Homare Nishitani is the Patriarch of the Kijin Clan, a direct subsidiary of the fifth Omi Alliance. He is a hyper-militant yakuza who lives for his desires—money, women, and violence—and loves nothing more than a life-or-death struggle against a strong opponent. He is so wild that even the Omi Alliance has trouble controlling him.

Goro Majima, before he became known as the 'Mad Dog of Shimano,' serves as the manager of the cabaret 'The Grand' in Sotenbori, Osaka, where he is known as the 'Lord of the Night.' He is a deeply human character who returns to the yakuza world to protect a certain woman, sticking to his convictions despite being toyed with by a cruel fate.

Kazuma Kiryu is a young yakuza framed for a murder during the Bubble Era. To uncover the truth and protect his foster father, Shintaro Kazama, he stands against a massive conspiracy surrounding a legendary piece of land known as the 'Empty Lot.'

Akira Nishikiyama is Kiryu's best friend and sworn brother. He is a key figure who walks the path of the yakuza alongside Kiryu, supporting him while using his own ambition and talent to rise through the underworld. Raised in the 'Sunflower' orphanage with Kiryu, their bond is stronger than blood. He is passionate and thick-skinned, but more ambitious and pragmatic than Kiryu.

Tsukasa Sagawa is the Patriarch of the Sagawa Family, a direct subsidiary of the Omi Alliance, and the owner of the cabaret 'The Grand' in Sotenbori. He acts as Majima's handler. He is the sworn brother of the Tojo Clan's Futoshi Shimano and strictly manages Majima's actions as a condition for his potential return to the Tojo Clan.

Osamu Kashiwagi is the Captain of the Kazama Family within the Dojima Family. A skilled yakuza famous in Kamurocho as Kazama's right hand, he is a 'terrifying yet reliable big brother figure' to Kiryu and Nishikiyama, strict about duty and honor and unforgiving to those who break the code. He is often seen eating his favorite cold noodles.

Reina is the young Mama of the high-end club 'Serena' on Tenkaichi Street in Kamurocho. She met Kiryu through Nishikiyama, who, being sensitive to trends, became a regular after hearing rumors of her shop. Serena is one of the few oases where they can rest their hearts, and she herself becomes a pillar of support for the two.