The Japanese crime drama Matori & Kyoken Men in the Back Alleys continues to heat up with its fourth episode. The series, which premiered on January 30, 2026, follows the story of a former child star who gets caught between rival narcotics enforcers in Tokyo’s dangerous underworld . Episode 4, now streaming on Netflix, shifts the focus heavily onto Umezawa Kyonosuke and Kurosaki Toru as they move the mission forward with high-stakes undercover work.
The episode runs approximately 24 minutes, maintaining the show’s tight, suspenseful pacing that keeps viewers engaged . With each passing episode, the tension in Tokyo’s back alleys grows thicker, and this installment delivers significant plot developments that change the game for our main characters.
Umezawa Goes Deep Undercover in Episode 4
Daigo Nishihata, who plays Umezawa Kyonosuke, takes center stage in this episode as his character agrees to go deeper into the criminal underworld. The former child star turned double agent finds himself in increasingly dangerous territory as he tries to balance his role working for both sides of the narcotics war in Tokyo .
Episode 4 shows Umezawa preparing for and executing his most dangerous assignment yet. He must infiltrate a key location tied to the drug operation that was responsible for the deadly incident in the Roppongi club, which set the entire series’ plot in motion. The undercover mission requires him to adopt a new identity and gain the trust of dangerous criminals, all while knowing that one wrong move could cost him his life.
What makes Umezawa’s journey compelling is watching how the former child star adapts to this brutal world. He is not a trained undercover agent, but someone who got pulled into this life by circumstance. In Episode 4, viewers see him relying on his acting skills from his entertainment days to sell his cover story to hardened criminals who would not hesitate to kill him if they sense anything wrong.
The episode does not shy away from showing the psychological toll this work takes on Umezawa. There are quiet moments where the camera lingers on his face, revealing the fear and uncertainty behind his confident facade. These small details add depth to the character and make viewers genuinely worry about his safety.
Kurosaki Pushes the Mission Forward
While Umezawa works undercover on the streets, Yoshihiko Hosoda’s character Kurosaki Toru handles the mission from the other end. Episode 4 shows Kurosaki becoming more aggressive in pushing the operation forward, making strategic decisions that directly impact Umezawa’s safety.
Kurosaki serves as the brains behind the operation, coordinating with other law enforcement officers and analyzing intelligence coming in from the field. In this episode, he faces mounting pressure from his superiors to deliver results, which leads him to take more risks with the mission parameters. His decisions in Episode 4 set up potential conflicts for future episodes, as his aggressive approach may put Umezawa in unnecessary danger.
The relationship between Kurosaki and Umezawa remains complicated. They are not friends, but they depend on each other completely. Kurosaki holds Umezawa’s fate in his hands, and any mistake in his planning could leave the undercover operative stranded with no backup. Episode 4 explores this tension effectively, showing Kurosaki wrestling with the moral weight of sending someone else into danger while he stays relatively safe.
The Supporting Cast Steps Up in Episode 4
Episode 4 also gives more screen time to the supporting characters who populate this dangerous world. Osamu Mukai appears as Katsuragi Akito, bringing his characteristic intensity to the role . Katsuragi represents one of the many threats Umezawa must navigate, and his scenes in this episode raise the stakes considerably.
Kokoro Morita plays Sugihara Aoi, a character whose role in the story continues to expand . Episode 4 hints at deeper connections between Sugihara and the main plot, suggesting she may become more important as the season progresses. Her interactions with Umezawa carry an undercurrent of suspicion, leaving viewers unsure whether she is a potential ally or another threat.
The ensemble cast includes Yuichi Kimura as Shinjo Jo, Yusuke Shoji as Hainuma Taichi, Kasumi Yamaya as Aoshima Haruka, Eiku Yamashita as Inaba Eiji, and Kinari Hirano as Matsubara Tsutomu . Each actor brings authenticity to their role, helping create the gritty, realistic atmosphere that defines the series.
Tokyo’s Underworld Comes Alive in Episode 4
The setting remains a character in itself throughout Episode 4. The back alleys of Tokyo provide the perfect backdrop for this story of betrayal and survival. The production design captures the contrast between Tokyo’s gleaming modern facade and the dark, cramped spaces where criminal business actually happens.
Episode 4 takes viewers to new locations within this underworld. The undercover mission brings Umezawa to places we have not seen before, expanding the show’s geography and introducing new threats. These locations feel lived-in and authentic, adding to the show’s credibility.
The direction in Episode 4 deserves mention for how it builds suspense without relying on cheap tricks. Long takes and careful framing keep viewers on edge, never quite sure what danger might be waiting around the next corner. The 24-minute runtime flies by because every scene serves a purpose in advancing either the plot or character development .
Where Episode 4 Leaves the Story
By the end of Episode 4, the mission has progressed significantly, but at what cost? Umezawa finds himself deeper in the criminal world than ever before, with lines beginning to blur between his cover identity and his real self. Kurosaki has pushed the operation forward, but his aggressive tactics may have created problems that will surface in later episodes.
The episode ends on a note of uncertainty rather than a traditional cliffhanger. Viewers are left wondering about the long-term consequences of the choices made in this installment. Will Umezawa survive this mission with his identity and his life intact? Can Kurosaki continue to manage the operation from a distance without something going terribly wrong?
These questions will keep viewers coming back for Episode 5, which promises to raise the stakes even higher based on the setup provided in this episode.
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Streaming Information for Global Audiences
Matori & Kyoken Men in the Back Alleys is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide . Subscribers in all regions can watch Episode 4 along with the previous three episodes. The show carries an age rating of 15 or M18 depending on the region, reflecting its mature themes and violent content .
For viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, all episodes are available with the original Japanese audio and multiple subtitle options including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese . The show’s availability on Netflix makes it easily accessible to the streaming platform’s massive global audience.
New episodes arrive weekly on Netflix, giving viewers time to digest each installment before the next one drops. Episode 4’s release continues the pattern established with the series premiere, maintaining momentum for this compelling crime drama.
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