The Japanese crime thriller Matori & Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys has been keeping viewers on edge with its intense storyline about a former child star trapped between two rival narcotics enforcement agencies. As the drama reaches its midpoint, fans are eagerly waiting for Episode 5 to see how Umezawa Kyonosuke navigates his dangerous double life.
The series debuted on January 21, 2026, on MBS in Japan and has been releasing new episodes weekly every Wednesday. With four episodes already aired, the tension continues to build as Umezawa finds himself working as an informant for both the narcotics agents known as Matori and the police drug division simultaneously .
When Does Matori & Kyoken Episode 5 Release?
Episode 5 of Matori & Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys is scheduled to release on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The show follows a consistent weekly schedule, with new episodes arriving every Wednesday since its premiere .
For viewers in different regions, the release timing may vary slightly. The episode typically becomes available in Japan first through local broadcaster MBS and streaming platform TVer, followed by the global release on Netflix. Previous episodes have followed this pattern, and Episode 5 is expected to do the same.
Episode 5 Streaming Details and Where to Watch
International audiences can watch Matori & Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys Episode 5 on Netflix, which streams the series simultaneously with its Japanese broadcast. The show is available for streaming in multiple regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and across Southeast Asia .
For viewers in Japan, the episode airs on MBS and is also available on the local streaming platform TVer alongside the Netflix release. This multi-platform approach ensures fans can access the series through their preferred viewing method .
The series has been confirmed for a total of ten episodes, meaning Episode 5 marks the exact halfway point of the season. With the story reaching its midpoint, viewers can expect major developments in Umezawa’s dangerous predicament .
What Happened So Far in Matori & Kyoken?
Matori & Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys follows Umezawa Kyonosuke, a former child performer whose ordinary life shatters after a fatal incident at a Roppongi nightclub. When a patron attacks a waiter after using cocaine and later dies, investigators trace the drugs back to Umezawa, pulling him into the violent world of Tokyo’s narcotics underground .
During a routine drug packaging operation, narcotics agents known as Matori raid the apartment where Umezawa is working. He manages to escape briefly but is quickly cornered by Kurosaki Toru, a man completely consumed by drug investigations. Instead of arresting him, Kurosaki demands that Umezawa become his spy .
The situation becomes even more complicated when police officer Katsuragi Akito from the Drug and Firearms Control Division arrests Umezawa and issues the same demand. Forced to serve two masters, Umezawa now operates as a double spy for both the Matori agents and the police, walking a dangerous line where one wrong move could cost him everything .
The series is adapted from the manga Matori to Kyoken Rodjiura no Otokotachi, created by writer Tajima Takashi and artist Masashi. The original source material is a seinen manga aimed at adult readers, which explains the show’s gritty and mature approach to the crime thriller genre .
Main Cast and Characters
Nishihata Daigo stars as the lead character Umezawa Kyonosuke, delivering a compelling performance as a man caught between two worlds. His portrayal captures the fear, desperation, and occasional cunning required for Umezawa to survive his impossible situation .
Hosoda Yoshihiko plays Kurosaki Toru, the intense narcotics agent who first recruits Umezawa as his informant. His character represents one of the two forces pulling Umezawa in different directions .
Mukai Osamu appears as Katsuragi Akito, the police officer from the Drug and Firearms Control Division who makes the same demand as Kurosaki, forcing Umezawa into his double agent role. Morita Kokoro takes on the role of Sugihara Aoi, adding another layer to the complex character dynamics .
The supporting cast includes Kujo Joe as Kaga Hibiki, Kimura Yuichi as Shinjo Jo, Shoji Yusuke as Hainuma Taichi, Yamaya Kasumi as Aoshima Haruka, Yamashita Eiku as Inaba Eiji, Hirano Kinari as Matsubara Tsutomu, and Cho Tamiyasu as Nagata Noriaki .
Shinagawa Hiroshi serves as both screenwriter and director for the series, with scripts written by Hattori Takashi. Their creative partnership brings the dark and tense atmosphere of the original manga to life on screen .
What to Expect in Episode 5
As the series hits its midpoint, Episode 5 is likely to escalate the dangers surrounding Umezawa. With four episodes establishing the basic premise and his double agent situation, the upcoming episode may push him further into impossible choices. The constant threat of exposure from either side creates a pressure cooker environment that shows no signs of letting up.
The cat-and-mouse game between Kurosaki and Katsuragi continues to tighten around Umezawa, and Episode 5 could reveal new players or complications that make his situation even more precarious. Viewers have watched him narrowly escape discovery multiple times, but his luck cannot hold forever in Tokyo’s criminal underworld.
The series has maintained a brisk pace since its premiere, and the fifth episode will likely deliver more of the tense standoffs and close calls that have defined the show so far. With ten episodes total, the halfway point traditionally brings major revelations or turning points in serialized storytelling.
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Where to Catch Up Before Episode 5
For viewers who haven’t started the series yet or need to refresh their memory before Episode 5, all four previous episodes are available for streaming on Netflix. The platform offers the complete first half of the season, allowing new viewers to binge-watch before the new episode drops on February 25, 2026 .
Netflix provides the most accessible option for international audiences, with the series available across their global service. The platform’s simultaneous release with Japan ensures fans worldwide can participate in weekly discussions without worrying about spoilers or delayed access .
Matori & Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys has established itself as a must-watch for crime thriller fans who enjoy morally complex characters and high-stakes situations. The series combines the tension of classic undercover stories with the unique flavor of Tokyo’s criminal underground, creating a viewing experience that rewards weekly attention.
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