Unification of Japan

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), local delinquents from Yokohama, used their fists to dismantle a local yakuza gang. This drew deadly attention, forcing them to flee to Osaka with the help of Akimoto (Sho Aikawa), the Wakagashira of the Anzai-gumi. Despite escaping, Himuro and Tamura continue to make enemies. One day, they gain recognition from Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) of the powerful Kyowakai, but simultaneously clash with the Kyowakai-affiliated Mikami-gumi, sparking a violent conflict. With Kawatani’s backing, Himuro and Tamura joining the Mikami-gumi seems to settle the dispute. Yet, meanwhile, Kyowakai chairman Gonda (Shinichi Chiba), Wakagashira Kudo (Hakuryu), and Shiseikai chairman Kawabata (Tatsuo Umemiya) begin moves to unify Japan’s entire yakuza world…

A complete digest of “Unification of Japan” from “Unification of Japan 1” to “Unification of Japan 10”!

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), who joined Kyowakai, steadily rose through the ranks with his calm and clear mind. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) was also released from prison and Ryuseikai was thought to gain even more power. At that time, there is an internal split in Kyowakai as a whole, caused by an unusual executive appointment, and Himuro and others get caught in the vortex. After the conflict, the leader of the Ueda group, Ueda (Okazaki Jiro) and other gang members withdrew from Kyowakai, create a new organization called Shintokai in Kyoto, and attack Kyowakai executives.

Factional infighting erupts under the new leadership of Kudo (Hakuryu), the second chairman of the Kyowakai, worsening relations between the Mikami-gumi and the Shintokai led by Ueda (Jiro Okazaki). Amid the rising tension, Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa)—a benefactor to Mikami-gumi lieutenant Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi)—is shot. When Tamura learns the attack was carried out by the Shintokai, he infiltrates Ueda’s residence alone and carries out the assassination. At the same time, Kawabata (Tatsuo Umemiya), chairman of the Kansai Shiseikai, begins his move to crush the Mikami-gumi, standing in the way of Himuro and his men as they climb toward nationwide domination.

The Kyowakai-Shintokai War came to a close with the disbandment of the Shintokai. While Kyowakai’s second-generation chairman, Kudo (Hakuryu), pushes forward with his ambition to unify Japan’s underworld, Kawatani remains stubbornly indecisive. Meanwhile, in Nagasaki prison, Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) is approached by a man bearing a ceremonial sake cup from Mikami… At the same time, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) enters Kawasaki Prison, only to come face-to-face with his old rival, Akimoto (Sho Aikawa). With former Shintokai member Sugamoto joining in, a fierce power struggle erupts behind bars, where the stakes are nothing less than the yakuza crests themselves.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) is released from prison, seen off by Akimoto (Sho Aikawa). Shortly after his release, gang boss Mikami (Eiichi Furui) asks Himuro to join the crew of his sworn brother, Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa). However, Omiya (Kazuyoshi Ozawa), who values the old-school yakuza code and respects Mikami, grows increasingly displeased with Himuro’s casual shift of allegiance. Ignoring Mikami’s attempts to calm him, Omiya spirals out of control—raiding territories and even turning on his own men. Seeing Omiya become a living instrument of violence, Himuro steps in to stop him.

After running amok, Omiya of the Mikami-gumi-affiliated Omiya-gumi is killed. Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) is framed for the crime. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), who admired Omiya, rebels against Himuro and declares himself the new Omiya-gumi boss. Worried about Himuro facing Tamura’s rampage, Mikami-gumi head Mikami (Eiichi Furui) entrusts him to Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa), the head of the Kyowakai Yamasaki-gumi and Himuro’s sworn brother. Meanwhile, Tamura heads to Osaka to elevate Mikami to the position of Kyowakai Wakagashira. Thus, the clash between Himuro and Tamura draws near.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) both plan their advance into Osaka, each seeking to honor their respective bosses. Meanwhile, the Yamatokai in Osaka’s Minami, who had been harboring the remnants of the Shintokai, attempts to eliminate them to avoid conflict with the Kyowakai. However, their plan fails, giving the Kyowakai a reason to declare war. Seizing the opportunity, Kyowakai’s second-generation boss Kudo (Hakuryu) launches a full-scale assault on Osaka. Thus begins the brutal Osaka war, fought for the position of the Kyowakai’s next Wakagashira!

The Osaka war ended in a complete victory for the Kyowakai, finally bringing the city under their control. Yamazaki-gumi’s head, Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa), with Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) at his side, was recognized for his achievements and appointed as the Kyowakai’s main family Wakagashira. As Yamazaki-gumi steadily gained power, Himuro worked to expand the organization further, focusing on internal reform and establishing legitimate business operations. Meanwhile, a minor clash between Tamura’s young members and the Yanagase Rengokai sparked a new conflict, spreading across all of Gifu—another war erupting in the wake of the Osaka battle!

Having been appointed Second Generation Yamasaki-gumi Wakagashira, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) expanded his influence across Gifu and Shiga, making his name known even in political and business circles. However, this led to lingering tensions with the Hiroshima-based gangster group Genseikai. Under the orders of Kyokai Kaichō Kudo (Hakuryu), Himuro and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) intervened in the succession dispute of Nagoya’s largest organization, the Shigemitsu-ikka. The conflict with Genseikai brought Himuro significant losses. Although the situation was calmed with the help of Akimoto (Sho Aikawa) and others, the power balance in Kansai was profoundly shaken.

Under the command of the second generation leader of the Kawatani group, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), the largest organization in Nagoya, the problem of the Shigemitsu-ikka's heir is resolved. However, a coalition of 12 anti-Kyowakai organizations, led by Hiroshima gangsters Genbukai, was formed as the West Japan Mutsumikai. The vanguard, Shikokukai and Yukoku Giyuto, launched an invasion into Hyogo’s Akashi—a source of income, and Kyowakai Shateigashira Omoto, was assassinated. Fueled by revenge, Himuro and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) launched a relentless counterattack.

The Kyowakai came under attack by the Yukoku Giyuto, under the Takamatsu Yoshihito-kai. However, under orders from Yamazaki-gumi Wakagashira Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) launched a fierce counterattack and annihilated the Giyuto. For this achievement, Himuro was promoted to a direct member under Kyowakai leader Kudo (Hakuryu). Around the same time, following the mysterious death of Takamatsu Yoshihito-kai leader, a power vacuum emerged over Takamatsu’s interests, and a new conflict erupted, spreading across all of Shikoku.

Kyowakai in the West and Marukami Rengo in the East are two major organizations vying to create a new order in Japanese yakuza society. However, in Tohoku, a conflict broke out between organizations that were conspiring to invade Tohoku by taking advantage of the problem of the heir to the Shobukawa family, a long-established Shinno group in Aomori.

A complete digest of “Unification of Japan” from “Unification of Japan 11” to “Unification of Japan 20”!

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), a direct affiliate of the Kyowakai, finds himself partially drawn into an internal conflict within the Tohoku Shinnokai. Over control of territory in Tohoku, a tense three-way standoff continues between Hirakawa (Ichizo Matsuda) of Akita’s Shinyu-kai, Himuro of Aomori’s Kyowakai, and Okita of Miyagi’s Suijinkai. Amid this deadlock, an attack on Zaizen—an aide close to Kyowakai chairman Kudo (Hakuryu)—causes the conflict to rapidly escalate.

The Tohoku conflict erupts over a succession dispute within Aomori’s major Shinno organization, the Shobugawa-ikka. Kyowakai direct affiliate Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) heads to Akita to quell the escalating violence, but an attack on Shin’yukai chairman Hirakawa (Hitomi Matsuda) plunges the situation into even deeper chaos. As Himuro tracks the movements of Norisaka, head of the Norisaka-gumi of the Shobugawa-ikka and the mastermind behind the unrest, the conflict shows no sign of slowing—pushing the Tohoku war toward a critical turning point.

The Tohoku conflict comes to a provisional end— Yet tensions continue to simmer, both in Tohoku and with the Hiroshima yakuza at the center of the West Japan Mutsumikai. Amid this uneasy standoff, a minor clash in Fukui sparks a full-scale conflict between the local Sakashita-gumi and Kyowakai. Seizing the opportunity, the Sakashita-gumi—backed by the West Japan Mutsumikai—plots a direct strike against Kyowakai, unleashing hitmen on Kyowakai chairman Kudo (Hakuryu) and wakagashira assistant Kawatani…

Not long after the end of the Tohoku conflict, Kyowakai Chairman Kudo (Hakuryu) is attacked. He narrowly survives, but soon after, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) is also shot by a hitman. Thanks to a counterattack led by Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) and the others, the assailants are captured, revealing that the attack was ordered by Sakashita, head of the Sakashita-gumi in Fukui, a group connected to the West Japan Mutsumikai. Seeking revenge, Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) takes the lead in preparing Kyowakai for a full-scale war against the West Japan Mutsumikai, mobilizing the entire organization. However, Kudo intervenes and orders a withdrawal from Fukui.

After taking out Sakashita, head of the Sakashita-gumi in Fukui, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) learns from Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) that the true mastermind behind the attack on Kyowakai Chairman Kudo (Hakuryu) is Fukumoto (Keiji Matsuda), the second chairman of the West Japan Mutsumikai. Kyowakai formally declares war on the West Japan Mutsumikai. Under Kawatani’s orders, Himuro and his men move to bring Nagoya and Gifu, Kyoto, and Hokuriku under Kyowakai control. However, Toki, head of the Toki-gumi, who rules Gifu, learns that the killing of his sworn brother Sakashita was the work of Kyowakai—and begins resisting them.

After bringing the Chubu region under his control, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) faces a new upheaval when Akimoto (Sho Aikawa) of the Marugami Alliance is suddenly incarcerated. This triggers Takishima (Masahiko Tsugawa), chairman of the Marugami Alliance, to announce his retirement. Mita (Shun Sugata), the executive director, is appointed as the second chairman of the Marugami Alliance. However, Tsurumi (Mikio Osawa), head of the Tsurumi-gumi and deputy executive director, fiercely opposes the new leadership. Meanwhile in Hiroshima, Fukumoto (Keiji Matsuda), who previously failed to assassinate Kudo (Hakuryu), sets his sights once again—this time moving to eliminate Himuro.

Promoted to assistant Wakagashira of Kyowakai, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), along with Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), who has also risen to an executive position, heads to Kumamoto to back the Aso and Kirishima families, the Kumamoto faction that broke away from the fiercely contested Kyushu Shiseikai succession struggle. During their stay, a hitman strikes—Kenta is shot while shielding Himuro and is left in a critical, unconscious condition. Meanwhile in Kanto, Takishima (Masahiko Tsugawa), chairman of the Marugami Alliance, retires, and executive director Mita (Shun Sugata) becomes the second chairman. However, Tsurumi (Mikio Osawa), head of the Tsurumi-gumi, strongly opposes the decision—only to find himself targeted by would-be assassins as well.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), assistant Wakagashira of Kyowakai, joins Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) and other Kyowakai executives to track down Fukumoto, chairman of the West Japan Mutsumikai, the mastermind behind the assassination plot against Kudo (Hakuryu), Kyowakai’s chairman. Himuro and his men infiltrate the meeting site, preparing to eliminate Fukumoto—but Yashiro, head of the Yashiro-gumi, pretends to cooperate while secretly leaking information to the Kudo-gumi. Seizing the opportunity, Zaizen, assistant Wakagashira of the Kudo-gumi, makes his move—not against Fukumoto, but against Himuro himself. Meanwhile, Kawatani, Kyowakai’s Wakagashira, is delivered a shocking revelation by Kudo.

A complete digest of “Unification of Japan” from “Unification of Japan 21” to “Unification of Japan 30”!

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), wakagashira assistant of Kyowakai, and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) eliminate Fukumoto, chairman of the West Japan Mutsumikai, in a chaotic firefight. Himuro’s nephew Sugaya is killed protecting him, leaving Himuro devastated. Taking responsibility for Zaizen’s assassination plot, Kudo retires. After absorbing the West Japan Mutsumikai, Kyowakai enters a new era under third chairman Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa). In the east, Takishima retires as Marugami-kai chairman and Mita becomes second chairman, leaving Kyowakai and Marugami-kai as the two dominant forces. Munakata (Takanori Kikuchi), assistant to the Marugami-kai chairman, is released from prison and reunited with Kawatani and Himuro, recalling their shared past. As Kyowakai restructures, Kawatani delivers a shocking message to Himuro.

Having been appointed Wakagashira, Himuro Renji (Yasukaze Motomiya), head of the Yamazaki-gumi of Kyowakai, moves forward under the Kyowakai crest alongside fellow newly promoted assistant Wakagashira Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), aiming for the unification of the Japanese yakuza world. Meanwhile, a dispute breaks out in Aomori between members of the Kyokuzankai in Tohoku and the Kanto-based Marugami-kai, resulting in the death of a Kyokuzankai member. The incident casts a dark shadow over both sides, pushing tensions to the brink of conflict. Seeking to avoid an all-out war, Kyokuzankai executive Ueki (Daisuke Nagakura) asks Himuro to mediate. Himuro enters negotiations with Munakata (Takanori Kikuchi), assistant to the Marugami-kai chairman. As yakuza across Japan watch closely, what decision will Himuro make…?

As war looms between the Kanto gambling syndicate Marugami-kai and the Tohoku tekiya group Kyokuzankai, Himuro Renji (Yasukaze Motomiya), wakagashira of Kyowakai, survives an assassination attempt, leaving tensions high. The conflict erupts when Hirakawa (Ichizō Matsuda) of Kyokuzankai attacks the Marugami-affiliated Sasaoka group. Tsurumi (Mikio Osawa), with approval from Mita (Shun Sugata), launches retaliation, triggering full-scale war. Amid the chaos, Kyowakai accelerates its bid for national unification. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) heads to Hokkaido, while Himuro moves to consolidate Okinawa—where a different yakuza history awaits.

As Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) and his assassination squad deal with a corrupt detective, the Kyowa Clan deals with increasing disaffection within their ranks.

Tension continues at the Kyowakai headquarters. Kawatani, Himuro, and Tamura are unable to hide their anger and confusion at the events that occur one after another, such as Shibuya's death and a series of absentees from meetings. Meanwhile, in Kobe, a new anti-chivalry group is starting to move. However, Baba, who plays the role of chairman and does not know about Shibuya's death, postpones the official raising of the company.

The conflict in Nagoya has settled down, and Joji and Ryoichi are promoted to direct advisors due to their achievements. In addition, a parent-child ceremony with Kawatani will be held. Also, Himuro and Tamura were thinking about how to avenge the killed Shibuya. Meanwhile, the Kyoujinkai, fearing retaliation, seeks help from Hokuriku and attempts to draw in the Kitakoshi-gumi.

Himuro and Tamura of the Kyowakai finally take revenge by taking down the perpetrator of Shibuya's murder. While he was pouring out his thoughts in front of a grave in Shibuya, Baba, who was supposed to have defected to the Kyojinkai, appeared. On the other hand, the Marukami-kai in the Kanto region will no longer be under pressure from politicians, and a conflict with the Kyowa-kai in the Hokuriku region will become inevitable.

Himuro and Tamura put an end to the suffering of Munakata, the leader of the Fujishiro-gumi of the Marukami-kai, and expanded the Kyowa-kai to the Kanto region, but soon after, they receive news of Munakata's suicide. When Himuro saw the suicide note, he became suspicious and concluded that it was the work of Tsurumi of the Marukami-kai, who was the first to discover it. The conflict between Himuro and Tsurumi becomes even more intense.

In Kobe, Kawatani Yuichi (Hitoshi Ozawa), head of the Kawatani-gumi under the Yamazaki-gumi of Kyowakai, once again sparks a brawl in the downtown area with Takei (Kentaro Shimazu) of the rival Nakamura-gumi. After the fight, Kawatani runs up a tab at the bar of his close friend Mikami Tetsuya (Eiichi Furui), head of the Mikami-gumi under Kyowakai’s Ueda-gumi, behaving with his usual arrogance. Disgusted by Kawatani’s conduct, Omiya Kazuya (Kazuyoshi Ozawa), the wakagashira of the Mikami-gumi, uncovers illegal prostitution rings and drug dealing operating without permission inside Mikami-gumi territory. Behind it all is the Nakamura-gumi. Teaming up with a Chinese syndicate led by Shi Qian (Wataru Takasugi), they begin plotting an all-out war against Kyowakai.

Tatsumi of the Marukami-kai is isolated from the Marukami-kai and is chased away by the Kyowa-kai and the Marukami-kai. Himuro invites Tatsumi and his friends to Nagoya and attempts to settle the matter, but ends in failure. Tatsumi escapes and gets the civilians involved, and as the situation worsens, Himuro tries to set a trap for Tatsumi and his friends.

After the incident in Kobe, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) are both recovering from their injuries. During their absence, the Yamazaki Ichimon, led by Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi), is ordered into action when Kotone Momose (Hiroko Takahashi), the office caretaker, receives a phone scam call. Furious, Kotone demands that they wipe out the scam group responsible. Reluctantly, Nakajima and the others begin devising a plan. They seek out Aoyama (Musuko Kintoki), who once worked as a phone-scam money mule, to learn how the scams operate. Their final plan is to tail a money mule and uncover the identity of the scam ring’s leader. However, with no funds to get started—and with Himuro and Tamura unavailable—Nakajima goes alone to consult Chairman Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa).

Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi) returns to the office for the first time since the end of the self-isolation period. He urges everyone to sanitize and keep social distance, but the other members act like nothing’s changed. Unable to hide his frustration, Nakajima is further thrown off by Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), who also seems completely unfazed. In the midst of this, a letter arrives for Himuro—from Hayato Omiya, currently serving time in prison.

Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki) is enthusiastically explaining his favorite anime to Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), while Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) reads a novel—creating a warm and peaceful mood in the office. Just then, Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) arrives, carrying Himuro’s guns. Himuro takes out two pistols to clean. One is a magnum gifted by Tamura. And the other… is the very gun tied to a fateful incident between him and Tamura.

While enjoying teatime at the Kawatani residence, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi), Kawakami (Tatsuya Nakazawa), and Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) exchange updates on their recent activities. However, Kawatani seems unusually restless—he had made secret plans with Nakajima to visit a soapland. Himuro and the others are exasperated, but just as Kawatani and Nakajima are about to sneak off, they’re stopped by Kawatani’s wife, Minami (Rin Asuka), who insists they join her for a takoyaki party. Desperate to escape, Kawatani and the others begin plotting their getaway…

In the afternoon, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and the others enjoy coffee brewed by Tora (Miyabi Koteyama). While discussing the taste of coffee with Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) and Hasegawa (Daisuke Ohyama), Joji (Takashi Kitadai) starts reminiscing about the time he joined the gang.

Kyowakai headquarters chief Yuto Tamura (Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki) seeks to settle accounts for his underling Tora, injured by the Toryukai. But the Toryukai enlists Diet member Kadowaka (Kato Kei) as mediator—only for his greed to be instantly exposed by underboss Renji Himuro (Motomiya Yasukaze), who seizes on Kadowaka’s weakness. Suddenly, masked assailants strike both Himuro and Tamura. Tamura corners one of them, but a terrified young girl (Yakuwana Tsumi) distracts him, letting the attackers slip away. Meanwhile, rogue member Shigeru Fujita (Yokoyama Ryo)—who defied both Tora and Toryukai boss Higashino—arrives in Kobe, intent on revenge against Tamura. To rein him in, the Sakota-gumi dispatches underboss aide Hayashi (Namioka Kazuki). As Tamura hunts the mysterious assailants alone, the image of the girl lingers, pulling him back to where it all began…

Before Yamato-kai headquarters chief Yuto Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) stands political group member Natsuki (Yoshida Metal). Meanwhile, Funabashi (Nishimoto Tatsuki) attempts to kidnap Yui (Yakuwana Tsumi) from a park. Though Tamura hears Yui’s desperate screams, Natsuki’s relentless assault prevents him from rushing to her aid. Yui is dragged away along with her mother, Akemi (Matsuoka Rina). Believing that Hayashi (Namioka Kazuki), underboss aide of the Sakoda-gumi, is behind the string of incidents, Tamura storms into the hotel where Hayashi is staying. Pressing a gun to his face, Tamura demands answers—but just then, Renji Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) appears. To Tamura’s shock, Himuro’s fist comes crashing down…

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) was holding a remote meeting via computer to hear updates from members of the Yamazaki family. While Kawakami (Tatsuya Nakazawa) was cleaning the Yokohama office, he found a childhood photo of Himuro. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) encourages the members to talk about Himuro's relationship with the Fujishiro-gumi. What past of Himuro's will be revealed during this conversation?

A man caught poaching off the Sanriku coast is detained by Ueki (Daisuke Nagakura). He claims to be the childhood friend of Joji Sakaguchi (Takashi Kitadai), prompting Joji to head to Ishinomaki with Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) and Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki). The man is confirmed to be Kazuki Yabushita (Naoki Tanaka), now a yakuza in Ibaraki, secretly poaching abalone with his diver wife Akiko (Michiko Tanaka) for drug deals with the Chinese mafia. When Akiko—also Joji’s former girlfriend—is found after going missing, tensions erupt. After Kazuki assaults Akiko over a failed deal, the Yamazaki faction intervenes, but in the chaos, Kazuki and Akiko are abducted by his senior Hyodo (Yasuyuki Hamatani). Can they be rescued in time?

The Marukami-kai and the Shichinin-kai have joined forces with the Kyowa-kai, which is planning to expand into Tokyo. The Toyukai is heavily influenced by the Sasashima Foundation, which controls the center of Japan. After Hasegawa is killed by Toura of the Hassei-kai, Himuro and Tamura notice that the money that the local bank had previously lent to the Hassei-kai has gone uncharted.

A series of resident disappearances occurs at a Kyowakai-owned apartment in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, home to many people with complicated backgrounds. Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi) volunteers to investigate, and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), uneasy about sending him alone, orders Saito (Katsuya) to accompany him. Despite searching Kabukicho, they find no solid leads. That night, Saito recalls a rumor about the “Kabukicho kidnappings” from 20 years earlier, told to him in prison by Wang (Weng Huarong), and reaches out to him. Meanwhile, Nakashima heads into Kabukicho alone under the guise of patrol, hiding a personal motive. Just then, an unknown number calls Nakashima’s phone…

The Kyowakai, including Renji Himuro and Yuto Tamura, have advanced to Tokyo. Himuro and Tamura, who are trying to delve into Japanese taboos, hear a certain fact about the Sasashima Foundation from Horii of the Dainippon Sokai. On their way back, the two are attacked by Keihin Rengokai members, but are rescued by an unexpected person.

Tsushima, the chairman of the Toyu-kai, is unable to stop Kazami from going out of control, and Kazami finally privatizes the Seven-nin-kai on his own. Himuro and Tamura are attacked by Kazami at the hotel and have a tough time. Due to Kazami's strategy, Mita, the president of the Marukami-kai, is arrested, and Kazami orders him to return the Marukami-kai's shima to the Toyu-kai, but...

Ryuji (Tatsuya Kishida), inspired by Kawakami’s (Tatsuya Nakazawa) coolness, comes to admire him deeply. Kawakami, however, feels uneasy around Ryuji, burdened by a past trauma inflicted by a certain man. Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), and Saito (Katsuya), who know Kawakami well, sense something is wrong. Their fears prove true when Kawakami reunites with his old nemesis, Apollo (Tomohisa Yuge). Convinced that Kawakami is Yokohama’s strongest, Ryuji becomes obsessed with forcing a one-on-one fight between Kawakami and Apollo. Can Kawakami finally overcome his past trauma…?

Himuro, the Wakagashira of the Kyowakai, and Tamura, the head of the club, crushed the Gozen in Kamakura and the Ginza/Toyukai, and abolished the rental Jima system in Tokyo. Himuro, who exchanged sake with the Yaguruma-kai's successor, holds a funeral for the Yaguruma-kai's predecessor in Tokyo in order to show the re-formed Kanto Seven-nin-kai that the Yaguruma-kai is alive and well and the prestige of the Kyowa-kai.

Himuro is arrested on suspicion of assault. To prove his innocence, members of the Yamazaki Ichimon scramble to locate Ito—the older man Himuro once helped (Hiroo Otaka), who could serve as a key witness. Meanwhile, Tamura visits a certain hospital, where he is suddenly attacked by a man. After a fierce struggle, Tamura is arrested by police who rush to the scene. With the Kyowakai cornered and both Himuro and Tamura in jeopardy, the Yamazaki Ichimon splits up to continue their desperate search. Their efforts eventually lead them to Naomi (Saki Kiyoi), the daughter of Ito. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the incident is tied to a gold smuggling operation. Just as the truth begins to surface, Naomi is kidnapped by the smugglers. The shocking mastermind behind the smuggling ring turns out to be an international spy organization. Can the Yamazaki Ichimon rescue Naomi—and clear both Himuro and Tamura of all charges?!

The Yamazaki Ichimon, gathered as usual at Himuro’s (Yasukaze Motomiya) office, pushes to expand the Kenyukai office for more comfort. Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) finally decides to buy a building, but Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki), tasked with securing funds, hesitates. Just then, Ishizawa receives a call from one of his twin sisters, Arisa, showing an unexpectedly gentle side—until his expression suddenly hardens. Claiming it’s an emergency, Ishizawa reveals the truth: his other twin sister Marisa (Marina Mizushima) is simply crying after a fight with her boyfriend. Brushed off by his doted-on sister, Ishizawa asks Yamamura to check on her instead. Meeting Marisa in secret, Yamamura learns about her relationship with Tommy (Ken Mizorogi)—only for Ishizawa to erupt, insisting Tommy is a dangerous killer, sending the situation spiraling fast…

Marukami-kai Nakamori-gumi leader Nakamori and Himuro are shot by someone, and Himuro is taken to the police for questioning. Meanwhile, Tora and Teru are making a fuss at a club in Kazo and are about to cause some trouble. It was Himuro and Tamura's strategy to destroy the Kanto Seven-person Society, but...

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), and the Yamazaki family arrive in the northern land of Hokkaido. Before their arrival, Shimotsuka (Shinya Owada), the chairman of Shimotsuka Foods, had come to the Yamazaki family chairman Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) in Kobe to consult about Hokkaido branch manager, Nishino (Takaaki Ito), who has been shot by an unknown assailant.

The 55th installment of the popular chivalry series starring Yasukaze Motomiya and Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi. This is a success story of two people, Renji Himuro and Yuto Tamura, who aim to reach the top of the Japanese Yakuza world with the goal of "eliminating conflict from Japan." Characters with rich individuality are dynamic and adhere to the path of chivalry that "helps the weak and frustrates the strong." Tora, a member of the Yamazaki clan, was arrested by acting as a decoy to protect Tamura. What is his parent Tamura thinking? Set in Yokohama, the movements of the Kyowa-kai, the Shichinin-kai, and the police intersect in a flashy manner.

After a Kyowakai member is killed, detectives Shima and Hayami investigate the case, which is connected to recent unsolved murders. Kyowakai also launches their own investigation to avenge their comrade, intertwining their efforts with the police. The case involves a large organization framing Kyowakai.

Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki), an anime otaku since his school days, hid his passion while living as a delinquent. Back then, he fell in love at first sight with transfer student Akiko (Kazusa Okuyama), only to be heartbroken. Years later, on the way to a regular family meeting, Yamamura, Joji (Takashi Kitadai), and Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) stop by a café—where Joji and Ishizawa both instantly fall for the waitress, Akiko. Seeing the trio completely smitten, self-proclaimed love expert Nakashima (Yoshimi Tachi) offers to investigate her tastes, but secretly begins dating her himself. Determined to confess, Yamamura visits Akiko’s home, only to be met by her troubled expression. Behind it all is Horiuchi, a café regular who had always lingered on the edge of her world. Learning the truth, Yamamura races to save Akiko from her situation.

One day, a special investigation team suddenly begins a raid on the Kyowakai. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) concludes that it is Iwao (Daisuke Negishi) of the Sakoda group, but Himuro (Yasufu Motomiya) denies this. According to Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa), who was investigating, he was forced to join the Kyowa-kai due to a tip from Inspector Matsumiya (Gen Hongo) of the special investigation team. Himuro and his friends become suspicious and try to find out the source of Matsumiya's information, but...

A burglary hits the Yuseikai Kazo branch. The cash had already been moved from the safe, but Teru (Yutaka Kyan) is left pale and shaken. He drives Sakuragi (Takuma Sugawara) and the others out and locks himself inside the office, worrying Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi). Teru, however, is desperate to recover something he cannot afford to lose. As Nakashima (Yoshimi Tachi) predicted, the thief returns. Teru lies in wait and tries to capture him, but the burglars—two agile brothers known locally as the parkour brothers—escape with ease. The elder brother Ichiro (Joey) fell in with a theft ring for a specific reason. Meanwhile, it emerges that the string of burglaries may be connected to Fujimura, a Marubo detective…

With Hamada's death, it seemed that the Yuseikai's problems would be resolved, but an incident occurred in Yokohama in which a member of the Nakamori group was attacked. Matsumiya (Gen Hongo) once again assumes that this is the work of the Kyowakai and investigates. Meanwhile, the captured Kawakami (Tatsuya Nakazawa) and Ryuji (Tatsuya Kishida) are attacked by someone when they are released.

To avoid further attacks on Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) by the Hagane-kai, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) prepare several safe houses. As a precaution, Yuki (Yuki Oki) is sent to inspect one—but after seeing something, he returns screaming in terror. When the Yamazaki group later gathers, a visibly shaken Yuki insists, “That house is haunted.” His claims are brushed off as pests—except for Saito (Katsuya), who clearly believes him. Soon, the group somehow finds itself sharing ghost stories, unknowingly marking the start of a truly frightening inspection…

Makimoto (Tomohiro Waki), Arimura (Tasuku Nagaoka), and Itagaki (Keisaku Kimura) of Koukai, who shot Iwao (Daisuke Negishi), escape. Himuro (Yasufu Motomiya) prioritizes taking the seriously injured Iwao to the hospital. Himuro and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) stubbornly refuse a thank you from Sakoda (Hideo Nakano) who rushes to the hospital. Afraid of conflict in the near future, they avoid colluding even though they have a common enemy, the Steel Association.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) receive a request from their now-retired old patriarch, Mikami (Eiichi Furui) regarding harassment by the Chinese mafia on his ward, Oomiya Hayato. While Himuro and Tamura investigate, the Yamazaki Family kill time by dealing with merchandise fraudsters, YouTube streamers, and holding a seance to possibly consult the dead ...? Originally a 16-part "workplace comedy" online sketch series hosted on Rakuten TV, "Hiragana Ichimon" was released as a full movie cut on other platforms such as U-Next, while Netflix Japan retained the 16-part cut.

One day, while Himuro (Yasufu Motomiya), Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), and the Yamazaki clan are watching the news, they hear shocking news. Gang members had barricaded themselves in the area and fired at the police officers who arrived. When Himuro learns that the scene is Tokorozawa, he wonders if it is Shima from the Sugimasa group. According to Sahara (Takayuki Kaneba) of the special investigation team, the incident was triggered by a tip-off that Gota, a member of the Sugimasa-gumi, was the head of Shabu, but Miyazono, the head of the Sugimasa-gumi, would have done something like that. Himuro couldn't accept that there was no such thing.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) starts a fight to crush Shimizu (Yasuaki Maeda) and Takahashi (Masashi Goda) of the Sugimasa group. They discover that Takahashi is involved in the smuggling of shabu and weapons in Tokorozawa, but Takahashi commits suicide before he can say anything. The Marukami-kai intervened after learning that the Sugimasa-gumi conflict was due to the Kyowa-kai. The time has come for a direct confrontation between the two major organizations of East and West.

After uncovering Ruby’s true identity, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) discover a cache of firearms and drugs. They inform only Special Investigation officer Sahara (Takayuki Kinba) that the incidents were not orchestrated by Kyowakai or the Marugami-kai, urging him to investigate those behind the scenes. Both Himuro and Sahara suspect corruption within the police, with Sahara casting doubt on Matsumiya (Gen Hongo) and others. As police suddenly move to arrest Mita (Shun Sugata), Himuro and Sahara find it suspicious that attention shifts from Kyowakai to the Marugami-kai following Mikawa’s (Yasuhiro Arai) appointment as deputy commissioner. Sahara struggles to investigate Mikawa due to his ties to the powerful Yoshioka family. Meanwhile, suspecting religion is linked to an impending terror plot, Himuro begins reaching out to those connected to the World Kamome Church.

A message arrives on Himuro's smartphone from his son Yuta, who is now a high school student. Himuro stares at the message with a startled expression. The message is a single word - Revenge. Then, there is a picture of Yuta, gagged and staring resentfully at the lens. "A school trip to Taiwan... Revenge..." Himuro assumes that the remnants of the "Black Dragon" who killed Kaku and his friends in Okinawa have kidnapped Yuta to take revenge on him, and immediately decides to go to Taiwan to rescue his son.

While visiting the Tokyo headquarters, Nakajima brags about booking an exclusive soapland appointment for 200,000 yen for next week, claiming his investment in stocks makes it possible. Unfortunately, he invested all of his money in one stock that turned out to be worthless, and Nakajima heads back dejectedly to Shikoku to recoup his losses in one week. However, he and the Nakajima Family instead unearth a series of stock fraud he wasn't the only victim to ...!

Nao (Ayano Nishikawa), wife of Ota (Ryota Matsushima) from the Kamome Victims Association, is abducted by the World Kamome Church. Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) storms the cult’s facility alone to rescue her, and Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) soon follows. Ordered by cult leader Takahara (Mizuki Nishikawa), armed followers attack, and despite fighting back, Himuro and Tamura are captured. When Himuro questions Takahara about the cult’s true goal, he receives a chilling, cryptic answer. Meanwhile, suspecting Deputy Police Commissioner Mikami (Yasuhiro Arai) is linked to the cult, investigator Sahara (Takayuki Kinba) takes a risky step by consulting Matsumiya (Gen Hongo).

One day, when Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) go to the office, they're met with a host of adorable pet animals. Asking a guilty-looking Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) and Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki) what happened, they learn about Joji (Takashi Kitadai) and his escalating alcoholism, and how his new impulse is to buy pets he finds "cute". Little hedgehogs and leopard geckos, however, are the least of their problems when Joji's post-stupor amnesia gets him in trouble with the independent Masaki Family...

After wiping out the Kamome Church, Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) put the matter to rest. Himuro returns briefly to Kobe with Joji (Takashi Kitadai), reflecting on how Kobe has become home and on their violent past in Yokohama. Meanwhile in Kobe, a delinquent group led by Isamu (Hidemi Higa) and Nobumitsu (Takuya Negishi), reminiscent of the younger Himuro and Tamura, causes trouble in Masaki-gumi territory. Following Kawatani’s (Hitoshi Ozawa) orders, Joji visits Masaki-gumi with Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) and Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki), but is delayed by Masaki’s (Yoshiaki Umegaki) old-fashioned lecturing. Soon after, a Masaki-gumi member reports being robbed by Isamu’s group. Although Joji offers to help, he is turned away. Not long after, Isamu and his crew appear at the Masaki-gumi gambling den, threatening to ignite a new conflict.

That day, Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki) is in a frantic rush. Shaking off Ishizawa’s (Hiroto Honda) attempts to stop him, he bursts into the Himuro-gumi office and begs a stunned Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Kawakami (Tatsuya Nakazawa) to turn on the TV immediately. What Yamamura is desperate to see is a special broadcast of his beloved anime Magical Pretty Girl Apple-chan. The program announces the voice actors for the upcoming theatrical film: Saori Okano (Yuki Higashihara) of idol group Orandazaka 47, and Shoji Hikage (Ryuga Akabane) from Jammies. Suddenly, Kawakami explodes with rage at the sight of Jammies. He reveals that he once auditioned for Jammies Junior, an experience that completely changed his life. When Kawakami learns from Himuro that Saori’s agency president has also consulted him about harassment from Jammies involving Saori and Shoji, his anger ignites. Thus begins Kawakami’s crusade against Jammies Kitajima (Akira Yamaguchi).

Joji (Takashi Kitadai) is shot by Isamu (Hidemi Higa) and collapses. When Ishizawa (Hiroto Honda) and Yamamura (Kenta Kawasaki) rush in and aim their guns, Joji stops them. Wanting to spare Isamu and the others, Joji asks Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) and Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) for permission to let them escape the Masaki-gumi. Masaki (Yoshiaki Umegaki) agrees, saying he will not interfere if Isamu comes under Joji’s protection. However, when Joji goes to meet them, Isamu and his crew have already fled. They escape from Kobe to Yokohama, where Kawakami (Tatsuya Nakazawa) and Ryuji (Tatsuya Kishida) keep a wary eye on the newly appointed Keihin Rengokai director, Sakagami (Yoshiki Kanahashi). In Yokohama, Isamu and his men form the Yushinkai and begin expanding their power by encroaching on Fujishiro-gumi territory.

Teru (Yutaka Kyan) is abruptly summoned to the Himuro-gumi office, where a tense Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) give him an unexpected task. A legendary Kyowakai yakuza known as “Hitokiri Jiro,” Fujita Jiro (Hajime Tsukumo), is being released on parole after 30 years, and Teru is to welcome him in their place. Expecting a fearsome figure, Teru instead meets a prison-worn old man who asks for work. Refusing Himuro’s offer to look after him within the organization, Jiro insists on living quietly as a civilian. He is sent to work at a kushiyaki restaurant, where his long absence from society quickly causes trouble. Meanwhile, Teru learns Jiro has family and sets out to find them, hoping to show them the man he has become.

The incident occurred without any warning. A member of the Kyowakai was shot in Kyoto. This shooting incident, which took place in Kansai—the very region Kyowakai was supposed to have unified—sent shockwaves through Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and his men. As Himuro and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) hurriedly prepared for an emergency executive meeting in Kobe, they were stopped by Kuroiwa (Susumu Terajima ) from the Hachiwari Police Department, who came to visit the Himuro-gumi. According to Kuroiwa, Matsumiya (Hongo Gen) from the special investigation unit believed that this incident was an internal conflict within the Kyowakai. Himuro and Tamura learned that the reason for this suspicion was a clash between Hayashida (Shu Ehara) and Kamiyama (Naoki Yamazaki) over a land redevelopment project in Kyoto. Determined to get to the bottom of the matter, they set out for Kyoto. In that area, various people’s emotions and interests were intricately intertwined…

The land redevelopment near Kyoto Station drew Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) to the scene. Amidst the chaos, Kenjiro (Kenta Satoi), the local residents' association head and Reiko’s (Reira Arai) father, was shot dead. A distraught Reiko accused the Kyowakai, leading to Himuro and Tamura being separately questioned by the police. Meanwhile, Minami (Rin Asuka), who was like a sister to Reiko, struggled with mixed emotions. In Kanto, Okada (Yuki Matsumura), the newly released Okada Union president, saw this as a chance to crush the Kyowakai, sending shockwaves through the Marugami-kai. However, Mita intervened. Within the Kyowakai, Kawatani also ordered restraint against the Marugami-kai, but tensions continued to rise…

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) returned to Tokyo to confront Okada (Yuki Matsumura). However, waiting for them was a notice of succession from the Hasekai, which was supposed to be under the Kyowakai's control. Upon learning that Okada’s faction had ties to the Hasekai's new successor, Himuro immediately severed ties, bringing the direct showdown between the Kyowakai and Marugami-kai closer. Meanwhile, Reiko (Reira Arai), who had been hiding with Genji (Kuroishi Takahiro), continued living in hiding, harboring distrust towards Genji and others. Despite this, she remained focused on her vengeance against the Kyowakai. While Himuro and the others tried to clear up Reiko's misunderstanding for Minami (Rin Asuka), Reiko refused to listen. Gradually, she became more involved with Okada’s faction, who were willing to use anything for the war against the Kyowakai.

A sudden notice of succession from the Hasekai arrived from the Marugami-kai. Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) were furious and stormed into the ceremony. Mita (Shun Sugata) saw this as a declaration of war and vowed decisive action. The police, led by Matsumiya (Gento Hongo), ramped up surveillance on the rising tension between the Kyowakai and Marugami-kai, leading to the arrest of Teru (Yutaka Kyan) and Saito (Katsuya), escalating the crisis. Amid rising tension in the Kyowakai, Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi) sought revenge for Shoji’s death. Concerned about Minami (Rin Asuka) due to Reiko’s (Reira Arai) involvement, Himuro and the others were encouraged by Kawata (Hitoshi Ozawa) to proceed. Himuro’s plan set up a clash between Kuramoto Kogyo and the Keihin Rengo-kai. Though it initially went smoothly, Jun (Goro Washida) and Chosaku (Keishi Kawaguchi) interfered, creating new complications.

Someone has kidnapped Renji Himuro, the second-in-command of the Kyowakai, the largest yakuza group in Japan. Thinking that the kidnappers must be Chinese mafia, Yuto Tamura ventures into the enemy’s hideout alone to rescue Himuro. However, the opponents who appear are martial arts masters from various countries! Tamura defeats one opponent after another, but as he continuous fighting his strength is exhausted and he finds himself in a desperate situation. Can he come through in the clutch? And who was behind the set up?

One late night, a masked trio breaks into a house in a wealthy residential area, carefully choosing a time when no one’s home. But just as they’re searching for valuables, the couple—who were supposed to be away on a trip—suddenly returns. Panicking, the robbers make a run for it toward their car. Just then, another vehicle happens to pass nearby…

The death of Minami infuriates not only Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), but the entire Kyowakai organization. As Kyowakai prepares for an all-out retaliation, Chairman Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) orders all executives to stand down and forbids any act of revenge. Meanwhile, in Marugami-kai, Chairman Mita (Shun Sugata), feeling responsible for dragging a civilian like Minami into the conflict, decides to expel Genji (Kuroishi Takahiro) and his men from the group as atonement. Even Senior Advisor Sakota (Hideo Nakano) can’t hide his fury at Genji’s despicable actions. However, Chairman Okada (Yuki Matsumura) of the Okada Union opposes Mita’s decision. While Mita fully understands the risk of triggering a deadly clash with Kyowakai, Okada and others, dissatisfied with Marugami-kai’s stance, launch a surprise attack on the Fujishiro-gumi, a group operating within Kyowakai's territory—igniting an explosive confrontation.

Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) launches an all-out assault on the Okada Union, led by Okada (Yuki Matsumura) of the Marugami-kai. While the police suspect Kyowakai’s involvement in the string of attacks, the group feigns innocence. Acting on Kuroiwa’s (Susumu Terajima) tip, Special Investigator Matsumiya (Gen Hongo) summons Okada, but the tense exchange nearly turns explosive. Outside the station, Himuro and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) lie in wait—until they spot Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) watching too. Just before they act, they stop him. Kawatani walks away, leaving them with: “Take care of the Kyowakai.” As tensions escalate between the Kyowakai and Marugami-kai, Ryuji (Tatsuya Kishida) remains unconscious. Burdened with guilt, Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi) secretly prepares for revenge. At last, Kawatani and Mita (Shun Sugata) face off for a final showdown.

A month has passed since both the Kyowakai and Marugami-kai lost their leaders, yet silence reigns between the two syndicates. With Chairman Mita (Shun Sugata) gone, the Marugami-kai remains leaderless, while the Kyowakai reels not only from the loss of Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa), but also from Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), both lying in critical condition. Even the police keep watch nervously, and Kuroiwa (Susumu Terajima) is left uneasy, with no word on Himuro’s survival. Inside the Kyowakai, unease grows as the executive ranks clash over their next move. Meanwhile, Marugami’s Shinjo (Masanobu Sakata) and Komiya (Ryoichi Inaba) see their chance—determined to crush the Kyowakai, now weakened with Nakajima (Yoshimi Tachi), Ryuji (Tatsuya Kishida), and their top three all absent. Amidst this turmoil, Tamura finally regains consciousness. But with both syndicates on shaky ground—can a miracle save Himuro and Kawatani?

Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa) leaves Kyowakai, naming Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya) as the 4th Chairman. But with Himuro hospitalized and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) stuck in Kobe, the leadership seat remains empty. Unease spreads among the executives, and tensions rise between Baba and Hirakawa. The Special Investigation Unit intensifies its crackdown on Kyowakai and Marugami-kai, arresting Kawakami for the hospital attack. Learning the police still can’t reach Shinjo and Komiya, Nakajima heads to the Fujishiro-gumi, but struggles with his failing physical condition. Meanwhile, a new scheme emerges, and drugs once again flood Yokohama. Amid growing chaos, Nakajima makes a critical decision—