The World of Kanako 2015

Akikazu Fujishima, portrayed by Kôji Yakusho, is a former detective whose life spiraled downward after a violent incident stemming from his wife’s infidelity. This led to the disintegration of his marriage, loss of his job, and estrangement from his daughter. Now, Akikazu is a troubled, unstable alcoholic who wanders through life in a haze of dysfunction.

Years later, he receives a desperate call from his ex-wife Kiriko, played by Asuka Kurosawa, informing him that their daughter Kanako, a character brought to life by Nana Komatsu, has vanished without a trace. Fueled by desperation, Akikazu embarks on a chaotic investigation into her disappearance. He receives assistance from detective Asai, masterfully portrayed by Satoshi Tsumabuki, though Asai rarely engages in the hunt, leaving Akikazu to fend for himself.

Akikazu’s methods are reckless and aggressive; he resorts to intimidation tactics against Kanako’s former classmates and teachers, including Miki Nakatani’s character, in hopes of uncovering any leads. Although the responses he receives are insufficient, he learns that Kanako had become ensnared in a world of drug use, and he fears she may have been turned into an addict against her will.

As the narrative unfolds, flashbacks reveal a poignant story from three years earlier. Sigon, played by Hiroya Shimizu, who had long harbored feelings for Kanako since middle school due to her kindness, ultimately finds himself entrapped in a cycle of obsession and torment. After being drugged and assaulted at a party, Sigon exhibits conflicted thoughts about his feelings for Kanako. His tragic journey culminates in violence when he is brutally killed by an unknown assailant.

In the present timeline, Akikazu finds himself in the hands of the Yakuza, who inflict torture upon him while brutally taking the life of his daughter’s gang member friend, Matsunaga. Before Matsunaga’s demise, he reveals harrowing details about how Kanako’s love for Ogata led her to befriend a dangerous group seeking revenge. Despite understanding Kanako’s intentions, Matsunaga confesses his love for her and assists her in a quest for justice.

The dark revelations continue as Akikazu learns that the police are intertwined with the criminal world, including Detective Aikawa, who has committed unspeakable acts to maintain a façade of control. In a harrowing twist, the Yakuza provide Akikazu with a weapon and direct him to confront Aikawa.

What follows is a tumultuous confrontation: in a drive to exact vengeance, Akikazu engages in a violent battle that leads to tragic consequences. Ultimately, the police arrive, resulting in further chaos, with Akikazu managing to escape but carrying the weight of betrayal heavy on his shoulders.

He makes his way back to the teacher, linking her to the horrific experiences his daughter endured. In a desperate bid for closure, he forces her to unearth Kanako’s grave, only to discover the futility of his search as the location becomes obscured by the winter snow. Despite the teacher’s protests and claims of his daughter’s death, Akikazu is resolute; he digs on, unyielding in his belief that he must find Kanako, leading to a chilling conclusion as he swears vengeance against those responsible.