SEGA and RGG Studio just reminded everyone exactly why fans are furious. A new trailer for Yakuza Kiwami 3 dropped with actor Teruyuki Kagawa prominently featured just 13 seconds in—and the internet immediately exploded. The backlash that’s been simmering since September is now full boil again, and the studios have responded with complete radio silence.
Here’s the situation: Goh Hamazaki, a main antagonist in Yakuza 3, was recast for the Kiwami remake. SEGA brought on Japanese actor Teruyuki Kagawa to voice and provide motion capture for the character. Problem is, Kagawa has admitted to sexual misconduct. This isn’t allegation territory—he admitted it in 2022 after a 2019 accusation, and photographs of him forcibly grabbing a woman by her hair circulated online. Knowing that context, releasing a trailer where Kagawa’s face is the first thing fans see feels like either tone-deaf or deliberately confrontational.
The #REMOVEKAGAWA Campaign
Within hours of the trailer dropping, YouTube comments flooded with the hashtag #REMOVEKAGAWA. The same hashtag appeared during an official SEGA livestream two weeks prior, completely unacknowledged by presenters. Fans aren’t being subtle about their position—this actor shouldn’t be in the game.
A Change.org petition demanding Kagawa’s removal has collected over 8,300 signatures. The petition’s language is direct: “The Yakuza/Ryu Ga Gotoku franchise is about morality… Knowing that, it is abhorrent to knowingly hire a person who has admitted to sexual misconduct.” Thousands of players have pledged to refrain from purchasing the game if Kagawa remains attached to it.
The Hypocrisy Nobody’s Ignoring
What’s making fans even angrier is the obvious double standard. RGG Studio has previously removed actors from productions for mere allegations of drug use, some of which proved untrue. Yet Kagawa—with admitted, confirmed sexual misconduct—remains cast and seemingly untouchable. Fans are pointing out that this inconsistency suggests priorities are completely misaligned with what the franchise claims to stand for.
The Yakuza Franchise’s Built-In Contradiction
The Yakuza series has consistently depicted scenes condemning sexual harassment and abuse. The franchise is explicitly about morality. Series creators Masayoshi Yokoyama and Toshihiro Nagoshi have spoken repeatedly about the franchise’s moral foundations. Now the franchise is being helmed by a man with admitted sexual misconduct. That contradiction isn’t subtle—it’s starring you in the face in every promotional material.
Fans aren’t just upset about a casting choice. They’re upset about SEGA knowingly (because they absolutely had to know about Kagawa’s history) making a decision that directly contradicts everything their franchise represents.
SEGA’s Continued Silence
The worst part? SEGA and RGG Studio haven’t acknowledged any of this. No statement. No explanation. No commitment to reconsider. Nothing. They’re simply continuing to promote the game with Kagawa prominently featured, ignoring the growing pile of criticism.
The Timeline Problem
Yakuza Kiwami 3 releases February 12, 2026. That’s technically enough time to recast, re-record, and re-mocap the character. Technically. Practically, most of the voice work and animation are probably done. However, fans are arguing that technical difficulty doesn’t justify keeping a sexual abuser in your franchise when that franchise is specifically about morality.
Some fans are pointing out that if RGG Studio really cared, they could’ve made this decision before casting. But they didn’t.
The Bigger Industry Problem
This isn’t just a Yakuza Kiwami 3 issue. It’s about an industry that claims to value accountability while consistently showing it only applies selectively. Drug allegations get actors removed immediately. Confirmed sexual misconduct? Silent response and business as usual. The message being sent is clear: financial considerations and schedule pressure matter more than stated moral values.
RGG Studio built a franchise on depicting moral complexity and consequences. Now they’re facing the consequences of their casting choice, and they’re choosing silence over accountability.
FAQs
What exactly did Teruyuki Kagawa do?
In 2019, Kagawa was accused of sexually harassing two women. In 2022, Kagawa officially admitted to sexual misconduct against one of those women through his agency. Photographs from one of the incidents show him forcibly grabbing a woman by her hair.
When was Kagawa cast for Yakuza Kiwami 3?
The announcement came in late September 2025. The character Goh Hamazaki was recast from the original Yakuza 3, with Kagawa providing both voice and motion capture for the remake.
Has SEGA responded to the backlash?
No. SEGA and RGG Studio have remained silent despite significant fan outcry, petitions, boycott calls, and criticisms during official livestreams.
When does Yakuza Kiwami 3 release?
The game is scheduled for release on February 12, 2026. That technically provides time for casting changes, but most development work is likely already completed.
Is there a petition to remove Kagawa?
Yes. A Change.org petition demanding Kagawa’s removal has collected over 8,300 signatures. Many players have pledged not to purchase the game if Kagawa remains attached.
Why is this particularly controversial for Yakuza?
The Yakuza franchise explicitly portrays morality as central to its narrative. The series has depicted scenes condemning sexual abuse. Casting a man with admitted sexual misconduct contradicts the franchise’s stated values.
Has RGG Studio removed actors before?
Yes. The studio has previously removed and recast actors for allegations of drug use, some of which proved untrue. This inconsistency is fueling fan anger—allegations are treated more seriously than confirmed misconduct.
Can the character still be recast before release?
Technically yes, but it would require re-recording voice lines and re-doing motion capture. The effort would be significant but not impossible for a major studio.
Conclusion
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is facing legitimate criticism for casting an actor with admitted sexual misconduct in a franchise built explicitly around morality. SEGA and RGG Studio’s continued silence feels like a response—one that says they’re willing to absorb fan anger rather than address it. A new trailer putting Kagawa front and center just reignited the controversy, proving that fans haven’t accepted this decision. With February 2026 approaching, SEGA faces a choice: address the criticism with action, or let the controversy define the game’s launch. So far, they’re choosing silence, and that’s telling its own story about industry priorities.