Yakuza 7, globally recognized as Yakuza: Like a Dragon, is officially titled 龍が如く7 光と闇の行方 (Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami no Yukue) in Japanese.
The Full Japanese Title of Yakuza 7
The Japanese title for what is known as Yakuza 7 in the West provides deeper insight into the game's narrative themes and its place within the broader series.
- Official Japanese Title: 龍が如く7 光と闇の行方
- Romanization: Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami no Yukue
- Literal English Translation: "Like a Dragon 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness"
This comprehensive title, particularly "Whereabouts of Light and Darkness," directly alludes to the game's core narrative, which explores complex themes of hope, despair, justice, and the multifaceted nature of human experience through the journey of its new protagonist.
English Naming Convention: Yakuza: Like a Dragon
While the game series has historically been localized as "Yakuza" in Western markets, the original Japanese title "龍が如く" (Ryū ga Gotoku) literally translates to "Like a Dragon." For the seventh main installment, Sega opted to use Yakuza: Like a Dragon for its international release. This decision not only helped to align the English branding more closely with the original Japanese meaning but also signaled a significant evolution for the franchise, introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and a turn-based RPG combat system, differentiating it from previous action-focused entries.
Previous Working Title
Before its official reveal, the game was also known by the working title 新龍が如く (Shin Ryū ga Gotoku), which translates to "New Like a Dragon." This early title further underscored the development team's intention to mark this installment as a fresh start and a new direction for the beloved series.
Key Details at a Glance
For a clear overview of the game's various titles:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| English Title (Main) | Yakuza: Like a Dragon |
| Japanese Title (Main) | 龍が如く7 光と闇の行方 |
| Romanization | Ryū ga Gotoku 7: Hikari to Yami no Yukue |
| Literal Translation | "Like a Dragon 7: Whereabouts of Light and Darkness" |
| Commonly Known As | Yakuza 7 |
| Previous Working Title | 新龍が如く (Shin Ryū ga Gotoku) |
For more detailed information about Yakuza: Like a Dragon and its place within the franchise, you can explore resources such as the Yakuza: Like a Dragon Wikipedia page.
