Xbox and Sega presented a broadcast Wednesday who shared new details about their upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger than paradise. Since the show aired, RGG Studio has been criticized for its bizarre choice to use the image of famous film actor Bunta Sugawara, who died in 2014.
In a press release for the upcoming game, Sega shared the following statement: “In STRANGER THAN THE SKYthe late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family and, with documents provided by Toei Company, Ltd., which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles without honor and without humanity series: RGG Studio crafted its CG character design from stock footage and photographs from the era.
“The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close bond with Mr. Sugawara,” Sega concludes.
Bunta Sugawara is known for starring in the five-part series Battle without honor and humanitya wildly successful yakuza film saga from the 1970s that helped popularize the modern genre and ultimately inspire the Like a dragon games. Actor Takashi Ukaji, who has appeared in films and television series including Ultraman, Rider KamenAnd Fist of the North Star franchises – will make his video game debut by voicing the character Sugawara in Stranger than paradise.
This is the first time RGG Studio has used the image of a deceased person in its games, and it feels like a mistake. Although the studio does not appear to be using generative AI for any part of Sugawara’s picture, many are uncomfortable with the implications of this decision. It’s hard not to view this decision as an exploitation of Sugawara’s legacy. If the intention is to commemorate and honor Sugawara’s legacy, one might instead look to his many film appearances during his life, rather than tearing him from his grave.