Stranger Than Heaven Uses Likeness Of Actor Who Died 12 Years Ago

"In STRANGER THAN HEAVEN , the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears. SEGA received formal consent from his family, and, with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd.-which produced many of Mr. Sugawara's films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series-RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs from the time."

"The character's voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara. Bunta Sugawara is known for starring in the five-part series Battle Without Honor and Humanity, a wildly successful yakuza film saga from the 1970s that helped popularize the modern genre and, eventually, inspire the Like a Dragon games."

"This is the first time RGG Studio is employing the likeness of a dead person in its games, and it feels like a mistake. While the studio doesn't appear to be using generative AI for any part of Sugawara's likeness, many are uncomfortable with the implications of the decision. It's difficult not to read the move as exploitative of Sugawara's legacy."

"If the intention is to memorialize and honor Sugawara's legacy, one could instead look to his extensive film appearances during his lifetime, rather than wrest him from his grave."

Stranger than Heaven will feature the late actor Bunta Sugawara as a CG character. Sega states it received formal consent from Sugawara’s family and used materials provided by Toei Company, which produced many of his films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series. RGG Studio crafted the character design using archival footage and photographs from the time. The character’s voice is performed by Takashi Ukaji, who has a close connection to Sugawara. Sugawara is associated with the 1970s yakuza film saga Battle Without Honor and Humanity, which helped popularize the modern genre and influenced later Like a Dragon games. Some people criticize the use of a deceased person’s likeness, calling it exploitative despite the stated consent and lack of generative AI.

Read at Kotaku