Unknown faces of well-known figures appear one after another. At the end of Episode 12, standing before Yusuke Nogi (Masato Sakai), a member of the self-defense force's unofficial organization "Beppan," was Toshihiko Nagano (Fumiyo Kohinata), the Senior Managing Director of Marubishi Corporation, where Nogi also works...
In Episode 13, while Nagano's true identity is revealed, an operation begins to track Kotaro Shinjo (Ryo Ryusei), an intelligence officer in the Public Security Bureau's Foreign Affairs 4th Division and a "Monitor" (collaborator) for TENT. This "After VIVANT" installment unpacks the unexpected true faces and the suspicions following the pursuit, along with viewer reactions and theories. Who is an ally, and who is the traitor?
The True Relationship Between Nagano and Ota!?
Nogi was waiting for a Beppan member at a hotel in Thailand. When the door opened, it was Nagano standing there. Surprised but professional, the two immediately exchanged Ground Self-Defense Force-style salutes. In just seconds, the two who were boss and subordinate at Marubishi switched to their faces as intelligence agents.
Nagano was a Beppan member overseeing the Southeast Asia region. It was unexpected for Nogi, and even Nagano admitted, "At my age, I thought my heart would stop. It's still pounding."
As Nagano's identity was revealed, social media exploded with a mix of joy from those whose theories were correct and pure shock: "Was he really Beppan?" and "Director Nagano is too cool." Others reacted to his previous image, saying, "I'm sorry for thinking he was just a cheating old man." The suspicions that had persisted since Season 1 finally connected into a single line!
However, Nogi, Nozaki's (Hiroshi Abe) agent Drum (Tomosakae Drum), and the viewers weren't the only ones surprised. Seeing Nagano through the screen, the genius hacker "Blue Walker" Riho Ota (Sumire Hanaoka) lost her words and instinctively cut the connection...
Drum, who "loves Ota-chan," glared at Nagano with a demonic expression. Nogi had to explain the situation. It was Ota who approached Nagano to protect herself from Takaya Yamamoto (Takaya Sakoda), a Marubishi employee and TENT monitor.
Still, Drum remained wary. "But you were dating, right? Even though you're far apart in age, it's filthy, filthy, filthy!" Drum's smartphone voice (voiced by Megumi Hayashibara) fired off three times! Nagano smiled awkwardly and asked, "Do you like Ota-kun?" showing the composure of an adult. The scene where Drum interrogates their relationship, which has continued since Season 1, can be seen in the stream!
Meanwhile, in his conversation with Nogi, Nagano reflected on his long years in service, saying, "You can't beat aging." He added, "If you have someone you love, cherish them." While family is a risk in missions, he noted that knowing selfless love for others can also be a strength. The words of the veteran moved Nogi's heart as he lives through his harsh duties.
From Natto to a Massive Explosion! Shinjo and Chocky's Escape Drama
In Episode 12, natto was the clue to finding Shinjo's hiding place because it was his favorite food. This time, it became the trump card for a forced search.
Local police surrounded the villa, and Shinjo sensed Nogi's aim. Looking closely at the police line, was that Masaki Hasegawa from Nishikigoi? The behind-the-scenes of Hasegawa's participation is available on "Door x Door Quest" (TBS). Meanwhile, the Thai tycoon Chocky Taperknit (OHM) dismissed Drum as a "Sumo wrestler?" and Nogi as "What's with that soy sauce face?" He is extremely harsh to any man other than "Shin-chan"!
Shinjo chose to "create chaos." Using ketchup as fake blood, he evacuated to the basement. The plan was to blow up the mansion and escape in the confusion.
The bombs were supposed to be small and set to blow the second floor toward the sky. However, it was a massive explosion that blew away everything from the second floor up! "I got a little carried away and added too many bombs," Chocky explained. Between the ketchup and the potential real injuries, it was a disaster. Shinjo and Chocky headed to the ambulance as planned.
Watching Chocky look out the window with a triumphant expression, Nogi hung his head. But as he slowly looked up, a smile appeared on his lips. Furthermore, the tattooed man who was at the restaurant where Nogi met Nagano in Episode 12 appeared again. Shinjo and the others, who thought they had escaped, were still in the palm of Nogi's hand!
Eventually captured, Shinjo underwent interrogation by F (Sakai in a dual role). Even with his parents involved, he didn't change his stance. Moreover, he asserted that unofficial organizations like Beppan are necessary to compete with the world on equal terms, making a surprising "Beppan respect" statement.
Chocky's testimony also overturned assumptions. Even when offered Beppan information, Shinjo refused, saying, "I can't do something like selling out Japan." The reason he sheltered Shinjo was simple.
"Because I love him!"
The Beppan supercomputer AI Hayato (voiced by Minami Takayama) gave a 99% certainty rating. Amidst the swirling suspicions, Chocky's love was the one thing that couldn't be doubted. "Only Chocky's words can be believed" and "Chocky is today's MVP" were among the reactions to that single-minded devotion.
Shinjo Didn't Leak the Info! The Line Leading to Nozaki
Even after Ota analyzed Shinjo's smartphone, no evidence of Beppan information leaking was found. The man they pursued, Shinjo, was not the one who sold out the Beppan members. Then, who leaked the information?
When Ota re-examined the servers of various airports, an unexpected connection source emerged. Furthermore, the contact to Shinjo's flight training school was made using the smartphone of Shunsaku Wakui (Shunsuke Tanaka) from the Public Security Bureau's Foreign Affairs 4th Division. This happened before Nogi and Drum heard about Shinjo's flight training from former TENT executive Ali (Takashi Yamanaka). The caller knew Shinjo could fly a plane before they did.
Here, Nogi recalled Nozaki's words in Episode 12: "Are there any flights where the time was changed at the last minute?" With this single phrase, the investigation moved toward Russia, away from Thailand where Shinjo was. Moreover, the Public Security surveillance footage showed someone using Wakui's smartphone... Nogi's expression changed instantly, and Drum collapsed. At that moment, shock ran through social media. Following "Director Nagano" and "Chocky," "Nozaki-san" trended on X toward the end. While some cried out "Tell me it's a lie," others began theorizing about his true intentions or a different mission.
At that time, Nozaki was in Jerusalem. At an ancient bathhouse ruin, a mysterious figure told him in Hebrew that the higher-ups were pleased, and Nozaki responded with an expression he never showed Nogi...
The Acting Battle of Great Actors Stood Out in Episode 13 — Producer Iida on Ryo Ryusei's Charm
Episode 13 ended with a shocking development. We asked Producer Katsuo Iida, who posted before the broadcast, "I recommend getting involved in the adventure simply from Nogi-san's perspective," about the behind-the-scenes and reactions.
Thank you for watching VIVANT so passionately and carefully. VIVANT Season 2 finally started with Episode 13 on August 9th. Up until now, the story progressed by unraveling the backside of the Season 1 timeline, but from here, Nogi's adventure to rescue the Beppan members finally begins. The reaction on social media, from friends, and family when they realized Nozaki-san had betrayed them was truly chaos (laughs). Few people around me suspected Nozaki-san, and I remember shouting "Ehh!" to myself when I first read this script. "Trusted allies becoming archenemies" is a staple of masterpieces, and I promise that Nogi's adventure from here will be difficult but undoubtedly exciting.
The highlight of Episode 13 is the acting battle between great actors. I felt a sense of dread in Nagano's acting as he faced Nogi. In "VIVANT-Adventure Log" currently streaming on TVer, Mr. Kohinata is humble, but I think the greatness of his acting lies in his eyes. Strength, sharpness, and kindness reside in them. Even with kind lines, his eyes can be sharp. It makes you feel a lack of openings, just like a veteran Beppan member.
I also remember being moved by Ryo Ryusei's passionate acting as Shinjo. On the day of the torture scene, Mr. Ryusei had a sense of determination that wouldn't be shaken by anything. The character of Shinjo, acting with unwavering conviction, was right there. Although it was a scene where he was cornered, he was vividly enjoying the acting.
Seeing that brought back memories of when I wanted to offer the role of Shinjo to Ryo Ryusei in Season 1. Shinjo, who is revealed to be a TENT monitor in the final episode, needs to make viewers let their guard down while also harboring something mysterious. I knew Mr. Ryusei's high acting ability from working together on "Little Giant" (2017), and his eeriness in the role of Kibayashi in "Unnatural" (2018), which contradicted his words, was impressive. Before the production of Season 1, Director Fukuzawa told me, "Shinjo will definitely be key in the sequel," so I made the offer believing Ryo Ryusei would play Shinjo attractively.
Shinjo will reach a major turning point in Episode 14. I would be happy if you could watch the broadcast with an open heart.
Once again, VIVANT Season 2 is a very simple story of Yusuke Nogi going to rescue his comrades. I would be happy if you could enter the world by focusing on what Nogi sees from his perspective!
Thank you very much!!!
It wasn't Shinjo who leaked the Beppan information. Suspicion turns toward Nozaki, whom Nogi has looked up to like an older brother.
However, the reason he appeared in Jerusalem and who he is connected to there is unknown. Is Nozaki an enemy or an ally? The "unknown face" of the man he believed in shakes the very premise of the story.
