This weekend I’m agonizing over what review score Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite has earned. Before that happens on Monday, I wanted to share something interesting for aspiring artists who happen to be fans of Japanese crime culture. Video game publisher, Sega is looking for fan art inspired by its long-running Yakuza game series.
SEGA has teamed up with Los Angeles area art exhibitor Gallery Nucleus, and a wide variety of artists, for a one-time Yakuza 6: The Song of Life event and art exhibition beginning March 17 and running through April 1, 2018.
In the Sega/Atlus press release, the company states:
Yakuza fans who would like to submit their own Yakuza 6 fan art for consideration can begin creating and submitting their pieces. The deadline for submissions is October 2, 2017. The art that best exemplifies the ‘How Far Would You Go For Family?’ theme of Yakuza 6 will be selected. Artists whose work is accepted will have the opportunity to see their work and name included in the Yakuza 6 Art Book, official Yakuza Instagram account, and Yakuza 6 art exhibition.
For those who have never tried a Yakuza game; players take on the role of Kazuma Kiryu. A gangster climbing his way up the ranks of Japan’s most notorious crime organization. While extortion, beatings, and other crimes are part of the tapestry; Kazuma retains a sense of honor which gives him intriguing depth. Yakuza games are some of the weirdest things to play and maybe that’s just a cultural translation thing, but that’s not to say they aren’t entertaining. One minute you’re fighting a gang of thugs using your sweet kung-fu moves then the next you’re in the middle of some oddball karaoke or showing off your bowling skills to an overenthusiastic fan.
As for the contest and exhibit, participating artists and additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including submission guidelines, you can visit the official website.
