Mr. Karate II/Story

Past
A world-renowned martial artist, he is considered the most likely candidate to win this year's tournament. He is a well-balanced fighter who uses Kyokugen Style karate, a strong and practical fighting style, with a good balance of offense and defense. He was invited by the tournament to participate as the heir of the Kyokugen Style and to spread Kyokugen Style karate throughout the world. Honed through street fighting since he was a boy, his karate style has been modified in various ways, making it different from the so-called "orthodox" style, but it has an unfathomable destructive power. He has far more experience in actual combat than most fighters of his age, and is known for his mental fortitude. He is ordinarily the head instructor at the Kyokugen Style dojo. He is a rough and ready fighter who doesn't care about details.

Interview
Ryo Sakazaki is a unique fighter. He has almost no record in official tournaments, and of course, he does not hold any titles. If we are simply talking about his fame as a karate fighter, it should be close to zero. But as a fighter, no one else is as famous as he is. Anyone who has studied fighting, even just a little, has likely heard of the name "The Invincible Dragon". Sakazaki will finally appear in Tokyo on the day of the tournament as an invited competitor! We were able to speak with Sakazaki at his Kyokugen dojo.

Interviewer: Could you tell us how you came to participate in this year's tournament?

Ryo: Well, I heard they'd actually invited me earlier, but I was on a bit of a trip. When I returned, I found the invitation, and so I said "Yes". That's about the extent of the circumstances.

Interviewer: A trip, you say. Training as a warrior, by any chance?

Ryo: Nah, nothing that intense. I just heard there was an interesting guy, so I went over there for a bit. I heard he's injured right now, so we couldn't have a match after all.

Interviewer: Do you often go to other contests like that?

Ryo: Yeah. When I hear that someone strong is out there, I can't help but want to challenge them.

Interviewer: Mr. Sakazaki, you haven't participated in many official tournaments in the past, have you? Why did you decide to participate in this tournament?

Ryo: I don't get out much? Really? I think I get out a lot... I always want to fight the strong ones. Don't get me wrong, strong people aren't just the ones who participate in official tournaments. I'll go anywhere where there are strong people. I'll fight in tournaments, official or not. Of course, I can't really go out that often because of dojo instruction and other things.

Interviewer: In that sense, this tournament is quite significant for Mr. Sakazaki.

Ryo: I agree. I don't think I'll ever have a chance to fight with this many opponents again.

Interviewer: Are you still aiming for the championship in this year's tournament?

Ryo: Yes, of course I hope to win. But more than that, I want to have a good fight and let everyone know how strong Kyokugen is. It would be the best if someone sees my match and thinks, "I want to start fighting" or "I want to join Kyokugen".

Interviewer: I am looking forward to watching Sakazaki's match on the day. Good luck!

Ryo: Thank you.

Fan Q&A
"Question 1""Q. What are your personal treasures?" A. My bike and my horse, Tatsumaki, I guess.

Question 2

Q. Do you still ride your bike in your gi and sandals?

A. Yeah, sometimes.

Question 3

Q. How’s Tatsumaki doing?

A. He’s fine. Thanks for asking.

Question 4

Q. What would you do if you had to fight someone with lots of legs?

A. Uhhh, are they human? Well, if they’re a strong opponent, I'm sure I'd be happy to fight them.

Question 5

Q. Next time, please show us your legendary “Beer Bottle Chop”.

A. Sure thing. Whenever I get the chance, I will.

Question 6

Q. I heard that you often go to King's bar for a drink, but how do you pay? Cash? Check? Or homegrown vegetables? (Laughs)

A. Cash, of course. Sometimes King will give me a drink on the house, though.

Question 7

Q. Who’s the “interesting guy” you went on a trip for?

A. He was a Canadian karate master if I remember correctly.

Question 8

Q. Do you travel to Italy often?

A. Hmmm, not Italy specifically, but I think I'm a pretty well-travelled guy.

Question 9

Q. I’d like to become Takuma's second wife. As his son, what do you think of me?

A. I don't know. It's my father's decision, in the end. But are you sure you want to go through with this?

Question 10

Q. How are Robert and Yuri doing, and what’s their relationship like? If Ryo’s in his 30s, then they’re both at a reasonable age... Could they be married?!

A. I couldn’t say. I don’t really talk about that stuff with them. They’re not married, though.

Question 11

Q. In the full body illustration of Ryo, I see 「亮」 on his belt, is that his Japanese name? If so, is Takuma’s Japanese name 「琢磨」? Also, is Ryo’s hair naturally blonde? If Takuma is purely Japanese, it is highly unlikely that Ryo has blonde hair and blue eyes, even if he is half American.

A. We ran a background and found that Sakazaki's Japanese name is indeed 「亮」. We are unsure about Mr. Takuma Sakazaki. (Tournament Headquarters)

A. My hair and eyes are completely my own. I didn't know the odds were that low. (Ryo)

Question 12

Q. You’re not married?

A. No, I’m not.

Question 13

Q. Why can’t you use the Ko-Ou Ken and Haoh Shoukou Ken anymore?

Q. What happened to the Zanretsuken? And the Ranbuken?

Q. Why does he look so different compared to other games? Well, his outfit is pretty cool, so I guess it’s okay.

Q. Question = He' s kind of less skilful than when he was younger. Why don't you use your Zanretsuken or Renbuken? Can't you use them? (I'm not sure about the kanji.)

A. The Ryo in this work is a Ryo original to Buriki One. Some aspects of his design have been removed or tweaked because they don’t fit in with the worldview or because of the balance with other characters. We hope you will enjoy Buriki One’s unique version of Ryo. (Development Staff)

Question 14

Q. In the Top Secret Photo section, you were training with a fellow practitioner, but is that Robert...? Is he not participating this time around?

Q. What happened to Robert?

Q. The person in the training photo with you is Robert, right? How is your relationship with Robert now?

A. Robert has a very busy schedule because of his other job, but we train together often.

Question 15

Q. Are you really 36 years old?

A. Now? I’m 32. Still 4 years out from 36.

Question 16

Q. I’ve worked out how to do the Ko-Ou Ken by imitation (I’m not a beginner). I can do it three times in a row, but I can’t quite do the Haoh Shoukou Ken.

A. You can perform the Ko-Ou Ken? Well, that's great, if you can do that much by yourself, the rest all comes down to training. The basic principles of the Haoh Shoukou Ken are the same as the Ko-Ou Ken. Well, why not join Kyokugen-Ryu and get started?

Question 17

A. How is your sister? Please be my bride!

Q. Well, that's for Yuri to decide. But I'm pretty sure my dad would be upset.

Question 18

Q. .....Shave your beard

A. That’s what Yuri said. Is it really that bad? I like it.

Question 19

Q. What happened to Robert? Did he leave Yuri behind? Did your dad (Takuma) retire?

Q. How are things for the Sakazaki family?

Q. What is your father Takuma Sakazaki, up to these days?

Q. I’m sure you’re very busy these days.

Q. How is your sister? (Laughs)

Q. Why isn’t Robert participating?

Q. How is “The Strongest Tiger” going?

A. We also sent invitations to Mr. Takuma Sakazaki, Ms. Yuri Sakazaki, and Mr. Robert Garcia, but unfortunately, they were unable to participate this time due to work and prior commitments. (Tournament Headquarters)

Question 20

Q. What happened with King? I'm kind of curious.

A. King and I are still good friends. I often go to her bar for a drink.

Question 21

Q. Are you single? Are you married? Do you eat food other than vegetables from your garden?

A. I'm eating well. Thanks for your concern. (Ryo)

A. For the record, according to the data submitted to HQ, Ryo appears to be single. (Tournament Headquarters)

Question 22

Q. I can only assume that Ryo was born in 1957, based on Geese in Art of Fighting 2, but in Buriki One it says he was born in 1967. How is this possible?

Q. Why did you suddenly get so old? (Original question in Romaji)

Q. When did you get so old?

Q. His age seems different from KOF98...?

A. When we introduced Ryo to the world of Buriki One, we wanted to present him as the most complete fighter, both physically and mentally. The age of 32 was chosen from there. How do you like this more grown-up Ryo? (Development Staff)

Question 23

Q. Why did he lose the orange gi, black shirt, arm and leg guards at 32 years old? I thought they were important keepsakes from your mother.

A. He said that he had worn out his favorite gi and that he had put it away for safekeeping. (Tournament Headquarters)

Question 24

Q. I know you don't have Robert or anything, but who would you most like to fight?

A. Hmmm, I'd like to fight with any of the competitors in the upcoming tournament. You can't really know their true power until you experience it for yourself.

Question 25

Q. Can I use special moves that I could use before, such as the Ko-Ou Ken?

A. Not all of the special moves are available. There may be some unexpected techniques. Please give them a look. (Development Staff)

Question 26

Q. Please set up a dojo in Osaka City sometime!

A. An Osaka location is currently under consideration. (Kyokugen Style Dojo)