Episode 1 of Tokyo Vice Season 2 seamlessly resumes the thrilling narrative, right where we left off. To refresh our memories, Jake stumbled upon a cryptic videotape delivered anonymously to his doorstep. The tape, a CCTV recording, revealed the appalling sight of Polina being mercilessly beaten by two men on Yoshino, with one of them being a man of considerable influence. Without hesitation, Jake presented the tape to Katagiri, and there our story begins anew.
The detective's eyes instantly recognized the elderly figure, identifying him as Jotaro Shigematsu, the esteemed Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. But why would Tozawa film such a sensitive figure? What was his ulterior motive?
Meanwhile, the construction of Samantha's lavish new club is in full swing. She secured a loan from Ishida, much to Sato's dismay, after Akira, Polina's former beau, had robbed her blind. Kaito, Sato's younger brother, visits the Chihara-kai base, desperate for news of his sibling. Only Gen knows his whereabouts, having stabbed him repeatedly in the stomach. Fatefully, the hospital calls Kaito, finding his number in Sato's wallet. Sato lies in critical condition, with his fate hanging in the balance for the next few days.
However, the gang members discover Sato's location and swiftly retrieve him, bringing him back to their base for medical attention. Ishida offers to stay by his bedside until he awakens, sensing the possibility of foul play. Gen had intended to seize the opportunity to eliminate Sato, but his plan was thwarted. Ishida, being the shrewd individual he is, realizes that the stabbing could be an inside job.
Jake rushes the tape to Emi, who promptly convenes the editorial team and trust members. With Shigematsu's high-profile status, Meicho's next steps must be strategic and well-calculated. Confronted with incontrovertible evidence, they decide to publish the story. Now, the challenge lies in incorporating Tozawa's name into the report, enabling Katagiri to apprehend him. The detective, who faced a menacing threat from the crime boss in the previous season's finale, remains unwavering despite the imminent danger to his family. Jake and Emi arrange a meeting with Shigematsu for the following day.
The paper stands firm, refusing to publish without his input. However, the minister remains elusive, adamantly disavowing any involvement with the ship. As Jake persists in pinning the blame on Tozawa, the minister takes umbrage, abruptly terminating the meeting. Emi chastises Jake for his haste, emphasizing the importance of telling Polina's story.
Katagiri receives cryptic information at the precinct, hinting at Miyamoto's demise due to a methamphetamine overdose. Yet, few who knew him believe this explanation. Following Emi's directive, Jake approaches Sam, inquiring about Polina's personal life, which inadvertently offends her. She believes it's too premature to pen an article on Polina. His colleague, Trendy, calls, informing him that the yacht, Yoshino, is registered under Misaki's name.
When Jake confronts Misaki, she denies any connection to the yacht. Her concern quickly transforms into dread, fearing the yacht's dealings will tarnish her reputation and career. She begs Jake to exclude her from the article, but he remains indecisive. Katagiri presents his findings to Superintendent Seijo Arai, urging the formation of a special task force to avenge Miyamoto's death. Instead, he faces reproach for his actions, which have brought disgrace to the department.
Upon learning that Sato has regained consciousness and will identify the assailant, Gen attempts to broker a deal with the Tozawa gang. In Tozawa's absence, who has fled to a foreign land, Yabuki, his second-in-command, takes charge. Defying Ishida's wishes, he brings Gen back to Chihara-kai's base as a gesture of peace. He insists that the two gangs must foster harmony and uphold a truce, a proposal that Ishida seems receptive to.
As Jake pens the article, a momentous decision arises. He opts to include Misaki's name, regardless of the repercussions that it may bring, potentially leaving her vulnerable to Tozawa's henchmen. Samantha, weighed down by Polina's fate, indulges in heavy drinking. She attempts to reach out to her friends, but the lines remain silent. Jake and Emi are stunned to learn that the locker housing Shigematsu's incriminating footage has been reduced to ashes in a mysterious fire. Aware of the minister's involvement, they are left helpless, unable to intervene. Without the tape, the article fails to make headlines, and Shigematsu escapes unscathed.
Jake shares his mounting frustration with Katagiri, who adds insult to injury by informing him that Arai has ordered him to abandon all inquiries into Tozawa. In a tense confrontation, Sato considers executing Gen but ultimately refrains, perhaps a glimpse into his vision for the future operations.
At the office, Jake cunningly misleads Tin Tin's intelligence regarding Miyamoto's death, knowing that the truth lies beyond an overdose. Yet, Jake is mindful of the dark abyss Tin Tin may plunge into in pursuit of the truth. The episode crescendos with an explosive revelation. Katagiri forcefully breaks into Shigematsu's abode and compels him to reveal the truth about Tozawa. The minister, under pressure, admits that Tozawa's entry into the US was barred, and he had tasked Shigematsu to arrange his passage, presumably for medical treatment.
