Understanding Tokyo Vice Season 2: Japanese Glossary and Terminology

The captivating crime story in Tokyo Vice season 2 is enriched by the wide array of Japanese terms used throughout the series. This helps to create a realistic and engaging setting for the audience. Season 2 of Tokyo Vice continues the storyline seamlessly from where season 1 left off, delving deeper into the aftermath of significant character deaths.

As the highly-acclaimed HBO series reaches its midpoint, Tokyo Vice season 2 intensifies with the return of the formidable yakuza leader Tozawa, portrayed by Ayumi Tanida, in episode 3. This adds a new layer of tension and excitement to the plot, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

The momentum of Tokyo Vice season 2 reaches a climax with another unexpected character death in episode 5, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. The stakes are higher than ever as the story unfolds, promising more twists and turns to come.

The Yakuza, a prominent element in the MAX original series, adds an authentic touch to the show's portrayal of Japanese culture. Despite the complex storylines, the stellar and diverse cast of Tokyo Vice shines through, captivating viewers with their performances.

Yakuza - A Cultural Touch in Tokyo Vice

Sato in Tokyo Vice season 2 episode 3 - Yakuza

In Tokyo Vice seasons 1 & 2, the Yakuza are depicted as Japanese gangsters. These real-life members of Japanese organized crime groups have been around since the 17th century, originating during the Tokugawa shogunate of the Edo Period. In season 2 of Tokyo Vice, characters like Ishida, Sato, Tozawa, Hayama, Kobayashi, and Tabuki are well-known yakuza figures. The yakuza organizations featured include the Chihara-Kai and the Tozawa, who used to have a cooperative relationship with the Tokyo Police until Superintendent Nagata's harsh policies were put into place.

Chihara-Kai

Sato in Tokyo Vice season 2 - Chihara-Kai

Tozawa

The Chihara-Kai is a well-known organized crime group in Tokyo that has a significant impact on the city's underground activities and trade networks in Tokyo Vice. Oyabun Ishida serves as the leader of the Chihara-Kai in Tokyo Vice, known for being both respected and dangerous within the illicit organization. Within the Chihara-Kai, Sato is recognized as a rising yakuza who displays potential to become an exceptional oyaban, as highlighted by Ishida in Tokyo Vice season 2, episode 5. Additionally, Hayama holds a high-ranking position in the Chihara-Kai as Ishida's second-in-command, although he is seen as reckless and not as suitable for leadership as Sato.

Ayumi Tanida as Tozawa From Tokyo Vice Season 2 episode 5

Tozawa is a rival yakuza clan to the Chi-hara Kai and the powerful leader of this organization in Tokyo Vice. The Tozawa clan had previously agreed not to interfere with the Chihara-Kai's operations in Tokyo, Japan. However, everything changes with Tozawa's aggressive ambition to become the most dominant organization in Japan. This poses a significant threat to Ishida and the Chi-hara Kai's reign and stability.

Oyabun

Shun Sugata as Ishida from Tokyo Vice Season 2 - Oyabun

The Wakagashira in Tokyo Vice holds a significant position within the Chihara-Kai, serving under the oyabun Ishida during season 1 and the first part of season 2. In Japanese, "Wakagashira" can be translated as "deputy boss" and is responsible for assisting the oyabun in overseeing the operations of the yakuza clan. Following the developments in season 2, episode 5 of Tokyo Vice, Tozawa emerges as the Wakagashira of the Tozawa clan. He opts to present himself as more of a President than a traditional crime leader, aiming to improve the public perception of the notorious gang.

Hayama in Tokyo Vice season 2 - Wakagashira

The wakagashira holds the position of second-in-command within a yakuza clan, bringing with it a significant amount of respect and authority. In Tokyo Vice season 2, Hayama steps into the role of wakagahsira under oyabun Ishida's leadership, following a period of imprisonment to further the Chihara-Kai's interests. Initially, Kume held the wakagashira title in season 1 but was later exposed as a traitor. Sato then took on the role of acting wakagahsira until Hayama's arrival, which led to his demotion to the third-in-command position.

Kaicho

Ken Watanabe as Hiroto Katagiri and Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein from Tokyo Vice Season 2 - Kaicho

Gaijin

In Japanese, Kaicho means "opening of the curtain" and also refers to a director or a head of a region or branch in a corporate setting. In Tokyo Vice season 2, Nakahara held the position of Kaicho and had a position of authority over the Tozawa clan. However, Tozawa eventually rebelled against Nakahara and ended his reign by pushing him off a building in the third episode of Tokyo Vice season 2. It is unclear from the show whether the Kaicho is equal to or higher than the oyabun, but Tozawa saw the Kaicho as an obstacle to his control over the clan.

Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein with a black eye in Tokyo Vice season 2 - Gaijin

In Tokyo Vice season 2, Jake Adelstein and Samantha are referred to as "gaijin," a Japanese term for outsiders. This word is used to distinguish non-Japanese individuals from native Japanese people. While not always meant to be offensive, "gaijin" can sometimes be used in a derogatory manner. Jake and Samantha, as outsiders to Japanese culture, are indeed classified as such in the context of Tokyo Vice, highlighting their difference from the local society. However, this classification does not necessarily promote inclusivity.

Shabu

Ken Watanabe as Hiroto Katagiri from Tokyo Vice Season 2 - Shabu

In Tokyo Vice season 1, the slang term "Shabu" was used to refer to methamphetamine, playing a significant role in the storyline. While Shabu has not yet been a major focus in Tokyo Vice season 2, it may still impact the operations of the Tozawa clan or the Chihara-Kai. Samantha and Jake Adelstein experimented with Shabu to gather more information about the Yohsido tape at the end of season 1. Despite the Yohsido tape being destroyed in a fire at the Meicho office, it could resurface in future episodes of Tokyo Vice season 2.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an in-depth exploration of the captivating crime story in Tokyo Vice season 2, highlighting the rich Japanese terminology that enhances the realism and cultural authenticity of the series. The inclusion of Japanese terms such as "Yakuza," "Oyabun," "Wakagashira," "Kaicho," "Gaijin," and "Shabu" not only adds depth to the characters and storylines but also immerses viewers in the intricacies of Japanese culture and the complexities of organized crime.

The article effectively conveys the heightened tension and excitement as the plot unfolds, with the return of formidable yakuza leader Tozawa and the unexpected character death in episode 5 setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. The portrayal of the Yakuza adds an authentic touch to the show, showcasing the influence and operations of these real-life organized crime groups in Japan. The article also sheds light on the diverse cast of characters, including Jake Adelstein and Samantha, who navigate the complexities of Japanese society as outsiders. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the cultural and narrative elements that contribute to the success of Tokyo Vice season 2.