"Tokyo Vice" is a captivating crime-noir drama that draws inspiration from Jake Adelstein's harrowing memoirs of his years as a crime reporter in Japan. Set in the booming ’90s Tokyo, where the economic landscape was thriving alongside a syndicate-driven crime wave, the show is helmed by renowned director Michael Mann for its premiere episode and executive produced by him. Adelstein's unique perspective on Tokyo's cultural, professional, and social fabric serves as the bedrock for the intricate Yakuza crime narratives that unfold. Ansel Elgort takes the lead role, while Ken Watanabe offers sterling support.
Episode 1 of "Tokyo Vice" commences with two men, a Japanese and a foreigner, preparing for a high-stakes meeting. This is not a typical gathering; their lives hang in the balance. They attire themselves in vests and are instructed by a mysterious figure to occupy a specific seat, only consuming the food served by a designated waiter. Once seated, the hostess informs them that the other party has already arrived and has chosen to relocate the meeting to a secluded lounge.
The other party is none other than the dreaded Yakuza, Japan's infamous crime syndicate. One of its members issues a stern warning to the foreign reporter, cautioning him of dire repercussions if he persists with his investigation. His inquiries into the dealings of Yakuza's Tomazawa-san have rattled the organization's foundations. The offer is simple: abandon the probe and walk away with his life. The foreigner weighs the offer, his cigarette dangling from his lips as he ponders.
The narrative then rewinds to 1999, where we find Jake, a budding journalist, embarking on his daily routine of rigorous preparation for the entrance exam of Japan's prestigious Meicho Shimbun. To his dismay, Jake finishes the test prematurely, only to realize that he had overlooked the questions on the final page. Despite this setback, he is summoned for an interview at the newspaper and is ultimately hired, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
He was designated the police press division as his inaugural department, a task that soon became a source of frustration. The rigid reporting format left no room for exploring the underlying motives behind crimes. His strict supervisor, Emi Muroyama, sternly discouraged any deviation from the prescribed format, especially for newcomers.
Jake's maiden assignment involved investigating the murder of Mr. Aoki. During the police briefing, he encountered Detective Miyamoto, a vibrant and seemingly influential figure within the department. Curious about the case, Jake visited Aoki's residence and sifted through his mail, uncovering that the victim was heavily indebted. Seeking answers, he traced the debt to a now-abandoned company premises, sensing a sinister undercurrent. However, when he included his suspicions in his report, he was sternly reprimanded by his superior for venturing beyond the confines of the police report.
After work, Jake struck a deal with Miyamoto: the detective would mentor him in the ways of journalism, and in return, Jake would introduce Miyamoto to the allure of "gaijin" girls. Their night out began at a bustling nightclub, where Jake encountered Samantha, a fellow American expatriate and charming hostess. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching upon Jake's work and other topics. Miyamoto then led Jake to a strip club, where he imparted a profound lesson: "In Japan, there is no murder without a witness."
The evening was suddenly interrupted by an urgent call for Miyamoto. The two hastened to Kabukicho, where a man was preparing to immolate himself. As the tragic scene unfolded, Jake noticed a familiar logo—the same one he had seen on Aoki's debt documents—emblazoned on a nearby packet. However, when he voiced his observations to Muroyama, he was dismissed with a wave of the hand. Undeterred, Jake resorted to bribery, securing the address of the deceased man's home. There, he learned from the man's wife about the oppressive interests imposed by the Yakuza, forcing her husband into a shameful and desperate act. Strangely, after his death, the incessant calls for payment suddenly ceased.
The episode culminated in a ceremonial induction of a new member into the Ishida Clan. As Jake witnessed the festivities, the ghastly image of the man's fiery demise flashed before his eyes, pleading for justice.
