An interview video with Kenji Matsuda, who plays Shimpei Ikari in the latest series titles Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, which has been available since Thursday, February 12, 2026, has been released.
He discusses the joy he felt when his role was confirmed, as well as the sympathy and charm he felt toward Shimpei Ikari.
(Note: As of the time of writing, the English subtitled version has not been announced. The interview content in this article is an unofficial translation.)
Interview Video of Kenji Matsuda, the Voice of Shimpei Ikari in Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
YouTube
YouTubeKenji Matsuda is an active actor in TV dramas, movies, and stage productions.
He also appears as Shimpei Ikari in the latest title Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, which has been available from SEGA Corporation since Thursday, February 12, 2026.
An interview video featuring Kenji Matsuda has been released.
YouTubeQ. What were your thoughts when your appearance in this title was decided?
Kenji Matsuda: When I received the offer, I was actually at the dentist right before getting a tooth pulled.
I was already in a pretty bad mood, but from that moment, I was dancing with joy, feeling like I didn't even need anesthesia and they could pull as many teeth as they wanted.
Being called back for two years in a row makes me feel like I can proudly say I am part of the RGG family.
I am just truly grateful to be selected for such a major role.
YouTubeQ. What kind of character is Shimpei Ikari?
Kenji Matsuda: When I read Shimpei Ikari's profile, I felt a strange sense of sympathy regarding the part about him naturally being bad at using his head.
It was a level of empathy where I felt like I've been preparing for this role for 53 years and didn't even need to prepare.
We recorded today, and what I had prepared was mostly a scumbag—someone vulgar, simple in his desires, and raw—a refreshing level of rawness. Through the instructions I received before today's recording, the character's outline became clearer, and I think he turned out quite interesting.
YouTubeQ. A message for the fans
Kenji Matsuda: I am Kenji Matsuda, playing Shimpei Ikari.
This time, I am appearing with my actual face.
While I'm looking forward to seeing how the poisonous aspects of Shimpei Ikari will be perceived by everyone, I would be happy if you all thoroughly enjoy the game!
Thank you very much!
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Is Now Available to Great Acclaim!
YouTubeYakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is now available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
Be sure to play it and witness the actions of Shimpei Ikari!
For more details, please visit the Official Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Website.
『龍が如く 極３ / 龍が如く３外伝 Dark Ties』
好評発売中！◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢
「碇新平」役
松田賢二さん
インタビュー映像公開！🎦
◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢https://t.co/MEibbOfAwF… pic.twitter.com/n4PrBb5zfm— 龍が如くスタジオ 公式 (@ryugagotoku) March 2, 2026
