Zettai Reido

At the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, a newly established “Cold Case Special Investigation Task Force” brings together a diverse group of detectives with strong personalities and unique characteristics. Handling unsolved cases requires not only unwavering determination but also sharp instincts that can detect even the smallest inconsistencies when reexamining old investigation files and physical evidence, along with the ability to view cases objectively without being swayed by emotions. Additionally, sensitivity is crucial when dealing with victims and their families who still harbor unresolved feelings and emotional wounds from crimes that occurred years ago, as the thoughts and feelings that can only be expressed now often become unexpected keys to solving cases, making human qualities like sincerity and trustworthiness paramount.

To meet these demanding requirements, the special investigation unit assembles a wide range of personnel, from rookie detective Sakuragi Izumi to seasoned veterans and elite officers. While Sakuragi Izumi lacks experience and skills as a detective, she possesses an exceptional ability to understand human pain and empathize with others better than anyone else. Rather than treating victims of long-unsolved cases merely as corpses or evidence, she envisions their lost lives and sheds tears for them. Despite facing repeated failures and setbacks, she confronts each case with strong moral conviction and an unwavering determination never to give up.

Meanwhile, the investigation team members frequently clash due to their differing values and investigative approaches. These diverse characters debate their respective perspectives on cases, scrutinize evidence together, and gradually reach conclusions through their collaborative efforts. The story unfolds along the central narrative of how this disparate team gradually comes together as they solve difficult cases, creating a compelling drama about teamwork, justice, and the pursuit of truth in cold case investigations.

A major personnel reshuffle occurs within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, with Nagashima Hideo being transferred to the Special Crime Investigation Task Force, prompting the recall of Sakuragi Izumi from her local precinct to work under Nagashima’s command. Simultaneously, other special task force members are reassigned to new departments, where each struggles to adapt to their new environments. Sakuragi finds herself partnered with Sergeant Takigawa, who possesses extensive knowledge, experience, and exceptional investigative abilities. Although Takigawa remains unconvinced about his partnership with Sakuragi, he provides her with strict guidance and training.

One day, a series of suspicious fatal accidents begins occurring throughout the jurisdiction. Families of the victims repeatedly approach the local precinct, requesting a reinvestigation of these incidents, which leads to the convening of an investigative conference. Each accident appears to be caused by defective products from various companies, resulting in fatal outcomes. However, Takamine Ryoko (Yamaguchi Sayaka) observes peculiar patterns in these cases: the deadly accidents occur consecutively over specific periods before suddenly stopping completely, and every victim dies without exception, suggesting deliberate manipulation behind these incidents. This leads the team to suspect a potential “serial corporate extortion” scheme.

The investigation team realizes that if their theory proves correct, new incidents will likely emerge soon, creating urgency in their efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrator before more lives are lost. The case presents a complex challenge that tests the newly formed partnership between Sakuragi and Takigawa while exploring themes of corporate responsibility, criminal exploitation, and the methodical approach required to solve cases involving multiple jurisdictions and victims across different industries.

Izawa Norihito, who served as an ace detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Security Bureau, finds himself demoted to the seemingly insignificant “General Affairs Department Archives Division Annex” following a particular incident. However, this transfer is merely a cover story. Behind the scenes, career police officer Todo Sadaharu commands a secret experimental unit known as the Pre-Crime Investigation Team, nicknamed “Mihan,” which operates with the mission of preventing future crimes based on information about dangerous individuals provided by the “Mihan System.”

One year later, Sakuragi Izumi, who had developed into a first-class investigator after seven years with the Special Crime Investigation Task Force, suddenly disappears under mysterious circumstances. Yamauchi Toru, her partner, attempts to track down Sakuragi’s whereabouts but encounters trouble with the upper management and consequently faces demotion to the Archives Division Annex. There, he discovers that Izawa has been commanding field operations alongside team members, including Odagiri, Tamura, and Minami, completing numerous missions to prevent crimes before they occur.

The story explores the complex dynamics between these skilled investigators who have been relegated to what appears to be a mundane department but serves as the front for cutting-edge crime prevention operations. The narrative weaves together themes of redemption, loyalty, and the challenges of working within a system that operates in the shadows while dealing with advanced technology that can predict criminal behavior. As Yamauchi integrates into this unconventional team, the mystery surrounding Sakuragi’s disappearance adds a layer of intrigue to their ongoing mission of stopping crimes before they happen.

This new installment begins with a dramatic opening set several months in the future, where a large-scale terrorist attack is about to unfold. Unknown perpetrators have planted maximum-alert-level explosive devices in multiple locations, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Kasumigaseki, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. As SAT (Special Assault Team) units and bomb disposal squads mobilize across the city, Mihan’s Yamauchi and Odagiri join the critical investigation efforts.

During the search for explosive devices, Odagiri enters a room where he discovers a shocking scene: a man stands motionless holding a gun, while a woman lies dead from gunshot wounds at his feet. The man standing there in tears is revealed to be none other than Izawa, leaving Odagiri speechless with shock and disbelief. Has Izawa, driven by his anger toward criminals, crossed the line as a detective and committed murder? Who is the mysterious woman who was killed? What is the true meaning behind Izawa’s tears?

In the present timeline, Mihan’s investigation team tackles new cases each episode, working tirelessly to prevent crimes before they occur. However, the storyline gradually connects and builds toward the inevitable future scenario revealed in the opening sequence. This narrative structure creates mounting tension as viewers understand that every current case potentially leads to the catastrophic events shown at the beginning.

One year later, the Pre-Crime Prevention Law is officially enacted. While expectations run high for crime deterrence, concerns also emerge regarding the handling of personal information and the potential development of a surveillance society. Against this backdrop, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department proceeds with preparations for the appointment ceremony of the new Pre-Crime Investigation Division.

Yamauchi visits Odagiri, who is currently working in the accounting department at a local precinct, attempting to recruit her back to Mihan. However, Odagiri remains firm in her decision to stay away from the unit. Meanwhile, the Pre-Crime Investigation Task Force Preparation Office, operating under the leadership of Izawa, detects a new dangerous individual named Kirishima Naohisa. This target is a retired former Ground Self-Defense Force member renowned for his exceptional marksmanship skills.

The discovery of Kirishima raises urgent questions about his potential targets and intentions. As a trained military sniper with specialized combat skills, his presence on the Mihan System’s radar suggests an imminent threat that could result in significant casualties. The team must quickly determine whether Kirishima is planning an assassination, a terrorist attack, or some other form of violence that requires immediate intervention.

The series has previously been led by Ueto Aya and Sawamura Ikki. Now entering its 15th year with Season 5, the story is set within the Information Crime Special Task Force (known as DICT). DICT is a law enforcement unit dedicated to tracking down information crimes that exploit advanced technology to threaten citizens’ lives and property. The team takes on a wide range of cases, including special fraud schemes, cyberterrorism, and other anonymous, tokuryu style crimes.
 
Sawaguchi plays Ninomiya Nami, the oldest detective within DICT. After years of service at a local police station, she underwent detective training at the age of 40 and went on to work in the Community Safety Division, handling cases such as juvenile delinquency. Ninomiya’s investigative style is rooted in her experience there, taking a community-based approach. Believing above all in facing people directly, she has always devoted herself to helping those in need right in front of her. Now, Ninomiya must confront a new kind of adversary; an unseen enemy in the form of information crime.