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All Substory Locations in Like a Dragon Ishin

Long story short.

All Substory Locations in Like a Dragon Ishin Screenshot by Twinfinite via Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega

Ask any fan of Ryu Ga Gotoku games what their favorite aspect of the titles is, and chances are they’ll point to the Substories. Ranging from genuinely touching looks at the world and its characters to oddball tangents which delve into the strange and bizarre, these pieces of side content are a key reason to check out the games. Like a Dragon Ishin is no exception, and if you’re out to complete every single one the game offers, we’ve got you covered with this guide on all the Substory locations in Like a Dragon Ishin.

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Every Substory Location in Like a Dragon Ishin

Like a Dragon Ishin
Screenshot by Twinfinite via Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega

There are a total of 72 Substories to track down and experience in Like a Dragon Ishin.

Each is assigned to a specific part of the Kyo map, with the Substory starting in that area and potentially taking you to different parts of the map as they progress. If you ever get stuck in terms of what to do next or how to progress a Substory, you can view a hint for the next step by opening the main menu with the Options or Menu button and then selecting the Substories tab. You’ll then be able to view each of the Substories you’ve triggered, as well as info regarding the next step of the story.

We’ve listed each Substory down below, seperated out based on where they can be triggered. We’ve also included some information on where a given Substory can be triggered to speed up the process of tracking them down. It should be noted, however, that some won’t activate until you’ve progressed the main story, so you may be unable to complete them until reaching a certain point in the game.

SubstoryLocationHow to Trigger
Death of the AuthorFushimiSpeak to the Author on the far right corner of Teradaya’s upper floor.
Precious PackagesFushimiDuring the day, run past the upper left corner of the Teradaya building in Kuramachi. If it doesn’t trigger, try running around in each area of the game and then return to Fushimi without using a Palanquin.
A Clean StreakFushimiWalk past the Harima Bathhouse.
A Man and His SackFushimiWalk behind the General Goods store.
All in the HipsFushimiProgress the Umai Udon shop owner’s Friendship to a certain point.
Invasion of the Black ShipsFushimiApproach the docks near Teradaya.
It’s a Long StoryFushimiSpeak to the two women standing outside the house to the lower left of Hanako.
It’s a Long Story: The Final ChapterFushimiSpeak to Sakiko again. She’ll still be at the house to the lower left of Hanako.
It’s a Long Story: EpilogueFushimiSpeak to Sakiko again. She’ll still be at the house to the lower left of Hanako.
Scented WaterFushimiSpeak to the woman near the boat that goes into Mukurogai.
Ee Ja Nai KaFushimiWalk toward the chanting group to the right of Ebisu Pawn Fushimi.
The Way of the SammeraiFushimiWalk into the corner to the southwest of the Dojo.
Last Stand of the PanthersFushimiSpeak to the Black Panther member near the docks next to Teradaya. Note: This Substory will not trigger until you’ve completed every other Black Panther group Substory.
The Desperate FishermanFushimiSpeak to the Fisherman wearing a hood at the docks near Teradaya.
The Junk BoyFushimiSpeak to the boy in the storage space found to the upper right of Teradaya. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Junk Boy.
The WoodcutterFushimiSpeak to the old man cutting wood to the left of the Palanquin carriers in South Yashikimachi. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with The Woodcutter.
The Frequently Lost CourierFushimiSpeak to the courier standing to the right of Teradaya and near the boat that goes to Mukurogai. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Lost Courier.
The Patient DogFushimiInteract with the dog directly south of the Dojo. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Patient Dog.
The Filthy CatFushimiSpeak to the cat lying on a plank of wood to the right of the boat that goes to Ryoma’s Villa. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Filthy Cat.
The Captain and the CuriousFushimiGo to the bar found to the right of/north of Umai Udon.
Diplomacy in DarknessFushimiAfter giving Satow at least 90 percent of the Memoirs, walk past the bar next to Umai Udon. Typically triggers during the day, and is only available after completing The Captain and the Curious.
A Lasting Thirst for PeaceFushimiAfter giving Satow at least 96 percent of the Memoirs, head toward the bridge near the bar next to Umai Udon. Can only be triggered after completing Diplomacy in Darkness.
The Reclusive SonRakugaiSpeak to the man and woman outside the house in East Umekojicho, to the west of the Scarecrow Chateau.
Palanquin PaladinRakugaiSpeak to the old man next to the Palanquin to the southwest of the Chicken Racing Building.
Can I Quote You on That?RakugaiHead up the road northwest of the Scarecrow Chateau.
Sonno JouiRakugaiHead through the alley north of the Shady Bar.
Ee Ja Not KaRakugaiHead toward the chanting crowd on the left side of the Scarecrow Chateau. Only available after completing Ee Ja Nai Ka.
Bluffin’ Up the Wrong AlleyRakugaiInteract with the crowd in front of the Gambling Den.
The Panther’s PlaymakerRakugaiSpeak to the Black Panther courier near the lower bridge. Note: This Substory won’t trigger unless you complete the two preceding Black Panther courier Substories.
The Sword NutRakugaiSpeak to the man in the lower left corner of Sannocho. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Sword Nut.
The Battered DefenderRakugaiInteract with the samurai waiting along the main path from Fushimi to Rakugai. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Battered Defender.
The Mysterious MerchantRakugaiSpeak to the wooden shed to the northwest of the well located at the entrance to Rakugai. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Mysterious Merchant.
The Hungry CatRakugaiInteract with the black cat resting in-between the buildings to the west of the Scarecrow Chateau. This Substory will be completed after you establish a friendship with the Hungry Cat.
The Spitfire Town ProtectorRakugaiHead along the main road toward Kurogane Smithing.
Nichibuza’s Newest FanRakunaiInteract with the old woman in front of Nichibuza, south of Ikedaya.
Deceitful DeityRakunaiSpeak to the police officer on the right side of the Ginryu Dojo.
Who’s Entertaining Who?RakunaiSpeak to the woman outside of the Shikokuya.
I’ll Miss You, MihoRakunaiWalk along the road to the northwest of Nichibuza.
Global FraudRakunaiSpeak to the old man outside of the buildings to the southeast of Don Quixote.
Talkin’ TosaRakunaiSpeak to the man outside the buildings to the northeast of Nichibuza.
The Mochi MysteryRakunaiSpeak to the group of men to the west of the Shogi Parlor.
Ee Ja Nai for JusticeRakunaiWalk around the sides of Tengen Temple. Only available after completing the other the Ee Ja Nai Ka and Ee Ja Not Ka Substories.
The Unwilling CourierRakunaiWalk along the northern bridge leading to Gion.
Enter the Black Panther CouriersRakunaiSpeak to the courier on the bridge leading to Gion.
The Panthers’ Leading ManRakunaiSpeak to the Black Panther courier near the bridge leading to Gion. Only available after completing the first two Black Panther Substories.
The Hungry Sumo WrestlerRakunaiSpeak to the Sumo Wrestler who is passed out to the east of the Shogi parlor. This Substory will be completed after you give the Hungry Sumo Wrestler one food item.
The Love-Starved HusbandRakunaiSpeak to the man looking out at the water along the shore south of the southern bridge. This Substory will be completed after you give the Love-Starved Husband at least one meal and establish a friendship.
The Oblivious WomanRakunaiSpeak to the woman standing to the right of the Karasuma Street Palanquin carriers.
The Injured GrandmaRakunaiFrom Kurogane Smithing, head north into Rakunai.
The Barking DogRakunaiInteract with the dog on the left side of the Ebisu Pawn Rakunai.
The Lucky CatRakunaiInteract with the cat in the corner to the right of the Rakunai Shrine where the priest and Akane are found.
The Spitfire Debt CollectorRakunaiSpeak to Yae in front of Kurogane Smithing. Only available after completing The Spitfire Town Protector.
The Spitfire Lie DetectorRakunaiSpeak to Yae in front of Kurogane Smithing. Only available after completing The Spitfire Debt Collector.
Finders WeepersGionExamine the red journal found in front of the temple at the area’s entrance.
Soft and SuppleGionSpeak to the man in front of the brothel in the northwest corner of the area.
The Revolutionary ChefGionSpeak to the man standing in front of the Asahi. The Substory will be considered complete after you start his Friendship storyline.
The Sexy MadamGionSpeak to the woman standing in front of the tree north of Kitchen Aoba. Her Substory will be marked off once you give her the first item she requests.
The Bad Side of TownMukurogaiHead south from the main entrance guarded by the man who wants Sake.
Brawler for HireMukurogaiSpeak to the man covered in tattoos near the path leading to the shoreline. Only available after completing Ee Ja Nai for Justice.
Brawler IncarnateMukurogaiSpeak to the man covered in tattoos near the path leading to the shoreline. Only available after completing Brawler for Hire.
Brawler EnlightenedMukurogaiSpeak to the man covered in tattoos near the path leading to the shoreline. Only available after completing Brawler Incarnate.
Fallen Warrior’s GhostMukurogaiGo to the shoreline at night and speak to the glowing samurai.
The Servile BeggarMukurogaiSpeak to the beggar sitting in the shade to the southeast of the Mukurogai entrance. Donating money to him once will mark the Substory as complete.
The Trash DealerMukurogaiSpeak to the bald man to the left of the Mukurogai entrance. Give him any one item to complete the Substory.
The Injured DogMukurogaiInteract with the injured dog east of the Mukurogai entrance. Healing him once will complete the Substory and trigger his Friendship storyline.
It’s What’s on the InsideOther (Mibu)Head up the stairs on the far left side of the Mibu Base area.
Hope Blossoms AgainOther (Mibu)Head toward the stairs on the far left of the Mibu area, and speak to the couple being harassed by a samurai.
A Warlord’s AmbitionOther (Ryoma’s Villa)Cook six or more different dishes at Ryoma’s Villa, and then step outside.
The Boy Who Cried BearOther (Mibu)Head to the open area in front of the Mibu shrine and speak to the father and his son.
Mama RyomaOther (Mibu)Speak to the three children along the lower Mibu road.
The AmnesiacOther (Temple Road)Speak to the unconscious man on your way up to the temple. Give him medicine at least once to trigger the Substory’s completion.
The Boy Who Loves VeggiesOther (Mibu)Speak to the boy crying outside of the house along the lower Mibu road. His Substory will be marked as complete after you give him at least one vegetable.

How to Detect Substories

How to Detect Substories
Screenshot by Twinfinite via Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega

It’s also worth noting that you can detect Substories and mark them on your map by wearing a specific piece of equipment in Like a Dragon Ishin.

Specifically, you’ll need to equip the Inviting Hat. This can be obtained by completing The Boy Who Cried Bear, and once it’s equipped, any Substory you can currently trigger or try to complete will be shown on your map.

Hopefully, this guide on all the Substory locations in Like a Dragon Ishin helped you achieve that 100 percent completion rating faster. For more on the game, check out any of the related articles down below.

About the author

Keenan McCall

Keenan has been a nerd from an early age, watching anime and playing games for as long as I can remember. Since obtaining a bachelor's degree in journalism back in 2017, he has written thousands of articles covering gaming, animation, and entertainment topics galore.

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