Kochikame
Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo (こちら葛飾区亀有公園前派出所), literally translating to "This Is a Police Box (kōban) in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward," is commonly referred to as KochiKame (こち亀) and is known in English as KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops. This Japanese comedy manga series is both written and illustrated by Osamu Akimoto. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the story focuses on the humorous escapades of middle-aged police officer Kankichi Ryotsu, who works at a local police station (kōban) in a bustling urban neighborhood.
| こちら葛飾区亀有公園前派出所 | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Osamu Akimoto |
| Published by | Shueisha |
| Imprint | Jump Comics |
| Magazine | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Original run | September 21, 1976 – September 17, 2016 |
| Volumes | 201 (List of volumes) |
| Anime film | |
| Directed by | Hiroshi Sasagawa |
| Written by | Takao Koyama |
| Music by | Tadayoshi Matsui |
| Studio | Tatsunoko Production |
| Released | November 23, 1985 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by |
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| Music by |
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| Studio | Studio Gallop |
| Original network | Fuji TV |
| Original run |
Regular broadcast June 16, 1996 – December 19, 2004 Irregular broadcast January 3, 2005 – September 18, 2016 |
| Episodes | 373 + 27 specials (List of episodes) |
| Anime film | |
| Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo the Movie | |
| Directed by | Shinji Takamatsu |
| Written by | Toshimichi Okawa |
| Studio | Studio Gallop |
| Released | December 23, 1999 |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Anime film | |
| Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo the Movie 2: UFO Shūrai! Tornado Daisakusen!! | |
| Directed by | Shinji Takamatsu |
| Written by |
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| Studio | Studio Gallop |
| Released | December 20, 2003 |
| Runtime | 109 minutes |
Summary
The plot of KochiKame revolves around Kankichi "Ryo-san" Ryotsu, a police officer who frequently devises money-making schemes by inventing gadgets or riding the wave of a popular fad. Though his plans initially succeed, they inevitably spiral out of control, leading him to seek help from his wealthy colleague Keiichi Nakagawa, only to lose everything in the end.
While the stories are driven by gags, much of the humor stems from the contrast between the ordinary and the absurd—such as Nakagawa's extreme wealth or Ai Asato's transgender identity. One running joke is that the characters rarely engage in actual police work, often without explanation. However, Weekly Shōnen Jump notes that Ryo-san is exceptionally skilled at catching criminals. Nakagawa and Reiko Akimoto, due to their linguistic talents, even have special permission to wear personal clothes instead of police uniforms.
The series has evolved over time, with the setting shifting from the 1970s to the 2010s, though most of the main characters remain the same age. However, some characters, like Buchao's grandchild, do age, and the author has occasionally poked fun at this in retrospective chapters. KochiKame appeals to a broad audience, from young boys to middle-aged men. Children enjoy laughing at Ryo-san’s antics, while older men may relate to his buffoonery. The series also subtly critiques the latest trends and fads.
The humor is generally light-hearted, with violence portrayed comically and any risqué moments played purely for laughs. Its popularity even led to appearances by real-life Japanese celebrities, such as Tetsuya Komuro.
For its creator, Osamu Akimoto, KochiKame is a tribute to Tokyo's working-class neighborhoods. Many chapters begin with detailed illustrations of Shitamachi (downtown) scenes, featuring old wooden buildings and children playing in the streets, reflecting the charm of the city's past.
Characters
- Kankichi "Ryo-san" Ryotsu: The main protagonist, a middle-aged police officer known for his wild schemes and carefree attitude. He often gets into trouble due to his antics but has a good heart.
- Keiichi Nakagawa: Ryo-san's wealthy and intelligent friend who often helps him with his schemes. He is more level-headed compared to Ryo-san and frequently finds himself pulled into Ryo-san's chaotic plans.
- Ai Asato: A transgender character who works in the Kameari police station. Ai provides a unique perspective and often brings humor and depth to the series.
- Reiko Akimoto: A skilled police officer who is serious about her work. She often acts as a foil to Ryo-san's antics, keeping him in check.
- Buchao: An older character who serves as a comic relief. He is known for his quirks and often has humorous interactions with Ryo-san.
- Masashi "Masao" Aoshima: A rookie officer who often finds himself overwhelmed by Ryo-san's schemes. He provides a more innocent perspective on the chaos around him.
- Shiratori: Another police officer who has a somewhat aloof demeanor. He often serves as a straight man to Ryo-san's antics.
- Kobayashi: A colleague of Ryo-san who often gets dragged into his schemes. He is known for his easygoing nature.
- Yamada: A police officer with a strong sense of justice who often clashes with Ryo-san's methods.
- Yoshiko Kawai: A female officer who adds a touch of romantic tension to the story, often interacting with Ryo-san and other male characters.
- Officer Kondo: A police officer known for his serious attitude, often frustrated by Ryo-san's behavior.
- Haruna: A character who serves as a love interest for some of the male characters, adding depth to the series' interpersonal dynamics.
- Yoshio Matsui: A retired officer who provides wisdom and advice to younger officers, often reflecting on his past experiences.
- Tetsuya Komuro: A celebrity who occasionally appears in the series, showcasing the show's crossover appeal with real-life figures.
- Norihiro Takamoto: A police officer who often assists in investigations, known for his dedication to duty.