Yuji Oda returns in new ‘Odoru Daisousasen’ film

The long-running Japanese police procedural franchise, ‘Odoru Daisousasen’ (Bayside Shakedown), has returned with its latest film, ‘Odoru Daisousasen N.E.W. Metropolis o Kakenukero!’, released on September 18. The film marks the return of Yuji Oda as the iconic detective Shunsaku Aoshima after a 14-year hiatus from the main series.

During promotional events, Oda reflected on his career and the series, expressing both nostalgia and past hesitations about continuing the role. He shared anecdotes regarding the ‘Muroi Shinji’ spin-off films and his late co-star Chosuke Ikariya. The new installment is set in 2026 Tokyo and features a mix of original cast members and new faces.

To coincide with the release, a large-scale tie-up project titled ‘Odoru Yamanote Daisousasen’ is being held in collaboration with JR East, the National Police Agency, and the Metropolitan Police Department. This immersive escape game uses the Yamanote Line as a ‘crime scene’ to engage participants via smartphone apps, while also incorporating messages to raise public awareness about preventing special fraud.