Kiryu Chan is one of the nicknames given to a character in the Yakuza Game Series – Kazuma Kiryu. The character has appeared in many of the Yakuza games in the series and had recently appeared as a minor character in the 2020 video game Yakuza: Like A Dragon.
The character is the protagonist and the playable character in the hit Yakuza Franchise.
This article will dive into the world of Yakuza and give a better understanding to the reader of dear Kiryu Chan.
Who is Kiryu Chan?
Kazuma Kiryu is the protagonist in the Yakuza series of video games developed by Sega. The first game, “Yakuza” was released for PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2005.
Kazuma Kiryu is the main playable character in most of the games of the Yakuza franchise. 桐生 一馬 is his name in Japanese which is pronounced as Kiryū Kazuma.
In the game, Kazuma Kiryu is the past lieutenant advisor of a family in the Tojo Clan. He worked for the Dojima Family. Everything changed for the character when he had no other choice but to take the fall for the murder of his boss Sohei Dojima. The real murderer was his Best Friend Akira Nishikiyama and he took the blame in order to protect Akira.
Kiryu Chan is a legendary character and his exploits and the rise through the Dojima Family of the Tojo Clan as well as his infamous Back Tattoo have resulted in him earning the title of “The Dragon of Dojima”. In Japanese, the title is 堂島の龍 which is pronounced as Dōjima no Ryū.
Kiryu was the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan and prior to this bad managed the Orphanage called Morning Glory Orphanage.
The character is voiced by Takaya Kuroda, A Japanese voice actor, and in English by Darryl Kurylo in the video game series. The character also has made an appearance in the Prologue Film, Like a Dragon in which he was played by Masakatsu Funaki, and in the Film based on the PS2 video game released in 2007 in which he was played by Kazuki Kitamura.
Kiryu Chan – Appearance
Kiryu is extremely muscular and has a fit build. It is believed that this is a result of the street fights that are part of his routine as other daily activities. He has more upper body mass due to his use of heavy weaponry.
In Yakuza 0 Kiryu has very short hair. The hair was a bit longer on the crown area and featured his iconic sideburns. From Yakuza Kiwami onwards Kiryu was seen to have long hair which was slicked back messily. He had a Goatee for facial hair.
He has brown eyes and is considered to be very handsome and attractive.
Tattoo
Kiryu has an infamous back Tattoo that covers his back almost entirely. The tattoo ends right above his thighs. The tattoo is of a white, black, red, and grey dragon which is holding a pearl which in Japanese Culture symbolizes power, wisdom, balance, and protection.
The Pearl held by the dragon has the Sanskrit character which represents the year of the monkey. This is in relation to the Chinese Zodiac year 1968, the year Kiryu was born.
Kiryu Chan – Personality
Kiryu Chan is known for being stolid but is honorable and very just. He is considered to be a living legend and sticks to his virtues and honor which he learned from his adoptive father Kazama. His sense of justice makes him have the priority of protecting Vulnerable Citizens from the powerful people as well as corrupt Yakuza.
He is willing to sacrifice himself for his beliefs as well as for protecting others. He has no hesitation in helping out people and does not expect any reward in return.
Does Kiryu Rejoin the Yakuza
Kiryu rejoins the Dojima family at the end of Yakuza 0. While a lot of fans were confused as to why Kiryu was welcomed back just like that into the family after the events of Yakuza 0 it did make Kiryu be there in the events of Yakuza 1.
Who calls Kazuma Kiryu Chan?
The use of the term “-Chan” in Japanese is used to indicate fondness or closeness. In the Game, it is Majima who calls Kazuma Kiryu Chan. This suggests that both Kiryu and Kazuma are very close and are fond of each other.
Both these characters have a very good relationship. Kiryu respects Majima greatly and Majima is extremely fond of Kazuma which results in him calling Kazuma as Kiryu Chan.
What Is Kiryu Chan Sound?
Sometimes while playing a player could hear Majima’s voice saying “Kiryu Chan”. This would mean that Majima is nearby. If the player is not able to see Majima on the map then it would mean he is hiding somewhere nearby.
If the player hears Majima’s voice calling Kiryu Chan it would mean that Majima is nearby and has an event involving him.
Often this sound is used in many memes and funny videos over the internet. This sound was more of a factor in the popularity of Kiryu Chan.
Kiryu Chan Trophy
There is a Trophy in the Yakuza Kiwami game called Kiryu Chan. The player will get the trophy for being Chased by Majima. It is a Bronze Trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kiryu in love with?
Kiryu was immensely in love with Yumi however, because of his friend Nishikiyama who was also in love with Yumi, he never made any advances to her.
Does Kiryu have any love interests?
The main love interests of Kiryu are Yumi Sawamura and Kaoru Sayama. He does not show any interest in having a romantic relationship with any of his colleagues. When Kiryu had the possibility of being in a relationship with Mayumi he turned her down multiple times.
How old is Kiryu Chan?
Kazuma Kiryu was born on June 17, 1968. In the 2020 game Yakuza: Like a Dragon, he was 50 years old.
How many kids does Kiryu have?
While running the Morning Glory Orphanage he raises nine children. Ayako, Koji, Taichi, Mitsuo, Riona, Eri, Shiro, Izumi, and Mame are his adopted children.
Conclusion
Kiryu Chan is the name given to Kazuma Kiryu by Goro Majima. The name is given out of respect and fondness as “-Chan” in Japanese is used by people to show closeness. There is also a Trophy named Kiryu Chan in the Yakuza Kiwami game.
Kazuma is the playable character in the Yakuza game. The character is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time and has been a fan favorite ever since he was introduced into the Yakuza Games. The character has a strict moral code and is just and shows compassion to others. He is also one of the most stylish Video Game characters.
The article has attempted at providing a better understanding of Kiryu Chan and has hopefully helped the reader in appreciating Kiryu Chan more!
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