Whether as side quests, boss fights, tattoos on the backs of Yakuza members, or just hanging around, animals are an important and recurring element in theYakuza/Like A Dragonseries, as they are present in all the games.
While they started as mostly side content, the animals in Like A Dragon have evolved in how they are used in the games today. In Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii, you can even haveyour own animal kingdom. There is also an animal that follows you around, helps in combat, and gives you special gifts.
8Yama-oroshi
While most animals in the series are friendly, there are a few that act as antagonists. Yama-oroshi is a local legend in the Mountain Village of Yakuza 5 and introduces a main story boss fight, a substory, and a hunting minigame.
There is controversy among fans about whether the bear hunting section of the game is a good or bad addition, with some saying it’s a slow chapter while others say it’s fun. One thing is for sure: this is the sort of character that makes the Yakuza games so unique and special.
7Omelette
According to Eri Kamataki, Omelette is the official pet of Ichiban Holdings, and it’s a chicken capable of understanding human language. Hard to believe, but with its behavior, it might be possible.
Omelette can join you as an employee in the management minigame. If you speak with Omelette a certain number of times, it will give you eggs, including golden eggs. Omelette also appears in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, where it will give you an egg as well. Additionally, Omelette can help you in fights, as it becomes a battle summon in thePoundmates battle mechanic.
6Clara
Clara is a chimpanzee that you first meet as a boss fight in a substory. As a member of a circus, she escapes from her cage and takes control of an excavator.
Clara’s dance animation, which is used for other animals in the series, and the absurdity of the situation make the quest one of the most unique and funny moments in the game. After completing Clara’s quest, she becomes available as an employee for the Ichiban Holdings minigame and is added to the Sujidex application.
5Nugget
Promised as a turkey reward in a bowling substory of Yakuza 0, Nugget is famous in the Like a Dragon series for the staring moment it has with Kiryu, which saves it from becoming fried chicken. After completing the quest, Nugget joins the player in the Real Estate Royale minigame.
In the Like a Dragon universe, chickens seem to be good management and business co-workers. Nugget also makes an appearance in another RGG game, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, where, when talked to, it will give the player a special egg talisman.
4Pochitaro
While being assaulted by some thugs, Pochitaro is saved by Kiryu in the first Yakuza game. The dog then befriends Haruka, who is by Kiryu’s side for most of the game. At the end of the Yakuza 1, Kiryu and Haruka leave Pochitaro in the care of the homeless people in West Park.
In Yakuza 2, Kiryu learns that a child at the Sunflower Orphanage is having trouble making friends. He then contacts the homeless in West Park, who send Pochitaro to the orphanage, which helps the child befriend the dog and feel better. That’s why we all love you, Kiryu and Pochitaro.
3Nancy
Nancy is a crawfish with a unique X mark on her back. After being saved from being eaten by Ichiban, she joins him as his adopted pet. Nancy also joins Ichiban on his journey to Hawaii in the next game, Infinite Wealth.
In Hawaii, there is a full substory dedicated to Nancy, where Ichiban helps her find love. After some obstacles, she does find love with a hermit crab named Olivia. After the quest, Nancy and Olivia join the player in combat as Poundmates summons.
2Mame
Mame is a good boy who makes his introduction in Yakuza 3. Scared of humans at first and making Kiryu chase him around an Okinawan town, Mame quickly forms a strong bond with the kids from the Morning Glory Orphanage, especially with Izumi.
He is the animal with the most appearances in the series and is present during some of the most important story events. Mame also appears inkaraoke cutscenes, making it clear how beloved he is to the characters in the series.
1Goro
It wasn’t an easy decision between Mame and Goro for the number one spot. However, his cuteness isn’t the only thing that makes this… (cat?) special. While other animals help you as poundmates in the turn-based combat, Goro helps you out in the beat-‘em-up combat system.
New to the series in Pirate Yakuza, Goro follows Majima and Noah around, making him present during most events of the game while helping the player in combat with his cute but deadly paws and by giving the player gifts while exploring. Goro looks like a tiger; however, according to Noah, he is a cat. I guess only time will tell if he is right. Goro is voiced by Kazuhiro Nakaya, who also voices Nishikiyama and Ichiban.
