The Genius Scheme Behind Japan's Biggest Heist

Noguchi Kazuki and his gang stole ¥750,000,000 worth of gold. The story behind the heist goes a lot deeper than that, though.
Discord: / discord
Patreon: / japanalysis
Background walking footage by / azumahibiki
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - The Thief
6:06 - The Heist
18:46 - The Mastermind
26:45 - Aftermath
#crime #truecrime #japan

[@Japanalysis]

If you enjoyed this video, I made another one like it about a weird Japanese Cult that had some weird secrets nobody expected! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJWsoX5socuVrc0

[@SeymoreSparda]

Meitantei Japanalysis, on duty.

[@proberush]

Great long-form video, super interesting and informative and well worth the wait!

[@abdoul5176]

Who was the great voice actor at 14:24? I swear I heard this man in a Mandela Catalog project. He sounds just like Brock Samson.

[@TerranceNicholsonVoiceActor]

@@abdoul5176 that was me! I have never worked on the Mandela catalogue but god I wish I did lol.

[@キラキラくりくり頭]

No worries Pete, sorry it stayed in my watch later list for so long.

[@thewingedserpent5823]

"Conspired to get a new phone" is the most hilarious sentence I've heard all week

[@Ultima_Atulos_Maxim]

must've been on that Verizon contract lol

[@JAY1892]

I wish other KZbinrs would realise, you don’t need crappy music that’s often louder than the narration. This channel is excellently narrated with interesting subject matter. Superb! 👍

[@EthanCGamer]

What a thrilling story, it's crazy to think that if they had been just a little more careful, they wouldn't have been caught.

[@rottenink]

It seems like a lot of these kinds of criminals face their downfall because of their pride, which then causes their carelessness. Sucks to be them- at least we got a good video out of it!

[@theoebola2367]

@@rottenink well, they operated under the false assumption that they were just staging a robbery and noone would follow them. But then again, whoever hired them probably didnt go for the sharpest tools in the shed

[@w花b]

The only lesson to remember is that if you wanna steal money in Japan, dress as a police officer

[@vitamin9165]

@@rottenink nah it's surviorship bias

[@Electronica27]

@@w花b and BURN the outfits after, not just leave em somewhere

[@afterburner94]

From Japanese meme culture to a super comprehensive documentary about the biggest heist in Japanese history. Absolute masterpiece!

[@Kurogumo]

😊

[@nyuwastaken]

Insane, how did this story fly under the radars??? I would be really interested in learning more about the ties between the yakuza and the entertainment businesses

[@Yabanmf666]

They have their hands in at least half of the nightclubs and adult entertainment. However it's mostly hangure these days with a tribute kicked up to the yaks.

[@ferretyluv]

They’re completely intertwined. At least, they were until the anti-Yakuza laws made it a felony to even associate with a Yakuza. They still control the porn industry.

[@AD-lh3jk]

I haven’t finished the video yet (it’s on my to watch list), but just wanna share what I heard as someone who works in film & adjacent industries I had a chat with a producer who’s worked world wide, Marcus Gillezeau, and he told me that the Yakuza (at least when he was there decades ago) owned much of the distribution channels for films. Namely the theaters/box offices Though I’m not too sure about today, and the topic remains an interest of mine. Especially since Japanese cinema seems to have evolved so much from its earlier heyday (examples on the top of my head being works of people like Kurosawa and Ozu) and haven’t really reached the same levels of acclaim again yet

[@Stbeter]

I can't speak for other industries, but I follow a lot of pro wrestling and the connections between those industries ran extremely deep, probably still do to an extent. The Yakuza basically ran wrestling promotion in Japan from its beginnings in the 1950's to at least the early 1990's.

[@christophern5226]

@@StbeterI know this is a very late reply, but are you speaking of professional wrestling or of underground, extreme wrestling leagues? Or both?

[@chrismehsikomer879]

I'm normally not a fan of commenting on KZbin, but I wanted to say that you did a great job on the coverage for this video. It shows how much time and dedication you put into this. Amazing job and keep it up!

[@UzumakiHarutoJP]

^^^

[@joshuahackett2060]

The betrayal at the start broke my heart, whats worse than being pepper sprayed by what you thought was a well-known friend who has not only revealed they were never your friend but now you're also probably fired.

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

Are we really that naive? The guard was PAID handsomely for his "indiscretions." He's probably working as a low ranking yakuza member right now. See Dillinger and the soap gun for another "amazing escape."

[@gagamba9198]

This is an interesting flip. Gold used to be smuggled into Korea (usually from Hong Kong) because the gov't set price was higher than the international price. Smuggling of consumer goods from Japan to Korea was also common, for example Sony Walkman, cosmetics, and anime. Japanese electronics and cosmetics because they were taxed heavily by Korea (I recall quotas also applied on makeup) and anime because it was banned - all Japanese 'cultural products' were banned. Also bananas. One banana in Korea was about $3 because imports were banned. And the banana smugglers were usually grannies who travelled via the Busan-Fukuoka ferry.

[@gokiburi-chan4255]

the granny banana cartel. GBC 😂😂😂

[@stanunproblematic2546]

😂@@gokiburi-chan4255

[@w1z4rd9]

banana smuggling gang frfr

[@rustyshackelford3371]

That's NOT a banana in my pants, officer.

[@WhiskersTC]

30 minutes?!? You're spoiling us, Japanalysis. Just please don't feel pressured by us to rush anything! Also pretty damn cool with the true crime upload 👍

[@w花b]

It's nice to gave true crime that isn't just serial killers and something more interesting. There's nothing wrong with that but there's better.

[@The_Ballo]

@@w花b This is Japanalysis not Koreanalysis

[@sebt__]

The celebrity aspect of this story reminds me of the relationships that singers like Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin had with mafia members in the 50s and 60s. A documentary I watched described it well: the mafia liked to party with celebrities because it made them feel popular, the celebrities liked to party with the mafia because it made them feel like bad boys.

[@istillusezune82]

It is all the same around the world. The whole entertainment industry of Hong Kong is basically run by the Triads too.

[@zakki9491]

When i saw the animation of them leaving the clothes and suitcases early in the video i was like "no way they just did it like that". Like I'd expect someone to do a heist like that to idk actually destroy the evidence, especially when they were already going across the country. Thats like the first thing that came to my mind.

[@AddaeAkono]

I didn't know that Gold Smuggling was a huge problem in Japan that even the Yakuza got involved in it some how. I also liked how you use Google Earth to paint a picture of how the story unfold and I would like to hear more Japanese crime stories.

[@NamHoang-hc6ub]

Once I saw Miyasako I instantly recognized him as Nagumo in Yakuza 6 lol, crazy story

[@alexlun4464]

Brother I was watching a Netflix documentary and at around 25% of it I decide to check youtube, I see your video and decided to watch it for a little while and ended up watching the whole thing. This is some awesome stuff you're crafting!

[@keintabak]

That was a riveting crime story. If there are Japan films based on these crimes, I would love to see it. Thanks for the documentary!

[@Japanalysis]

There are no films based on Noguchi's crimes. I found all of the information online, inspired by articles written by this man: 廣末登. The most comprehensive English source is www.nippon.com/en/features/c04206/?pnum=1

[@TerranceNicholsonVoiceActor]

Thank you so much for having me on this, I am absolutely honored. And in the future I’ll work on my Japanese pronunciation lol

[@enderclasscraft6411]

28:31 For the West, he is the face and voice actor of Nagumo in Yakuza 6. I had heard that his career collapsed due to connections with the real yakuza, but I didn't imagine it would be related to this.

[@The_K1tten_Earter]

Incredible well edited, researched and narrated video, truly documentary-level stuff. Great job. I for a time though you were going to be slowing down your video production, never could I have imagined that you would give us something like this.

[@danielfredel4193]

I love how even being associated with criminals is taboo in Japan, and here in the US, we have criminals in government.

[@wretchedcats4909]

I’d make a solid bet there are probably criminals in the Japanese government too, just that they’re less upfront about it. Corrupt and politician might as well by synonyms.

[@caramelvictim193]

Be real, Abe got assassinated because of his close connections to a scummy predatory cult 😂

[@terryarmbruster9719]

Lol all American citizens are criminals. Source... Your own police

[@The_Ballo]

Don't kid yourself: all governments are fundamentally criminal in nature. The consumption tax is a protection racket and the action against the "crime" of gold smuggling is monopoly enforcement.

[@mrjjman2010]

Traitors, too

[@Keitorin2013]

Awesome video! 😊 The 30-minute video was TOTALLY worth the wait! 🙌 Would love to see more of these kind of videos, too.

[@thegreator]

I have become more interested when Hiroyuki Miyasako appeared. Hopefully you can make a video about his case. Because it makes a huge impact on the whole japanese comedian company.

[@Japanalysis]

That's what this video started as XD

[@dhemereon2915]

Awesome video, mate! The wait definitely was worth it. Would really love to see more of this kind of stuff.

[@mWadie]

Amazing storytelling!! You outdid yourself this time and you really have a knack for this.. definitely worth the wait!

[@StairFacts]

This video was incredible! I'd love to see more videos from you exploring more Japanese crime and Yakuza culture, it's really fascinating to hear about!

[@sunkuu]

Wow, the quality of your videos have been getting really good lately. I’m always looking forward to your next upload! Keep it up!

[@yourmaid4982]

I really appreciate how you told us the story without emotions and name-calling

[@WillN2Go1]

"The deeper connections" are what makes your video really stand out. Japan and the Japanese are really interesting. After you spend years in Asian culture, travel around, you're able to understand most of what's going on in situations in China. And you can fit in as a polite visitor in Japan, but then there's another layer and then another. Terrific video.

[@TheOddybody]

Love the adverse content. You got a great channel with stuff i enjoy like memes and stories. Stamp of approval good sir!

[@Nayte08]

First video of yours I have come across and I have to say this was extremely well researched and presented. A++ I will now be going through more of your channel, I hope you have decided to cover more Japanese crime stories!

[@blaat44]

Really interesting to watch! Would love to see more of these type of videos.

[@jimjohnson6944]

If you wanted to become a full time Japanese true crime channel, I'd be OK with that

[@SasukaRH]

your videos are so well structured and told, please always keep making them 😭😭😭

[@SuperMrPico]

fantastic video keep up the great work this is one of my new favorite channels

[@wretchedcats4909]

Imagine being part of a highly organized crime syndicate and you get got by police for upgrading your cellphone. damn.

[@chem2]

Great video this was very interesting and well put together

[@guy990]

Great coverage of such an interesting event! The rabbit hole must have been insane while researching this topic! Excellent presentation also, explaining everything along the way and taking time to learn how to say Japanese names properly. I also was not expecting the voices at 14:30 😂

[@Maxz85]

Very well made documentary, your channel is very underrated

[@TheDimsh]

man this channel is amazing, you are so underrated

[@fuquantiegermann3776]

This was amazingly interesting! Will definitely watch similar videos!

[@thomasculshaw8843]

Great video. We just went deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole as it went on

[@abdulhamid9605]

Great video, thanks for the great content, really enjoy all the videos you put out, keep doing what youre doing!

[@Japanalysis]

[@Professorkek]

This video was awesome. I hope you cover more true crime stories in Japan.

[@vjgamer8835]

Your hardwork really pays off in the videos. Loved the movie

[@kiwi_bird]

Giving me writing inspiration+-+. Keep up the good work!

[@Sykroid]

10:37 this is such a 90s photo lmao. Amazing video btw. Excellently researched, structured in it's telling, and presented in it's editing and diagrams/rendering.

[@RealTragoe2]

Amazing video! You keep outdoing yourself everytime!

[@setoGabes]

That was a wild story, I was sad when this video ended, because I was just so invested in it, I wanted more lol Great job, man! I'm not reallly a fan of true crime due to the non-fiction dark disturbing content sometimes, but I would love to see some more heist/mob/crime conspiracy related stories like that! The whole "japanese celebrities with ties to organized crime" was also a pretty interesting subject, maybe a video about it would be dope as well!

[@tdog999100]

Just found your channel today, i can't stop binge watching 😂

[@Japanalysis]

Yay! Thank you!

[@kachewsnail]

This was such an interesting video! You presented the contents quite clearly so it was easy to follow and understand, especially the fact that you explained reasons behind these crimes in japan. It was quite informative and I really enjoyed such unique information that we usually don't get to see from other content creators. Please take your time to make these great videos!

[@zakuraiyadesu]

Love the videos, man. Keep it up!!!

[@Frani298]

just wanted to let you know I'm loving your channel. All my best from Perú!

[@melissamelody]

A very well made video. Great job!

[@ivenousername]

Loved this video!!!! So glad I subscribed

[@dduude87]

Great video! Very interesting story.

[@Marcifar]

This video was fantastic! Great job!

[@wvuvino21]

Another Great One for the Books! Thanks, That was Wild!

[@aria6361]

This video was amazing. Definitely do more if you can 🙂

[@eujvhhgsjq9320]

Good video! Keep up the good work :)

[@albertlert]

Good video. Thank you for going in depth

[@Andrew-is3ld]

Excellent storytelling and the scene animations!

[@mineyamacho]

Looking forward to the next one!

[@Area-kf1yj]

at 25:27 a quote from Jake Adelstein is shown, and i thought the name sounded familiar. He’s an american journalist that worked in Japan for a long time, and he’s written a kind of semi-autobiographical book called Tokyo Vice on his time there. just last year the book got a series adaptation on HBO under the same name! its genuinely a ridiculously good show, give it a watch! and as always, Thank you Japanalysis for your amazing content. You just keep one upping yourself on these videos!

[@Korschtal]

A fantastic story and well told. I'd certainly be interested to hear more about true crime in Japan; as I visit the country a lot, and get the impression the police are good at getting "confessions" but not actually stopping any real criminals.

[@santiagobodhi7075]

sheeesh what a rabbit hole lmao great vid!

[@yokai_G]

thank you for the stories, we appreciate your work. Please tell us more 😁😁😊

[@kocorono5884]

amazing video as always

[@huurig]

What an incredible video and channel.

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

This was a great mini-doc!

[@raven4680]

That was a very interesting video! Enjoyed it a lot :)

[@demetriusmorgenroth2835]

This is yet another reason for me to say something I always tell people: do not let the Japanese police inspect your belongings. Ever. If there is no warrant for that inspection to happen, going through one's belongings is considered a voluntary form of investigation (任意捜査). The police has the right to request to go through your belongings, but you ALWAYS retain the right to refuse the request, no matter how many times they push for it. Complying with a search of your belongings will never help you. Best case scenario, your stuff gets rifled through and you end up with a disordered bag. I used to say that in the worst case scenario, you'd get flagged for something absolutely innocuous that looks suspicious to an officer who is trained to suspect you (rather than believe in you) - but this is worse, way worse. If an officer (or a supposed officer) asks to see your belongings, all you should do is ask 令状がありますか and, after the person states they do not have one, respond with 令状がないので、結構です. No further reasons. No explanation. No need to engage with an officer that tries to tell you their typical excuses and reasons (「危ない物だけ確認したいですが」・「違法な物がなかったら、財物捜査しても良いだろう？」). Rinse and repeat the statement from before, and soon they will give up. If they claim to have a warrant, demand seeing it. If it doesn't have your name nor the contents of what can be searched, you still do not have to comply - warrants need to be specific and provide a clear overview of whom/what can be investigated.

[@preliminarypetrichor]

This video was awesome. I'd love to see more like this

[@MichaelWilliamz]

Please please make more vids about this topic please 🙏🏻 I super enjoyed this- liked and new sub

[@Chocolatepain]

Good stuff! While your Japanese internet culture videos are my favorite, this was super interesting. Nice step up in production too.

[@X9Larvva]

your videos are on another level, wow!

[@Aserox]

True crime is often a fan favorite. Came back specifically to comment my support ;D

[@ramens]

huge fan of these longer videos

[@d_e_r_i_v_a_t_i_v_e]

oh hell yeah, 30 minute Japanalysis video??? its gonna be a good day

[@lp0pic]

Awesome stuff 🔥🔥🔥

[@ReiniBlue]

Good job mate, love you

[@linesided]

Awesome work! The best Japanese related channel since Chris Broad :)

[@AdondisArt]

This was a really good video. Absolutely so interesting

[@DpNemo]

i have, indeed enjoyd the video. keep up the good work

[@danweisman8113]

Please make more videos like this, very entertaining content.

[@firefly618]

What an interesting deep dive! I'd love to learn more about similar stories. Japanese police, crime, and the justice system are very mysterious. Sometimes you wonder if the police is really trying to solve cases or if they just want to save face.

[@ghfghf7]

Great work great video!

[@m1rrorm1nd43]

This is such a great channel

[@arbuznazarov9326]

this is amazing I would love to see more about Japanese true crime stuff, especially yakuza

[@ChrisHilgenberg]

You might be wondering why the 'I'm not a yakuza' checkbox keeps catching them when the equivalent form in the US relating to reporting income on illegal activities to the IRS doesn't, it's because most are known and have a rap sheet, so if they do something requiring them to lie on that form, they'll be caught pretty quickly.

[@slimfix2311]

really enjoyable story telling

[@senshikuni]

This is some Yakuza (game series) level stuff. Especially with Nagumo's va appearing in the story.

[@Zebresh1]

Great video keep it up

[@bastardog7998]

bro..this is quality content. thank you👍

[@MoQambique]

I don't know why I expected a story about your australian buddy in the end 😂 On the other hand... amazing video! SUPER interesting!

[@vaiyaktikasolarbeam1906]

COOOL Documentary. Nice thanks!

[@cerealbloodx]

i was on the edge the whole video!! I also miss the japanese-personal-story at the end

[@Kuwaiden]

just commenting to say that i always love listening to a good heist story

[@specificdisc568]

That was wonderful it’s so interesting to learn about things that have gone untold out of Japan

[@hektheworld]

Great video, so detailed. You should look in the end pride FC, the fighting organization and MR. X.

[@bonesmakenoise]

What a wild story! Also weird to think that it was going on while I was living there, right near where I was living. Thanks for helping me understand the mysterious wanted posters I spotted in northern Mie Prefecture in like 2016, lol.