Furuhata Ninzaburo
Encyclopedia
is a Japan
ese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television
from 1994 until its final episodes (specials) in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Koki Mitani
and being known as the Japanese's version of Columbo
.
It is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura
as Ninzaburo Furuhata and his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi, portrayed by actor Masahiko Nishimura. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP
(boy-band), television hosts like Sanma Akashiya
(variety) and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki
(baseball) 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.
The audience witnesses the ingenious murder, and watches as the killer covers up the crime (usually by staging the murder as an accident). The murder is then discovered, and Furuhata is usually called in by the police to investigate; but sometimes he just coincidentally happens to be nearby when the crime is discovered. The murderer hangs around the scene of the crime to misdirect the investigation by throwing in several red herrings.
Despite the killer's interference, Furuhata spends the episode trying to spot the real evidence and determining exactly how the crime was committed. Furuhata does this by obnoxiously hanging around his chief suspect (much to the exasperation of the criminal, of course). Just before the final act, Furuhata "breaks the fourth wall" and challenges the audience to guess:
A) what tiny slip-up the killer made which let Furuhata know who the killer was
B) what clue(s) Furuhata spotted which led him to figure out how the crime was committed.
C) what ingenious trap Furuhata will use to get the killer to confess his / her crime.
In the final act, Furuhata cleverly ensnares the killer using a trap (C); then explains A, B
The charm of the story is that while the audience already knows the killer's identity from the episode's outset - it's still up to the viewer to follow along with Furuhata's investigation and spot the clues which will lead to the solving of the crime.
The character is said to have been based on Japanese philosophy of science professor, Yoichiro Murakami
.
member Masahiko Nishimura, is the bumbling, inept sidekick of Furuhata. Imaizumi tends to be quite child-like and very passive. Imaizumi somewhat resembles Charlie Brown
in personality.
His character not only acts as comic relief, though, but acts as the Watson to Furuhata's Sherlock Holmes. He tends to say and do the things that any "normal" person might say. He often asks the questions that the audience might ask. Thus, he tends to act as a proxy for the viewing audience. For example, Imaizumi often falls for the red herrings left by the killer and comes to the conclusion that the murderer intended allowing Furuhata to discount the false evidence. When Furuhata starts thinking aloud with logic, Imaizumi will eliminate the other possibilities that come to mind for the viewer when following Furuhata's train of thought.
Furuhata can be downright mean when it comes to Imaizumi. Furuhata is often visibly annoyed by Imaizumi's incompetence and often hurls insults at Imaizumi or gives Imaizumi demeaning tasks. Furuhata constantly slaps Imaizumi on his forehead.
Imaizumi still lives with his grandmother and counts knitting, magic tricks and flower arrangement among his hobbies. He loves meat-stuffed peppers, his favorite movie is Grease
, his favorite group is ABBA
, his favorite Golden Hafu member is Eva and his favorite song is Dancing Queen
In season 2, Shintaro Imaizumi was featured in a series of 7 minute skits which aired after the main "Furuhata Ninzaburo" episode.
Strangely, the 2008 Furuhata Chugakusei special (which was written 14 years after Series 1), it is revealed that Furuhata and Otokichi were friends for a few months during Junior High. Otokichi's last name at the time is Mukojima, not Higashikunibaru. Though its implied that they may have been in periodic contact before Series 1, Furuhata does not appear to recognize Otokitchi when they meet in Episode 2.
In the second season, the Shintaro Imaizumi special also begins.
In the third season, Saionji also joins the group of regular characters.
Please note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible.
Please note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible.
. This series was immensely popular until the death of actor Ito in 2002. In the skits, meek and long suffering Imaizumi vents his anger and frustration about his treatment in the main episode. During the skits, he tried to prove that he is the superior detective, make prank calls to Furuhata, work up the (drunken) courage to tell Furuhata off, even plot the murder of Furuhata. However, the skit always ends with Imaizumi proving his inepitude or losing his nerve and Kuwabara is forced to help escort his sobbing, spineless and broken friend out of the lab.
Despite the absence of Imaizumi, Saionji or Mukojima in the January 3rd, 2004 Furuhata Special; all three did appear in a 10 minute "Imaizumi" skit which aired later that night. Hanada also makes a brief cameo appearance
and Young Mukojima is played by Tamoto Soran. Tamura Masakazu and Kobayashi Takashi make cameo appearances at the beginning and end of the episode, respectively. This special was written by Koki Mitani. This show is considered canon, despite a few continuity errors with the earlier series.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
from 1994 until its final episodes (specials) in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Koki Mitani
Koki Mitani
is a Japanese playwright, screenwriter, actor and film director. He was previously married to Japanese actress Satomi Kobayashi. The name "Koki" is a combination of two Japanese characters - 幸 "Happy" and 喜 "Pleased". In an attempt to add his own character to his movies, as a director he takes...
and being known as the Japanese's version of Columbo
Columbo
Columbo is an American crime fiction television film series, which starred Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. It was created by William Link and Richard Levinson. The show popularized the inverted detective story format...
.
It is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura
Masakazu Tamura
is a Japanese film and theatre actor.-Profile:Masakazu Tamura was born 1 August 1943 in Kyoto, Japan to Japanese actor Tsumasaburō Bandō. His brothers Takahiro and Ryō are also actors...
as Ninzaburo Furuhata and his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi, portrayed by actor Masahiko Nishimura. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP
SMAP
SMAP is a Japanese boy band formed by Johnny & Associates. While originally consisting of six members, the current group members are Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori...
(boy-band), television hosts like Sanma Akashiya
Sanma Akashiya
is a Japanese TV comedian and actor simply known as Sanma. His real name is . His talent agency is Yoshimoto Corporation.Together with Beat Takeshi and Tamori, Sanma is said to be one of the "Big Three" tarento of Japan. Sanma's nickname is . He is known for his ability to endlessly carry a...
(variety) and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki
, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
(baseball) 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.
Plot patterns
Furuhata opens each episode with a monologue that at first appears to be a non-sequitur but really contains a clue relevant to the following mystery. Then the opening credits appearThe audience witnesses the ingenious murder, and watches as the killer covers up the crime (usually by staging the murder as an accident). The murder is then discovered, and Furuhata is usually called in by the police to investigate; but sometimes he just coincidentally happens to be nearby when the crime is discovered. The murderer hangs around the scene of the crime to misdirect the investigation by throwing in several red herrings.
Despite the killer's interference, Furuhata spends the episode trying to spot the real evidence and determining exactly how the crime was committed. Furuhata does this by obnoxiously hanging around his chief suspect (much to the exasperation of the criminal, of course). Just before the final act, Furuhata "breaks the fourth wall" and challenges the audience to guess:
A) what tiny slip-up the killer made which let Furuhata know who the killer was
B) what clue(s) Furuhata spotted which led him to figure out how the crime was committed.
C) what ingenious trap Furuhata will use to get the killer to confess his / her crime.
In the final act, Furuhata cleverly ensnares the killer using a trap (C); then explains A, B
The charm of the story is that while the audience already knows the killer's identity from the episode's outset - it's still up to the viewer to follow along with Furuhata's investigation and spot the clues which will lead to the solving of the crime.
Looks and mannerisms
- He wears a black suit, usually over a black shirt but never wears a tie.
- He usually has awkward posture - he stoops at a 45 degree angle at the waist and carries his hands in front of his chest like a mouse on hind paws.
- Since he stoops, he tilts his head and looks up at the person he speaks to, rather than at eye level.
- His hair is shoulder-length (unusual for a Japanese cop) but always excellently coiffed.
- He has a quirky way of speaking - he speaks in a halting, mumbling tone; elongates his vowels abnormally; uses the honorific, ultra-polite tense of Japanese when speaking and hums while thinking.
- He has odd "tics" like poking his forehead with his forefinger when thinking.
- The character had the rank of police lieutenant from the beginning of the episodes, and despite solving numerous murders over the next decades, the detective is still only a lieutenant.
- And he always thinks aloud in a distracted, stream of consciousness manner.
The character is said to have been based on Japanese philosophy of science professor, Yoichiro Murakami
Yoichiro Murakami
born in Tokyo, Japan on September 9, 1936, is a Japanese scholar. He specializes in the areas of history of science and philosophy of science.Murakami studied at the Hibiya High School before attaining his undergraduate degree at Tokyo University in the field of education...
.
Shintaro Imaizumi
The character of Shintaro Imaizumi (今泉 慎太郎 Imaizumi Shintarō), portrayed by actor and Tokyo Sunshine BoysTokyo Sunshine Boys
The is a Japanese theatrical troupe that was active from 1983 until about 1994. Since it disbanded almost all of its members have continued acting on theatre and in film.-History:...
member Masahiko Nishimura, is the bumbling, inept sidekick of Furuhata. Imaizumi tends to be quite child-like and very passive. Imaizumi somewhat resembles Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Charles "Charlie" Brown is the protagonist in the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.Charlie Brown and his creator have a common connection in that they are both the sons of barbers, but whereas Schulz's work is described as the "most shining example of the American success story", Charlie...
in personality.
His character not only acts as comic relief, though, but acts as the Watson to Furuhata's Sherlock Holmes. He tends to say and do the things that any "normal" person might say. He often asks the questions that the audience might ask. Thus, he tends to act as a proxy for the viewing audience. For example, Imaizumi often falls for the red herrings left by the killer and comes to the conclusion that the murderer intended allowing Furuhata to discount the false evidence. When Furuhata starts thinking aloud with logic, Imaizumi will eliminate the other possibilities that come to mind for the viewer when following Furuhata's train of thought.
Furuhata can be downright mean when it comes to Imaizumi. Furuhata is often visibly annoyed by Imaizumi's incompetence and often hurls insults at Imaizumi or gives Imaizumi demeaning tasks. Furuhata constantly slaps Imaizumi on his forehead.
Imaizumi still lives with his grandmother and counts knitting, magic tricks and flower arrangement among his hobbies. He loves meat-stuffed peppers, his favorite movie is Grease
Grease (film)
Grease is a 1978 American musical film directed by Randal Kleiser and based on Warren Casey's and Jim Jacobs's 1971 musical of the same name about two lovers in a 1950s high school. The film stars John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway...
, his favorite group is ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
, his favorite Golden Hafu member is Eva and his favorite song is Dancing Queen
Dancing Queen
"Dancing Queen" is a pop song recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA. It was released in August 1976, but was first performed two months earlier, on 18 June 1976, during a Royal Variety Show in Stockholm the evening before the Swedish royal wedding. It was the follow-up single to the hit "Fernando"...
In season 2, Shintaro Imaizumi was featured in a series of 7 minute skits which aired after the main "Furuhata Ninzaburo" episode.
Other recurring characters
- Otokichi Mukojima (向島 音吉 Mukōjima Otokichi) - aka Otokichi Higashikunibaru (東国原 音吉), played by Tokyo Sunshine BoysTokyo Sunshine BoysThe is a Japanese theatrical troupe that was active from 1983 until about 1994. Since it disbanded almost all of its members have continued acting on theatre and in film.-History:...
member Takashi KobayashiTakashi Kobayashiis a Japanese wrestler and Olympic champion in Freestyle wrestling.-Olympics:Kobayashi competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul where he received a gold medal in Freestyle wrestling, the light flyweight class.-References:...
(小林 隆 Kobayashi Takashi). Mukojima is a patrolman that often greets Furuhata at the scene of the crime. His first appearance is in Episode 2 and he is the only recurring character (besides Furuhata and Imaizumi) to have appeared in every season of the show. Mukojima is the subject of a long running gag in the show. Despite formally introducing himself in several episodes, Furuhata often forgets Mukojima's name. Furuhata tries to memorize it but by the next episode, has forgotten it. In a "Imaizumi Shintaro" skit, it is revealed that Otokichi adopted his wife's last name because he married into a ZaibatsuZaibatsuis a Japanese term referring to industrial and financial business conglomerates in the Empire of Japan, whose influence and size allowed for control over significant parts of the Japanese economy from the Meiji period until the end of World War II.-Terminology:...
(extremely wealthy, established) family with no male heir. FINALLY, Furuhata manages to memorize Otokichi's last name at the finale of Series 2. However, it is then that Mukojima reveals he got a divorce and changes back to his original last name (which is obscure, long and cumbersome) - Higashikunibaru. Afterwards, Otokichi has to remind everyone that his name is now Higashikunibaru. Later, he reconciles with his wife and changes his surname back to Mukojima. In a " Final Series" (2006) episode, it is revealed that Mukojima is baseball superstar Ichiro's half-brother (fictional). In the Chugakusei Furuhata (2008) special - adult Mukojima is shown to have a son.
Strangely, the 2008 Furuhata Chugakusei special (which was written 14 years after Series 1), it is revealed that Furuhata and Otokichi were friends for a few months during Junior High. Otokichi's last name at the time is Mukojima, not Higashikunibaru. Though its implied that they may have been in periodic contact before Series 1, Furuhata does not appear to recognize Otokitchi when they meet in Episode 2.
- Mantaro Kuwabara (桑原 万太郎 Kuwabara Mantarō), played by Tokyo Sunshine BoysTokyo Sunshine BoysThe is a Japanese theatrical troupe that was active from 1983 until about 1994. Since it disbanded almost all of its members have continued acting on theatre and in film.-History:...
member Toshihito ItoToshihito Ito) was a Japanese actor and member of the Tokyo Sunshine Boys theatrical troupe. He was born on February 16, 1962 in Niigata, Japan. He died on May 24th, 2002 from a Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the brain....
, is a forensic scientist who works at the crime lab. He appears in some Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3 episodes but was featured prominently in all of the Season 2 Imaizumi Shintaro skits. These skits often featured Kuwabara consoling Imaizumi after he vents his frustration with his treatment during the episode. Sadly, Ito died in 2002 of a brain hemorrhage
- Haga Keiji (芳賀啓二 Haga Keiji) played by Shirai Akira (白井 晃 Shirai Akira), is a detective who has made several appearances in the series. His appearances include: episodes 14, 17, 25, 27 and two Shintaro Imaizumi skits. Haga has filled in for Imaizumi when the latter has been unavailable (when Imaizumi was imprisoned on suspicion of murder and when Imaizumi was trapped on a ferris wheel with a bomb). Imaizumi and Haga are bitter rivals and extremely competitive with one another for Furuhata's attention. Haga is a much more competent than Imaizumi and Furuhata has said he would like Haga to replace Imaizumi as his partner. In the 1999 Special, Haga is now Head of the Detective Division, and he assigns Saionji to become Furuhata's new partner.
- Mamoru Saionji (西園寺 守 Saionji Mamoru), played by Japanese comedian Masanori Ishii (石井 正則 Ishi'i Masanori), appears in the third and fourth season of Furuhata Ninzaburo. He is a 'second' sidekick to Furuhata and a direct contrast to Imaizumi. Saionji is everything Imaizumi isn't. Saionji is serious, logical and competent as opposed to the silly, immature, and inept Imaizumi. Saionji is a huge admirer of Furuhata and emulates his skills as a detective. As the season progresses, he has become quite the excellent detective whose skills of observation and deduction nearly rival Furuhata's. Saionji is only 5'2" tall but has remarked he is the tallest amongst his relatives.
- Hanada (花田) is a character played by actor Norito YashimaNorito YashimaNorito Yashima is a Japanese stage actor who has been featured in movies, television shows , and specials. He eventually landed his first hosting job on the Fuji TV series Hey! Spring of Trivia, a show he currently co-hosts with fellow actor Katsumi Takahashi...
who appears in several Series 3 episodes as well as the 2004 Special. He is a bystander who randomly (and conveniently) appears when the detectives are at an impasse in their investigation. After overhearing the detectives' conversation, Hanada is able to accurately able to deduce the killer's motive or modus operandiModus operandiModus operandi is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "mode of operation". The term is used to describe someone's habits or manner of working, their method of operating or functioning...
. He is uncannily correct and disappears from the episode after he has made his point, leaving the detectives to find the hard evidence. He has appeared every time in different occupation. First, he was a waiter in a family restaurant (Episode 27), then a manager at a cafe (Episode 31), next a server in a pub (Episode 33), then a flight attendant (Episode 36), a taxi driver (Episode 38) and as an employee in the Japanese embassy to Spain (Episode 39). He also appears for a few seconds in a brief non-speaking cameo as the flight attendant in the January 2004 "Imaizumi Shintaro" skit. Hana Episode 36, Hanada reveals that the flight attendant in Episode 36 and 2004 Imaizumi skit is actually his older brother.
- Matsuzaka the Stage Director (松阪 Matsuzaka) played by Isao Nonaka(野仲功 Nonaka Isao). Matsuzaka has appeared three times in the Furuhata series. He first appears as the stage director for SMAP's show in Episode 26. He reappears as the stage director for the "Rakugo" performance in Episode 28. By the time he meets Furuhata again in Episode 33 (directing an orchestral performance), he becomes exasperated - wondering if every performance he directs will end up in murder. Incidentally, Isao Nonaka appeared briefly in Episode 22 as a taxi driver driving Furuhata and the suspect to the bowling alley. It is not clear if the taxi driver might be Matsuzaka moonlighting in a different job (much like Hanada).
Series 1 (1994)
Please note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible. The episode order is listed in order of the dates that they aired. However, the episodes were not necessairly aired| Episode | Suspect played by: | Victim played by: | Special Appearance | Original Airdate | Episode Notes / Trivia: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akina Nakamori Akina Nakamori is a Japanese pop singer and actress. She was one of the most popular singers of the 1980s in Japan. She is known for her deep, power-house voice.... | Takeshi Ikeda | Dog - "Ben" | April 13, 1994 | The Shoujou Manga Murder: Although this was the 1st episode aired, it takes place chronologically AFTER the 2nd aired episode. Furuhata develops his love of Shoujou manga. Chinami, the suspect, is referenced in several later episodes of the entire Furuhata series |
| 2 | Masaaki Sakai Masaaki Sakai is a popular Japanese performer from Tokyo. He is best known to English-speaking audiences as the title star of the TV show Monkey.- Biography :... | Kitarou | none | April 20, 1994 | The Kabuki Murder: Furuhata and Imaizumi meet each other for the first time; Mukojima's first appearance; The first of Furuhata's problems with vending machines; |
| 3 | Yūko Kotegawa Yuko Kotegawa is a Japanese actress from the city of Ōita.- Biography :Yūko graduated from high school in the city of Ōita. She placed first in the 1976 Miss Salad Girl contest . She landed a part in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial and joined Toho Entertainment. Her sister Nobuko is also in acting.Yūko made her... | Yuuichi Haba | none | April 27, 1994 | The Psychological Murder: Establishes that the only foods Furuhata knows how to prepare are: chawanmushi, meat stuffed peppers and meatloaf. |
| 4 | Shoufukutei Tsurube | Yoko Takayanagi | Tooru Minegishi | May 4, 1994 | The Faxed Ransom Murder: Establishes Furuhata's love of extremely sweet foods. Establishes Furuhata's love of fish sausages |
| 5 | Yasosuke Bando | Akiji Kobayashi | none | May 11, 1994 | The Shogi Murder: Furuhata and Imaizumi are staying at an inn hosting a shogi tournament. Furuhata is reading a shoujo manga "Kirimantan" by Chinami Oishikawa. He mentions he can't wait to take the train back and order a subuta bento. The reason for this is explained in episode 8. |
| 6 | Nana Kinomi Nana Kinomi , born July 11, 1946 in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese actress and singer.-Selected works:* Abunai Keiji* Daitokai* Otoko wa Tsurai yo* Yogoreta Eiyu* Furuhata Ninzaburo-External links:... | Shinsho Nakamaru | May 18, 1994 | The Piano Lesson Murder: Demonstrates Furuhata's love of convenience store foods | |
| 7 | Nenji Kobayashi Nenji Kobayashi is a Japanese actor. He won the award for best supporting actor at the 23rd Japan Academy Prize for Poppoya.-Filmography:* Captain Ultra * The Doberman Cop * Hokuriku Proxy War * Message from Space... | Hasenori Hasegawa | none | May 25, 1994 | The "Actor Rehearsal" Murder: Two ladies on a tour of the movie studio, break away from the group and take a picture of the suspect. That picture eventually leads Furuhata to solving the case. These same two ladies would appear in Episode 9 |
| 8 | Takeshi Kaga Takeshi Kaga is a well-known stage and movie actor in Japan who is probably best known internationally for his portrayal of Chairman Kaga in the Japanese television show Iron Chef produced by Fuji TV. His real name is .-Biography:... | Sabu Sawahara | Zen Kajiwara Zen Kajiwara Zen Kajiwara , born 25 February 1966 in Okayama, Japan, is a Japanese theatre actor. Originally a member of the Tokyo Sunshine Boys theatrical troupe, he now works mainly with the Gekidan Shinkansen troupe.... | June 1, 1994 | The Train Murder: First mention of Furuhata's love of subuta bento. Though this is the 8th aired episode, chronologically it takes place shortly after Episode 5. |
| 9 | Ken Ishiguro | Tsutomu Okabe | none | June 8, 1994 | The Psychic murder: The two ladies who spill a drink on and sit behind Furuhata are the same ladies (wearing the same clothes) from Episode 7 |
| 10 | Kazuki Kosakai Kazuki Kosakai is a Japanese comedian and actor from Ichikawa, Chiba. He is currently attached to Asaikikaku.-Television drama:*Boku dake no Madonna *Sērā Fukudōri -Animation:... | Noriko Izumoto | Shuichiro Moriyama | June 15, 1994 | The Political Murder. Furuhata has more trouble with vending machines. This would have been the first episode to feature two murders, but the second victim gets amnesia instead of dying. |
| 11 | Kaori Momoi | Saori Yagi | Michiko Ameku | June 22, 1994 | The "Radio Broadcast" murder: Furuhata must figure out how a live radio DJ committed a murder during a 2 minute commercial break. This episode is notable as the first one with the "Akai Senmenki" joke. In Koki Mitani's movie, "Rajio Jikan (Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald)", Kaori Momoi has a cameo playing a DJ with the same name and spelling as her Furuhata character on a radio programs also called "Midnight Japan". |
| 12 | Bunta Sugawara | Jun Nakahara | Zen Kajiwara | June 29, 1994 | The Stakeout Murder: Furuhata must figure out how a respected veteran cop committed a murder while on a stakeout. Furuhata mentions that he has a younger brother and reveals he never carries a gun and doesn't know how to use one. Kuwabara Mantaro (Toshihito Ito)'s first appearance in the series. Mukojima appears. Zen Kajiwara's second appearance in the series. |
Series 2 (1996)
Please note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible.In the second season, the Shintaro Imaizumi special also begins.
| Episode | Suspect role played by: | Victim role played by: | Special Appearance | Original Airdate | Episode Notes/Trivia: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Sanma Akashiya Sanma Akashiya is a Japanese TV comedian and actor simply known as Sanma. His real name is . His talent agency is Yoshimoto Corporation.Together with Beat Takeshi and Tamori, Sanma is said to be one of the "Big Three" tarento of Japan. Sanma's nickname is . He is known for his ability to endlessly carry a... | Megumi Odaka | Akira Shirai | January 10, 1996 | The Lawyer Murder: Haga makes his debut. Mukojima appears. Furuhata reveals that Chinami Koishikawa (the suspect from Episode 1) was found innocent of her crime. |
| 15 | Yasuko Sawaguchi Yasuko Sawaguchi , is a Japanese actress.-Biography:She was born in Osaka, Japan to a Japanese mother, and a British father.In early 1984, the Japanese movie studio Toho Company Ltd... | Kazuyuki Aijima | none | January 17, 1996 | The Catholic School Murder: Furuhata rides in on his bike; Kazuyuki Aijima, was one of the Sunshine Boys along with Nishimura Masahiko, Takashi Kobayashi, Toshihito Ito and Koki Mitani |
| 16 | Masao Kusakari | Shunji Fujimura Shunji Fujimura is a Japanese actor from Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. He appeared in the second series of Monkey as the horse. He appears in the Death Note live-action movie as Quillsh Wammy A.K.A... /Saiko Isshiki | Yoneko Matsukane | January 24, 1996 | The "Fake" Murders: First episode to feature two murders. Furuhata rides in on his bike, meets Mukojima; Saiko Isshiki would appear in the very last Furuhata episode in the Final Series. Shunji Fujimura is among a long list of Furuhata guest stars that have also appeared in Koki Mitani's movie "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" including: Masahiko Nishimura, Toshiaki Karasawa, Zen Kajiwara, Taguchi Hiromasa, Keiko Toda, Moro Moroka, Kaori Momoi, Ichikawa Somegoro, Yoshimasa Kondo, Takehiko Ono and Yasukio Umeno all who've appeared in Furuhata Ninzaburo episodes |
| 17 | Takuya Kimura Takuya Kimura , nicknamed , is a Japanese singer and actor. He is also a member of the Japanese idol group SMAP. Most of the TV dramas he starred in produced high ratings in Japan... | None | Akira Shirai | January 31, 1996 | The Amusement Park Bombing Murder: Takuya Kimura was the first guest actor to play two different suspects within the Furuhata series. He would return (playing a fictional version of himself) in the Jan 1999 Furuhata vs SMAP special; The only episode where Furuhata assaults a suspect; Haga and Mukojima make their re-appearance in this episode. |
| 18 | Haruko Kato | Kei Uzaki | Takashi Kobayashi | February 7, 1996 | The Drama writer murder: The murder weapon is not shown on-screen until the end of the episode, challenging viewers to guess what weapon was used. |
| 19 | Toshiaki Karasawa Toshiaki Karasawa is a Japanese theatre and film actor. He made his theatrical debut in the play Voice Review Stay Gold in 1987. He specialises in theatrical action sequences such as swordplay and fighting... | Hikaru Ijuin | Yoshimasa Kondo Yoshimasa Kondo , born on August 13, 1961 in Nagoya, Japan, is a Japanese theatre and film actor.- Biography :He debuted as an extra in the series Chu-gaku-sei Nikki, and was later written into the script. He later gained notability while working with the theatrical troupe Tokyo Sunshine Boys, though he is not a... | February 14, 1996 | The Quiz show murder: Toshiaki Karasawa who played the suspect is married to Tomoko Yamaguchi who was the suspect in the 1996 special. He appeared with Yoshimasa Kondo in Koki Mitani's movie "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald". |
| 20 | Tojuro Sawamura | Itoshi Yumeji | Takako Matsu | February 21, 1996 | The Magician's trick murder: The only episode where we don't know the suspect's real name; The victim tells the Akai Senmenki Joke; We learn that Furuhata is now taking care of the cat from Episode 14; Matsu Takako's brother (Ichikawa Somegoro) would appear in a Series 3 episode. Their father, Matsumoto Koshiro would appear in the Furuhata Special. |
| 21 | Shingo Yamashiro Shingo Yamashiro was a Japanese television and film actor.Yamashiro, who was originally from Kyoto, Japan, was born , but used Shingo Yamashiro as his stage name. He made his film acting debut in 1957.... | Takashi Ikeda | Takashi Kobayashi | February 28, 1996 | The Museum of Antiquities Murder: Furuhata arrives by cab straight from Chinami (the suspect from Episode 1)'s wedding, greeted by Mukojima. |
| 22 | Morio Kazama Morio Kazama is a Japanese actor. He won the award for best supporting actor at the 2nd Yokohama Film Festival for Shiki Natsuko and Yūgure made and at the 6th and 7th Japan Academy Prizes.-Filmography:... | Takehiko Ono | Takashi Kobayashi | March 6, 1996 | The "False Identity" Murder: The suspect accomplishes TWO perfect murders until a chance encounter with Furuhata. Amazingly, without even knowing about either murder, Furuhata's skills of observation and lie detection allows him to eventually expose both crimes. |
| 23 | Honami Suzuki | Not shown | none | March 13, 1996 | The "Armchair Detective" Murder: The second "case" to take place outside Japan. The only suspect to successfully get away with the perfect murder. The suspect was charged and acquitted of the crime due to lack of proof and could not be re-tried due to double jeopardy). Furuhata manages to solve the crime anyway; This episode takes place during a bus trip from Atlanta to NY. Furuhata and Imaizumi are visiting Chinami, the suspect for Episode 1 who we learned has married and moved to the US. |
Series 3 (1999)
A credit is given here wherever possible.In the third season, Saionji also joins the group of regular characters.
| Episode | Suspect played by: | Victim played by: | Special Appearance | Original Airdate | Episode Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Somegoro Ichikawa | Morooka Moro | Yasukio Umeno | April 13, 1999 | The Rakugo Murder: Kabuki Actor Somegoro Ichikawa who plays the suspect is the brother of Matsu Takako and son of Koshiro Matsumoto, who've both appeared in other Furuhata episodes. Matsuzaka the Stage Director appears in this episode. |
| 29 | Hiroyuki Sanada Hiroyuki Sanada is a Japanese actor.-Life and career:Sanada was born in Tokyo. Originally aiming to be an action star, starting with shorinji kempo, he eventually took up Kyokushin kaikan Sanada began training at age 11 with actor and martial arts star Sonny Chiba's Japan Action Club where he developed good... | Minoru Sawatari | none | April 20, 1999 | The Hotel Murder - The security chief of a 5-star hotel commits a murder |
| 30 | Tatsuo Matsumura | Michiko Ameku | Hachiro Oka | April 27, 1999 | The Murder in a Small Village: This episode takes place right after the events of Episode 32. Furuhata's cold worsens and in forced to stay in a small village. Saionji keeps a daily journal and spends the night writing about the Anzai Incident. (Episode 32) |
| 31 | Mao Daichi | Tai Kageyama | Yuko Ito | May 4, 1999 | The Dentist Murder: Furuhata has a toothache and visits a dentist. The dentists commits a murder during his visit and uses Furuhata himself is as a witness to validate her alibi. Hanada appears in this episode |
| 32 | Masahiko Tsugawa Masahiko Tsugawa , born Masahiko Kato on January 2, 1940 in Kyoto, Japan is a Japanese actor and director.He made his debut at the age of 16 in the Kō Nakahira film Crazed Fruit in 1956. Tsugawa's family was heavily involved in the film industry since before his birth... | Rieko Miura | Shigeki Hosokawa | May 11, 1999 | The "Yoko-chin Anzai Incident: The only episode not to feature a death. Instead, Furuhata is able to use his skills to prevent one from occurring. Furuhata seems to be catching a cold as he keeps clearing his throat and coughing. The reason for this is not explained until Episode 30 (which was really supposed to air after this episode). "Mangoro" the dog from Episode 1, marks his re-appearance. Displays Furuhata poor game playing ability and his unsportsmanlike behaviour. |
| 33 | Masachika Ichimura Masachika Ichimura is a Japanese voice actor and musical singer. He was born in Kawagoe, Saitama. He is married to singer Ryoko Shinohara.-Movies:*Pokémon: The First Movie *The Nightmare Before Christmas... | Shion Machita | none | May 18, 1999 | The Conductor Murder. Hanada appears. Matsuzaka the Stage Director appears. |
| 34 | Misako Tanaka Misako Tanaka , née is a Japanese actress. Tanaka was born in Oki District, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.-Filmography:# ダイアモンドは傷つかない # 丑三つの村 # The Horizon # Gonza the Spearman... | Fumio Kohinata | none | May 25, 1999 | The Housewife murder: Fumio Kohinata would reappear in the last episode of the Final Series |
| 35 | Masaharu Fukuyama Masaharu Fukuyama is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, actor, radio personality, and photographer from Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture. He is the best-selling male solo artist in Japan. He is a member of entertainment company Amuse, Inc. and is known for his low, deep voice. Among fans, he is... | Itsuji Itao Itsuji Itao is a Japanese comedian and actor. He is a member of the comedy duo 130R and former cast member of one of Downtown's previous shows. He usually appears in their batsu games.-Movies:*2001 Desert Moon ... Interviewer*2002 The Blessing Bell ... Prisoner... | Naho Toda | June 1, 1999 | The Scientist Murder |
| 36 | Koji Tamaki Koji Tamaki is a Japanese singer-songwriter, and actor. He has been well known as a frontman of the band Anzen Chitai that debuted in 1982 and enjoyed their successful career particularly during the 1980s.... | Chiharu Kawai | none | June 8, 1999 | The Airplane Murder: While Furuhata provides support, this episode centers chiefly around Saionji and his investigation. Handa appears |
| 37 | Yosuke Eguchi Yōsuke Eguchi is a Japanese poet, actor and singer, who most recently starred in 2009 Japanese film Goemon. Since 1986, he as appeared in a number of television series and movies. He is married to the actress and pop star Chisato Moritaka, with whom he has a son and a daughter.... | Masato Obara | none | June 15, 1999 (Part 1) | The Train Hijacking Murder: Furuhata admits that of all the suspects he's captured, this one was the hardest. |
| 38 | Yosuke Eguchi Yōsuke Eguchi is a Japanese poet, actor and singer, who most recently starred in 2009 Japanese film Goemon. Since 1986, he as appeared in a number of television series and movies. He is married to the actress and pop star Chisato Moritaka, with whom he has a son and a daughter.... | Masato Obara | none | June 22, 1999 (Part 2) | The Train Hijacking Murder: The suspect tells the Akai Senmenki Joke, but the punchline is interrupted by a passerby having a heart attack. Handa appears |
Final Series (2006)
The FINAL series (these episodes were written with intention to be Furuhata's final adventures) consisted of three 2-hour TV movie specials.Please note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible.
| Episode | Suspect played by: | Victim played by: | Special Appearance | Original Airdate | Episode Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Koji Ishizaka | Tetsuya Chiba | Tatsuya Fujiwara Tatsuya Fujiwara is a Japanese television and film actor.-Biography:Born in Saitama, Fujiwara has had an interest in acting from a young age.He is famous for acting the part of Shuya Nanahara in the controversial 2000 film Battle Royale and continues the character as a leader of the Wild Seven in the sequel, Battle... | Jan 3, 2006 | The Curse episode: Furuhata investigates a series of bizarre accidental deaths. He zeroes in on the suspect murderer, but gives up when the suspect is killed. However, in the end he ends up solving three murders and catching the real suspect. |
| 41 | Ichiro Suzuki Ichiro Suzuki , usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262... | Tomohiko Imai | Takashi Kobayashi | Jan 4, 2006 | The Ichiro episode: Ichiro Suzuki plays a fictional version of himself. Mukojima appears in this episode, revealing he is Ichiro's older brother (fictional) |
| 42 | Nanako Matsushima Nanako Matsushima is a Japanese actress and model. She is known outside Japan for her role in the horror film Ring. She was also a main character in A Story of Love, where she starred next to Hiroyuki Sanada, who also played Ryuji Takayama in Ring.... | Nanako Matsushima | Fumio Kohinata | Jan 5, 2006 | The very last Furuhata episode with Tamura Masakazu as the lead. Nanako Matsushima plays a dual role (as twin sisters). Fumio Kohinata returns to the series, playing a different character. The producer is the same producer of the Quiz Show in Episode 19 |
Special Episodes
Most episodes of Furuhata Ninzaburo ran for 50 minutes (excluding commercial and news breaks); however, the show would periodically air extended length TV movie specialsPlease note the victim is not always shown, nor is he/she always listed by name in the credits. A credit is given here wherever possible.
| Episode | Suspect(s) played by: | Victim played by: | Special Appearance | Original Airdate / Run time | Episode Notes / Trivia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Takanori Jinnai Takanori Jinnai is a Japanese actor, film director, and singer. He was born August 12, 1958 in Okawa, Fukuoka. He made his directorial debut with Rockers , a 2003 film based on his years as vocalist for the punk rock band The Rockers . He was nominated best actor for a Japanese Academy Award three times, once in... | Hiromasa Taguchi | Maki Mizuno | Apr 12, 1995 (2 hours) | The Australian Murder: The first case that takes place outside Japan, in Australia . The only episode where the victim is murdered twice. |
| 24 | Tomoko Yamaguchi Tomoko Yamaguchi is a Japanese actress and singer from Tochigi. She is the lead actress for the classic j-drama Long Vacation, which features her starring alongside with Takuya Kimura.She has been married to Toshiaki Karasawa since 1995.-External links:... | Minako Osanai | none | March 27, 1996 (90 minutes) | The Flower Arrangement Murder: Furuhata has more trouble with vending machines. Furuhata FINALLY remembers Mukojima's name. Tomoko Yamaguchi is married to Toshiaki Karasawa, the suspect from Episode 19. |
| 25 | Masahiko Nishimura | Masakazu Tamura | Series 1 & 2 Suspects | Apr 9, 1996 (2 hours) | The "Documentary" episode: The only episode presented in a "mockumentary Mockumentary A mockumentary , is a type of film or television show in which fictitious events are presented in documentary format. These productions are often used to analyze or comment on current events and issues by using a fictitious setting, or to parody the documentary form itself... " format. All the suspects for Series 1 and 2 reprise their roles for this special. Bunta Sugawara does not appear on-screen(except in flashback) but recorded a voice-over for this special. Tamura Masakazu does not make an on-screen appeararance except in flashback scenes. Imaizumi accidentally locked Furuhata in the same safe the victim from Episode 1 was locked in. |
| 26 | SMAP SMAP SMAP is a Japanese boy band formed by Johnny & Associates. While originally consisting of six members, the current group members are Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori... | Takashi Ukaji | Toda Keiko | Jan 3, 1999 (2 hours) | The SMAP Murder: Although this is the 26th aired episode, the events of this episode take place after the events of Episode #27. Technically, this is Saionji's first on-screen appearance in the series, though his character is really introduced in Episode 27. Furuhata still remembers Otokichi's last name from Episode 24, but "Mukojima" now reveals his name has switched to Higashikunibaru. The SMAP members play a fictionalized version of themselves; |
| 27 | Ogata Ken Ken Ogata Ken Ogata was a Japanese actor.Ogata was born in Tokyo, Japan. Ogata is well known for his roles in Peter Greenaway's The Pillow Book, Paul Schrader's Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters and Shohei Imamura's The Ballad of Narayama... | Kurita Kanichi | none | Apr 6, 1999 (2 hours) | The Fortune Telling Serial Killer episode: Although it is the 27th aired episode, chronologically speaking, the events of this episode took place before Episode 26; Haga has been promoted to Chief of the investigative division; Furuhata meets Saionji for the first time; Otokichi reminds Furuhata his last name is Mukojima. (This episode's events take place before Mukojima's name change in Episode 26). Hanada's first appearance. |
| 39 | Koshiro Matsumoto | Mitsuhiro Oikawa | Masahiko Tsugawa Masahiko Tsugawa , born Masahiko Kato on January 2, 1940 in Kyoto, Japan is a Japanese actor and director.He made his debut at the age of 16 in the Kō Nakahira film Crazed Fruit in 1956. Tsugawa's family was heavily involved in the film industry since before his birth... | Jan 3, 2004 (2 hours) | The Spanish Embassy Murder: The third case to take place outside Japan. Spaniard tells the Akai Senmenki Joke in Spanish The only episode in which Imaizumi does not appear. Regulars Saionji or Mukojima do not appear either. Hanada appears as an attache to the Japanese embassy in Spain. Koshiro Matsumoto is the father of Somegoro Ishikawa and Matsu Takako. Masahiko Tsugawa makes his second appearance in the Furuhata series. |
Imaizumi Shintaro comedic skits (January 10, 1996 ~ March 27, 1996; Jan 3, 2004)
In the second season of the drama, Fuji TV produced a series of 7-minute comedic skits called "Imaizumi Shintaro" which followed the "Furuhata Ninzaburo" episode. These skits feature Imaizumi and his confidante Mantaro Kuwabara portrayed by Toshihito ItoToshihito Ito
) was a Japanese actor and member of the Tokyo Sunshine Boys theatrical troupe. He was born on February 16, 1962 in Niigata, Japan. He died on May 24th, 2002 from a Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the brain....
. This series was immensely popular until the death of actor Ito in 2002. In the skits, meek and long suffering Imaizumi vents his anger and frustration about his treatment in the main episode. During the skits, he tried to prove that he is the superior detective, make prank calls to Furuhata, work up the (drunken) courage to tell Furuhata off, even plot the murder of Furuhata. However, the skit always ends with Imaizumi proving his inepitude or losing his nerve and Kuwabara is forced to help escort his sobbing, spineless and broken friend out of the lab.
Despite the absence of Imaizumi, Saionji or Mukojima in the January 3rd, 2004 Furuhata Special; all three did appear in a 10 minute "Imaizumi" skit which aired later that night. Hanada also makes a brief cameo appearance
Furuhata Chugakusei Special (June 14, 2008)
During his last year in junior high, young Furuhata Ninzaburo, a bright but anti-social teenager reluctantly moves to small village with his single mom. His father abandoned the family years ago and his mother frequently stays out late working as a "snack-bar" hostess. Lonely and bored, young Furuhata, with the help of classmate Mukojima Otokichi, reads Sherlock Holmes and solves petty crimes. We see the origin and development of Furuhata's knack for observation, deduction and lie detection. Young Furuhata is played by Ryosuke YamadaRyosuke Yamada
is a Japanese tarento, actor, singer, dancer, and a member of Hey! Say! JUMP. He is under the management of Johnny & Associates and currently resides in Kanagawa Prefecture.-Career:...
and Young Mukojima is played by Tamoto Soran. Tamura Masakazu and Kobayashi Takashi make cameo appearances at the beginning and end of the episode, respectively. This special was written by Koki Mitani. This show is considered canon, despite a few continuity errors with the earlier series.
External links
- Furuhata Ninzaburo on IMDb
- Official site Japanese only