Yakuza 3 Remake Sparks Outcry Over Casting Of Actor Who Admitted Assault

Sega unveiled a fresh trailer for its Yakuza 3 remake over the weekend, but fan attention quickly shifted from gameplay to the prominent inclusion of actor Teruyuki Kagawa. The decision has drawn sharp criticism, reviving concerns that began when Sega first announced the remake’s cast in September. Kagawa plays antagonist Goh Hamazaki and provides both voice and likeness, a role now central in the promotional push despite his admitted sexual misconduct.

The controversy stems from Kagawa’s 2022 admission that he forcibly kissed, groped, and removed the bra of a woman at a Tokyo club in 2019. Another accuser has stated she never received an apology. Images from the original incident circulated online when the casting was revealed, prompting the hashtag #REMOVEKAGAWA to trend across Japanese social platforms. Rather than subside, the backlash intensified after the new six-minute trailer gave Kagawa considerable screen time.

Sega and its in-house studio Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) have remained silent, signaling no intention to recast or address the issue publicly. That silence stands in contrast to past decisions: in 2019, the company swiftly removed actor Pierre Taki from Judgment after his arrest for cocaine possession, replacing his performance and digitally altering the character’s appearance. Critics argue that, by comparison, maintaining Kagawa’s role despite an admitted assault sends a troubling signal about what the publisher treats as disqualifying behavior.

In the original 2009 release, Goh Hamazaki was voiced by Joji “George” Takahashi. For the remake, the character’s face has been reworked to resemble Kagawa. It marks a significant shift from previous casting choices, and fans who welcomed the broader narrative expansion and newly playable prequel now say the decision undermines their anticipation. The reaction reflects both ethical concerns and a fear of a disconnect between the series’ themes of redemption and honor and the optics of showcasing an actor tied to a sexual misconduct case.

Polygon confirmed it had reached out to Sega for comment, though no response has yet been provided. Meanwhile, Japanese media reports continue to document Kagawa’s personal life following the scandal. Shukan Shincho revealed last year that the actor secretly remarried in 2022 and welcomed a child that same year. Kagawa’s return to major entertainment projects remains controversial in Japan, where his past work includes high-profile roles in dramas such as Hanzawa Naoki.

The timing of Sega’s decision complicates its public stance. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties arrive February 12, 2026, as part of a revived slate for the franchise that includes new projects and enhanced editions. RGG Studio has spent years cultivating goodwill through consistent storytelling, respectful localization, and a track record of responding to misconduct cases decisively. This moment places that standard under scrutiny, and fans continue to question why the studio applied replacement measures for a drug charge but not an admitted sexual assault.

Consumer response has ranged from calls for recasting to boycotts, though enthusiasm for the gameplay updates remains strong. Many longtime fans now face a conflict between loyalty to the series and discomfort with the casting decision. Whether Sega chooses to engage directly or wait out public attention may influence broader industry conversations, particularly in Japan, where entertainment companies often take swift action following a scandal.

Read also, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam this December without a free upgrade path or save transfer, forcing even longtime owners to repurchase the game and start fresh. The expanded edition introduces new scenes, languages, and a 60-player online mode, but its upgrade policy has drawn criticism amid the series’ renewed release cycle.