Screen Rant has exclusive footage from “Tokyo Vice” season 1, episode 8 “Yoshino,” which shows Detective Katagiri (Ken Watanabe) and Detective Miyamoto (Hideaki Itô) interacting. “Tokyo Vice” is HBO Max’s newest original series, largely based on writer Jake Adelstein’s memoir about his time working as a crime reporter in Tokyo in the 1990s and early 2000s. Adelstein is performed by Ansel Elgort, with Watanabe, Itô, Rachel Keller, Shô Kasamatsu, Shun Sugata, Ayumi Tanida, and Rinko Kikuchi rounding out the supporting ensemble.
Watanabe’s Detective Katagiri is seen sitting with Detective Miyamoto in an exclusive teaser from HBO Max for the “Tokyo Vice“ season finale. The two cops have a candid conversation regarding Miyamoto’s shady dealings with the Yakuza. Part confession, part chess match, the two opponents try to figure out what to do now that Miyamoto has revealed if he can be rehabilitated or whether he should surrender. It’s a turning point for both characters since it will influence the rest of the episode and future seasons of “Tokyo Vice”. Take a look at the following video:
The pilot of “Tokyo Vice” was directed by Michael Mann, who is recognized for his crime thriller roots with films like Heat and TV shows like Miami Vice. Within the first season, his work established a style and tone for the show that has been continually followed. The show is shot entirely in Tokyo, giving it a genuine feel, which is enhanced by the use of a strong mix of English and Japanese throughout. Even though it is based on Adelstein’s memoir, the series is billed as fictional and has an ensemble cast rather than focusing just on Adelstein, bringing up a lot of threads that keep the narrative going and give viewers more “Tokyo Vice” people to care in.
“Tokyo Vice” is a slow-burning thriller that focuses on the people while also including plenty of sex, violence, and gang-style politics to keep things fascinating and thrilling. Apart from the individuals, the ambiance is the most compelling selling point, as the on-location setting allows for a more immersive experience, drawing viewers into a world they may never have seen before and is rarely seen on American television. It’s a one-of-a-kind, honest, clever, and superbly played series that also shines a focus on a diverse cast of Asian actors who all contribute to making Tokyo Vice a worthwhile watch.