji doesn’t directly involve gangs, the premise of a civilian getting deep into a seedy underworld of criminals is enough of an equivalent.
16 Golden Kamuy (2018)
The ongoing Golden Kamuy anime had a manga run that ranged from 2014 to 2022, with a premise enough to captivate fans of alternate history. In Golden Kamuy, protagonist Saichi Sugimoto is forced out of retirement as a veteran of the Russo-Japanese war as he embarks on a quest to find the Ainu people’s hidden fortune of gold. Aside from having actual Ainu language from an actual Ainu linguist, the idea that Golden Kamuy explores the ancient culture of the Ainu people in Japan provides a great way of putting culture into the spotlight of a mainstream story.
This rather unique treasure-hunting experience is reminiscent of a Yakuza-esque story where rivaling gangs contend with significant pieces of information or treasure to further their means. Joining Saichi in his journey are various individuals of varying interests and motivations, forcing readers to realize that not all their allies remain allies for long, and enemies may even become friends if for the purpose of sharing the gold altogether.
15 The Way Of The Househusband (2020)
What happens when an infamous Yakuza boss marries a career woman? In The Way of the Househusband (or Gokushufudo), “Immortal Dragon” Tatsu retires from his life of crime to support Miku, his kyariauman (or career woman) wife. This slice-of-life manga (eventually anime in 2020) chronicles the hilarious adventures involving Tatsu’s mundane everyday life, which turns out to never be mundane at all.
As with the manga, episodes in the anime often show the intimidating Tatsu doing ordinary household work. However, his infamous reputation means frequent run-ins with his former colleagues in the Yakuza, as well as other rivals. Unlike other violent Yakuza anime, Gokushufudo is definitely the closest analog to the Yakuza games’ slice-of-life elements.
14 Salaryman Kintaro (1999)
The 1994 manga Salaryman Kintaro offers one of the earliest looks into the “reformed gangster” trope in action stories. The eponymous character Kintaro Yajima made a reputation as a leader of a Bosozoku group. However, after the death of his wife, Kintaro departs from the Japanese subculture of biker gangs and customized bikes to become a salaryman. Albeit a fisherman at first, a run-in with a stranger gets Kintaro into the sales department of a construction firm.
Despite the serious premise, the anime adaptation offers interesting insights and comedic moments into Kintaro’s transformed life. The 2001 series offers a fresh perspective into life in the late 20th century. Salaryman Kintaro offers a welcome perspective to those looking for a Yakuza story with an older setting.
13 Black Lagoon (2006)
Fans who want to see a pirate mercenary team doing business in the waters of Southeast Asia will love Black Lagoon. This 2006 anime adaptation of an ongoing manga chronicles the adventures of the Lagoon Company, a team of mercenaries, in the 1990s. The Lagoon Company often has run-ins with the Japanese Yakuza, the Russian and Italian mafias, Colombian cartel, Chinese Triad, and an assortment of other criminal entities. Episodes often end in hilarious outtakes and action-packed fistfights, firefights, and sea battles aboard the Black Lagoon ship.
Audiences will appreciate the sheer chemistry of the Lagoon Company. Salaryman Rock gets embroiled with the Company’s business after being abandoned during his kidnapping (funnily enough, by the Lagoon Company). Revy is everyone’s favorite fighter, who grows protective of Rock. Dutch is the Company’s captain, demonstrating diplomatic resolve and politeness despite the situation. Lastly, Benny is the team’s resident mechanic and research expert, with a love for computers.
12 Hinamatsuri (2018)
Mid-level Yakuza member Yoshifumi Nitta has a normal life with the Ashikawa-gumi, doing “typical” Yakuza things. However, his life gets thrown into chaos when an amnesiac girl from the future named Hina ends up in his apartment – with psychokinetic powers! Before Yoshifumi can fully grasp the situation, other girls from the future start to arrive to take Hina back or assassinate her.
Yoshifumi and Hina’s adventures are all detailed in the Hinamatsuri manga, which lasted for 10 years. Its anime adaptation in 2018 roughly told the manga’s story as well, much to the amusement of fans and newcomers. Fans of the Yakuza franchise will appreciate Hinamatsuri for its unique sci-fi and comedy take on the Yakuza concept.
11 Texhnolyze (2003)
Fans who want an experimental take on the Yakuza concept will appreciate Texhnolyze. This 2003 anime chronicles the story of certain individuals in the manmade underground city of Lux. In it, prize fighter Ichise loses some limbs, executive Onishi makes a lot of business rivals, and little girl Ran has something that can affect the city’s destiny. Their seemingly unrelated lives will eventually dictate the fate of the city.
Yakuza elements in Texhnolyze surface subtly, in the form of three forces eyeing control over the city and prosthetics called Texhnolyze. One of these factions is the business-minded Organo, which collaborates with the criminal underworld to control Texhnolyze businesses. Meanwhile, the populist Salvation Union wants to fight Organo’s unfair business. Lastly, the young radicals of Racan want to use Texhnolyze for their personal gain.
10 K Project (2012)
In K Project‘s alternate timeline, Japan has a secret leadership in the form of the Seven Clans of Color, each comprised of powerful psychics. These factions, essentially resembling various clans and gangs, settle disputes in silent cold wars and subtle displays of power. However, K Project‘s story begins when the seemingly-innocent Yashiro Isana becomes the prime target of the other clans. They all begin to accuse him of killing a prominent Red Clan member.
However, things come to a halt when Yashiro rediscovers his true identity as the First and Silver King, Adolf Weismann. Interestingly, K Project doesn’t have the complex interpersonal narratives as expected from a gang-oriented story. However, it does have interesting power scaling and action scenes.
9 Gungrave (2003)
In this tale of revenge, the 2003 Gungrave anime retells the story of the Gungrave video game. As with most revenge stories, Gungrave tells the story of two best friends broken by ambition and deceit. Protagonist Brandon Heat ends up “resurrecting”, courtesy of necrolyzation. Now known as Beyond The Grave, Brandon seeks to annihilate the Millennion crime syndicate, now headed by his best friend Harry MacDowell.
As with the video game, Gungrave is equal parts action-packed and hilarious. The anime takes cues from the stylish gunslinger trope and has a futuristic Wild West feel to it.
8 Baccano! (2007)
Like wine, Baccano! aged finely since its 2007 release. The anime, based on the presently-running light novel series, follows a unique take on immortality and the elements at stake in maintaining it. The anime follows the lives of various individuals throughout different timeframes, mostly in the Prohibition Era. It explores the fates of alchemists who discovered a way to become immortal, and how they’ve spent their lives with it.
A lot of the immortals in Baccano! used their immortality to pursue a life of crime. Miria Harvent and Isaac Dian conduct good-intentioned but silly heists. Meanwhile, some immortals became involved with mafia families, such as Manhattan-based Gandors and the Chicago-based Russos. Unfortunately, their crimes and their past won’t mix together, as time will soon tell.
7 Jormungand (2012)
People in organized crime often turn to the black market to get weapons and various commodities, all away from prying eyes. The anime Jormungand (2012) follows the adventures of Koko Hekmatyar, a young arms dealer working for HCLI. Koko, alongside her team of bodyguards, travels around the world to sell weapons to various interested parties – from mafia bosses to assassins. They also have to deal with the authorities, other agencies, and rival arms dealers.
In the anime (based on a 2006-2012 monthly manga), Koko’s adventures lead her to recruit Jonah, a young child soldier. Unfortunately, Jonah’s skill brings Koko and her friends along on a wild, action-packed ride that gives a crazy slice-of-life take on the “everyday” lives of arms dealers.
6 Wild Adapter (2002, 2014)
Unlike other titles in the list, Wild Adapter has two sets of original video animations (OVA) and not anime. Based on the presently-running manga of the same name, Wild Adapter follows the lives of two high schoolers who end up in the middle of a yakuza war surrounding a drug, known as WA or “Wild Adapter.” Consuming WA brings users to an animalistic state, growing fur and possessing superhuman strength. Unfortunately, they die soon after their rage.
The story centers around Kubota, a 17-year-old who ends up leading the Izumokai yakuza youth group. He ends up meeting Tokitoh, a stranger with amnesia, who possesses a furry hand like the WA victims – but he’s still alive. When they discover that the Izumokai and their rival, the Toujougumi, want the WA, the two teens end up inadvertently joining the bloody war.
Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime
