Ichiban must be protected at all costs

Ichiban, a deadbeat at 40, saying "it's too soon to judge your progress yet" is super inspiring and validating for people like me who feel like time has already passed me by.

"Be the man who dries more tears than anyone else in the world" My man you're just making me cry more!

"On those nights you're hurting or feeling lonely, come and have a drink with me." This was the last game I bought for my ps4 before I nearly lost everything and became homeless. I worked my ass off and whenever I was feeling down and needed to cheer up, I would boot up LAD 7 and just be in the survive bar, listening to the cds or doing karoke as my own little comfort zone and this particular song kept me going for a long while. Ichiban may not be the protagonist I grew up with like Kiryu but he will always have a place in my heart as the hero who saved me from me.

This song made me like Ichiban as kiryus' sucessor. This song also made me realize that even though Ichiban is in his 40s, hes still a kid at heart and I like that of him

This is a genuinely good song fighting against depression and the feeling of worthlessness. A lot of songs like this give the message that it gets better, but this one straight up tells you to fight through it, be the hero you wish would save you.

Ichiban restored my faith in middle aged video game protagonists

This man was abandoned at young age, went to prison for 18 years, lost friends & family YET he remains hopeful & dedicated towards a better future

Ichiban is that one homie who waits on you while you tie your shoes

Ichiban is exactly the kind of hero we need in these times. Once i heard him sing that song, i immediately fell in love with him as character. He's like every one of us. He's forever dreamer that is loyal to his friends and just wants to be a Hero for everyone. He's too pure for us

Ichiban makes me happy because, really... it's not only like having Nishiki back. It's like having Nishiki, Kiryu, and Majima together for the duration of the game. Think about it: Ichiban has the will to keep going, despite the extreme difficulty and near impossibility. He has an undying loyalty to his friends and family, and an inherent need to do what's right even though it'd be easier to just lose his morality. And he beats people up with a baseball bat.

It's a bit like Ichiban promises to himself and the player that he'll do it. Ooooff, my heartstrings

What I love about Ichiban is that he highly respects the old school Yakuza. And yet I love him because he’s like an old school anime protag. He’s headstrong, stubborn, kinda dumb, and short sighted. But even with all of that, it’s his loyalty and willingness to be there for other people that makes everyone gravitate to him. It just reminds me of how I was a kid and loved those types of characters. He really is just a kid at heart, like most players.

"I'm going to rise up and be the greatest hero, and I want you to come with me!" is just Ichiban in a nutshell, isn't it? I love this man. 😭💜

This breaks my heart to know that technically, nishki is singing this since I does show similar parts of his ark. It's as close as we'll get to having him back

Im on chapter 5 of this game and I loved everything about it. Ichiban couldn't be any more worthier to be a kiryu succesor. I liked Kiryu being the straight man in the comedic routine but Im really enjoying Ichiban's far more unpredictable and expressive self. Ichiban can be the crazy one himself as well as be the straight man. He shows his happiness and sadness openly, I really appreciate that of him. He feels like his own brand of Yakuza. Not overly serious but still beaming with stubborness and more idealistic righteousness

I didn't believe in Ichiban at first when he was presented as the next MC, but he has won me over.

Kiryu's serious karaoke: Songs about past regrets and wanting to do things over Ichiban's serious karaoke: Song about dreams and the future Even though he's older than Kiryu was at the start of his journey, he's so uniquely joyful and hopeful compared to all the other Yakuza protagonists. It really sets him apart, and makes you want to root for him like you would a flower growing out of concrete. Let's go dragon of rock bottom!

"When you're at rock bottom, aim for your dream"

"Once you're at rock bottom, the only way forward is up. But the bottom doesn't always have to be all dark and gloomy. If you can stand and look up, you'll see the light of hope up there." - Ichiban Kasuga The Rock Bottom Dragon

It's pretty cool. He is like a good mixture of kiryu and majima. He is stern and loyal,but also a bit crazy and funny . Gotta say, didn't know how I was feeling going in but now it's pretty good.

This game got me back into this series heavy. Ichiban is the character I needed for a really deep depression. The theme of hitting the bottom isn't game over and there is still hope is something you have to admire. I hope to see Ichiban moving forward he feels like a hopeful friend.

This song man... I've listened to it maybe 100 times now and I still tear up hearing the chorus.

i usually dont comment but i feel like i need to. ichiban really connects with me, being jobless and all. its hard to find a job. its hard to keep a job. hell, i cant even drive yet. it makes me feel like a disappointment and failure to my family and myself. as someone with disabilities and mental illnesses like depression - its hard to look forward when things are like this. its hard to believe ill get anywhere. but this song lightens up that part of me. it makes me get up on my feet again. it reminds me of when i was young, naive and hopeful, nothing could ever bring me down. just like how ichiban's personality is. it makes me want to be that sort of person again, someone who can believe in themselves and help others do the same. i will keep trying, ichiban. i wont run away, i wont die, i wont give up. ill rise up and make it in this world. thank you.

I'm just imagining Ichi and Kiryu at a Bar drinking like Bros. And Kiryu getting sentimental because he's getting reminded of Nishiki. And even better. Finally being able to sing Judgement.

Playing as Ichiban is the reward the player gets for bringing Kiryu through his storyline.

so wholesome esp when this is nishiki singing. the feels

I just finished the series and I can say that it is one of the best narratives so far. The Dragon of Rock Bottom is truly worthy of being a successor to the legend of the Dragon of Dojima. So bring me stronger villains, RGG Studios (as strong as Ryuji, Mine, Kuroiwa, and etc.), I will knock them down with Ichiban and friends.

Motivational song to all people if they despaired and still not giving up the hopes

Kiryu walked so Ichiban could run. Ichiban sprinted so Kiryu could live.

I love this song so much. As someone who has dealt with severe online bullying, I can resonate with the lyrics. I want to be the one who can dry more tears than anyone else. Even if, much like Ichiban, no one really knows me since I am separated by a screen, I want to be able to help people and make 'em smile, no matter what. I feel like in this day and age, all people need is someone they can look up to, and someone to lean on. Someone who will always be there to help. :D And also the fact this is Nishiki singing is boutta make meh cry. XD

This song fits Ichiban too well!

Now I know why I love Kasuga so much. While other protagonist : Kazuma - 80-90s style protagonist,Badass with strong sense of justice. Majima - Two side of same coins,Can be crazy and scary but also being wholesome and friendly at same time. Akiyama - Cool uncle that rich and ready to support you Saejima - That uncle who had a lot of life lesson to teach you also being kind and wholesome. Tanimura - Your cool brother who might not being role model but try to keep you from harm. Shinada - Your lazy horndog but give it all he got to protect your dream. Kasuga is like friend. He's not meant to be cool like said protagonist,He just meant to be friend with us,Players. He's like your true friend that always stayed on your side no matter what. And like gamer friend that play lot of game like how he love to play rpg games like me(He played Dragon Quest,I played Elder Scroll.). I would cry like little baby,If some day,We have to play final Kasuga's game...

I might have only begun playing yakuza about.... One month ago, but I am so ready for this.

In an alternate universe, Nishiki redeemed himself and is now climbing his way up again from the rock bottom...

Ichiban went from being a prison inmate to running a full on company

The fact he even goes "Nomi ni ikou!" in one line to essentially invite you out for a drink. Sweet boi.

Ichiban's unwavering optimism made me warm up to him easily.

“On those nights when you’re hurting or lonely, come have a drink with me.” What I tell my friends if they’re down in the gutters or just need someone to talk to.

I will forever be changed as a person because of the Yakuza game series. It’s just too great, legendary.

When I heard that Ichiban was going to be the new protagonist I didn’t know if I would of liked him more than Kiryu. Now that I’m playing Yakuza 7 I love Ichiban I can’t wait to see how the rest of his story unfolds.

Can't wait to sing this in game its gonna be fun. Ichiban is going to be a great protagonist I can see it.

I'm not going to lie, I watched this to see what Ichiban was singing about and it nearly fucking _broke_ me. Full on crying over this silly karaoke song. I fucking love Ichiban.

Really unfortunate that Yakuza 7 is M rated because Ichiban is really the hero that kids would love to see and look up to

Wow this song hits really hard especially now that I've beaten Yakuza 7 and the message of this song describes the way how I view and live my life. I still have a long way to go, but I aspire to be the coolest and the strongest hero in the world

This song has Ichiban vibes through and through. The optimistic views he has when he's in the most perilous situation mixed with the upbeat instrumentals along with Kazuhiro Nakaya's vocals makes it 10/10 song.

I’d like to think of Ichiban as the reincarnation of Niskhi

This song gives me hope, I've lost so much in the last few Years. Loved One's and Memories. The Yakuza franchise has helped me cope since they came to Xbox Gamespass around time when it all started. Thank You so much Sega.

no seriously, Kazuhiro Nakaya has an amazing voice. part of the reason why I love Ichiban.

This song maybe is the more important piece of music that i have listen this year, Ichiban really doesnt have let me give up

This kicked so hard for me. Made me believe there was something for me even if there isn't. Just need to push. Thank you, Kasuga-aniki!!

Ichiban already makes me smile more than anyone in the world. ...Well, I'm lying. It's actually Majima that does. But Ichi is #2.

Who’s here for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth? How great is it to reunite with these amazing characters? Ichiban is such an amazing person. What a role model. One of a kind. Puts his principles above everything and never falters from them. Even when there is no longer incentive to do so.

this cured my depression

I hope Kiryu doesn't think of Ichiban's voice familiar at all (I'd cry)

Ichiban is like one of the most wholesome protagonists I've ever seen

And they say video game characters are one dimensional and have no personality. These people should meet Kasuga.

Such wholesome positivity from a man who uphold his lifestyle as Hero. This could be my depression cure

Nishiki is just Ichiban who was mistreated and fell in the darkness.... If only Nishiki had friends like Ichiban does....

I thought I was the only one who sees hope in Ichiban's face, turns out everybody does🖤 Ichiban deserves more love from gamers.

I'm currently playing the final chapter of this amazing game, I hope I get to know more about Ichiban in a future, i don't know how the game ends. I just wait we could continue with the story of this amazing character.

I love this man so much

When you look up to video game characters more than real life people.

It's my mindset never give up

For all those who say video games aren’t art, the Yakuza franchise is the perfect prove that video games are art. And to me, they are the most beautiful form of art because they are interactive and are longer than any movie, show, book, or painting could be.

I like how the part before chorus almost sounds similar to 'I'll make a man out of you', but that song also fit similarly to this song, both songs are about not giving up.

I can hear Nishiki in this... My poor boy

Imagine Judgement karaoke with Ichi and Kiryu...

God when I first played this game and got to this song in Karaoke in the English Dub, and I thought that translation had a good message. This song is like the exact moment I realised Ichiban was the best main character in this series since Majima

The Japanese Joseph Joestar but with the heart of Jonathan Joestar.

i swear everytime when i played Yakuza 7 i just went to sing this song, so inspiring and yet you feel all the emotions of Ichiban :D ahh my heart

Ichiban is still a kid with a heart of gold, even more than Kiryu actually.

I love ichiban so much ❤❤❤❤❤ he is in a way ...just like me and everyone who tasted failure or struggeling in life ...never give up guys ❤❤

I didn’t think I’d like Ichiban. I thought that he’d come off as one of those Gamer self-inserts that’s an easy appeal to the player. (Like Almost every isekai mc). Ichiban isn’t, in fact, he’s the opposite. He’s not the player, he’s the character you wanna play as. In the beginning, ichiban has no skill, get’s beat up by the random punks in the park, and he can’t stand up for himself or do anything. But, the game shows you how you can be a legend like him. Ichiban keeps fighting till he one shots enemies that would’ve been impossible, he goes to vocational school and learns everything there is. He’s not too prideful for work, be it collecting cash from under a vending machine or cleaning toilets. He’s a goofy fool, but he sees everyone as his equal. RGG has shown many ways of rising to the top, most of them being the villians. Ichiban is how you do it right.

Nacido como un Héroe, Criado como Yakuza, Simplemente Ichiban

Are you sure that's a guitar he's playing? Because he's doing a damn good job playing with my heart strings

Anyone else think this is kinda like Ichiban's 'Pride from Despair'? Like i feel like its got the same themes and message but its much softer and upbeat compared to Kiryu's somewhat solemn and aggressive take or is that just me?

I need a person like ichiban in my life.

God, I never thought some RPG-esque character from a Yakuza spin-off would be my FUCKING HERO. There, I said it, COME AT ME.

I love this so much

This is freaking beautiful TUT

never played yakuza 7 yet, but i feel like ichiban's gonna be my favorite character

You cant break this man

The most motivating song I've ever heard in my entire life.

I love this song. Inspirational and moving!

IF ichiban dont give up WHO ARE YOU TO GIVE UP? get up end go persuit your dream!!!! we with you dude

It's a shame there's no english subtitles for the karoke songs when you play them in Japanese. Feel like a lot of the meaning is obscured when you can't understand what these amazing characters sing about.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KING

Play Yakuza: Like a Draogn. Me: "Come on, after 6 games i'm not going to cry." Also me: "YES, KARAOKE FINALLY!" *Play "The Future i dreamed of"* ... .. .. Me: "Fuck off game T_T"

I wanna be like Ichiban ngl.

HE'S A MAN WHO LIVES FOR THE FUTURE GO ICHIBAN GO ICHIBAN GO

i saw this song in a spanish triple review of 0, kiwami and kiwami 2, saying that this was a song that brought them out of despair. and yeah.

Lmao because of the blur I though this was gonna be a Gumshoe and Edgeworth meme

super underrated song, it's fucking lit

I love you Ichiban Kasuga

we need more grown mcs like ichiban

*Humanity Restored*

the amount of times I hit a point where I can't even cry properly... I come back... I cry every time... I fucking sob like a bitch... but these are the kinds of words I always dish out to people and yet nobody I know can return me such words of encourgement.... this however... finally I can be weak... finally I don't have to be so though and handle everyone else's shit... I care for them and I won't refuse them but it's so hurtful not having a single person be able to comfort me .... I can get that here, I feel it here... I feel better everytime.... the best song I ever got the chance to listen....

This song really hits home especially after playing 😭😭 Ichiban just has something Kiryu doesn't have, looking forward to the next installments

And here i thought acting this childish while I'm barely half of ichiban's age is a pretty bad thing to have in the world of adults. But after playing Like a Dragon and getting to know Ichiban, a person in his 40s who still has his childish personality despite being caught up in lots of criminal underworld shenanigans made me really gain more confidence as a person and I'm starting to see the plus side of having such characteristics even as an adult. Truly an amazing protagonist and really helped me in finding my true self.