Japanese Gamers Surprised by GTA in Japan, Reveal Its Not Just a Yakuza Copy!

Forza Horizon 6, slated for release on May 19, is drawing excitement thanks to its Japan-inspired map, which, though fictional, incorporates real-life elements and easter eggs, much to the delight of local enthusiasts.

In what appears to be a response to this buzz, an X user employed generative AI to envision Grand Theft Auto 5 set in a hyper-realistic Japanese environment. Despite the post gaining traction and some positive feedback, many Japanese users on X expressed unease with the idea. While acknowledging the realistic depiction of Japan (and noting the uncanny valley effect of the AI video), the notion of a GTA game in Japan was met with skepticism or even fear among domestic audiences.

I overlooked the car theft because it’s just a tale of a delinquent in an unfamiliar city, but seeing it unfold in a culture I’m familiar with is unsettling.

I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt when the setting shifts to Japan, even in a fictional scenario.

Setting aside the debate over AI-generated content, many Japanese X users seem uncomfortable with the idea of GTA’s “free-roaming” criminal gameplay in a domestic setting. While GTA’s chaotic world is clearly a work of fiction, witnessing crimes occur in a familiar environment—particularly one known for low crime rates—felt jarring to many. As one user noted, “It’s a frightening game when viewed locally. I’m starting to question why Americans find it enjoyable…” and another added, “I can’t tolerate such a lawless depiction of Japan.”

I’m thrilled that Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, yet I’m not as excited about GTA [potentially being there too]. Perhaps the fact that it’s in my home country is heightening my aversion to crime. For instance, forcibly stealing a car is something you’d never see in Japan. I now understand why GTA3 was once labeled “harmful content” in Osaka and Kanagawa prefectures.

Interestingly, Japan has a notable history with the GTA series, as it was once a target of government restrictions due to its violent content. According to ITMedia News, in May 2005, the Child Welfare Council of Kanagawa Prefecture classified Grand Theft Auto 3 as “content harmful to minors,” marking the first such designation for a PC game since 1992. This meant that selling, distributing, or presenting GTA content to minors was strictly prohibited in Kanagawa, with violators facing fines up to 300,000 yen. The decision drew criticism from Capcom for “restricting freedom of expression,” and it prompted Japan’s rating board CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization) to introduce its D (17+) and Z (18+) ratings. Similar bans followed in other prefectures, including Osaka in 2007 (Source: 4Gamer).

On the flip side, some domestic gamers responded to the AI-generated post by pointing out that Japan already has its own equivalent in the Yakuza series. Others argue that the “Japanese setting” doesn’t fit GTA, making the footage resemble a new Yakuza game. However, some contend that Yakuza and GTA differ fundamentally in how they portray crime, with GTA being seen as directly encouraging the player to commit crimes.

People claim we have the Yakuza series, but in Yakuza, you can’t actually commit crimes. The playable character cannot engage in burglary, theft, or civilian murder, and the game is clearly built on Japanese cultural and ethical standards. A hypothetical GTA set in Japan could become a major issue and potentially disrupt CERO’s foundations.

Some users playfully countered those critical of the crime in the AI footage by referencing Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s 2018 spin-off Judgement. Specifically, the scene where Yagami, portrayed by Takuya Kimura, demolishes a convenience store during a confrontation.

Perhaps I’m the odd one for accepting Kimura Takuya’s便利店 rampage as perfectly normal.