Character Specific Upgrades & Abilities

In Yakuza 4, each of the four protagonists possesses a unique fighting style and a distinct set of upgrades and abilities. Mastering these character-specific skills is crucial for overcoming the game's toughest challenges. This comprehensive guide details how to acquire and effectively utilize these upgrades for Shun Akiyama, Taiga Saejima, Masayoshi Tanimura, and Kazuma Kiryu.

Shun Akiyama: The Leg-Work Specialist

Akiyama's fighting style, "Akiyama Style," focuses on rapid kicks, evasive maneuvers, and accumulating "money heat" for powerful finishers. His upgrades enhance his speed, combo potential, and the effectiveness of his unique Money Lending business.

Komaki Training

Akiyama can learn advanced techniques from Master Komaki, located in the back alleys of Kamurocho. These techniques are essential for advanced combat, providing powerful counters and evasive moves.

Unlocking Komaki: To initiate Komaki's training, you must first complete Substory 14: The Homeless and the Moneylender. This substory is specific to Akiyama and involves helping a homeless man. Once completed, Komaki will appear in the small park area behind the Millennium Tower, accessible via the alleyways.
Komaki Dharma Tumbler: This is the first technique Komaki teaches Akiyama. It's an evasive counter that allows Akiyama to quickly dodge an attack and retaliate. To learn it, simply speak to Komaki after completing Substory 14.
Komaki Tiger Drop: A powerful counter-attack. To unlock this, you must progress through Komaki's training by defeating his disciples in the Coliseum. Specifically, you'll need to defeat Komaki's Disciple (Akiyama) in the Tournament Royal Rumble at the Coliseum. After winning, return to Komaki to learn the Tiger Drop.
Komaki Parry: This technique allows Akiyama to parry an incoming attack, leaving the enemy vulnerable. To learn this, you'll need to defeat Komaki's Disciple (Akiyama) again in the Maximum Grand Prix at the Coliseum. Once victorious, visit Komaki for the lesson.
Komaki Dragon God Essence (Akiyama): The ultimate Komaki technique for Akiyama, granting him a devastating Heat Action. This is unlocked after learning all previous Komaki techniques and defeating Komaki himself in the Komaki Tournament at the Coliseum.

Revelation: "The Art of Evasion"

Akiyama's Revelation grants him the "Air Strike" ability, a powerful aerial kick.

Location: After completing Substory 14: The Homeless and the Moneylender (Akiyama's specific substory), head to the roof of the Millennium Tower. This is accessible via the elevator inside the building.
Action: On the roof, you will observe a man practicing parkour. Wait for him to perform a high jump. At the peak of his jump, quickly take a picture using your cell phone. If successful, Akiyama will have a "eureka" moment, unlocking the Air Strike ability. This move allows Akiyama to launch himself into the air and deliver a powerful kick to a downed or airborne enemy.

Money Lending Business Upgrades

Akiyama's primary source of income and a unique gameplay mechanic is his money lending business, Sky Finance. Successfully managing and expanding this business directly impacts his combat prowess.

Business Expansion: As you complete lending missions and recruit more clients, you'll earn money and expand Sky Finance. This expansion is tied to Akiyama's overall growth.
Passive Combat Bonuses:
- Increased Heat Gain: A more successful business often translates to Akiyama feeling more confident and generating Heat faster in combat. This allows for more frequent use of powerful Heat Actions.
- Stronger Kicks: As his business flourishes, Akiyama's leg strength and precision improve, leading to a noticeable increase in the damage output of his kicks.
- Improved Evasion: The agility required for his business dealings subtly enhances his evasive capabilities in combat.
- New Heat Actions: Certain business milestones or client interactions can unlock unique Heat Actions that leverage Akiyama's money-themed fighting style, such as throwing money to distract or damage enemies.
Unlocking Abilities: Some of Akiyama's core combat abilities, such as advanced combo extensions or specific kick techniques, are unlocked by progressing through his business storyline and reaching certain financial milestones. Always check the "Abilities" section of the pause menu for new unlocks after significant business events.

Taiga Saejima: The Brute Force Brawler

Saejima's "Saejima Style" is all about raw power, slow but devastating punches, and the ability to wield heavy objects with ease. His upgrades focus on increasing his damage output, defense, and unique charge attacks.

Komaki Training

Saejima also benefits from Komaki's tutelage, though his techniques are tailored to his strength and heavy-hitting style.

Unlocking Komaki: For Saejima, Komaki's training becomes available after progressing sufficiently through his main story chapter (Chapter 4 or 5) and completing Substory 31: The Bouncer and the Old Man. This substory involves Saejima helping an old man being harassed. Once completed, Komaki will appear in the small park area behind the Millennium Tower, accessible via the alleyways.
Komaki Knockback: This is Saejima's first Komaki technique, allowing him to send enemies flying with a powerful strike. Speak to Komaki after completing Substory 31 to learn it.
Komaki Fireball: A powerful, slow-charging punch that can break enemy guards. To learn this, you must defeat Komaki's Disciple (Saejima) in the Tournament Royal Rumble at the Coliseum. After winning, return to Komaki for the lesson.
Komaki Tiger Drop (Saejima): Saejima's version of the iconic counter. To unlock this, defeat Komaki's Disciple (Saejima) again in the Maximum Grand Prix at the Coliseum. Once victorious, visit Komaki.
Komaki Dragon God Essence (Saejima): The ultimate Komaki technique for Saejima, granting him a devastating Heat Action. This is unlocked after learning all previous Komaki techniques and defeating Komaki himself in the Komaki Tournament at the Coliseum.

Revelation: "The Art of Destruction"

Saejima's Revelation grants him the "Weapon Master" ability, significantly increasing his effectiveness with weapons.

Location: During Saejima's section, after escaping the prison and gaining access to Kamurocho, head to the Batting Cages located on Shichifuku Street East.
Action: Inside the batting cages, observe a man attempting to hit a home run. He will swing with immense force, but miss, causing his bat to shatter spectacularly. Take a picture of the exact moment the bat breaks. If successful, Saejima will have a "eureka" moment, unlocking the Weapon Master ability. This ability enhances Saejima's damage and durability when wielding environmental objects and weapons.

Prison Training

While incarcerated, Saejima has access to unique training exercises that boost his core stats (Attack, Defense, Heat). These are usually part of the main story progression but can be revisited in Premium Adventure.

Daily Regimen: During his time in prison, Saejima participates in various physical activities like pull-ups, push-ups, and sparring. Successfully completing these mini-games during story segments will provide permanent stat boosts.
Revisiting Training: In Premium Adventure mode, you can often revisit specific locations or interact with certain NPCs to re-engage in these training exercises, allowing for further stat development.
Benefits: These trainings primarily increase Saejima's maximum health, attack power, and defense, making him even more resilient and powerful in combat.

Masayoshi Tanimura: The Defensive Grappler

Tanimura's "Tanimura Style" emphasizes parries, grabs, and counter-attacks, making him a master of crowd control and defensive play. His upgrades enhance his ability to evade, counter, and disarm opponents.

Komaki Training

Tanimura's Komaki training focuses on precise defensive maneuvers and counter-grapples, perfectly complementing his police fighting style.

Unlocking Komaki: For Tanimura, Komaki's training becomes available after progressing sufficiently through his main story chapter (Chapter 4 or 5) and completing Substory 35: The Stolen Wallet. This substory involves Tanimura investigating a theft. Once completed, Komaki will appear in the small park area behind the Millennium Tower, accessible via the alleyways.
Komaki Deflect: This is Tanimura's first Komaki technique, allowing him to deflect incoming attacks and create openings. Speak to Komaki after completing Substory 35 to learn it.
Komaki Reversal: A powerful counter-grapple that allows Tanimura to turn an enemy's attack against them. To learn this, you must defeat Komaki's Disciple (Tanimura) in the Tournament Royal Rumble at the Coliseum. After winning, return to Komaki for the lesson.
Komaki Tiger Drop (Tanimura): Tanimura's version of the iconic counter, utilizing his unique parry mechanics. To unlock this, defeat Komaki's Disciple (Tanimura) again in the Maximum Grand Prix at the Coliseum. Once victorious, visit Komaki.
Komaki Dragon God Essence (Tanimura): The ultimate Komaki technique for Tanimura, granting him a devastating Heat Action. This is unlocked after learning all previous Komaki techniques and defeating Komaki himself in the Komaki Tournament at the Coliseum.

Revelation: "The Art of Interrogation"

Tanimura's Revelation grants him the "Arrest" ability, allowing him to quickly subdue and arrest certain enemies, often yielding extra rewards.

Location: During Tanimura's section, after completing Substory 35: The Stolen Wallet, head to the back alleys near the Champion District. Specifically, look for the narrow alleyways leading towards the west side of the district.
Action: You will observe a police officer interrogating a suspect using a specific hold. Wait for the officer to apply a precise joint lock or submission hold. Take a picture of this moment. If successful, Tanimura will have a "eureka" moment, unlocking the Arrest ability. This allows Tanimura to use specific Heat Actions to quickly incapacitate and "arrest" certain enemies, which can sometimes lead to bonus experience or money.

Police Training

Tanimura can undertake special training at the police station, which grants him bonuses to his defense, evasion, and the effectiveness of his parries.

Training Sessions: Throughout Tanimura's story, he will have opportunities to engage in police-specific training exercises, often involving target practice or simulated combat scenarios.
Location: These training sessions are typically accessed through the Kamurocho Police Station, which becomes available as part of his main story progression.
Benefits: Successfully completing these trainings will enhance Tanimura's defensive capabilities, making his parries more effective, increasing his evasion rate, and boosting his overall resilience against enemy attacks. Some trainings may also unlock new defensive Heat Actions.

Kazuma Kiryu: The Legendary Dragon

Kiryu's "Dragon of Dojima Style" is a balanced and powerful fighting style, combining strong punches, kicks, and throws. His upgrades focus on enhancing his overall combat prowess, heat actions, and the effectiveness of his various businesses.

Komaki Training

Kiryu, being the original student, has access to the most comprehensive Komaki training, allowing him to master all of Komaki's legendary techniques.

Unlocking Komaki: For Kiryu, Komaki's training becomes available after progressing sufficiently through his main story chapter (Chapter 4 or 5) and completing Substory 61: The Dragon's Return. This substory involves Kiryu encountering a familiar face. Once completed, Komaki will appear in the small park area behind the Millennium Tower, accessible via the alleyways.
Komaki Dharma Tumbler: Kiryu's evasive counter. Speak to Komaki after completing Substory 61 to learn it.
Komaki Parry: A fundamental defensive technique for Kiryu. To learn this, you must defeat Komaki's Disciple (Kiryu) in the Tournament Royal Rumble at the Coliseum. After winning, return to Komaki for the lesson.
Komaki Knockback: Useful for crowd control, allowing Kiryu to send enemies flying. To learn this, defeat Komaki's Disciple (Kiryu) again in the Maximum Grand Prix at the Coliseum. Once victorious, visit Komaki.
Komaki Fireball: A powerful charged attack. To learn this, you must defeat Komaki's Disciple (Kiryu) in the Tag Match Grand Prix at the Coliseum. After winning, return to Komaki for the lesson.
Komaki Tiger Drop: Kiryu's iconic and arguably most powerful counter. To unlock this, defeat Komaki's Disciple (Kiryu) in the Team Tournament at the Coliseum. Once victorious, visit Komaki.
Komaki Dragon God Essence (Kiryu): The ultimate Komaki technique, granting Kiryu a devastating Heat Action. This is unlocked after learning all previous Komaki techniques and defeating Komaki himself in the Komaki Tournament at the Coliseum. This final challenge will test all your learned skills.

Revelation: "The Art of the Dragon"

Kiryu's Revelation grants him the "Essence of the Dragon's Fury" ability, significantly boosting his Heat gain and the power of his Heat Actions.

Location: After completing Substory 61: The Dragon's Return, head to the Batting Cages located on Shichifuku Street East.
Action: Inside the batting cages, you will observe a seasoned batter hitting a home run with incredible power and precision. Wait for the moment of impact when the bat connects perfectly with the ball. Take a picture of this exact moment. If successful, Kiryu will have a "eureka" moment, unlocking the Essence of the Dragon's Fury ability. This ability greatly increases Kiryu's Heat gauge accumulation rate and amplifies the damage of his Heat Actions, making him an even more formidable force.

Hostess Maker & Fighter Maker

Kiryu's side businesses, Hostess Maker (Club Elise) and Fighter Maker (Gary's Boot Camp), directly contribute to his combat abilities and overall progression.

Hostess Maker (Club Elise):
- Location: Club Elise, located in Pink Street.
- Gameplay: Recruit and train hostesses, manage their outfits, and guide them through shifts to attract customers and earn money.
- Combat Benefits: Successfully managing Club Elise and increasing its rank will provide Kiryu with significant experience points, allowing him to unlock new abilities and stat upgrades. Certain milestones in the Hostess Maker storyline can also unlock unique Heat Actions or passive bonuses related to Kiryu's charisma and combat flow.
Fighter Maker (Gary's Boot Camp):
- Location: Gary's Boot Camp, located in the Underground Purgatory.
- Gameplay: Recruit and train fighters, manage their training regimens, and send them into various tournaments.
- Combat Benefits: This business is a direct source of combat-focused upgrades for Kiryu. As your fighters succeed and the Boot Camp expands, Kiryu will earn substantial experience points. More importantly, specific training regimens or tournament victories can unlock powerful new techniques, combo extensions, and Heat Actions for Kiryu, directly enhancing his "Dragon of Dojima Style." You can also earn rare equipment and items through this business.
Overall Benefits: Both businesses are excellent sources of experience points, allowing Kiryu to quickly max out his abilities and stats. They also provide unique story content and unlock powerful combat advantages that are exclusive to Kiryu.