"In a similar way to Ryūkō-ji, the Atago really shows off
the contrast between the shrine and the modern city," says
Aikasa.
According to actor and EP Ken Watanabe, locations like the
Shrine, the Temple, or even just the Katagiri home are what
make it possible for the cast to do their best work.
"Recreating '90s-era Tokyo is incredibly challenging due
to the need for authentic and accurate locations that fit the
period," he says. "The locations Masa and the team find
allows the other cast members and I to completely immerse
ourselves in the world of the show every time we step on set.
They really do an incredible job."
A KILLER SEQUENCE ON A SINGULAR HIGHWAY
In another pivotal sequence, detective Katagiri is
transporting a witness from one location to another by car.
As written, the scene took place on a four-lane highway—
another near impossibility to get access to in Tokyo—and yet
they were granted permission. Sort of.
Normally, you want to present options to the director.
But given that they needed to create a traffic jam where a
speeding motorcycle whizzes between cars and an assassin
fires a gun into a car, there was only one choice.
"Masa and I went to the director and the DP and basically
said, 'For what you want to do, we found one location. Make
yourself like it," laughs Poul.
"Thinking back, I don't think there were any easy locations
on this show," says Aikawa, "but this one was a bit easier
than others."
Both he and Poul agree that the sequence is owed directly
to their relationship with Governor Koike, because what
looks on the show like a four-lane highway is actually just a
street directly outside of the Tokyo City Hall, which is the big
building you see in the background.
They had to shoot it on a Sunday, of course, but since they
had the support of the governor and they were in front of
that building, it meant that they got a spectacular amount of
access and control.
LOOKING BACK/LOOKING FORWARD
With all 10 episodes of Season 2 now streaming on Max,
Aikawa feels a deep sense of appreciation for what his
team was able to accomplish. "I'm grateful for the work of
the entire team and also for help of everyone in the local
government, at the Tokyo Location Box (Tokyo's version of a
film commission) and especially to all of the property owners
who worked with us and made it all come together," he says.
According to Satch Watanabe, 76% of the season was shot
on location.
A third season of the series has yet to be ordered as of
press time but, not one to sit idly by, Aikawa has already
jumped into a new venture: his own company.
"When we wrapped the season, I started Tokyo Rock
Studio with a few members of my Tokyo Vice team, so we can
Ryuko-ji Temple, Fujisawa. Photo by James Lisle
