Warning: Spoilers ahead for Chapter 13 of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Proceed with caution.
The world of Like a Dragon series has a knack for portraying the evolution of its villains into allies, and Yamai in Infinite Wealth is a prime example of this transformation. Initially positioned as a formidable antagonist, Yamai's journey towards becoming an ally is intriguing, shaped by the influences of Ichiban and Kiryu. The decision by Ichiban to trust this gang leader creates tension among his companions, particularly Tomizawa, but ultimately proves to be a wise choice as Yamai's true nature is revealed, along with the weight of his troubled past.
In the realm of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Yamai shares similarities with characters like Seonhee, as his admiration for legendary figure Kiryu prompts a shift in his adversarial stance. When faced with Kiryu's illness, Yamai opts for honor over hostility, showcasing a depth of character by aiding Kiryu's recovery and supporting Ichiban's team in their journey back to Japan. As a former member of the Tojo clan with a tumultuous history, Yamai's respect for Kiryu stems from the latter's courage in confronting challenges head-on, a quality that Yamai finds admirable.
Yamai's Evolution in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Transitioning from Foe to Friend
Initially portrayed as a determined syndicate leader aiming to outshine rival gangs in Hawaii, Yamai's priorities shift when the true motive behind the search for Akane is unveiled, aligning his goals with the safety of Akane and Lani. Offering them refuge amidst escalating tensions with Palekana's Hakus, Yamai's actions parallel Ichiban's, forging an alliance between them. When the team successfully reunites Lani with Akane, the challenge of transporting them to Japan seems insurmountable due to Palekana's influence, until Yamai offers his boat for their journey, striking a deal with Japan's coast guard.
Following a tense encounter with Infinite Wealth's Barracudas, Ichiban and his team safely reach Japan, where they are met by Makoto Date. Yamai's arrangement for their safe passage comes at a personal cost, as he willingly submits to Date's arrest for the murder of his former patriarch, a haunting deed from his past that led him to flee to Hawaii. Before facing consequences, Yamai embarks on a final task - confronting the matriarch who manipulated him into committing the murder, a pivotal moment where he reveals his troubled history to Ichiban and others.
Unveiling Yamai's Past
Yamai discloses his dark past involving Yui Tabata, the matriarch who coerced him into killing her husband when he was just twenty, driven by unrequited love that Yui exploited and framed as his own scheme. This act facilitated her affair with the family captain without hindrance, disregarding the ramifications for Yamai. Fleeing to Hawaii after this incident, the shadows of his past haunted him until his return to Japan, where he confronted a deteriorated Yui, afflicted with Alzheimers.
After sharing his story with Ichiban and the team, Yamai chooses to face the consequences of his actions, surrendering himself for past crimes. His narrative draws parallels with other characters in Like a Dragon's lore, reflecting on the errors of young Yakuza like Saejima and the sacrifices made by figures such as Kiryu. Despite the complexities of his past, Yamai's journey towards redemption and atonement transforms him into a captivating anti-hero, defying the 'enemies to allies' stereotype and revealing layers of depth beyond his initial portrayal.