American Yakuza
“The mob has a new enemy.”
Synopsis
When Nick Davis leaves prison after one year in solitairy, he is hired to operate a forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo. The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia lead by Dino Campanela and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto, who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko forces him to help his Japanese family.
Part of the American Yakuza Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-02-12
Top Cast
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Viggo Mortensen
Nick Davis / David Brandt
Ryo Ishibashi
Shuji Sawamoto
Michael Nouri
Dino Campanela
Franklyn Ajaye
Sam
Yuji Okumoto
Kazuo
Anzu Lawson
Yuko
Robert Forster
Littman
John Fujioka
Isshin Tendo
Nicky Katt
Vic
Jimmy Taenaka
Taka
Saiko Isshiki
Aya
Fritz Mashimo
Okazaki
Jeff Bankert
Medical Student
Rosine 'Ace' Hatem
Agent #1
John Hammil
Agent #2
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 22, 1993
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frank A. Cappello
- Screenplay & Story
- John Allen Nelson
- Original Score
- David C. Williams
- Original Title
- American Yakuza
- Country of Origin
- Japan, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Italian, Japanese
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Studios
- First Look International, NEO Motion Pictures, Overseas FilmGroup, Ozla Productions, Toei Video Company, TFC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frank A. Cappello
John Allen Nelson, Takashige Ichise, Max Strom
David C. Williams
Richard Clabaugh
Sonny Baskin
Takashige Ichise, W.K. Border, Joel Soisson, Michael Leahy, Aki Komine
Department Leadership Roster
Frank A. Cappello
Director
Takashige Ichise
Writer
Max Strom
Writer
Richard Clabaugh
Director of Photography
David C. Williams
Original Music Composer
Shay Austin
Production Design
Sonny Baskin
Editor
Michael Leahy
Producer
Aki Komine
Producer
Rick Barker
Stunt Coordinator
Kathryn Shemanek
Costume Design
John Allen Nelson
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 18 — Restricted to adults 18 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for American Yakuza.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Yakuza
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is American Yakuza about?
When Nick Davis leaves prison after one year in solitairy, he is hired to operate a forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo. The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia lead by Dino Campanela and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto, who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko forces him to help his Japanese family.
Who directed American Yakuza?
American Yakuza was directed by Frank A. Cappello.
Who stars in American Yakuza?
The principal cast of American Yakuza includes Viggo Mortensen, Ryo Ishibashi, Michael Nouri, Franklyn Ajaye, Yuji Okumoto.
When was American Yakuza released and how long is it?
American Yakuza was released in 1993 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for American Yakuza?
The original motion picture soundtrack for American Yakuza was composed by David C. Williams.
What is the age rating and content advisory for American Yakuza?
American Yakuza holds official age classifications: DE: 18 (FSK 18 — Restricted to adults 18 and older.).