Eddie Kenner, a member of the US Army, is assigned to infiltrate a gang led by Sandy Dawson, an ex-soldier who has formed a group of American and Japanese criminals. The gang operates in Tokyo's underground pachinko scene and is involved in the theft of US military ammunition.
Kenner gains the trust of the gang and becomes a full-fledged member of their criminal activities. He soon develops a relationship with Dawson's girlfriend, Mariko (Shirley Yamaguchi), a former geisha who is reluctant to leave Dawson despite his abusive behavior.
As Kenner gets closer to his objective, he faces moral dilemmas and is forced to weigh his loyalty to the Army against the bond he has formed with the gang members, especially Mariko. The situation becomes more complicated when Dawson suspects Kenner's true intentions and begins to question his loyalty.
The film is notable for its portrayal of post-war Japan and the unique blend of American and Japanese cultures. It also features stunning visuals of Tokyo's landscape, with extensive use of location shooting and vibrant Technicolor cinematography.
The film's climactic train robbery sequence is one of the most memorable scenes in the film, with the soundtrack by the legendary composer Henry Mancini adding to the tension and drama. House of Bamboo remains a classic representation of film noir and crime dramas of the 1950s.