A Deeper Dive on Yakuza 0's Antagonists: Daisaku Kuze

[@BasedPeter]

A lot of people misinterpret Kuze as "how many times do I have to teach you this lesson, old man?" In truth, its "how many times do I have to teach you this lesson *young man* ?"

[@Dinker27]

Kinda makes me think another theme for him would be YMCA in a minor key. 🤣

[@NooberTheGooober]

Kuze is simply what one would call, a gigachad

[@chipdips]

Agreed, he's just built different

[@NooberTheGooober]

He's not even built different anymore, he's the equivalent of a tank on steroids

[@danielgeronimo5538]

An underrated aspect of Kuze's honor is his ability to truly accept loss. He's not a sore loser, he just keeps coming back for more because he truly wanted to beat those who are stronger than him. Kiryu never wanted to run away, he really happens to be just stronger than everyone else.

[@crack4184]

He does have a healthy relationship with failure. As he claims himself: "The one that can't tough it out is the true loser."

[@naranara1690]

The one-off Dojima lieutenants are compelling enough characters that I can imagine all three of them being protagonists in their own games, set before the events of Yakuza 0.

[@chipdips]

I'd love to see a spin off for the three lieutenants, I'd kill to play as Kuze ngl.

[@dezgasting]

Playing as Kuze would unironically be so fun

[@gruccinishikino12]

yakuze

[@Radiomen_IV]

@@chipdips YaKuze

[@yeedog6145]

YaKuze -1 Gates Of Yomi

[@MarioPawner]

One of my favorite details about Kuze, which you mentioned briefly, his shades. They have the obvious connotation of being an expression of cynicism and detachment, and they also distance a character from both the outside viewer and the audience. The gold rims probably also have something to do with his high position as a family head, and his fancy shoes are probably the same way. Then the second fight with the famous cutscene happens. The glasses? Gone. The shoes? Soaked in sewer water. Kuze's been cast down just like Kiryu, and his speech in that tunnel is the first solid look we get at the man's real nature. This symbolism is taken even further in the fourth fight. Kuze's smug comment about Kiryu's arrival is cut off, as Kiryu literally punches the glasses off. It's after this fight and witnessing Kiryu's resolve that Kuze begins to genuinely respect him, admitting that he's finally become a real yakuza (in the same sense that he considers the ideal of that to be). He shows up to the fifth fight without the glasses, again demonstrating that he's completely genuine.

[@chipdips]

Wow, I love this. I didn't even think about how his shades would affect how we perceive of him, but reading your comment, I could definitely see it. As they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul. With the shades on, Kuze just looks like your average muscle of the group, and with his schemes at the beginning, you can't help but hate him. But with the shades off, what you can see is a broken man who has lost everything but his pride, but also a man with honor and motivation. I think that's real cool

[@Andrew___P]

Interesting fact Ozawa Hitoshi (who played Kuze) is a veteran actor in Yakuza films and has actually done a few films with the Shibusawa actor Hideo Nakano. If you didn't see the Ryu Ga Gotoku studio stream they actually announced the two of them and Riki Takeuchi (Awano) will be appearing as Shinsengumi Lieutenants in Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin which is released in February as well as announcements for Ryu Ga Gotoku Gaiden (a game detailing what Kiryu did after Yakuza 6) which links to the other title coming in 2024 which is Yakuza 8 showing a new look for Kiryu with grey hair (which made me think immediately of Narukami Yu/ Souji Seta from Persona 4)

[@chipdips]

I'm real excited for what's to come, I'm getting all three as soon as they come out, so you'll be seeing content on that as soon as the games come out

[@rucksen]

In my eyes, and a few other people that I've talked to about it, every Kuze fight is representative of one of the five stages of grief. Fight 1, Denial: He does not accept that Kiryu is a threat to him. We promptly beat that information into his skull. Fight 2, Anger: Kuze is now going full force to take down Kiryu after being humiliated by him in the prior fight. Fight 3, Bargaining: Kuze has to beg Awano and Shibusawa to give him another round with Kiryu; to even get a slim chance at redeeming himself. Fight 4, Depression: Kuze let Tachibana's info slip out of his hands, as he now sees what Kiryu has become. A true Yakuza. Fight 5, Acceptance: Kuze now understands that he will never beat Kiryu. However out of respect for himself and his newfound respect for Kiryu, he challenges Kiryu to one last showdown. He knows that Kiryu has changed rapidly over the course of the games events, and Kuze wants to test his capabilities for the last time. After being inevitably defeated by Kiryu, Kuze gives him the information needed to both end the Empty Lot fiasco, and for him to become the Dragon of Dojima.

[@akiyamajun4991]

nah, for the 4th fight, he felt sorry about letting his buddy killed tachibana, so he took kiryu's punch without any excuses, and he was always expecting kiryu to become a real yakuza from fight 2, since kiryu said "I know I'm not even a half to be a real yakuza, but I'll stick it with my way"

[@teeyahgriffin5947]

Kuze wasn’t really a antagonist, To me he is one of the people who made kiryu who he was

[@twoocean8012]

Which is true to his character and his tattoo (Enma the king of hell who judges souls in the afterlife). Similar to Enma, he judged Kiryu in his fights to see if he was truly ready to enter the Yakuza world.

[@NefariousSpecter]

Antagonist means Adversary. I think you mean you dont think he's a villain. An antagonist's role is to be in opposition to the protagonist/hero in the narrative.

[@akiyomer]

antagonist but a teacher

[@Hilversumborn]

First you hate this guy, at the end you can’t help but respect him.

[@Arcananine77]

I'm glad this analysis brings up the importance of Kuze's 2 boss themes; but I disagree that Oath of Enma portrays Kuze "at his lowest point". For me, it's the theme of a man who knows he's fighting his last battle and nonetheless giving it his all.

[@chipdips]

Songs are always open to interpretation, especially instrumentals. Many people can have different interpretations of the same song and really, I think that is beautiful

[@ExcitedAlex]

Excellent breakdown and presentation of Kiryu’s enemies. How about Majima’s side, specifically… Sagawa-han? Besides that, if you are driven to talk about all things Yakuza 0 and beyond, hey, extra fan here. 👍 Go for it, tiger.

[@chipdips]

Thanks for the comment! I do believe that Sagawa-han deserves his own video, so stay tuned!

[@ExcitedAlex]

Sweet, looking forward to it.

[@DTownNash]

Kuze's my favorite villain...EVER. 💪🏿. I started off the game hating his guts and like you, ended inspiring to be as tenacious and unwavering as he is in everything I do. I'm getting a light grey suit because of him. Both of his theme songs go hard ASF in the gym too.

[@crispycrispylickylicky]

Seeing people still talk about Yakuza 0 years after it’s release puts a smile on my face

[@chipdips]

As far as I can tell, Yakuza 0 is a timeless game for a timeless audience.

[@o_oro-q1k]

@@chipdips for sure, i've only finished it a few weeks ago and i'm already hooked on the series

[@Aurora-bv1ys]

I agree. The best in the series.

[@jacobleflore2614]

Over my playthrough of Yakuza Zero i had my view of Daisaku Kuze shift drastically as i ventured further, starting with hate, then annoyance, and finally begrudging respect for him as no matter how many times i beat him into the dirt he got back up and fights us again, a true demon

[@bigziggy9222]

This is an absolute gem of a video, hope to see more

[@nittayoshifumi8252]

i absolutely love that drippin outfit

[@bigfrog4231]

even after beating zero and kiwami (and im about to start kiwami 2), i cant help but still think back to Kuze. he's probably my favorite character from the series so far. i loved all of his fights (oh my GOD dont get he started on the sewers fight), he VA is INCREDIBLE, and i loved how no matter how many times he was beat down he always got back up. he's such a good antagonist and character in general

[@anthonyjordanmoviesandmore2470]

How many times must I teach you this lesson old man

[@gamerfly3064]

In my opinion I think Kuze is the future version of Kiryu that we would have got if he didn't took the blame for Nishikiyama. So developer give us a version of kiryu in the form of Kuze I think.

[@jorgebersabe293]

Kuze does have the "Man of the City" attitude Kiryu has, but none of the warmth or kindness.

[@mojabaka]

„How many times do we have to teach you this lesson old men?“ the character.

[@chipdips]

Yeap, that is exactly who Kuze is.

[@dt_grey4521]

Yakuza is pretty philosophical. In Y6 when Kiryu is told tattoos don't matter and that their a hindrance, Kiryu disagrees strongly. To him each tattoo represents the ideals you carry upon your back, their burdens in the practical sense but the ideals they represent give the bearer the willpower to press forward. This is why we see characters take off their shirts to show the full glory of their tattoos, it's a battle of fists as much as it's a battle of ideology. Kuze after he sees Kiryu's ideals and how he fights for Tachibana views him as a real Yakuza. And so in their fifth clash it's no longer Pledge Of Demon that plays, but it's Oath Of Enma. Like Enma, Kuze must judge Kiryu and see if he'll break under the weight of his ideals that he chose to carry if he wishes to pass through the gates of hell, the gate into the criminal underworld. Y0 shows how Kiryu becomes the true Dragon Of Dojima. He challenges Shibusawa and bests him, only after does he complete his tattoo of a dragon. The dragon was just an outline, makes sense that with a new role and embracing his ideals that the dragon is filled in and brought to life. Making Kiryu into a legendary figure the Tojo Clan. Kuze molds Kiryu through constant adversity into the powerful figure he is in all other games.

[@F_Yale]

Great video. This character really stuck with me.

[@downergamin]

for fucks sake, im glad they kept atleast KUZE alive.

[@I_love_bread_and_Hungry_Jacks]

Insert Joey from Friends meme You are fighting Kuze: 😏 YOU are fighting KUZE: 😳

[@Wannabedanielpark]

Idk why but ive seen too many kuze memes and hearing the first part of kuzes theme makes me bust out laughing now

[@reezeebs]

Honestly I enjoy your videos man, as someone who's a big fan of the Yakuza game series, I'm impressed by the editing and constructive analysis you bring to the table. I'm looking forward to more video ideas like Yakuza 0's version of Goro Majima!

[@chipdips]

Thank you! Goro Majima's video is already in the works, as he is definitely on everyone's favorite character list HAHAH

[@ThousandairesClub]

*a real god damn Yakuza that never fucking quits 💀 I remember the 3rd, 4th and 5th time I faught him, I'm like THIS MF AGAIN??? 😂 toughest bastard to ever come out a set of balls* 👌

[@OrdinatorSeldro]

I like when you fight Pipe Kuze, when he strikes Kiryu for the dynamic intro, Kuze strikes his head when Kiryu blocks the pipe.

[@FrankGarrettHotelSurplus]

I must agree. Oath of Enma is not only one the greatest video game soundtracks of all time but one of the greatest instrumentals flat out

[@mr.cookey]

Kiryu's and Kuze's conflict is probably my single most favourite. Partially to the fact of how badass Kuze's theme and voice is, but, mostly for the fact of how the dynamic changes. It starts off with a slight disdain on both sides, Kiryu seeing Kuze as a shifty asshole, who'd try to coerce him into stabbing Kazama in the back. Then, after the first loss, Kuze starts to hate Kiryu, because he sees Kiryu as a lucky kid, who's, while strong, is mostly in for the money. The more he fights, the more he sees that Kiryu IS a beast in terms of strenght, failing to beat him either by bringing a weapon with him, or even when outnumbered... But that changes at the 4th encounter. For the first time, Kiryu is initiating the fight. Kiryu is the one, who, odds be damned, is willing to jump in and fight his hardest. That's when Kuze finally realizes Kiryu isn't weak, isn't money driven, he is a man of his own values, and would rather die than to give them up... And that is why the final fight, and theme, isn't motivated by hatred for either side. Two opposing warriors fighting because they must, but understanding each other, and showing respect, finally realizing, that while they differ in motive, they are similar in values, and equally strong in their own beliefs. Yakuza is a helluva franchise, managing to make so much out with music, creating deep characters and tear jerking stories, while also having stupidly funny moments, and just an overall memey, funny atmoshpere outside of the story missions.

[@Ro-fw3lc]

Keep in mind,kiryu sticks to kuzes style after the events of 0.

[@pogCibi]

Kuze looks like my late grandfather....

[@autterloserontheinternet8684]

I love his ost's (my first yakuza 0 ost i liked)

[@chipdips]

Kuze's OSTs are absolute bangers!

[@akita-edits]

how does this not have atleast 1k views

[@beejaypio1872]

I'm glad I found a channel got Yakuza. Keep it up brother

[@chipdips]

Thank you for enjoying the video! Hope you stay for more Yakuza content!

[@redyeezy7383]

Kuze is also My personal favorite as well.

[@SiteCoral]

you're a underrated creator

[@chipdips]

Thank you for your comment! If you enjoyed the video, feel free to stick around!

[@Zeioth]

Yakuze is the most Yakuze character of the Yakuze franchise

[@CrochCrochc]

this video is so good you my man deserve more subs

[@chipdips]

Thank you!

[@yojimbo4343]

Your videos deserve more views, nice job!

[@chipdips]

Thank you! I hope you stick around for more!

[@fonok2443]

Amazing content, good writing and editing. Keep it up, I'll be watching!

[@chipdips]

Thank you! Hope you'll continue to support the channel!

[@kurfurst2317]

thank you for an interesting analysis of the best villains of the best game

[@yahyeah]

I remember the first time i fought him. He beated the shit out of me for 7 times

[@cameraman4549]

Kuze's whole personality was "You gon' get tired o' whoopin' my ass fore' I get tired o' gettin' my ass whooped." And I'm all here for it.

[@locodesert2]

SAw this video when I was looking for yakuza online cutscenes and really glad I clicked on it.

[@kuroboticuse]

> simps kuze for 9 minutes straight > shows fighting kuze with beast style why u gotta disrespect my man like that lmao

[@chipdips]

It is what it is!

[@vboi5697]

I want to see you analyze the other antagonists and bosses in the series

[@chipdips]

Already way ahead of you, so stay tuned!

[@raychii7361]

Kuze model should be used for the Asian version of terminator.

[@Syrnbjorn]

Asian George Lopez was a true yakuza

[@chipdips]

Damb.

[@AaronDobbs52]

Finally, someone with the same appreciation for the man himself.

[@Mickey-v7p]

Awano’s a sleazebag Shibusawa’s a pencil pusher Kuze’s a butt kicker We could say that Shibusawa’s the dude who conceals his true strength and makes everyone think that he’s a nobody but a desk jockey in the Yakuza.

[@azazel7505]

people who say "pledge of demon vs oath of enma which is better" or "you gotta pick one you can't say both is your favourite" I recommend you to make a playlist and start oath of enma IMMEDIATLY after pledge of demon, they link perfectly, they are one song with different parts, peak yakuza music fr

[@billjensenlive]

underrated vid

[@Scythical]

I honestly felt like the shibusawa boss battle was very underwhelming compared to kuze. He wasnt developed at all, and now he wants to be the next dragon? Afterwards, he has the most underwhelming music and I forget the boss fight 30 minutes later. What a terrible ending to such an amazing game. Kuze on the other hand, is developed by the player. The player thinks of him as an evil dude who wants power at first, but afterwards, he seems very honorable. He is amazing.

[@chipdips]

Thank you for your comment! While I don't exactly agree with your points on Shibusawa, since we were shown how ruthless he was after getting the green light by Sohei Dojima, I will say that he is nowhere near as great as Kuze IMO.

[@SchwarzieKun]

Now do one about Senator Armstrong

[@chipdips]

Definitely a character that needs a deeper dive. I'll put it on the list.

[@Nhileishere]

Love this!

[@huandapradipta4918]

bro, remember me when you get famous

[@mistorpiee]

Good one!

[@konstantinoskalmanides8219]

I can’t believe they haven’t brought him back in the later Yakuza series. It should be a crime. He’s technically in prison, not dead.

[@donfuer0]

Dude, nice video

[@anthonytran5692]

You should talk about the yakuza series as a whole

[@chipdips]

I'd love to do that! Probably gonna be a real big video though HAHAH

[@rev7657]

Thanks Chip!

[@lorekeeperval3772]

Yo your videos are great! Keep at it and I think you could become patriarch of the KZbin family!

[@chipdips]

Thank you! Let's become the greatest KZbin family out there

[@rahhrahhhh]

Here I am once again

[@yuh42011]

Kuuuuuzeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@Rizukura]

this is quality

[@prepiful]

Kereeen

[@MeltyZombie]

Here take a free sub, though while I'm here I would like if you did a video on both majima and kiryu's style mentors

[@alihorda]

KUZEEE

[@scream-beam3519]

would like to hear you talk about yakuza 0! Talking about the villains were spot on as they were extremely well written. would also love to know your opinion on yakuza Ishin 👀

[@chipdips]

Thank you for your comment! I definitely still have more in the tank for Yakuza 0, it is one of my favorite games after all. I haven't really delved into Ishin that much, but I'd love to play it soon!

[@ZhongXina01]

Is Kiryu’s suit in later games meant to be inspired by Kuze’s? the only difference is that Kiryu’s shirt is red

[@DTownNash]

Yep.

[@roquwho]

I sense effort

[@korhol2065]

You don’t get *5 story fights* in a game series where you would be lucky to get two story fight’s without being a deep character

[@5Lanius5]

I think the suit is light blue

[@DTownNash]

Under certain lighting it looks light blue. But trust me, it's grey.

[@rikustorm13]

Kuze is awesome :D

[@אושרביילין]

SHINE!!!!!!BOKE!!!!!!!

[@ammariziad8810]

thanks

[@theonlyrealkuze]

Kuze

[@chipdips]

Kuze

[@DTownNash]

....no aniki

[@RealRaido]

I like funny man with pipe and bike in sewer :)

[@chipdips]

i also like funny old man with pipe and bike in the sewer, one of my favorite characters basically

[@jasonblundelldobebussing]

Кузя

[@philipellis9527]

Just a small correction, Daisuke is pronounced “Dice K”. I only know cause of the Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsusaka

[@chipdips]

Thank you for your information! Although you are correct that Daisuke is pronounced as Dice K, the name of the character isn't Daisuke, it's Daisaku.

[@philipellis9527]

Well damn you right. Curse my dyslexia :)

[@chipdips]

@@philipellis9527 No worries, I'm glad that you watched the video anyway!