Furuhata Ninzaburo
Created by Koki Mitani
On Fuji TV
A genial, puzzle-driven detective procedural built on the charm of its protagonist and the reliable satisfaction of weekly mystery resolution.
Furuhata Ninzaburō is a Japanese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television from 1994 until its final episodes in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Kōki Mitani and is often referred to as the Japanese version of Columbo. The series is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura as Furuhata Ninzaburo and Masahiko Nishimura as his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP, television hosts like Sanma Akashiya and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki have been featured on this program. It was one of the most popular television dramas in the history of Japanese television, having spawned several seasons and TV specials.
Essence
Ensemble
Like Furuhata Ninzaburo
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Furuhata Ninzaburo
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Furuhata Ninzaburo, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Furuhata Ninzaburo, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Furuhata Ninzaburo, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
