The Like a Dragon series immerses players in the gritty, vibrant world of the yakuza, yet it’s renowned for the plethora of engaging activities that fill its lively neon landscapes. Chief among them is the beloved karaoke minigame, a delightful rhythm experience that provides a reprieve from the intense narratives players encounter.
Karaoke made its debut in Yakuza 3, a feature inspired by director Ryosuke Horri’s passion for music, and has since evolved into an essential component of every Yakuza title. To honor the franchise’s 20-year history alongside the recent launch of Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, we are spotlighting the most iconic karaoke tracks from the series, drawing on songs from the entire Yakuza/Like a Dragon lineup.
10 Kamurocho Lullaby
An Underrated Enka Gem
Kamurocho Lullaby, one of the initial songs in Yakuza 3, romanticizes the otherwise crime-ridden locale of Kamurocho. Rooted in the tradition of Enka—a genre synonymous with poignant Japanese ballads—it features a slow, ethereal melody that showcases emotional vocal vibrato.
Kiryu’s earnest performance, complete with his melodramatic flair, captivates players, especially during his dramatic movements towards the conclusion. Interestingly, this song not only hails from Yakuza 3 but is also linked to the substory “The Enka Life”from Yakuza 2, showcasing Kiryu’s encounter with an aspiring Enka singer, Chikamatsu. While it may not boast the instant recognition of other tracks, its emotional depth perfectly embodies the essence of karaoke in Asian culture.
9 Hell Stew
Kamurocho City Rock
Debuting in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Hell Stew is an intense, dark alternative rock track that portrays the act of preparing and relishing hotpot as a ritualistic experience. Both Ichiban and Zhao can perform this number, with Zhao’s typically soft vocal style adding an unexpected twist to his heavy metal rendition, reflective of the theatrical band Seikima-II’s influences.
Fans often refer to Hell Stew as this generation’s “Judgement, ”poignantly highlighting friendship through the shared experience of cooking and dining. Those familiar with the original Japanese version may notice the striking resemblance between Zhao and Bakugo from My Hero Academia, as both characters are voiced by the talented Nobuhiko Okamoto, who has crafted voices for many notable anime figures.
8 Like A Butterfly
Kiryu Raps!
When karaoke was first introduced, songs were mostly performed by hostesses catering to patrons.Like A Butterfly, debuting in Yakuza 6 and sung by the hostesses Saki Akai and Riona Ichijo, is a fast-paced J-Rock tune that showcases Kiryu’s hilarious foray into backup singing and rapping English lyrics—an amusing divergence from his usual stoic persona.
This track has since become a staple in future installments, with female characters frequently performing it, blending humor with their powerful vocal performances.
7 The Goro Pirates Theme
The Real Treasure Was Friendship All Along
With the release of Pirate Yakuza came a fresh cast of characters and engaging new karaoke numbers for Majima.The Goro Pirates Theme stands out with its energetic rock vibe, propelling Majima and his crew towards epic confrontations in the game’s visuals.
This song serves not only as the main menu theme but also as the end credits roll—with Majima singing it as a sea shanty during gameplay, creating a festive ambiance as they traverse the seas of Hawaii. Even amidst the ongoing Sub vs. Dub debate, many fans admit that Matt Mercer’s English rendition significantly outshines Hidenari Ugaki’s, despite Ugaki’s renowned representation of Majima’s wild persona.
6 The Future I Dreamed Of
Quintessentially Ichiban
Ichiban Kasuga emerges as a fitting successor to Kiryu in the Like A Dragon series, representing a shift in narrative direction at RGG Studios from the silent strength of Kiryu to the exuberant and courageous nature of Ichiban. The track The Future I Dreamed Of encapsulates this transformation, embodying the hopeful spirit in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, akin to an anime finale full of aspiration.
This song highlights Ichiban’s unwavering spirit despite his hardships, exemplifying resilience as he rises from a difficult past as a deadbeat convict to someone who shapes his destiny against all odds. With its uplifting message, The Future I Dreamed Of inspires listeners to persevere through life’s challenges.
5 Today Is A Diamond
A Happy Song With Depressing Lyrics
With its lively 70s-style pop-rock vibe, Today Is A Diamond gives an appearance of being a cheerful tune encouraging a child to get out of bed. However, a closer examination reveals a deeper, darker context, as it relates to Kiryu’s inner turmoil when he discovers his adoptive daughter Haruka has fallen into a coma following an attack by the yakuza.
The contrast between the cheerful sound and the somber lyrics—where Kiryu expresses despair—creates a profound emotional impact. Lines such as “You’re never going to wake up/I guess I’ll sleep too…”highlight Kiryu’s struggle between maintaining a brave front and confronting overwhelming sorrow. Despite its weighty theme, Today Is A Diamond stands out as an exceptional track that balances joy and despair, justifying its ranking in the top five.
4 Machine Gun Kiss
Firing Off A Billion Kisses
Machine Gun Kiss is a fiery rock anthem about expressing one’s love barrel-style with a relentless flurry of kisses, underscored by energetic riffs and a striking guitar solo. This high-octane tune has been performed by several characters, including Kiryu and Shinada in Yakuza 5, alongside Adachi in Yakuza 7.
While Kiryu’s memorable vocal performances resonate with fans, Adachi’s rendition, known as Police Spec, tends to rise above the rest thanks to the unique vocal flare provided by Akio Otsuka, famous for voicing Solid Snake. Otsuka’s dynamic delivery brings a new intensity to this beloved track.
3 24-Hour Cinderella
Majima Is Forever Youthful
24-Hour Cinderella is undoubtedly Majima’s signature track, perfectly capturing his character as an exuberant 80s pop idol, complete with rollerskating and acrobatics. Despite being in his sixties during the events of Infinite Wealth and Pirate Yakuza, Majima continues to radiate the same youthful exuberance he carried from his first appearance.
Initially presented in Yakuza 0, the song’s return in Pirate Yakuza features Matt Mercer in the English version, amplifying Majima’s youthful essence. Unlike his signature erratic rants, Majima reveals a more sincere singing side in this song, reinforcing its legacy as a fan favorite.
2 Judgement -Shinpan-
We Are Bad Boys
Judgement -Shinpan- should not be confused with the spin-off featuring Takayuki Yagami; it’s a catchy rock anthem characterized by vibrant lyrics and lively rhythm. Debuting in Yakuza 0 and performed by Kiryu and Nishikiyama, this track humorously embodies the spirit of the 80s with its corny yet nostalgic themes of brotherhood and defiance.
Unfortunately, due to the fallout between Kiryu and Nishikiyama, they have not performed this song together for years, a sentiment echoed by fans since it is Kiryu’s favorite. However, this all changes when Kiryu meets Ichiban, whom he acknowledges as a brother in Like A Dragon and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth.
Remarkably, both Ichiban and Nishikiyama share the same Japanese voice actor, Kazuhiro Nakaya, leading fans to reflect on the paths both characters could have taken. The renewed performance of Judgement -Shinpan- in Infinite Wealth revitalizes the bond Kiryu longed for, providing a heartwarming glimpse into his nostalgic past despite his challenges.
1.Back to top
I Sing For You…
Bakamitai stands out as the most emblematic song in the franchise, emerging at the forefront of its cultural revival during the pandemic as a viral meme. This track has seen countless remixes and deepfake parodies, with characters performing Bakamitai in comically heartfelt compilations.
Though it first appeared in Yakuza 5, Bakamitai is often more closely associated with Yakuza 0. Translated as “I’ve Been A Fool, ”it conveys profound emotional weight as it delves into themes of heartbreak, seamlessly integrating with the overarching narrative of Like a Dragon.
Whether appreciated as a staple of parody or cherished for its emotional depth, Bakamitai transcends the typical karaoke experience, resonating effectively with listeners. RGG Studios acknowledged the impact of this track by introducing Baka Darou—lovingly dubbed Bakamitai 2.0—in Infinite Wealth, although it still lags behind Bakamitai’s legendary status.
Ultimately, this song embodies the very essence of karaoke: an intimate, heartfelt experience that resonates deeply, thus securing its place as the quintessential karaoke track within the Like a Dragon saga.
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