MIU404

MIU404 follows Tokyo's Mobile Investigative Unit as it tackles cases under a strict 24 hour deadline. Kazumi Shima is the new talent on the squad, gifted with sharp observation and smooth communication, yet he carries a wall of suspicion toward others. His inability to find a compatible partner within MIU pushes him into an uneasy arrangement with Ai Ibuki, a police substation officer who has the drive but lacks formal detective experience. Ibuki had pursued MIU but didn’t quite make the cut, leaving him physically capable and hungry to prove himself. The two strangers must learn to read each other, balance different strengths, and keep pace with relentless pressure while unraveling each case before the clock runs out.

Released in 2020, the series was directed by Ayuko Tsukahara, Kentarō Takemura and Naoki Kato. Akiko Nogi created the show, bringing a distinctive Japanese police procedural voice to the story.

Viewers and critics have noted the tight pacing and the emphasis on how trust and teamwork shape investigations. The central pairing highlights how two very different approaches can sharpen one another, turning personal doubts into professional growth as they chase answers under time pressure.

This title contributes to a wave of brisk, high stakes police dramas in Japanese television, valuing quick thinking and character chemistry over long investigations. Standout performances by Go Ayano and Gen Hoshino have drawn attention from fans who enjoy procedural grit with a twist.