Count Binface, a novelty candidate standing against Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, has publicly called on Sega to release Shenmue 4, calling for an update after years of silence since Shenmue 3's 2019 release. The appeal, delivered via a video posted to fan channel ShenmueDojoVOD's YouTube page, appears to have been prompted by fans rather than being a genuine political priority, as ShenmueDojoVOD acknowledged the clip was a commissioned Cameo video.

In the video, Binface joked about nationalising Sega and reopening Sega World in London's Trocadero, while criticising Shenmue 3 for failing to advance the series toward a conclusion despite its long development. The by-election was triggered after Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced plans to resign amid an investigation into alleged campaign finance breaches linked to a $6.7 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire; he is contesting the seat again. Farage, seen by many as a likely future prime minister, faces Binface as one of several challengers in the contest.