Speaking during an interview with Inverse, Lost Judgment producer Kazuki Hosokawa confirmed that the sequel will not feature any crossover with important characters from the Yakuza franchise.
Hosokawa-san explained that while both series share the same universe, they are both distinct IPs, as are the themes and motifs featured. When asked about the prospect of Yakuza characters appearing in the game, he replied:
We understand that many fans are hoping for this, but like the previous game, there won’t be any crossover with important characters in Lost Judgment. Our reasoning is that, while the Yakuza and Judgment series do share a world, they are two distinct IPs, and the themes and motifs being presented in each are distinct as well.
It is also important that characters that play a vital role in the story have the characterization and backbone necessary to do so. Each series requires characters that fulfill distinct roles, so it would be difficult to have Yakuza series characters appear in the Judgment series at this time.
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Lost Judgment is scheduled for release on September 24, 2021 on PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
[Source – Inverse]