Challenge to Ambition: Chapter 2

Ōtani Ryūzō (Ryu Daisuke), head of the Ōtani-gumi within the Tōdō-gumi, is stripped of his position due to the scheming of Serizawa Daijirō (Kawano Taro), head of the Serizawa-gumi. With Serizawa taking over as the new wakagashira, the Tōdō-gumi rapidly transforms into an economic yakuza group. They begin extorting indiscriminately under the guise of “regional revitalization association fees.” Even the store run by the wife of Mikasa Yūji (Musashi Ken)—who is still serving time—falls victim to this ruthless scheme. Osaka’s Minami district is thrown into chaos by Serizawa’s insatiable ambition. And so begins a new yakuza war, fought in the name of old-school ninkyōdō and honor!

Directed by Seiichi Shirai, Challenge to Ambition: Chapter 2 leans on a strong ensemble — Ken Musashi, Daisuke Ryū, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2009.