Haruka Sawamura, who first appeared in Yakuza 1 and is finally playable in Yakuza 5, will not participate in battles against thugs in her upcoming playable debut. According to series producer Toshihiro Nagoshi, speaking to Dengeki PlayStation this week, she will have a different type of battle element. 

Because she’s a minor, Haruka is unable to gamble or participate in any of the cabaret (hostess) clubs. Nagoshi, however, said to rest assured that she will have her own side activities that the game’s other four characters can not experience.

Jumping to more general tidbits, Nagoshi said Yakuza 5‘s scenario will have twice the volume of Yakuza 4. And the fact that Yakuza 5 has five characters is just a coincidence. Nagoshi did not say whether or not the game’s five cities were just a coincidence, as well.

Thanks, Game Jouhou.