*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii* sets sail with Goro Majima as the fearless Captain of the Goro Pirates. As you embark on this swashbuckling adventure, recruiting strong and unique crew members becomes essential to your success. Two particular points of interest during your journey are Kraken-Chan and Surfer Jay—here's how to locate them and add them to your pirate crew.
How to Recruit Surfer Jay in Pirate Yakuza
Surfer Jay is one of the more powerful early recruits available in Honolulu, offering stronger base stats compared to previously obtainable characters. However, his recruitment process requires a bit more effort than most. While the order isn't crucial, it’s recommended that you first head to Madlantis to retrieve a specific item needed to complete his quest.
Once you've docked at Madlantis, make your way to the arcade tent located directly across from the Madlantis Golf Range—a mini-game worth experiencing for its sheer fun factor. Inside the tent, you’ll find a UFO Catcher Game (claw machine) where you need to win a blue plush named “Kraken-Chan,” which Surfer Jay references during your conversation. If Kraken-Chan isn’t initially visible among the prizes, speak to the attendant under the tent and request they rotate the prize selection.
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Much like real-life claw machines, winning Kraken-Chan may take several attempts. Be sure to carry enough in-game currency before starting. The best strategy is to maneuver the claw to nudge the plush toward the drop zone until it falls into your inventory. Once you’ve successfully obtained Kraken-Chan, return to the Goromaru and sail back to Honolulu.
Upon arrival, you can either walk, ride your street surfer, or take a cab to Tropical Coco inside the Anaconda Shopping Center. If you're having trouble locating Surfer Jay, open the mini-map and look for pirate member icons marked by a bandana and sword—these indicate potential recruits. You should find Jay relaxing in a garage next to his surfboard.
Initiate a conversation with him, and he will reveal details about his romantic struggles. Eventually, you’ll discover that giving him Kraken-Chan helps resolve his emotional conflict—and in turn, he agrees to join the Goro Pirates. Simply hand over the plush when prompted, and Surfer Jay officially becomes part of your crew, with his stats displayed shortly after.
While Surfer Jay doesn’t offer any standout perks when placed in leadership roles like First Mate or Boarding Squad Leader, completing his recruitment is a must for full completionists. Finding Kraken-Chan might be a bit confusing, especially given the vague hints provided in dialogue—but now you know exactly where to go and what to do.
That’s everything you need to know on how to find Kraken-Chan and recruit Surfer Jay in *Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii*. Happy sailing!
*Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.*
