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So Ryan’s solution to not getting kidnapped in the bath isn’t having his sword on him when he bathes, but instead peeing on the assailant

can’t believe Shane went from looking like a regular white dude to looking like a maths professor to looking like a crazy archeologist

For clarification: the reason the Japanese police force has such a high percentage is because they often torture suspects into confession, and they arrest people who aren’t the actual criminals.

ghosts don't scare shane because they're older than 23

Shane Madej really said “eat the rich” and has stuck by it since 2016.

List of things Shane is afraid of: -Heroin -Avocado pits -Anyone under the age of 23

The part about humiliating the police...the fact is with such a high conviction rate, there will always be innocent people and people with minor demeanors put in jail. A lot of Japanese media that involve the law are written with this in mind. To me, it's difficult to overlook the idea that perhaps they just wanted to show the police they couldn't force solve everything as a kind of revenge.

Fun fact: The writer of that kids book, Edogawa Ranpo, isn't bis real name. It is a pen name that is literally the Japanese pronunciation of Edgar Allan Poe. Edogawa was a big fan of him, and was inspired to write because of him.

ngl, if the monster with 21 faces were victims of arsenic poisoning.. that'd be a hell of a backstory

Shane: nothing scares me People under the age of 23: allow me to introduce myself

I love this one because it really just sounds like one of those riddles that are near-impossible to figure out, but if it is cracked, it's going to suddenly seem all-too obvious. Also, I personally think that this was definitely the work of a group, rather than a individual.

24:36 They actually did figure out who the Somerton Man was!! He wasn't a secret spy or anything, he was just a dude that was really sad and lonely who wrote a lot of poems about death and was violent with his wife :/

Shane looks like the smart character from every 90s cartoon and 2000s DS game

i saw a comment that said “sometimes i feel like shane is a demon sent to kill ryan but just became attached” and now i cant get that out of my head

side note: 11:25 is prob one of my fav moments of this show, hearing the pure excitement in shane’s “we’re gonna talk about our favorite candy aren’t we?” to just utter disappointment in his “oh ok” when him n ryan weren’t on the same page😭😭 so cute

The monster with 21 faces is actually 21 kids in a trenchcoat trying to get free candy and playing out their favourite book

The whole "the car was gray" hint made me laugh, they are making fun of the police so much 😂 almost all cars in Japan are gray 😂😂😂

The reason Japanese police had such a high “success” rate when it came to solving crimes is that it also had one of the highest rates of wrongful convictions, and even to this day has a 99% conviction rate; which means that if you are on trial in Japan, you are almost definitely going to be convicted.

Yes, as people have previously mentioned, the Japanese police forces runs on a "guilty until proven innocent" mindset as opposed to the general "innocent until proven guilty". While Japan has the highest solved crime rate, it also has one of the highest wrongful conviction rates.

"Some men aren't looking for anything logical like money, some men just wanna watch the world burn" Sorry, but this entire thing seems like a comic book plot, and I am living for it.

I'd genuinely buy a book of Shane and Ryan explaining how they would survive these murder scenarios.

I'd like to think the child on the phone was actually at the center of it all and it was just a criminal ring of children that wanted free candy.

I knew an ex special forces guy that claimed to keep a ceramic knife in a shower because you never know when you might have to defend your home and anything else would have rusted in the shower. I remember thinking he was crazy until these two gave their explanation of how they would defend themselves in the bath. I guess I'll be buying a ceramic knife now.

I like the theory of the small children growing into adults and then getting revenge on corporations, would be nice if they were actually 21 different people with a single goal in mind of only chaos while... being polite enough to warn people about the poison. The letters to the police were funny though lmao

For postmortem: Why didnt you mention that the police captain set himself on fire because he was so ashamed that he couldn't solve the case? That event led to the monster with 21 faces to stop because they respected that so much. Such a important part of the case so I'm surprised yall left it out.

For post mortem: Japanese police is notorious for closing cases any way possible to keep up appearances, beating the confessions out of the suspects and convicting innocent people. This was definitely done to humiliate them publicly. Maybe someone with a grudge? Someone whose friend or relative was a victim of the police brutality and incompetence? This feels personal

Ryan: "Sometimes when I get mad, my body shuts down and restarts..." Shane: "Truth hurts." Ryan: 👁️👄👁️

This is one of those movie scenarios where there's one underdog policeman/detective who always has the right hunches but his coworkers don't support his theories so he has to solve it himself Except in this case there is no such person lmao

Post Mortem: A group of dentists angry at candy ruining kids teeth.

For Post Mortem: My theory is that the culprit is a victim of police incompetence. They just want to prove to the public how even though most of crimes are solved in Japan, a simple corporate terrorism with given hints can't be solved. It's not mentioned here but they also stopped after the head of police killed himself.

3:55 the messed up part about such a high conviction rate for murders is that in Japan if they can’t find the real killer sometimes they would pin the murder onto someone who might have been caught for a petty crime not even related to the murder to keep their stats high

So, one of the things that I didn't see mentioned here was the possibility of The Monster (or their hypothetical inside man/men) shorting the companies they're targeting. We're all familiar with the normal way stocks work. You buy then at a certain price and then sell them later, hopefully when the price increases. That's going long (there are other ways of going long, but that's the basic way). When you short a stock, you basically borrow stocks from somebody else, sell them for however much they're worth, and you do so with a promise that you'll return the same number of stocks in a month or a year or however long the contract was made for when you shorted. That's a simplification, of course, but the main thing is that if the stock price goes down, then you've made money -- you sold when it was high and bought when it was low to pay back your debt. (Of course, if the price goes up, then you lose money) Shorting a stock is usually very risky. However, it's far less risky if you *know* that a stock is going to go down in price. That's usually because of insider trading but what if you're an enterprising criminal group? One who knows how to threaten and terrorize and make a big splash in the news and really drive down the price of a stock? If such a group were to short a stock -- and have enough people do it over a long enough period of time that it seemed like natural, everyday trading -- and then hit the company they were shorting, they could make a whole lot of money without having to ever pick up the ransom money and expose themselves to danger. The Monster seemed to take great pleasure in making corporations and police look like fools, while playing the media like a fiddle. It seems like they had some issue with authority. So why not thumb your nose one last time at the system you hate by exploiting it's own rules to make a fortune as well? While the cops are looking for a pickup man trying to grab a bag of ransom money, you're walking out the Tokyo Stock Exchange in broad daylight with all the money you (to all outside appearances) made legally.

I wish it would have been like rogue dentists or something. "Candy sales are down, boys! We've done our jobs!"

shane being afraid of anyone under the age of 23 has the same energy as john mulaney being afraid of middle schoolers

I’m sorry, but the way Ryan said “broke into his home and kidnapped the naked Ezaki” is just hilarious to me.

Assuming Myazaki is innocent, there is still a very good reason he would publish the book until after the statute of limitations fell, being that maybe statements in the book could be misinterpreted and give police a reason to go after him after all, even small things like any of his statements in the books maybe not lining up to his testimony.

kinda upset that ryan’s book wasn’t actually linked in the description😕

i guess they never… *faced* any consequences

I think the theory of those wanting revenge on the food industry could be true combined with the fact that Japanese police often tortures people into confessions. this entire crime just feels personal to me. I think the criminal just wanted some emotional satisfaction and closure rather than the money demanded, and when satisfied, simply stopped. I mean, if you manage to poison candy and place it in stores without being caught while you did in fact announce that you were going to do it, I'm sure you could pick up the money without being caught.

as a bungou stray dogs fan im very delighted to run into edogawa ranpo’s work in a case like this

this case givin me strong “money heist” vibes. the criminals being smart, always one step ahead, every move seemingly being calculated and in the end them not getting caught. it’s funny to see something so unbelievably fictional had actually happened irl before

“i do think it’s funny to have a little laugh at a big corporate entity like this. you think you’re impenetrable? HUH? look what i can do!” “you do have this robin hood complex for taking down corporations. not gonna lie, i do like seeing a corporation getting its lunch pail thrown in the mud sometimes.” me, aware they’re leaving buzzfeed: 👀

My mom was born in Osaka and grew up in Tokyo in the 80s, so I asked her if she knew this case and she said she knew what the case was but didn’t know what it was about. I told her about the case and even sent her this video, and she was extremely devastated that this happened, especially because she is from Osaka and the fact that that happened there is sad.

"You're like scar face" "SAY HELLO TO MY *LITTLE* FRIEND!!" Starts aggressively peeing towards the assailant ☺️

Ain't gonna lie, I like them. Sounds like they just wanted to humiliate the police and never intended to harm the public. So glad no one died

Post Mortem: What is the size of a "Ryan sized window"?

Ryan’s face after Shane says “truth hurts” is everything

I grew up with a lot of 'phantom thief' stories, so hearing about the Mystery Man with 20 faces was really cool!

For the Post-Mortem: I'm surprised you didn't mention that the group only stopped after the superintendent of the police, Yamamoto, killed himself in shame. That's when the last letter was sent, a few days after, in which said that they give their condolences and are stopping now. Love you both, #Shaniac

Missing facts: "Having entered the home of Katsuhisa Ezaki, the two masked men tied up his wife Mikieko (35 years old) and his eldest daughter Mariko (7 years old). Mikieko offered the men money and one of them responded, "Be quiet. Money is irrelevant." they never wanted money.

This story is great. So much suspense. Glad you guys are covering cases in other countries too.

24:50 okay, hear me out...what if this was just a ridiculously elaborate plan to get people to eat healthier, like an evil LazyTown?

why does Shane look like a frat boy and a stay at home mother simultaneously

For Post Mortem: Apparently Japan's high rate of cases solved, was attributed to them not properly investigating many cases, and labeling them solved much too quickly.

When people say Japan has a low crime rate they forget that many crimes are unreported in Japan. TW: SA, domestic violence, Harassment, pedophilia are very rampant but we’re expected to believe “low crime rate” robberies might be very low and possibly murder overall but Japan also has one of the most horrific murder cases ever says a lot about their society

14:51 I’m glad to know that I have that sort of power over you, Shane.

On a serious note: if you two actually wrote a survival guide together, people would buy it. Or you could each write your own and make double bank.

it's moms/nannies, their name is from a child's book, they targeted candy companies, they warned the public so that no children were harmed, and the phone call is from a female and child. Not to mention that they could easily have an inside on either the police or with candy companies from husbands/employers

Seriously I just want to say you guys are my favorite and I’m sure you hear that a lot but I truly do you feel like you’re my friends when I watch you! Your banter is awesome and I hope that you guys are friends in real life as well💛

Love all their shows. Laughed at the History show last night as I binge watched it. You guys are awesome.

As someone who’s 19 I feel so honored that THE Shane gets creeped out of me lmao

we love seeing ryan talk about his enjoyment of the suffering of mass corporations while filming a video for a mass corporation.

I haven’t seen a video of the BuzzFeed Unsolved Network for quite some time but I’m sooo happy I came back to it with an amazing video like this. Thank you guys

they had a valid villain arch if they are arsenic victims

They literally said "It's not about the money, it's about sending a message"

POST MORTEM: Judging by how aggressive the letters were toward the police and their inability to solve the case, do you think that maybe the whole thing was some elaborate plot done just to humiliate them? The tips given in the letters could have been false; used to lead them on a wild goose chase and make them look even more incompetent than they already looked. And if Miyazaki is involved (which would make sense given his anti-police history), he could have had some of his old buddies from his past helping him out, and they banded together to give him an alibi, thus allowing him to get away and humiliate the police even further. Granted, I don't know what his alibi was so I don't how well the last part works. The only question that remains from this theory is why would they target the candy companies as well?

24:36 For anyone wondering, he's actually been identified. His name was Charles Webb.

Shane and Ryan : Yeah it's really cool seeing a corporation getting humiliated and blackmailed Comcast: Oh really tell us more

"it's either a flash mob, or a corporate terrorist" a sentence I never thought I'd hear

„Did they hurt anyone? Just corporations? Ok I‘m a huge fan“ me too shane, me too

24:33 well boy howdy Ryan do I have news for you...

I love you guys on Hulu! I literally watch two seasons back to back! The chemistry is on point🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🔥

For post-mortem: to me this def feels like it was done to humiliate the police force. From the letters taunting them to all the negative press the police got. I mean, the reason the rates are so high for catching murderers and thieves is because they often force evidence to fit suspects! Could this be a job to expose their incompetence and correct their reputation? Also I agree with Shane, it’s a bloody good cause, sign me up baby!!!

I hate that this will be your last season. You guys are friggin' hilarious and I will miss the witty repartee...oh and the intriguing Unsolved cases.

I love that they finally found the identity of the Somerton Man! His name is Carl ‘Charles’ Webb

The Monster with 21 Faces feels like they were actually quite ethical, like someone who wants to commit crimes and earn free money without hurting people. I feel as if the poisoning with the labels on the candy was literally just a threat, as they never went through with the non-labelled candy plan. Bet it was just a group of normal people - or even a family (namely the child and mother) - who literally just wanted money. Or it was in-experienced poor criminals who were ethically problematic

"Do not poison the public", another valuable advice by Shane

Not even 2 minutes in and we learn that Ryan has the defensive instincts of a toad.

I don't even like or care about mysteries, I just show up for the banter. Never disappointed.

this is the best known Riddler in real life we ever get....LOL

Any one think it could have been a disgruntled cop trying to embarrass his current or former colleagues? Would explain how they were always one step ahead of the police.

Nobody could capture me when I’m in the shower. I’m already small but now I’m wet and soapy? Slippery as an eel. They’ll squeeze me to hold me tight and I’ll just shoot out of their arms like a bar of soap. Then I grab my comedically large can of hairspray and get them in their eyes and lungs like a roach.

One thing you didn't mention (though for understandable reasons) that I think sheds new light on the case. Five days before the final letter was received, Police Superentendent of Shiga prefecture committed suicide, and te final letter mentions this. I wonder if this was meant to be targeted harassment for him?

They solved The Somerton Man mystery :)

To be fair, during the 80’s the Japanese police were pretty aggressive and they’d force a confession from the “suspect” just so they could close a case.

For postmortem: I think the kidnappers allowed Ezaki to escape. They clearly weren’t interested in killing him or torturing him. Maybe they decided that starting their criminal escapades with a kidnapping would ensure they would be taken seriously from the get to. Once that was achieved, they let him to go on his merry way.

I have never respected two men more than Shane "if I was a child reading these I'd be like, 'I wanna do crimes'" Madej and Ryan "If I get poisoned, its an occupational hazard" Bergara

You guys are the only reason i come to this channel, i love you guys 😻

it would be truly amazing if the victims of the dry milk incident actually found each other and started such an organization

Ryan in the bath giving a new meaning to “say hello to my little friend”

I like how he avoided saying "Say hello! To my little friend!"

so intriguing. i loved it!

For post mortem: The fact that this group managed to waste so much of the police's resources and man power on this case makes me wonder if the whole thing was a smoke screen for another crime being committed elsewhere...

my friend: uses a slightly different tone while texting me: The Menacing Case of the Monster with 21 Faces

the fact that i've never seen this intro on literally any compilation is amusing

You guys get a great talking about this Unsolved case. I never read the The Monster With 21 Faces before. I wouldn't begin my new life in crime. No thank you. I love watching you guys's Unsolved Mystery cases videos. ;) I hope you guys are doing okay. ;)

When you’re 17 and Shane is probably petrified of u😔✋

For post mortem: I can’t tell if the criminals have beef with the candy industry or if the crimes were intended to expose the highly accomplished police as being ineffective and bumbling. Or maybe they were just dentists sick of filling cavities… who’s to say.

ryan had the perfect opportunity to pull a steve rogers and say "i can do this all day" at 10:02 but he missed it ☹️