Furuhata Ninzaburo

Furuhata Ninzaburo follows a calm, observant detective who turns the frame of a crime drama into a puzzle. Each episode invites a new guest villain, usually a famous face, who commits a crime and then must confront a patient, methodical inquiry. Masakazu Tamura plays Furuhata with cool precision, while Masahiko Nishimura as the bumbling yet earnest Shintaro Imaizumi provides a light counterpoint. The show blends sharp deduction with dry humor, letting audiences see how motives unravel under scrutiny. Created by Koki Mitani, the series treats crime as a crafted game rather than pure tension, and many episodes become enduring favorites in Japanese television. Its cadence and wit helped define a whole style of detective storytelling in the country.

Produced for Fuji Television, Furuhata Ninzaburo began in 1994 with multiple directors guiding each episode. Written by Koki Mitani, the series quickly established itself as a distinctly Japanese take on the Columbo mold.

Its signature format of a single clever antagonist per episode and a stream of high profile guests helped elevate television guest appearances to storytelling events. The show drew stars across music, sports and media and became a touchstone for fans pacing detective narratives in Japan.

Critics have praised its wit and patient, procedural approach, noting how Mitani's writing sharpens character and motive. Central themes include justice, deception and the ethics of observation, with the inspector's calm style contrasting against the tension of the crime and the ego of the culprit.