The developer behind the Yakuza series and upcoming spin-off Judgment has revealed the latter's redesigned bad guy. Kyohei Hamura is a feared yakuza captain in the game, but the actor who originally played him -- giving him both his Japanese voice and facial features -- was arrested for supposed drug use. Hey, it's a big deal in Japan.
When the arrest happened, Judgment was removed from sale in Japan, and the Western release was placed "under consideration". Fortunately, the title wasn't delayed or cancelled over here, and now, we get to see Hamura's redesign.
Apparently, Hamura no longer has the face of an actual actor -- this one's been crafted from scratch. The dialogue has also been re-recorded.
It's been a bit of a farce, but at least it's all sorted for Judgment's launch on the 25th June.
[source uk.ign.com]
Comments 17
Some people said its stupid.
but to me its very strong message.
Drugs is bad.
No matter where country you are in.
But not yet "Bad", until it ruins your family and future. because people too stupid and always regret late.
this man losing his career is one strong example.
@NintendoFan4Lyf That only applies if you are famous. Although I'd recommend a nice beer or whiskey over drugs.
@Sevenifity Thank you. After the article called this a "farce" I was worried that the message some might take away from all this would be the wrong one, but I'm grateful for your comment. At least some people are getting it.
I don't think some people know how strict the laws are in some Asian countries. People get the death penalty in some countries for smuggling them, even having a tiny bit of pot can put in you jail for years.
It's ridiculous in my opinion. Just glad we don't have this kind of overreaction to drug use in western society.
Don’t do drugs
I don't feel it, you can use drugs in a safe way if you don't over do it. Also depending on what kinda drug you use. Alcohol kills lots of people but because society says it's ok, it's generally accepted.
@RogerRoger @Sevenifity I think it's considered a farce only because it's a harsh punishment for something that's pretty minor compared to other crimes. For example, Nobuhiro Watsuki, creator of Rurouni Kenshin, was caught with child pornography. His punishment was as far as I can tell, only a 200,000 yen fine (about 1,870 USD), and his series resumed publication. The titular character even appeared in Jump Force this year. In the west, this would be a career destroyer, and his series probably would be erased from publication.
I don't support drug use, I'm only willing to live and let live if people don't abuse it. But there's far worse you can do to get your career wrecked.
@NintendoFan4Lyf I completely agree that mob mentality (especially online) has gotten out of hand recently, and that knee-jerk reactions to word-of-mouth have the potential to be, and have been, exploited by less-than-honest folks.
But the accusations against Pierre Taki had been circulating for almost a year, and police were investigating him before receiving the tip that led to his arrest. As soon as he was in custody, he gave a urine sample which tested positive for cocaine. Following those test results, he admitted to the charges.
He's currently awaiting sentencing in Koto Ward and faces up to seven years in prison.
In short, he's guilty.
@DerMeister The debate about cultural differences and proportional punishments from country to country is a vast one, and one that threatens to spill over into the Sony censorship issue with the example you give, so you'll forgive me if I don't respond in detail, even if I'm grateful for your reply.
But my hot take? Seems like Japan could learn from our child pornography laws, just as we could learn from their drug laws.
@NintendoFan4Lyf In terms of helping drug users get clean and back on track? I couldn't agree more.
@RogerRoger Seven years for testing positive for Cocaine is pretty nuts. I’m pretty sure dealers get less in the UK so part of me feels that the dealers are more the problem than the people who get hooked. That being said, maybe there’s something to be said for scaring potential addicts into positive action.
@RogerRoger I can get down with that. As well as helping any drug users overcome it. The less potential addicts, the better.
@nessisonett Proportional punishment is one of the single most difficult subjects to discuss. For everybody who thinks seven years is harsh, there'll be somebody else advocating for double. On that one specific point, though, I'm in total agreement with you; whatever you're gonna do to the person caught using drugs, do worse to the person who sold them.
@DerMeister Agreed. I actually think prison sentences for drug users (not drug dealers) should be served in rehab.
@roe @NintendoFan4Lyf Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world and one of the lowest crime rates.
Seems harsh to us, but they gotta be doing something right.
Even if you're as some people are saying not hurting other people when taking drugs but at the end of the day you're still supporting crime because you bought drugs from drug dealers.
Personally, I like Sega's stand on this.
Winners Don't Use Drugs
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