Yakuza Fans Vote on Official Merch: From Cult Clothes to Traffic Cones

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the beloved Yakuza / Like a Dragon series, and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. In a unique twist, the studio is letting fans decide on the next official merchandise by voting on a diverse selection of 100 items, ranging from the conventional to the downright bizarre. The top two fan-voted items will be brought to life and available for purchase within the next two years. While the contest is listed in Japanese, enthusiasts worldwide can participate by casting their votes on the official website.

The merchandise list includes some expected items like a 20th anniversary celebration hoodie and a Yakuza-themed pencil case. However, true to the series' wild nature, it also features some truly eccentric choices drawn from the franchise's rich history. Fans can vote for items such as the cult outfit of Munan Suzuki from Yakuza 0, the iconic traffic cone used by Majima in Yakuza Kiwami, and the quirky "Puffy Gold Pants."

Other notable options include the sake Majima enjoys in a shack in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Akiyama's golden watch, Kiryu's fountain pen from Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Kashiwagi's tambourine from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Kiryu's wrestling mask from Yakuza 3, and Saejima's prisoner uniform from Yakuza 4, among many other oddities that reflect the series' unique charm.

In addition to the merchandise excitement, fans have another reason to celebrate in 2025, as Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to launch on February 21. While RGG Studio made a significant impact with the 10th anniversary release of Yakuza 0, it remains to be seen if similar grand gestures are planned for this milestone year.

Despite the possibility of multiple releases in one year seeming ambitious, RGG Studio has a proven track record of rapid development. Over the past five years, they have successfully released Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Judgment Remastered, Lost Judgment, Like a Dragon: Ishin, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, along with two Super Monkey Ball games and an enhanced remaster of Virtua Fighter 5, totaling nine games.