HBO Max dropped the first three episodes of its crime drama "Tokyo Vice" today, and as a longtime Japanese TV and film viewer, I don't know what to think. Based on the memoir of the same name by Jake Adelstein, "Tokyo Vice" follows Adelstein's experiences working as the first non-Japanese reporter for a major Japanese paper. Ansel Elgort takes on the lead role, with Ken Watanabe, Rachel Keller, and Rinko Kikuchi in major support roles.

Upon first viewing of the "Tokyo Vice" trailer, I felt my stomach sink. I immediately clocked this show as another entry in the "white American goes on a personal journey in Japan" trope. Examples of this trope in films include everything from "The Last Samurai" and "Lost in Translation" to even superhero titles like "The Wolverine." As a result of the white American finding his or her way, inevitable and sometimes misguided comparisons between Western and Asian society ensue. The stereotypical focus on the yakuza wasn't a cause for hope either.

However, as the trailer continued, I started seeing some familiar faces. And upon further research, my eyebrows were further raised by the other names attached to the HBO show, including "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" director Destin Daniel Cretton attached as executive producer. Cretton's involvement and the Japanese cast lent gravitas to a show that I would've otherwise immediately dismissed, and made me curious to see if "Tokyo Vice" was going to go beyond the typical Hollywood Japanese venture.

Here are some reasons why "Tokyo Vice" might actually deserve a chance. (I'll be sure to post an updated opinion once I actually watch the show.)

These Japanese Actors Convinced Me to Give "Tokyo Vice" a Chance

1. Hideaki Ito as Jin Miyamoto

I first saw Hideaki Ito in the J-drama "Buzzer Beat," where he played the second romantic lead to the #2 on this list, Tomohisa Yamashita. In that show, he played a dashingly handsome basketball coach to Yamashita's lost-in-life basketball player - both men vied for the attentions of the same woman.

However, besides playing second lead, Ito has also earned wide recognition in Japan for starring in the box office-topping "Umizaru" franchise, which comprises two NHK specials, four films, and one drama series, and follows the adventures of an officer in the Japanese Coast Guard played by Ito.

Additionally, there was that time when Ito's film Takashi Miike's "Lesson of the Evil" caused AKB48 member Yuko Oshima to walk out of the special screening. The actor had been asked to screen his film after playing a teacher in AKB48's "Namida Surprise!" music video. Despite Oshima's walkout, "Lesson of the Evil" received a four minute 30 second standing ovation at the International Rome Film Festival.

Ito has never struck me as the type that seemed to seek Hollywood projects just to be in Hollywood projects. In fact, this may be his second turn in an American production after 2020's "The Doorman," so I'm curious what about "Tokyo Vice" convinced him to sign on. According to The Hollywood Reporter's "Tokyo Vice" review, he plays a comic relief cop, so we'll see how Ito does in his latest role.

2. Tomoshisa Yamashita as Akira

If you know anything about Japanese entertainment, you've probably seen Tomohisa Yamashita. An ex-Johnny and Associate's J-pop idol, Yamashita was initially famous as the face of J-pop band NEWS and for his appearances in iconic J-dramas, such as "Stand Up!!," "Nobuta wo Produce," "Kurosagi," "Operation Love," and "Code Blue."

Known as "Yamapi" by the Japanese public, Yamashita's handsome looks, goofy personality, and golden boy image have made him a household name. The man even has a relatively successful solo pop singer career with some surprisingly good hits and even a duet with the now-retired J-pop queen Namie Amuro.

However, after leaving Johnny and Associates on October 31, 2020 and migrating to the Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith-helmed Westbrook Entertainment, Yamashita's acting career seems to have taken precedence. He appeared in the HBO Asia's Spanish-made, English language psychological thriller "The Head" in 2020, and now, he's appearing as a host in "Tokyo Vice." A host. Yamapi is playing a host, everyone! Never thought I'd see the day.

As Yamashita continues his efforts to break into Hollywood, we'll see how this latest turn will serve him and whether his somewhat questionable acting skills will leave a deep-seated impression, especially post-slap heard around the world. It's also somewhat amusing that he's acting alongside Hideaki Ito for the third time, after two starred in "Buzzer Beat" and another Miike film "Terraformars."

3. Show Kasamatsu as Sato

I'll admit that I'm not familiar with Show Kasamatsu. In fact, when I saw the "Tokyo Vice" trailer, I nearly mistook Kasamatsu as fellow Japanese actor Go Ayano. Nonetheless, after looking up his filmography, apparently, I saw Kasamatsu in "Asagao: Forensic Doctor" in a one-episode guest role, which didn't really help me identify him or his skills. I was mostly watching that show for SixTONES member Shintaro Morimoto as an adorable rookie police officer, so...

However, upon further examination of the "Tokyo Vice" trailer, I quickly picked up on Kasamatsu's impressive acting chops. He cuts an incredibly charismatic presence as a tortured yakuza trying to escape his past. I honestly feel Kasamatsu's Sato may be the one to look out for judging from the snippets we see him in. I look forward to seeing his turn in "Tokyo Vice!"

So, even though the show's concept seems like it could tip either way towards being stereotypical or brilliant, these three Japanese actors are the reason I'm actually considering watching "Tokyo Vice." I applaud HBO Max casting directors for choosing actors beyond the typical pool of Japanese actors that Hollywood employs, of which I recognize Watanabe and Kikuchi are. However, by surrounding these more typical choices with these genuinely big names for Japanese audiences, these pivotal casting choices may be what pushes the general Japanese audience to give "Tokyo Vice" a shot, too. Let's hope that the show toes that stereotypical line just enough to hold my and the Japanese public's interest.

The first three episodes of "Tokyo Vice" premiered on HBO Max on April 7, 2022. Subsequent episodes will be released in batches of two or three on April 14th, 21st, and 28th.

For more entertainment news and commentary, check out Enstarz! We bring you the latest on your favorite celebrities, TV shows, and films.

Tags

Hbo max