Highlights

  • The Yakuza series has gained popularity due to its stylish characters and visuals.
  • Antagonists like Akira Nishikiyama and Ryuji Goda have impressive fashion sense that outshines the protagonists.
  • Characters like Seonhee and Takumi Someya have unique outfits that reflect their roles and personalities.

There's a plethora of reasons why the Yakuza series has become so popular. Whether it's the wacky dialogue, frantic combat, or even just the jaw-dropping graphics, there's plenty to enjoy when jumping into these games, but one other factor that many fans have been drawn to is just how much style the characters have, especially the villains.

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Since the series focuses on the Yakuza, who are always known for being sharply dressed, it makes sense that these antagonists would look pretty dashing when seeing them up close, but some went above and beyond with their fashion sense. Kiryu and Ichiban may be pretty fashionable guys themselves, but some of the big baddies they go up against really do put them both to shame in the visuals department.

This list will also take into account characters who were once villains, but later became allies to Kiryu or Ichiban.

6 Akira Nishikiyama

Dressed To The Nines When He Re-Appears In Yakuza Kiwami

Akira Nishikami
Yakuza Kiwami

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , PC
Released
August 29, 2017
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

While Akira had a much more carefree look in Yakuza 0, he made sure to spruce his look up a little bit once he became Kiryu's central antagonist in the very first game. He's instantly recognizable for his double-breasted white suit, which grants him a very bright and authoritative aura that perfectly suits his position as the Patriarch of the Nishikiyama family.

Rather than his long pitch-black hair hanging over his eyes as it did in Yakuza 0, he now has it slicked back to also add to his more professional appearance. Those who haven't played Yakuza 0 before jumping into this game may not see Akira's fashion sense as anything special, but when seeing just how far he came from the sequel, goes to show just how much care he's been taking in his appearance.

5 Ryuji Goda

Outfit Manages To Look Both Casual And Professional At The Same Time

Ryuji talking to Kiryu
Yakuza Kiwami 2

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
August 28, 2018
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Similarly to Akira, Ryuji can often be seen sporting a buttoned-up suit whenever he appears in Yakuza Kiwami 2, but his fit is noticeably more casual and relaxed in comparison. Rather than wearing a tie to finish off the look, Ryuji instead opts to have part of his undershirt completely open, exposing his golden chain and showing off his luxurious lifestyle.

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Sometimes, he can even be seen throwing on a light beige coat that's been decorated with black fur around the collar, as if he couldn't get any more fancy. Ryuji's dress code manages to demonstrate his powerful position within the Go-Ryu clan, while also representing his more casual and fun-loving side at the same time.

4 Seonhee

Contrasting Colors Grant Her A Very Unique Fashion Sense

Seonhee talking to Ichiban
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Platform(s)
Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
JRPG

Considering that Seonhee is the leader of the underground organization known as the Geomijul, there's not really any need for her to dress up quite as formally as the other villains in the series who are related to the Yakuza. Still, this doesn't mean that she lacks pride in her appearance, with her sleek leather jacket and bright pink hair creating an eye-catching contrast that is unlike any other characters seen in the series.

Seonhee also has a few smaller additions to her outfit which relate to her character and role within the Geomijul, one of the most obvious being her spider necklace, which references the "Spider Web" hacking method that the group excels in. While the outfit could be deemed casual, the addition of her small black gloves reminds people that she's still not afraid to throw down if the situation calls for it.

3 Takumi Someya

Experiments With The Traditional Yakuza Dress Code To Personify His Underlying Beliefs

Takumi
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
April 17, 2018
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Takumi is often touted as one of the very best villains in the entire Yakuza series, primarily because his character is much more than a typical mastermind who acts evil just for the sake of it. However, alongside his complex goals and personality, Takumi also plays around with the traditional Yakuza villain dress code to create something truly unique, wearing a suit and tie that are all drastically different colors to help him stand out.

While his white striped shirt is a feast for the eyes, it's the inclusion of a bright purple patterned tie and a light blue undershirt that makes him stand out. Because Takumi is all about modernizing the Yakuza and moving them away from their roots, it makes sense that his clothes would steer away from the traditional black suit and tie combo, with his outfit being a great visual representation of who he is, and how he feels about the code of the Yakuza.

2 Akira Mabuchi

Sleek And Glossy Outfit Oozes Style And Luxury

Akira Mabuchi
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Platform(s)
Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Genre(s)
JRPG

Despite being a pretty despicable human being who commits some truly heinous acts throughout Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there's no mistaking the fact that Akira Mabuchi knows how to dress for an occasion. Mabuchi may wear a glossy white suit to show off his prestigious position in the Yokohama Liumang, but he also likes showing off his flashy golden undershirt, which makes him look like a gangster straight out of the 1980s.

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Additionally, Mabuchi can also always be seen wearing a golden pearl necklace, and will always have his hair side-parted with one side being noticeably shorter than the other. Mabuchi's unique and experimental appearance gives off the impression of a dangerous man who knows what it's like to live in luxury, but as snazzy as he may look, it's still an absolute joy being able to finally beat him down in the game.

1 Goro Majima

The Mad Dog Himself Sports A Care-Free But Eye-Catching Appearance In Many Of The Games

Goro Majima

Majima may have become one of Kiryu's closest allies after the events of the first game, but he initially started as little more than a crazed villain who would stop at nothing to fight Kiryu, even if it meant getting other people caught in the crossfire. The majority of the Yakuza villains will at least try and implement some sense of formality into their outfits so that they can keep up appearances, but Majima doesn't quite play by these rules, with the "Mad Dog" having his unique fashion sense.

In the first game, Majima dons a sleek and glossy golden boa print snake blazer which is always left open to expose his chest, and parts of his tattoos. This is without a doubt the most eye-catching part of his get-up, but another standout feature is Majima's eyepatch, which hints at his backstory and has become synonymous with the character. Pair this with some skin-tight black gloves, flashy leather pants, and one of the best hairstyles in the entire game, and it results in, by far, Kiryu's most stylish foe to date.

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