The Yakuza

Retired detective and cross-cultural fixer who relies on his Japanese connections to aid Tanner’s rescue. His deep sense of giri drives him to intervene despite personal risk, and his past love for Eiko complicates decisions. He ultimately participates in a formal act of apology to seek forgiveness.

Kilmer’s old friend who has been involved with the yakuza and seeks Kilmer’s help to rescue his daughter. Tanner’s debt to the underworld becomes a dangerous liability, and he is exposed as secretly broke and entangled with Tono; he is killed during the confrontation.

Tanner’s bodyguard who accompanies Kilmer to Tokyo. He proves loyal and capable, but is fatally stabbed during the assault at Wheat’s house.

Bar owner of Kilmer House and Kilmer’s former lover. She is Ken’s wife and Hanako’s mother, a central figure in the family’s emotional web. Her relationships with Kilmer and Ken drive much of the film’s tension and tragedy.

Eiko’s husband and Kilmer’s ally, a former yakuza member who helps in the rescue. He fights valiantly and participates in suppressing the threat to his family; his actions are deeply shaped by his ties to Eiko and Hanako, and he bears the weight of family secrets.

The yakuza boss who kidnaps Tanner’s daughter to pressure the business deal. He is the principal antagonist, presiding over the criminal alliance that Kilmer and Ken must confront.

Ken’s brother and a high‑level yakuza legal counselor who acts as a mediator and reveals crucial family secrets. He warns of a “wayward son” in Tono’s clan and discloses that Eiko is Ken’s wife and Hanako is their child.

Daughter of Ken and Eiko; she greets Kilmer with warmth, but is tragically killed during the assault on Wheat’s house, underscoring the human cost of the yakuza feud.

Kilmer’s old military buddy who hosts the group at his home. He becomes a target in the violence that follows, and Dusty’s death occurs during the attack on Wheat’s house.

A security presence tied to Tanner’s dealings with the yakuza, representing the constant threat and pressure surrounding the business.