Imagine a Hollywood production shutting down a bustling nightlife district in a city of 37 million people. That’s exactly what the team behind Tokyo Vice managed to achieve in season two. They filmed right in the heart of Akasaka — a spot known for its flashy neon lights and famous hostess clubs.
For one night in March 2023, Akasaka wasn’t just entertaining its usual patrons — it was transformed into a crime scene straight out of the hit TV series Tokyo Vice for its second season.
The whole place was shut down, and the filmmakers recreated everything with incredible detail, making it look like a real crime scene from the show. It was quite a sight to see in a city known for its vibrant nightlife! But it almost brought a Warner Bros. employee close to nervous breakdown.
WB Employee was on Edge During Tokyo Vice Season 2 Filming in Japan
Masanori Aikawa, the location manager for Tokyo Vice season two, was well aware of the challenges ahead. Getting permission to film in Akasaka (surrounded by cultural and political landmarks), was no easy task.
Yet, against the odds, the production team managed to succeed at first. But their victory didn’t last long because a new problem came up: rain. The heavy showers risked messing up their carefully planned night shoot, especially a crucial scene showing what happened after a violent fight.
“If we had been rained out, I think I might have cried,” Aikawa confessed to The Hollywood Reporter, shedding light on the immense pressure he was under. The looming threat of rain added an extra layer of stress to an already demanding situation.
According to THR, the pressure wasn’t just on Aikawa — everyone involved in the production was feeling it. The Japanese crew members were busy getting ready for street closures, while department heads gathered in rented restaurants because Tokyo’s narrow streets couldn’t fit trailers. This wasn’t just any shoot – it was a chance to capture the raw energy of a real-life Tokyo street in the wake of a fictional tragedy.
There were period ambulances, police cars, and extras all set to turn the street into a chaotic scene. And then, the big stars Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe would show up, diving right into the action. The whole place would be lit up by the neon signs of Akasaka – a far cry from a sterile soundstage.
Authenticity Redefines Season 2 of Tokyo Vice
Ever since it first hit the screens, Tokyo Vice has been grabbing people’s attention with its gripping story and characters. Based on Jake Adelstein’s book from 2009, it has become a favorite among viewers, cementing its place as a must-see series on streaming platforms. Finally, on February 8, 2024, the long-awaited Season Two made its grand return.
Tokyo Vice season 2 isn’t just a typical crime drama. By going the extra mile to film in Akasaka and tapping into the city’s vibrant energy, the production team is offering more than just a show – they’re giving viewers a ticket to immerse themselves right into the heart of Tokyo.
This sneak peek into the making of Tokyo Vice gives us a lesson: making things real takes a lot of hard work and being open to trying new things. As season 2 gets closer to conclude, we can expect more than just an exciting story.
Watch Tokyo Vice season 2 on Max!
