Shigeru’s role in Crosspoint starts as a mystery, making viewers wonder why he is so quiet and reserved. At first, he seems like an ordinary man living a simple life in a small Japanese town, but as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that he is hiding something. His actions seem secretive, and his interest in certain events suggests that he has a deeper connection to the unfolding story. The biggest question that arises is why he is tracking Tatsuya, the fugitive responsible for multiple crimes. The answer to this question is revealed in the latter part of the film, showing how deeply personal Shigeru’s mission is and how his story connects with the other characters.
Shigeru had been quietly investigating Tatsuya for a long time because he discovered that Tatsuya was responsible for the murder of two people: Risako, the teenage girl who was killed three years ago, and Gemma, the bar owner that Manuel was supposed to meet. While most people thought Tatsuya had simply vanished after committing his crimes, Shigeru had been watching, collecting information, and waiting for the right moment to act. He was not a detective or a police officer, but he had a personal reason for wanting to bring Tatsuya to justice. His connection to the case remained a mystery until the final part of the film, making his role an unexpected yet crucial part of the story.
The film shows that Shigeru had a strong sense of justice and could not let go of the past. He was deeply affected by Risako’s murder, and even though years had passed, he never stopped thinking about what had happened. He believed that someone had to make sure Tatsuya faced consequences, and since the police had failed to catch him, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He spent his time tracking Tatsuya’s movements, waiting for him to resurface. When he finally got a lead on Tatsuya’s whereabouts, he planned to capture him and turn him in to the authorities. However, Shigeru also had another reason for doing this beyond just seeking justice.
Shigeru knew that there was a reward for Tatsuya’s capture, and he wanted to claim the money. But his intentions were not selfish. He planned to use the money to help Yasuhiro, the struggling businesswoman, pay for music school. Yasuhiro had been dealing with financial problems after trying to save her father’s company, and Shigeru wanted to help her achieve her dream. This unexpected connection between Shigeru and Yasuhiro added another layer to the story, showing how different people’s lives were unknowingly tied together.
When Manuel arrived in town, he unknowingly stepped into the middle of Shigeru’s plan. Manuel, who was desperate for work and trying to escape an immigration raid, ended up meeting Shigeru at a local izakaya. Shigeru, realizing that Manuel was also in a difficult situation, offered him a place to stay. As Manuel stayed with Shigeru, he slowly learned about his mission. Eventually, Shigeru revealed the truth about Tatsuya, Risako, and Gemma, explaining that everything was connected. This revelation shocked Manuel, as he realized that the person responsible for his own struggles—since Gemma’s disappearance had left him stranded without work—was the same person Shigeru had been tracking.
The climax of the film takes place when Shigeru and Manuel finally confront Tatsuya. Shigeru, who had been preparing for this moment for years, was determined to stop him. During the struggle, Shigeru was fatally wounded, but he managed to help subdue Tatsuya long enough for the authorities to arrive and arrest him. Even in his final moments, Shigeru remained focused on his goal. Before he died, he made sure that his portion of the reward money would go to Yasuhiro, fulfilling his promise to help her. This act of selflessness tied all the characters together, showing that even in tragedy, people could find hope and redemption.
In the end, Shigeru’s story became one of sacrifice and justice. He had spent years following Tatsuya, not for revenge, but to make sure that justice was served and that something good could come from it. His actions played a crucial role in bringing closure to the other characters, proving that even an ordinary man could make a difference. His quiet determination, hidden motivations, and ultimate sacrifice made him one of the most impactful characters in Crosspoint, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.