Pray for Death

A Yokohama salaryman who leads a double life as a highly skilled ninja. He leaves Japan for America to give his family a safer life, but the shadows of his temple past threaten everything he has built. When his wife and sons come under attack, he returns to the ninja arts to protect them, even as it costs him his former identity.

Akira's American-born wife who seeks a better life for their family by starting anew in the United States. She anchors the household while concealing the danger that shadows Akira's past. Her murder by Willie becomes the catalyst for Akira's full return to the ninja path.

The elder son, a karate student with a red belt who defends his brother and faces danger with courage. His protective instinct and street-smarts pull him into the conflict surrounding his family's past. Takeshi embodies youthful resilience amid escalating violence.

The younger son who is abducted and becomes a focal point of the mob conflict. He endures the violence by his family’s side, and his situation motivates Akira to reclaim his former life as a ninja. His presence underscores the stakes of keeping the family safe.

The mob’s brutal enforcer who twists the Saitos' lives with force and fear. He abducts Tomoya, murders Sam Green, and stands in the way of Akira’s quest for vengeance. His ruthlessness is matched only by his confidence in the mob’s impunity.

A ruthless mob boss who hires Willie and orchestrates the scheme against the Saito family. He represents a systemic threat—the intersection of crime, corruption, and organized power. His downfall comes at the hands of Akira’s reawakened ninja rage.

The widowed owner of the closed restaurant and apartment the Saitos have acquired. He becomes a victim of the mob’s schemes, catalyzing the conflict that draws Akira back into danger. His death signals the collapse of a peaceful new start.

The Houston police lieutenant who interacts with Akira and tries to navigate the case with limited evidence. He represents formal law and the challenges of stopping a ninja without proof. His wary stance hints at the tension between law and vigilant action.

A corrupt detective who aids the mob by betraying the investigation before being confronted by Willie. His betrayal illustrates the institutional reach of crime and the fragility of formal justice. His fate underscores the danger of treachery within the system.