Did the man he looked up to like a brother sell out Beppan? Nogi Yusuke (Masato Sakai), a member of the unofficial organization "Beppan" directly under the Self-Defense Forces, was confronted with the shocking fact that Nozaki Mamoru (Hiroshi Abe) of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau, Foreign Affairs Division 4, had leaked information about Beppan members.
With 5 billion yen changing hands, Shinjo Kotaro (Ryo Ryusei) was told he "cannot live in the light," and another person fled from the Metropolitan Police Department.
"After VIVANT" looks back at the Sunday Theater drama "VIVANT," currently airing every Sunday at 9 PM on TBS, along with viewer reactions and theories.
Episode 14 follows Nozaki's true intentions, Shinjo's decision, and the pursuit of the fleeing Tojo.
What 5 Billion Yen Bought
Shinjo was suspected of helping Nogoon Beki (Koji Yakusho), the former leader of the dismantled international terrorist organization "Tento" and Nogi's father, escape from prison as a "monitor" (collaborator) and leaking information on five Beppan members. Nogi tracked him down and secured him in Thailand. However, it turned out that Shinjo was not involved in the information leak.
Instead, Nozaki emerged as the suspect. In front of Nagano Toshihiko (Kohinata Fumiyo), a veteran Beppan member and Managing Director of Marubishi Corporation, Nogi regretted his judgment, saying, "I trusted him completely." It was Nozaki's word that directed the pursuit of Shinjo toward Russia. Looking back, there was a sense of incongruity. Still, he couldn't fully doubt him because they had acted together many times since meeting in the Republic of Balka, and he looked up to him like an older brother. Seeing this, Nagano...
Meanwhile, Nozaki walks out of an ancient bathhouse ruin with a mysterious man. From the man's words, it is revealed that Nozaki had escaped the country by hiding in a cargo container for over 10 hours. Later, Nozaki met with a woman who appeared with a wine glass in hand.
The amount transferred to the new account she prepared for Nozaki as a reward for handing over the five Beppan members was a staggering 5 billion yen! It's a raw, vivid sum. The mysterious woman persistently asks about Tento. Nozaki keeps the Tento information as "insurance," warning her, "It seems I'm not trusted yet, so neither are you." He also doesn't miss the fact that she showed a strong interest in the orphanage Tento operated.
While many viewers believe in Nozaki, saying, "Nozaki-san still seems like he's on an undercover investigation," others point out, "Don't forget that Nozaki got 5 billion yen." Even if it is an undercover operation, the fact that he received 5 billion yen remains.
The identity of the woman acting with Nozaki was uncovered by the genius hacker Ota Riho (Sumire Hanaoka), also known as "Blue Walker." A facial recognition match identified her as Fan Linxin (Kyoko Miyashita), who formerly served as the Director of the 6th Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.
Fan was currently believed to be the head of a multinational private intelligence agency called "Xinxi." According to Beppan's supercomputer AI Hayato (voiced by Minami Takayama), Xinxi is "on the surface a multinational private intelligence agency, but behind the scenes, it's essentially an organization like a 'Chinese Beppan'." A key person whose identity had been hidden has finally revealed herself!
By tracking Fan's movements captured by facial recognition, Nogi and his team pick up Nozaki's new trail. Are the five kidnapped Beppan members at the end of that trail?
"Cannot Live in the Light": The Path Shinjo Chose
After the interrogation, Shinjo begins to talk to Nogi about his feelings for Beki. Learning Beki's true intentions, Shinjo's stern expression softens slightly as he mutters, "Was I able to be of use to Beki...?" Why did Shinjo, a Public Security intelligence officer, risk his position to help Beki and Balka? We will withhold the reason Shinjo himself gives for now.
Chocky Taperknit (OHM), who is devoted to "Shin-chan," pleads about their promise to go to Balka together. But all Shinjo returns is a short, "Thanks for everything."
If deported to Japan, a heavy sentence is unavoidable. Nogi quietly tells him, "You can no longer live in the light."
Appearing before the deportation to Japan was Wakisaka Akio (Hisato Kokubo) of the Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau, Foreign Affairs Division 2, who serves as a security officer at the Japanese Embassy in Thailand. He calls out to Shinjo, "Haven't you put on a little weight?" and picks off a piece of gum stuck to his neck, saying, "It ruins your good looks." It's a casual interaction, but viewers have begun theorizing about the reason he looked heavier and the meaning of the gum.
During transport, Shinjo instantly overpowers the police officers on both sides of him inside the patrol car. When Wakisaka points a gun at him, he urges, "Kill me." When Wakisaka still can't pull the trigger, Shinjo knocks him unconscious and steps out of the patrol car. Facing the police officers, he speaks to Chocky. Told he cannot live in the light, what did Shinjo choose?
Did Sano Know!? Tojo Flees, Nogi Pursues
Nogi reports the series of events surrounding Shinjo directly to Sano Yutaro (Yajuro Bando), the Director of the Metropolitan Police Department's Public Security Bureau. AI Hayato analyzes the changes in his expression and voice. His surprise at the report regarding Shinjo is genuine. However, when he heard that Nozaki was involved in the kidnapping of Beppan members, there was a slight delay in his reaction. Does Sano know something?
Meanwhile, when Nogi mentions the possibility that Nozaki's actions are also some kind of mission, Nozaki's agent Drum (Tomosaka Drum) immediately pleads desperately using sign language instead of his usual smartphone: "There's definitely a reason. Nogi-san, please believe in him." Even if the evidence points to Nozaki, his trust remains unshaken.
Tojo Shota (Gaku Hamada) of the Cybercrime Division, who heard the report at the Metropolitan Police Department, turns pale and quickly leaves the room clutching his own laptop. Avoiding surveillance cameras, he escapes the Metropolitan Police Department by sneaking into the back of a delivery truck. However, Nogi and AI Hayato later identify the car-sharing service vehicle Tojo used from a Tiger Mask keychain caught in the in-car footage. He might have hidden his face, but he couldn't hide the Tiger Mask.
At that time, Nozaki heads to a Xinxi base with Fan. When Nozaki asks, "What is the basis for saying this is the safest place in the world?" the location was hidden in an unexpected place.
The scene shifts to Tojo, who has fled to an old house in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture. He is desperate to flee the country, but a figure appears from the darkness behind him. Some viewers couldn't help but shout, "Tojo, behind you!" Is the one confronting Tojo Nogi, or his other personality, F (Sakai / dual role)?!
Chocky is the "Star of the Early Phase"! Producer Iida Talks About His Charm, Episode 14 Reactions, and Behind the Scenes
As the next nemesis appears before Nogi in Episode 14, Producer Iida talks about filming anecdotes and reactions.
Thank you for watching Episode 14. The voices we receive from viewers are truly our encouragement. As expected, the two points—"Is Nozaki-san really not a traitor?" and "Shinjo must be alive"—are the talk of the town even around me. I felt the scale of the reaction realistically when I heard people talking about it on my commute.
In early August, I went to Shimane for a location shoot... saying this might lead to more theories like "What scene is that for?"... but the people in front, behind, left, and right of me on the plane were all likely downloading and watching VIVANT Season 1. What I hear often lately is people saying they are re-watching Season 1.
As you may have gradually noticed, it is closely intertwined with Season 1. Of course, it's designed to be enjoyable even if you haven't seen it, but you'll enjoy it even more if you have! I would be happy if you could watch Season 1 as well.
And regarding Episode 14, I don't think we can talk about it without mentioning Chocky. You could even call him the star of the early phase. As mentioned in the "Villain's Meeting Room" by the director, his activity, driven not by logic but by pure "love," will actually continue. Chocky will continue to appear! Please rest assured!
The first time I met OHM-san was over a year ago at an audition in Bangkok. Since Chocky is an important role that stands alongside the previous work's Drum, we held auditions in Thailand and selected OHM-san from over 50 people. There were many talented actors, and I felt that Thailand is truly an entertainment kingdom, but I immediately saw that OHM-san had an outstanding sense of acting, lovability, and friendliness, while also possessing coolness. As we talked, his purity and humble side also became apparent, and I remember everyone, including the director, being captivated.
During filming, he was always smiling, and even in the freezing Japanese winter, he remained calm, which healed not only our staff but also the cast members. It seems he receives many comments in Japanese from Japanese people on his SNS, so there might be an opportunity for him to come to Japan and meet everyone in the future, so please look forward to it.
Tonight is Episode 15, and it's also a shocking episode. This is where the real story begins. I hope you enjoy it while praying for the safety of Tojo, with F's shadow looming behind him. Personally, it's the episode I laughed at the most in Season 2 so far. Thank you.
After the main broadcast, a live stream of TBS Radio's "VIVANT Villain's Meeting Room" at 11 PM featured Shinjo wearing an angel's halo! Voices flew back and forth regarding his life or death, with comments like, "If Shinjo comes here, it confirms he died in the main story" and "Shinjo, please stay alive."
The 5 billion yen Nozaki obtained, Shinjo's choice, Sano's momentary "pause," and Tojo's flight. It seems we've come closer to the truth, yet the mystery only deepens.
