‘Tokyo Swindlers' Ending Explained: Is Harrison Yamanaka dead?
Contains spoilers for 'Tokyo Swindlers'
TOKYO, JAPAN: With 'Tokyo Swindlers' now available on Netflix, the series has captivated audiences with its intricate narrative and compelling performances. Directed by Hitoshi Ône and based on Ko Shinjo’s bestselling novel, the show centers on a group of sophisticated con artists led by Harrison Yamanaka, portrayed by Etsushi Toyokawa.
Their audacious 10-billion-yen heist, aimed at a prime plot of land in Tokyo, unfolds with high-stakes drama and clever deception. As the series progresses, tension mounts through complex schemes, intense negotiations, and a relentless police pursuit. Takumi Tsujimoto, played by Gô Ayano, becomes entangled in the group’s elaborate fraud, adding layers of intrigue to the plot.
As we approach the conclusion of this thrilling series, it’s time to delve into how the story wraps up.
Harrison's shocking role in Takumi's tragic life revealed in 'Tokyo Swindlers'
Detective Kuramochi (Ikeda Elaiza) started digging into Harrison’s (Etsushi Toyokawa) history. She began shadowing Takumi (Gô Ayano), curious why the son of a land scam victim would work for Harrison. Teaming up with ex-journalist Kubota, Kuramochi discovered Harrison's role in Takumi’s tragic past.
Harrison had hired Saeki to scam Takumi’s father, Masami, driving him to despair and leading to a fire that killed Takumi’s mother, wife, and child. Kuramochi and Takumi initially believed Harrison had employed Takumi for a twisted pleasure. However, when confronted, Harrison revealed it was sheer coincidence Takumi ended up at his door while driving escorts.
Upon realizing Takumi was Masami’s son, Harrison felt it was fate for Takumi to become a swindler and decided to mentor him. Takumi was devastated by this revelation. Harrison insisted they were alike, suggesting Takumi must have found some satisfaction in their schemes.
Harrison thrived on ruining lives, killing people, and relishing his misdeeds on video. Land swindling was just a means to an end for him. Harrison saw Takumi as his successor, someone to carry on his legacy. However, Takumi, furious at Harrison’s deceit and his connection to Masami’s death, was bent on killing him for hiding the truth and evading responsibility.
Takumi's plan backfires leaving Harrison's fate hanging in 'Tokyo Swindlers'
In the climax of 'Tokyo Swindlers', Takumi’s plan to kill Harrison takes an unexpected turn. Harrison had anticipated Takumi's move and bribed Orochi, promising to make him his protege if he attacked Takumi. Orochi stabbed Takumi, but when he tried to finish him off, Harrison killed Orochi, wanting to end Takumi’s life himself.
A brutal fight ensued, and just as Harrison was about to kill Takumi, Kuramochi burst in. Hesitating to shoot, Kuramochi mistakenly gave Harrison the chance to pull out a grenade, which he detonated. The ending revealed that both Takumi and Kuramochi survived the explosion.
Takumi was shown recovering in the hospital while Kuramochi dealt with the aftermath of the Sekiyo House scam. A news report suggested that Reiko (Eiko Koike) and Goto (Pierre Taki) were killed by Harrison, although their bodies were not shown.
Despite his tragic past and complex feelings about swindling, Kuramochi reminded Takumi that he was a criminal and would be treated as such upon discharge. When Takumi asked about Harrison’s whereabouts, Kuramochi revealed that he was missing after the explosion.
The closing scenes showed Harrison alive, hiding atop a mountain, suggesting the battle between Harrison, Takumi, and Kuramochi is far from over.
'Tokyo Swindlers' is available for streaming on Netflix