How Kazuma Kiryu Redefines Masculinity

[@BenAstridge]

Edit: Ichiban video is here! How Ichiban Kasuga Replaced Kiryu Kazuma kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJmcp6uNa8-sm7c Even though his story has just begun, Ichiban is also an amazing character in his own right. Some day in the future i may do a character analysis type of video for him similar to this one, keep an eye on this channel. ❤

[@alphanumeric6582]

I really like Ichiban's positive aura. He has all those mentioned traits as well but he's outwardly a very kind and cheerful person

[@rohitharidas91]

Ichiban numba1

[@Hymn_]

@@alphanumeric6582and how he’s the opposite of kiryu, he’s not gifted and full of privileges. hence why his title is called the rock bottom dragon

[@alphanumeric6582]

@@Hymn_ I never knew that. It makes sense though. That guy has been through *everything*. I recommend listening to his song: "The Future I Dreamed Of"

[@Hymn_]

@@alphanumeric6582 yea i already listened to it multiple times, pretty much sums up ichi’s character pretty well

[@Garland846]

The strongest feat Kiryu did wasn't fighting anyone, it was having the strength to leave his old life behind so that his loved ones could be safe.

[@Loonatoonies]

yeah sure *TIGER DROPS A FUCKING TIGER*

[@dragcoldbruh4981]

​@@Loonatooniesnowhere near his strongest physical feat

[@betard8104]

proceeds to help tojo clan almost every entry of the series

[@ROBOHOLIC1]

Being a dad like Kiryu is my male fantasy. Minus the getting shot part and faking my death.

[@Hirotara]

And spending 10 years in the joint but some mad lads would say otherwise

[@ROBOHOLIC1]

@@Hirotara 10 years...

[@jvl5379]

@@ROBOHOLIC1in the joint…

[@DissmnerRingoSlave]

@@jvl5379 made you...

[@justarandombluebird8222]

​@@DissmnerRingoSlavea fuckin

[@vert40k80]

Its kinda funny that we say it "redefines masculinity", it doesn't. This IS what masculinity has always really been. We just started to forget that

[@TheStephaneAdam]

I dunno, positive portrayals like Kiryu are really rare and always had been. And always been mocked. And no, I'm not talking about any stuff you'd call "woke". Marvel male leads are more often than not quippy manchildren, Walter White and the cast of his show are often idolized despite being very explicitly not people you should look up to. In media of all kind boys are abundant, men almost absent.

[@vert40k80]

@TheStephaneAdam I see what you're saying, but that's moreso *modern* media.

[@TheStephaneAdam]

@@vert40k80 Oh no believe me, I'm in my forties. It was never good! It's just nostalgia goggles and not really seeing older characters through that prism. I wouldn't want John McLane anywhere near me, nor any Character played by Mel Gibson. You do get the occasional good role model. Optimus Prime when portrayed well, Captain America in his original movie, Morpheus from the Matrix trilogy. But overall it's selfish, thoughtless bastards as far as the eye can see.

[@samuel.jpg.1080p]

Kiryu is hands down one of the best protagonist in gaming medium. He's surprisingly nuanced when you look deeper into him. He's stoic, sure but he hides a much more vulnerable side to him, a side where he's much more caring to his loved ones, where he's socially awkward at times and naive at certain situations. He redefines what it is to be a man without being toxic or preachy. RGG created an icon and the same level of nuances can be applied to any other RGG protagonists

[@Hymn_]

and the fact that he’s a boomer when it comes to technology

[@MrSkillns]

To simplify it; Kiryu is a good man who has done bad things (such as entering an organized crime system). He is not a bad man who does good things.

[@ilovetiddies-q2x]

And he has definitely not killed anyone

[@A.c.e2.0]

​@@ilovetiddies-q2x now thats debatable

[@outlaw451]

Yes. The most interesting part being that his male role model and surrogate father was a bad man who ended up doing good things. A hitman who killed a lot of people, including both of kiryu's biological parents. Ironically, as a baby, kiryu save him and put him on a slightly better path. Seeing Lazama as a role model and father figure chose to follow his footsteps and live up to this sort of idealized version of him. Of what a man and yakuza should be. Striving and fight for and ideal that was basically a lie, only to become the kind of man he saw his father as in truth despite his misters. And then choosing to be a father like that to other children who had lost their families because that was Kazama's greatest legacy.

[@Kiasae]

@@outlaw451I’m having a hard time distinguishing a line between a “good man” and a “bad man” Ig Kiryu did idealise Kazama a lot. But when I first started playing the series I didn’t look much into his character so I’d like an explanation to what makes him bad and what makes Kiryu good. Kazama done bad things but tried to atone for that by having that orphanage. I think it doesn’t make him a good person since he’s done more harm than good to people. But for someone like Kiryu he really was a great person, a role model. I really like your point that Kiryu became that idealised version of Kazama that he saw. It is what he truly wanted to be all his life😢

[@TheActualRealDrPepper]

My favourite male characters fall into 3 categories: • The scowling men who are only trying to be good fathers (Kratos, Geralt, Joel, Kiryu) • The scowling men who regret being bad fathers (Dracula from Castlevania) • The scowling men who are absolutely atrocious fathers and couldn't care less (Vergil, Omni-Man)

[@LennoxParsec]

But Omniman does.

[@TheActualRealDrPepper]

@@LennoxParsec Yeah, I don't actually know why I put him in that category

[@Astro_Crunch]

I think you would really enjoy Lisa the Painful then (assuming you haven't played it already). The game has all three of those in some capacity.

[@fishonmydish7774]

replace omni-man with Kazuya

[@BananaBreadSwiper]

john marston would take this as well

[@aYtto]

Kiryu is such a badass man, and an inspiration too. Maybe i can't now, but i'll give my all to be just like him when i grow up. Except for being japanese. And joining a mafia. And seing my sworn brother die before my eyes. Or running real estate.

[@Kiryugaming486]

So you still want to get stabbed ?

[@nickramantanis2649]

I was really happy to see this in my recommended, just the other day I was rambling like a madman to a friend of mine about how to me Kiryu is the ideal of masculinity, and what masculinity means to me. Not only because of the responsibility he takes on as a father, but all the suffering he bares for selfless reasons. Kiryu may honestly be one of my favourite protagonists in fiction.

[@BenAstridge]

Aw i’m glad you connected with my video ^~^ I think Ichiban holds that spot for me, i adore him so much honestly.

[@3slicessenpai]

Something that Kiryu constantly does that really cements his manliness is his ability to dive head-first into many things and give his all on everything he does, no matter how silly it may be. It sometimes is the point of the joke, that he's super into karaoke, dressing up the hostesses he manages, going to the arcade and being SUPER HEARTBROKEN when his Pocket Circuit car falls off the track. It shows that, if you love something, you shouldn't feel ashamed of it. Heck, he even watches romantic movies and reads shonen manga, driving away the stigma of manly man not caring for childish or soft stuff.

[@BenAstridge]

Yeah! It makes him super lovable as a character! It’s interesting that people find it amusing/funny but yeah the joke is literally just him having a great time being invested. I def think this is all part of that redefining of masculinity too, yeah you’re 100% right.

[@uberhaxorzskelletor]

Isn't it Majima who runs the hostess club? Kiryu is a real-estate mogul in 0

[@3slicessenpai]

@@uberhaxorzskelletor In Kiwami 2, Kiryu goes to Sotenbori, meets an older Yuki-chan (the ditzy starting hostess from Zero) and becomes the manager of her new club, that is struggling against the evil rivals in town.

[@ratt__mann9220]

Kiryu is a massive goober.

[@darienb1127]

I was just about the leave a comment about this! Kiryu is a man with no shame and will always commit to the bit.

[@user-mp9nn6fy1r]

Kiryu is an interesting character. Sure he likes brawling and a good drink, but also enjoys karaoke and pocket racing and it's quite open about his feelings toward his friends and loved beings.

[@moisesfreire6408]

All the jokes asides, Yakuza REALLY appeal to the real male fantasy.

[@greyboi9550]

Another thing I really like the Yakuza games is Kiryu is okay being vulnerable and doing silly non masculine things and the games never look down on him for it

[@TheStephaneAdam]

THIS! Kiryu shows emotion and vulnerability. He's allowed to be silly and find himself in ridiculous situations.

[@bigvirgin6709]

This is such a sweet message, and done in such a short amount of time! Nice Job bro

[@BenAstridge]

Thanks a ton! If my vids can help spread positivity somehow i’m happy 😊

[@baron-chan6484]

Kiryu puts other before himself, specially those who he considered friends and family... He even willing to "die" to protect his family, because they target him and don't want a crossfire

[@Cneq]

He doesn't redefine anything, this is what masculinity has always been.

[@Daiyamaruu]

man i played this games like three times each and never noticed this "being a caring father is what masculinity really is" subtext. I think i was so involved into the crazy over the top plots that i never paied attention to it. Great analysis!

[@BenAstridge]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@judgementrizzy]

He's literally my perfect man. I mean my role model. I mean all of the above.

[@konraddavies4722]

Short and to the point, i like it. Good video man.

[@BenAstridge]

I appreciate it! 😊

[@ShojiFlesh]

I wnna be a loving fatherrr but yeah truly beautiful when u see those kind of characters take dad roles to good video 😊👍🏼

[@BenAstridge]

Thank you so much 😀

[@nadzb8106]

I never thought of that, but you are very much right. His masculinity comes from standing up for himself and protecting the people he cares araound and not as we usually see it as being a cocky arogant brute who is strong in physical way

[@peanutmurgler]

Loved the video. This is like the 10th British voice I’ve heard talk about Yakuza on KZbin ngl

[@BenAstridge]

Ahh thanks, i’m glad u enjoyed it! ^~^ I’m a huuuge fan of the series, played everything but ishin, the psp game and the zombie spinoff. Might end up making a few more on yakuza down the line

[@Hirotara]

Amazing video, you conveyed a concise and powerful message in such a small time frame. Can’t imagine what you could do provided with the length of a video-essay. Man’s woke up and spotted straight facts

[@BenAstridge]

Thank you so so much! I do try to choose my words in a way that deliver the point without wasting my audience’s time (i’ve seen a lot or rambling or repetitive video essays in the past) so it means so much to hear this feedback.

[@Flufferpup]

Another thing he does is never punch down, and treats everyone from every background as an equal. He doesn't care about being dominant or the toughest guy in the room, all he cares about is protecting himself and those important to him. He uses his strength for the benefit of others, not himself.

[@NiCoNiCoNiCola]

What I always loved about Yakuza 5 is how Akiyama is totally fine with helping Haruka for literally no reason, but keeping her safe. He didn't even intrude on Kiryu's whereabouts or why did Haruka leave the orphanage, he's basically a cool uncle

[@jake975]

Kiryu is legitimately my role model. I straight up started going to the gym because of this dude 😭😭

[@Majimba_Enjoyer]

damn those 3 minutes were packed with the perfect amount of information. you dont get to see this on here often hope the algorithm can push you out to more people

[@ARB6769]

Nothing is more masculine than an adult playing toy car racing

[@BenAstridge]

That’s what i’m sayin! Enjoy what you enjoy 😎

[@aaronsound]

Beautiful video and it echoes my thoughts exacly, that was one of the first thoughts I had about Kiryu when i've started playing as him.

[@arthurv4039]

Real fathers throw their offspring off a cliff

[@INeededANameForThisChannel]

True masculinity

[@jvl5379]

I like to imagine that this is the whole plot of the first Tekken game since I’ve never played a single Tekken game

[@BenAstridge]

@@jvl5379 you’re correct lmao

[@Garland846]

real fathers send their sons to infiltrate the enemy fortress outer heaven then attempt to kill them

[@TheActualRealDrPepper]

Real Fathers are absent from their child's, only returning 20 years later to rip off their arm

[@dopey473]

Holy shit video essay that isn't unecessarily long. Love these short form videos that say what they need to in short amount of time.

[@SharpForceTrauma]

Unironically, he is my idol. I strive every day to become like him. Sega couldn't make a better character if they tried

[@wildguardian]

Another thing Kiryu doesn't do is.. absolutely nothing a redpill "sigma male" does. He zero disrespects to anyone based on ideologies, professions, religion, gender, sex preferences, etc. The only thing that he values are people who behaves honorably. But then you would have to play substories etc..

[@muhammadadityarachman8395]

I really do like these sort of 180 direction on masculinity. It challenges the ideas and fantasies we have on how men should act with today's standards or norms, and i think that's quite interesting and perhaps even needed in today's world. Especially with the rise of this "Hyper masculinity" shall we say that we see on social media. People glorifying unhealthy habits just to look more muscular or better, people glorifying unnecessary ideas to make all the money in the world or other unrealistic materialistic goals. It's stupid. that should not be the norm or the idea of masculinity. Times have changed, and that we should change too.

[@klaus.sfc01official30]

I think this is why we all like kiryu so much. He is the dad and the chad we never had in our lives.

[@politicalchair487]

jokes on you Kazuma I'm middle-aged and single with no kids

[@BenAstridge]

Sounds like a nice freedom to have. As long as you're kind to everyone & happy. Some are married with kids but are unhappy & not good parents. Measure your own success by your own objectives

[@bobbaseball5182]

nothing more badass than a father

[@gowtham8909]

Bro is funny and stoic. Peak Perfection.

[@EngineerTeamFortress2]

Don’t stride to be a sigma alpha male stride to be this specific Ex-Yakuza

[@daygo7816]

Very cool, keep going strong 💪

[@user-tw3rh9po4t]

Was not expecting an absurdly shortass video essay like it’s a The4thSnake little length video😂

[@BenAstridge]

@@user-tw3rh9po4t I don’t like long video essays where they repeat the same thing over and over in different words. I did what was explained in the title. No reason to make it arbitrarily long.

[@WINSTONECHAN]

oh bruh i thought this video was gonna be longer but thats the title lmao i didn't see the run time

[@BenAstridge]

Sorry brotherrr ahah 😅

[@johnduchovnyugale8406]

Wholesome 💪💖

[@lootbox9071]

Kazuma is indestructible in impossible ways and thats cool

[@GnosisZX]

Not indestructible but lacking flight part of fight or flight

[@lootbox9071]

@@GnosisZX hav u seen how strong that man is? He shrugs off bullets and stabbings in the game and he can only really get hurt in cutscenes where he is either depressed or caught off guard. That man is definition of looney tunes style reality bending strength lol

[@GnosisZX]

@@lootbox9071 not really most of that is due to martial arts chi tricks and dumb as fuck enemies

[@jjq9360]

do majima goro too

[@BenAstridge]

I've thought of it ahah mayyyybe ;p keep an eye out on the channel

[@ItsStartedTo]

😇

[@ItsPlants]

Anoche thing I like about Kiryu is seeing him breake apart im Gaiden, not that I actually enjoy seeing that, I cried for around 30 minutes by the end But seeing someone like Kiryu in such a defeated way, he just wanted to die for once, for his pain to stop, and as someone who's sacrificed myself for my friends and family many times, seeing someone I feel attached to cry after seeing his family many years after his supposed death broke me, it made me realize there wasn't anything wrong about crying and letting my emotions go out

[@metalslugfan708]

At least he's a better father than the other characters such as the clueless goku and the angsty jotaro. Almost on par with kenshiro.

[@gensal2003]

also beat dudes ass

[@theunbeatable6598]

Mote yakuza 😊

[@xtdycxtfuv9353]

I think masculinity is not an attitude or demeanour but a body. Kiryu is pictured tall and good looking and masculine, so all actions will be perceived so.

[@BenAstridge]

I personally disagree, interesting to hear this take though

[@peanutmurgler]

If that were true, half the characters in the Yakuza series would not be villains… Nishikiyama for example has a similar “ideal” masculine build, but not a single Yakuza fan agrees with his actions in Kiwami

[@JackdotC]

Andrew Tate brainlet mindset

[@Aurora-bv1ys]

@@peanutmurgler I agree with his actions to some degree. Especially the power seeking thing

[@wildguardian]

It's too late to change a generation of people who were fed ducktales, batman, and then iron man with cameos by elon musk on fiction such as already stated iron man and.. big bang theory.., to believe in a different value than "billionaires are good rich guys who deserve what they got and they are hard workers who don't sleep". if there's a thing that changed the way people think for the worse, this is #1

[@user-fw1kp5xb2e]

0:01 I love jin

[@Danionson]

He’s trying to say sigma without saying sigma

[@BenAstridge]

🤣🤣🤣 you got me