Stranger Than Heaven Uses Likeness Of Actor Who Died 12 Years Ago

Xbox and Sega presented a broadcast on Wednesday that shared new details about their upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger than Heaven. Since the broadcast aired, RGG Studio has come under fire for its bizarre choice to use the likeness of famous film actor Bunta Sugawara, who passed away in 2014. 

In a press release for the upcoming game, Sega shared the following statement: “In STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd.—which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series—RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time.

“The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara,” Sega concludes.

Bunta Sugawara is known for starring in the five-part series Battle Without Honor and Humanity, a wildly successful yakuza film saga from the 1970s that helped popularize the modern genre and, eventually, inspire the Like a Dragon games. Actor Takashi Ukaji—who has appeared in film and TV series including the Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Fist of the North Star franchises—will make his video game debut voicing Sugawara’s character in Stranger than Heaven.

This is the first time RGG Studio is employing the likeness of a dead person in its games, and it feels like a mistake. While the studio doesn’t appear to be using generative AI for any part of Sugawara’s likeness, many are uncomfortable with the implications of the decision. It’s difficult not to read the move as exploitative of Sugawara’s legacy. If the intention is to memorialize and honor Sugawara’s legacy, one could instead look to his extensive film appearances during his lifetime, rather than wrest him from his grave.