Summary
Warning: This article contains early-game spoilers for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Proceed at your own risk.
Some of the most iconic elements of theLike a Dragonseries are on display inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthas a title that is a clear love letter to fans of the series. With how much content is packed intoLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthbetween the game’s main story and side activities like mini-games and sub-stories, this title represents all of the best the series has to offer. However, there are some references for fans to catch that are much more subtle than others, with one particular callback foreshadowing a future plot point.
Thefirst chapter ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthdoes a great job showcasing Kasuga and the gang’s lives as the Heroes of Yokohama following the events ofYakuza: Like a Dragon, establishing a stable lifestyle for the group from the get-go. This stability leads Nanba and Adachi to encourage Kasuga to ask Saeko out on a date, setting up an endearing sequence that ultimately has more drastic consequences later down the line. These consequences end up being foreshadowed during Saeko and Kasuga’s date through the use of the series' iconic song “Baka Mitai,” cluing observant fans in on the turmoil to come.
How Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Uses Baka Mitai to Foreshadow Its Plot
Thekaraoke mini-game is a staple of theLike a Dragonseriesand has become a very popular activity among fans to the point where iconic songs like “Baka Mitai” are often the primary thing the series is known for among non-fans. As such, it’s not surprising thatLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwould work this classic song into its opening hours as an Easter egg hidden in the background for players to enjoy. However, players might notice that the scene where “Baka Mitai” can be heard may be using the song to foreshadow a future plot point based on the contents of the song’s lyrics.
All Yakuza and Like a Dragon Games that Feature Baka Mitai as a Karaoke Song
Although “Baka Mitai” was first introduced as akaraoke song inYakuza 5, it has appeared in nearly all entries released in the time since, aside fromYakuza 6. This song was even added to the remake of the first game,Yakuza Kiwami, due to its popularity among players. While “Baka Mitai” has gone on to earn viral internet fame, its lyrics are much more somber than the memes featuring the song would have one believe, making it the perfect way to foreshadow future turmoil inLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s plot.
The full title of the song is “Baka Mitai (I’ve Been a Fool),” and its lyrics reflect this regretful title by discussing the singer’s desire to go back and change how they treated their partner, wishing to tell them that they still love them. TheLike a Dragonserieshas always walked a fine line between the ridiculous and a more grounded outlook on the world, which is represented by the feelings expressed in this song. The remorse the singer feels in this song comes through when it’s sung in karaoke by characters like Kiryu, Saejima, Akiyama, and Nanba, but its impact is even more apparent when it directly relates to Kasuga and Saeko’s relationship.
During their date towards the beginning ofLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, “Baka Mitai” can be heard playing in the background whileKasuga and Saekoare at the kappo restaurant. In the moment, all appears to be going well as the two are having a good time, but as the date ends and Kasuga surprisingly proposes to Saeko, the mood quickly changes as Saeko abruptly leaves without a response and with Kasuga regretful of his actions. This heartbreak closely mirrors the lyrics of “Baka Mitai,” foreshadowing this doomed relationship from the start of the date.
