Explorer Season 7 Episode 12 Crime Lords of Tokyo

In this episode of Explorer, we are taken deep into the shadows of Tokyo's criminal underworld. The episode starts off by showcasing the city's immaculate infrastructure and disciplined culture. However, as we dive deeper into the story of Japan's notorious gangsters or yakuza, a different reality begins to surface.

The episode traces the journey of two American reporters, Natasha and Peter, who take us on a thrilling journey through the alleys of Kabukicho, Tokyo's red-light district, to meet with some of the yakuza's top-ranking members.

We see the reporters gaining unprecedented access to the yakuza, Japan's most powerful organized crime syndicate. The episode sheds light on the yakuza's vast influence across the country's legal and illegal sectors and also shows how they have been able to maintain their reign over the years.

We are introduced to the yakuza's 'godfathers' or oyabun, who control everything from prostitution rings, drug trafficking, and other nefarious activities. We also get to see some of the methods through which they conduct their business, including the code of omertà, which prohibits talking to the police.

As the reporters delve further, we see that the yakuza's power extends beyond petty crime. They have significant investments in legitimate businesses such as construction, finance, and entertainment, which allow them to launder their illegal earnings and also influence critical aspects of Japan's economy.

With interviews from some of Japan's top police officials, we also get a glimpse into the country's complex legal system, which has been notoriously slow in clamping down on organized crime.

The episode also shows the human cost of organized crime. We meet people whose lives have been destroyed by the yakuza, including victims of human trafficking, drug addiction, and expatriate workers who suffer from extortion and violence at the hands of the yakuza.

The show also highlights some of the measures that have been taken to combat organized crime in Japan, including a 2011 law specifically designed to crack down on yakuza activities and the use of surveillance technology to track their movements.

Overall, Crime Lords of Tokyo is a well-crafted episode that peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding Japan's organized crime syndicate. With spectacular glimpses of urban Tokyo and first-hand interviews with the yakuza and top Japanese officials, it leaves a profound impact on viewers, highlighting the dangers of corruption and organized crime in modern society.