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Imagine a Hollywood production shutting down a bustling nightlife district in a city of 37 million people. That’s exactly what the team behindTokyo Vicemanaged 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 seriesTokyo Vicefor 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 DuringTokyo ViceSeason 2 Filming in Japan
Masanori Aikawa, the location manager forTokyo Viceseason 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 toThe 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.
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There were period ambulances, police cars, and extras all set to turn the street into a chaotic scene. And then, the big starsAnsel ElgortandKen Watanabewould 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 ofTokyo Vice
Ever since it first hit the screens,Tokyo Vicehas 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 August 06, 2025, the long-awaited Season Two made its grand return.
Tokyo Viceseason 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 ofTokyo Vicegives 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.
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WatchTokyo Viceseason 2 on Max!
Shreya Jha
Articles Published :1042
Meet Shreya, FandomWire’s go-to Pop-Culture Writer. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a pop culture obsession that rivals even the most die-hard ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel fans.Her articles have been published in Animated Times, Creator Mail, and The Luxxe Mag. When Shreya’s not busy dishing out hot takes, she is lost in the world of rom-coms.
