Summary:
- Ishida’s last words to Sato might have the secret combination to a hidden desk, or proofs against Tozawa, or the name of his killer.
- Regardless of what he said, the words will have a big impact on the plot of the story going forward.
Ishida’s last words to Sato in Tokyo Vice season 2 are one of the biggest hooks of the new season.
After the unexpected ending of Tokyo Vice season 2, episode 5, Sato and Chihara-Kai face grave danger from the Tozawa clan in Oyabun’s absence.
Hiroto Katagiri and Jake Adelstein toil hard to identify Ishida’s killer, leading to a climactic encounter in Katagiri’s house in season 2, episode 6.
Ishida is seen only briefly in the opening scene of season 2, episode 6 where he refuses to go to the hospital.
In the last scene where Ishida is alive, he whispers something in Sato’s ears which somehow ends up being her last words.
Therefore, whatever Ishida confides in Sato is only accessible to him and is apparently crucial to their longstanding relationship.
From the very beginning of Tokyo Vice, Sato has been developed as the only character Ishida could trust.
It is speculated that Ishida confides in Sato the secret combination to a safe hidden behind his desk.
Some speculations also suggest that Ishida may have left behind a handwritten declaration in that very safe, naming Sato as his successor to lead the Chihara-Kai.
However, without this crucial evidence, Sato’s hands are tied, relegating him to serve under the interim Oyabun Hayama—a man notorious for his impulsive and self-centered ways, unlikely to relinquish control easily.
The safe could further house evidence of Hayama betraying Ishida and working for Tozawa.
However, many fans say it could simply hold a parting gift from Ishida to Sato, perhaps a valuable emblem or piece of information that will help Sato and Chihara-Kai in the future.
Although we aren’t sure whether Hayama is behind Ishida’s assassination, we know that Tozawa is the mastermind.
Ishida’s last words to Sato might contain the name of his killer or the potential suspects. When the killers enter Club Polina, we see a genuine fear in Ishida’s eyes as he calls out for Sato. It is a bit far-fetched for Ishida to deduce his killer while on the verge of death, but it is possible.
When Tozawa and Ishida last saw each other, they discussed forming a temporary alliance. This was to counter the Tokyo Police’s intensified crackdown led by Superintendent Nagata.
Since Nagata was determined to target all yakuza groups, it seemed like a good opportunity for Tozawa and Ishida to collaborate for their common good. Tozawa is known for having people who appear innocent on his team. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone with ambitions like Hayama, or someone less expected, turned against boss Ishida.
Finally, despite being lower in the pecking order than Hayama, Sato surely deserves to be the new Oyabun. On the journey to Club Polina, Ishida clearly states that he believes Sato will be Oyabun one day. Hayama doesn’t deserve to be the new Oyabun because he doesn’t have Chihara-Kai’s best interests in mind.
With Ishida’s wisdom, we can be sure that whatever he told Sato on his deathbed will protect Chihara-Kai’s legacy.
About Tokyo Vice
Tokyo Vice is an HBO crime drama series created by J.T. Rogers based on Jake Alderstein’s 2009 book of the same name.
It follows a fictionalized Alderstein, who becomes the first Western-born journalist to work at a renowned Japanese newspaper. Here, he teams up with a veteran detective to uncover the crimes of the yakuza.
The cast includes Ansel Elgort, Ken Watanabe, Rachel Keller, Show Kasamatsu, among others.
No Comments on Oyabun Ishida’s Last Words to Sato May Impact ‘Tokyo Vice’ More than You Think