Yakuza Kiwami 3 Director Says Actor Accused of Sexual Assault Was Cast for His “Slimy Feel”

Why It Matters

The dispute highlights how video‑game studios balance artistic choices against reputational risk, influencing fan trust and brand perception. It also tests industry standards for handling talent accused of misconduct.

Key Takeaways

• Director defends casting despite sexual assault allegations
• Teruyuki Kagawa cast as Hamazaki in Yakuza Kiwami 3
• Fan petition gathered just under 10,000 signatures
• Sega declined to comment on casting controversy
• Director said fear shouldn't dictate recasting decisions

Pulse Analysis

The Yakuza franchise, renowned for its gritty storytelling and cinematic flair, is preparing to launch Yakuza Kiwami 3, a remake that revisits beloved characters with fresh talent. Among the most talked‑about casting decisions is Teruyuki Kagawa’s role as secondary antagonist Goh Hamazaki. Director Ryosuke Horii argued that Kagawa’s “slimy feel” aligns perfectly with Hamazaki’s sleazy persona, emphasizing performance over personal history. This rationale sparked immediate debate, as the actor’s past sexual‑assault allegations resurfaced, prompting a clash between creative intent and public accountability.

Fan reaction quickly escalated into organized protest, with a petition nearing 10,000 signatures urging Sega to replace Kagawa. The backlash underscores a growing expectation that entertainment companies vet talent rigorously and respond transparently to misconduct claims. While Sega has remained silent, the studio’s silence itself becomes a strategic choice, balancing legal caution against the risk of alienating a dedicated fan base. Industry observers note that such controversies can affect pre‑order momentum, media coverage, and long‑term brand loyalty, especially for franchises that rely heavily on community engagement.

The broader implication for the gaming sector is a reassessment of casting protocols and crisis‑communication frameworks. Studios may now weigh the artistic merit of a performer against potential reputational damage more heavily, possibly instituting stricter background checks or contingency casting plans. As the release date approaches, Yakuza Kiwami 3 will serve as a case study in how narrative authenticity and ethical considerations intersect, potentially shaping future hiring practices across the medium.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 director says actor accused of sexual assault was cast for his “slimy feel”

Image credit: Sega · Goh Hamazaki in Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.

Director Ryosuke Horii of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has addressed the controversial casting of actor Teruyuki Kagawa in the remake, which has sparked fan backlash after a 2022 report from Shukan Shincho detailed sexual‑assault allegations against the actor. Kagawa apologized at the time but did not specify what he was apologizing for or confirm the events reported in the article.

Speaking about Kagawa’s casting as Kiwami 3 secondary antagonist Goh Hamazaki in an interview with Japanese site GAME Watch (translated by IGN), Horii said:

“Hamazaki is a sleazy, persistent, and militant yakuza, right? Since he isn’t an explosive character like Kanda, when we tried to think of someone who makes you go, ‘This guy’s a creep,’ naturally it was Kagawa – that was the main factor. Kagawa’s acting is fun to watch. Even when he’s chopping a pig’s feet off with a chef’s knife, it has a slimy feel. That feeling permeates his performance, so it brings a freshness to the scene and made it feel really fun.”

The RGG Studio developer also added that not recasting characters like Hamazaki and Rikiya Shimabukuro – the latter a key ally of Kiwami 3 protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, now played by Show Kasamatsu – would have “certainly be safer” in terms of avoiding “online criticism”. However, Horii said RGG “felt there was no use being afraid”.

As of writing, Horii’s comments are the only response RGG Studio has made to the backlash against Kagawa’s casting in the remake. Publishers Sega declined to provide a statement on the matter when approached for comment by Rock Paper Shotgun last month. I have reached out to Sega for comment again in light of Horii’s comments.

A fan petition calling for Kagawa to be removed from his role as Goh Hamazaki in Yakuza Kiwami 3 has amassed just under 10,000 signatures. The remake is set to release later this week.