Is vtuber Kson really in the Yakuza games?

Esports and Tech Writer

Publish Date: August 15, 2024

A certain NPC in the Yakuza series bears a striking resemblance to the vtuber Kson, but is it actually her or just a funny coincidence?

The Yakuza franchise has always been beloved in Japan, but its popularity surged in the West after the release of Yakuza 0. Countless YouTubers and streamers played the game at the request of fans, who wanted to see their reactions to the game’s zany shenanigans. However, Kson has been a fan of the Yakuza franchise well before it reached meme status. Her vtuber avatar’s design borrows heavily from Yakuza and motorcycling delinquents. Her fans even call her “kaichou,” an honorary title for elders in the Yakuza organization.

With her popularity and passion, Kson earned herself not just one but two appearances in the Yakuza franchise.

Kson vtuber Yakuza like a dragon

How did Kson end up in the Yakuza games?

Kson won a Sega-sanctioned competition to appear in the Yakuza games, giving her an appearance in the games.

Kson’s passion for the franchise led to her publicly calling for fan support in the contest in her ongoing quest to be in the same virtual world as her idol Kazuma Kiryu. Although the competition was fierce, Kson eventually won the grand prize of 1,000,000 ten. In addition to her prize money, she became a guest character in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. For Infinite Wealth, she is an employee at the Revolve Bar and has a fully-fledged character model and side story.

Kson Gushes Over Kiryu Both IRL And In-Game (Kson) [Eng Subs]

Her Gaiden appearance is a live-action cameo as a hostess for Club Heavenly, with all that entails given the franchise’s history. Naturally, Kson immediately played both Yakuza games on launch and looked for herself. Both times proved equally entertaining for fans as she fangirled over her inclusion in her favorite franchise.

Gura Sings “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” at Dodger Stadium (Hololive)

Vtubers have slowly been integrating themselves into mainstream culture. Recently, Hololive collaborated with Dodgers Stadium in support of Japanese player Shohei Ohtani. The collaboration became more successful than Cover and the stadium organizers anticipated. The merch line coiled all around the stadium, and many disgruntled fans complained about not getting merch.

All said and done, the vtuber invasion is far from over.