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Ken Watanabe stars in upcoming HBO Japanese crime drama series ‘Tokyo Vice’ with Ansel Elgort

Iris Jung

Iris Jung

March 16, 2022

Image: Hbo Max

  • Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, known for his roles in "The Last Samurai," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and “Inception,” stars in Michael Mann's upcoming "Tokyo Vice."

  • Ken Watanabe plays the role of an organized crime detective in a neon-drenched Tokyo, Japan.

  • The television show, based on American journalist Jake Adelstein's memoir of the same name, has garnered mass attention due to its acclaimed participants both behind and on screen.

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Academy Award-nominated actor Ken Watanabe stars in Michael Mann’s upcoming Japanese crime drama series “Tokyo Vice.” 

“Tokyo Vice,” set to premiere April 7, is a heavily anticipated television series by executive producer Michael Mann and award-winning playwright J.T. Rogers. Starring Ansel Elgort, Rachel Keller and Watanabe, the series has garnered attention for its well-known cast. Based on the memoir by American journalist Jake Adelstein, the 10-part television series is produced by HBO Max.

“Tokyo Vice” introduces its audience to the true story of Jake Adelstein (Elgort), an American journalist based out of Japan. As he slowly uncovers the yakuza-ridden underworld of Tokyo, he encounters Hiroto Katagiri (Watanabe), a detective in organized crime. Their relationship only grows as they toe the line between law and crime. 

In the trailer, Katagiri ominously states, “with information, everything you do has consequences, there is always a cost,” setting up the tone for the series. As he agrees to work with Adelstein on his crime reports, Watanabe becomes an oppositional force to the criminal underbelly of Tokyo. 

With the release of the trailer earlier this week, many have excitedly reacted to its upcoming debut, including  Adelstein,  who has pinned the trailer to his Twitter page.

Known for his acclaimed roles in “The Last Samurai” (2003), “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005) and “Inception” (2010), Watanabe’s fans have also eagerly taken to Twitter to express their excitement.

“Tokyo Vice” is expected to premiere its first three episodes on HBO Max on April 7. For its Japanese audience, Wowow is expected to debut the first episode on its streaming site the same date. 

 

Featured Image via HBO Max

 

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