New Yakuza Prequel Game Uses the Likeness of an Actor Who Died 12 Years Ago

Sega and RGG Studio said Stranger than Heaven will feature a CG likeness of late actor Bunta Sugawara, created from archival materials with family approval.

Actor Takashi Ukaji will provide the character’s voice, while the game uses Sugawara’s image in the Yakuza prequel.

The reveal has drawn online criticism and renewed debate over posthumous likeness rights in games.

The backlash could influence how publishers handle deceased performers’ images and fan expectations in future projects.