I've walked part-way in Jake Adelstein's shoes. I used to work in a Japanese IT company in Tokyo as the only Japanese speaking caucasian employee. I took hour long trips through the crowded train stations, learning to sleep while standing up, jammed between other commuters. Finally returning home after a late night karate lesson to what can only be described as a hole in the wall. Only to get up again with little sleep and do it all over again.
The scenes in Tokyo Vice are as authentic as I've seen - given it's based on a true story, filmed on location, and advised by Jake himself.
From the English teaching, the casual racism, long hours, the stifling bureaucracy and office culture, to the heavy smoking and drinking, to the Russian girls in the hostess "snack" clubs. The neon wonderlands of Kabuki-cho and Shibuya are here on display, but it's portrayed dark, gritty, and noir given the subject matter. People unfamiliar with Japan will be struck by the seemingly absurdist culture which juxtaposes young men trying to act and look tough in a world surrounded by sexual objectification, neon lights, video games, and cuteness - and a near impenetrable ancient culture.
Viewers might also be struck by the Japanese constantly trying to practice their English on the foreigner all the time - despite his high Japanese fluency. When human relationships are fraught with distrust and are only resolved through transactional quid-pro-quo in Japan - something which this series highlights - getting a freebie language practice opportunity is worth it's weight in yen. It's certainly a lot cheaper than the hostess clubs.
Ansel Elgort's attempt at Japanese is a pretty good one, playing the role of the "gaijin" - the well meaning, Japanese speaking, and learned foreigner who is never taken seriously by the culture he's immersed in.
Ken Watanabe is - well - not much else to say. He's brilliant as usual, and his moody detective certainly plays the part.
Can't wait to see the rest of the series, as the first three episodes are extremely watchable.
