The story is set in the Shinjuku Kabukicho district, Japan's largest red-light district. It follows two deeply disturbed central figures:

(best known internationally as Ichi the Killer ) is a landmark Japanese media franchise known for its extreme, transgressive depictions of violence, sadomasochism, and the criminal underworld. Originally a manga series by Hideo Yamamoto, it gained global notoriety through Takashi Miike’s 2001 live-action adaptation. Core Narrative

A psychologically damaged man who appears cowardly and childlike. However, when manipulated or "switched" into a crying frenzy, he becomes a ruthless killing machine using a razor-bladed boot to bisect his victims.

A masochistic Yakuza enforcer with a scarred, pierced face. He is bored by standard violence and searches for someone—specifically Ichi—who can inflict enough pain to make him feel truly "alive". Media Adaptations Ichi the Killer: Episode 0 (Video 2002) - IMDb