The final episode of the NHK drama series, "Tokyo Salad Bowl," titled "Love and Lettuce!" aired on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, bringing emotional closure to the story filled with complex relationships and crime. This last episode not only revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding Orita's death but also exposed the existence of the human trafficking organization known as Volante.
Arima, portrayed by Ryuhei Matsuda, shared heartfelt memories of Orita, the person he loved most, during this finale. Having previously kept his feelings hidden, Arima opened up to Mari, played by Nao, about the grief he has endured since losing Orita. The two characters, intertwined by fate and tragedy, stepped forward together—symbolically embarking on new paths as they sought truth and justice.
The plot thickened as Mari informed Arima about the investigation involving Orita and Akawa, which had occurred just ten days before Orita's untimely death. Their discussion led the duo to visit Orita's sister, where they discovered a memory card hidden inside Orita's lighter, containing significant evidence. The memories captured on the card revealed the tense interrogation with Lemonchi—who condemned Akawa, saying, "You’re nothing but a murderer under the guise of being police". Lemonchi threatened to expose Akawa's dark dealings, which included releasing illegal immigrants and trafficking them to Volante.
This dramatic confrontation intensified as Mari confronted Akawa. His confession revealed deep-rooted regrets and the moral decay he experienced as he transitioned from helping those with language barriers to becoming entangled with the very injustices he initially sought to fight. Akawa disclosed how his path had led him to betray Orita, framing their relationship within the tragic narrative of crime and remorse.
Akawa, acknowledging his past sins, documented his confessions alongside the evidence of Volante's operations. His handwritten note to Mari detailed all his misdeeds and admitted to threatening Orita, forcing the latter to give up his life to protect Arima. This poignant moment underscored the drama's themes of sacrifice and the fight against systemic corruption.
Later, Akawa attempted to cut ties with Volante's leader, Shiu. Unfortunately, this confrontation turned violent when Shiu attacked Akawa, leaving him severely injured. Shiu’s arrest revealed little about Volante, as he simply claimed allegiance to the group without divulging any substantial details. Meanwhile, police confirmed their suspicions about the human trafficking organization, igniting momentum for extensive investigations.
At the translation center, Arima noted the burgeoning operations of Volante. He reflected on his determined commitment to continue his work as there were still people needing his support. His visit to Orita's grave was deeply symbolic, culminating with him declaring, "I initially thought of quitting my role as a translator, but because there are those who need me, I will continue doing this for them."
Significantly, the ending also introduced Mari's new chapter. After accepting praise and encouragement from fellow detective Iizuyama—who praised her saying, "You are the best police officer I know,"—Mari handed over her new business card, marking her ascension within the Metropolitan Police Department's Organized Crime Countermeasures Department.
The show concluded with Mari and Arima embarking on their new journeys. They stood as strong characters committed to pursuing justice, ready to confront future challenges and embody the spirit of teamwork cultivated throughout the series. These powerful narratives crafted through interpersonal relationships not only offered closure to the viewers but also posed broader questions about teamwork, hope, and redemption within societal issues.
Reflecting on the season, audiences were left not only captivated by the stories of Mari and Arima but also hopeful for potential future seasons. The overarching theme emphasized the importance of support systems within communities grappling with crime, leading to meaningful discussions about how such tragedies can touch lives and inspire change.
With rich storytelling and emotional depth, "Tokyo Salad Bowl" serves as both entertainment and social commentary, encouraging audiences to ponder their role within society and the narratives of justice, friendship, and the human spirit's resilience. Viewers left eagerly anticipating the possibility of more adventures with these beloved characters.