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Like a Dragon: Ishin

Substory 21 - Sonno Joui

By
Nathan Garvin

Relations between east and west haven’t always been amicable, to make a profound understatement, and the latter half of the 19th century was a time of profound societal change in Japan. Such change is, for better or worse, rarely welcomed at the time, and foreigners are often used as scapegoats for these changes, whether it’s warranted or not. One such group of malcontents, the Kakumei Joui, have been seeking out foreigners in a futile attempt to vent their frustrations. This page provides a walkthrough for the Substory Sonno Joui in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, including details on where to start Sonno Joui, and where to find the foreigner at both Rakugai and Mukurogai.

(1 of 2) You’ll find a “Serious Young Man” warning a foreigner in North Umekojicho, Rakugai.

You’ll find a “Serious Young Man” warning a foreigner in North Umekojicho, Rakugai. (left), The location of the start of this Substory on the map. (right)

How to Start the Substory Sonno Joui in Like a Dragon: Ishin!

During Chapter 3 you’ll gain access to the Rakugai district. Go up a street north of the Shady Bar and you’ll find a “Serious Young Man” and a “Kind Foreigner” talking. Listen in to their conversation and you’ll start this Substory. To advance the Substory you’ll need to follow this Kind Foreigner east to Sannocho, just past a jizo statue (shrine) in front of the Scarecrow Chateau training grounds.

(1 of 2) Head east to Sannocho, Rakugai, where you’ll find some Ruffians pestering the foreigner,

Head east to Sannocho, Rakugai, where you’ll find some Ruffians pestering the foreigner, (left), defeat the Ruffians and rescue the foreigner. (right)

Where to Find the Foreigner in Rakugai

Rendezvous with the Kind Foreigner and sure enough, he’ll stumble into trouble in the form of a pack of xenophobic troublemakers. When they won’t listen to reason, Ryoma will be forced to intervene. Defeat the four Ruffians you find yourself squaring off against (they’re not significantly different from similar enemies you can find wandering the streets) and afterwards Ryoma will unsuccessfully try to talk some sense to his fellow Japanese. Once those malcontents flee, Ryoma will have words with the foreigner - Creek - who also rejects Ryoma’s advice.

(1 of 2) Next you’ll need to travel to the second floor of the central structure in Mukurogai,

Next you’ll need to travel to the second floor of the central structure in Mukurogai, (left), and defeat the Kakumei Joui Leader and his crew. (right)

Where to Find the Foreigner in Mukurogai

You’d think after the close call that Creek would be more careful, but as he expressed in his chat with Ryoma earlier, he’s doubling down on his ideals. Admirable enough, perhaps, but he’s chosen a terrible location for his little test of humanity. You’ll next find Creek in Mukurogai, which, depending on your progress, you may not be able to reach via the gate that connects to Rakugai. If that’s the case, you’ll need to travel back down to Fushimi and talk to the Boatman standing east of Teradaya and pay him 500 mon to take you to Mukurogai.

Once you reach Mukurogai, head to the eastern end of the island and go up the stairs near the Cannon Coaching minigame, where you’ll find Creek near the eastern wall. Approach him and he’ll soon attract the wrong sort of attention - the Kakumei Joui Leader and several of his goons show up. He’s more specific about naming his grievances than his underlings in Rakugai were, but the end result is the same - Ryoma standing up for the defenseless foreigner.

Your foes are numerous, so don’t be shy about using Heat abilities early and often, the sooner you thin the herd, the better. Other than that, keep your distance - one foe is usually more aggressive than the rest, and if they charge after you, they’ll isolate themselves, allowing you to punish them before their allies can catch up. Whittle down all five of your enemies and after the fight a serendipitous report from the farmers Creek has been helping will arrive, convincing the leader of the Kakumei Joui to leave Creek alone… for now.

For completing this Substory you’ll earn 525 Virtue.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Sega
  • Platforms,
    PS4, PS5, Steam, XB One, XB X|S
  • Genre
    Action RPG
  • Guide Release
    17 February 2023
  • Last Updated
    20 March 2023
    Version History
  • Guide Author

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Like a Dragon: Ishin is set in 1860’s Japan during the Bakumatsu era at the end of the Edo Period. Take up the sword of Sakamoto Ryoma, framed for killing his father, and restore honor to his name while dealing with the political intrigue that he gets thrown in to. This guide for Like a Dragon: Ishin contains the following:

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