Overview#
Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikōen-mae Hashutsujo (more commonly known as Kochikame) is a legendary comedy and slice-of-life series centering on the chaotic daily life of Kankichi Ryotsu (Ryo-san), a middle-aged policeman working at a neighborhood police station in Tokyo. If you enjoy stories about eccentric characters and wild adventures in a professional setting, this is a must-watch.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Ryo-san, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether the anime is “finished” depends on how much of the story you want to experience. The main remake series ran from 1996 to 2004. However, the source manga continued long after that, running from 1976 all the way until September 2016.
If you only watch the main series, you will miss a significant portion of the narrative. To get a satisfying conclusion to the overall story, you should watch the special Kochikame THE FINAL: Ryōtsu Kankichi Saigo no Hi, which was released in 2016 to coincide with the manga’s conclusion.
Interestingly, the franchise is not entirely dormant. Recent news indicates a new anime project titled Shin Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo is in development, alongside a new game.
For those who want the full, uninterrupted experience of Ryo-san’s antics, we highly recommend buying the manga to fill in the gaps between the 2004 series end and the 2016 finale.
Who Should Watch Kochikame?#
This anime is best suited for fans of classic comedy and lighthearted slice-of-life stories. Its primary appeal lies in the “police” theme, but it’s less about crime-fighting and more about the absurd situations Ryo-san finds himself in. It is a great choice for viewers who want a long-running series with a consistent tone of humor and chaos.
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Recommended Watch Order#
Because Kochikame has multiple adaptations and specials, the order can be confusing. Please refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual guide, but here are our recommendations:
Release Order#
If you want to see the franchise evolve over time, follow this order:
- Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo (1985 adaptation)
- KochiKame (1996 Remake)
- Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo: The Movie (1999)
- Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo The Movie 2 (2003)
- Kochikame THE FINAL: Ryōtsu Kankichi Saigo no Hi (2016)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of animation, follow the release order listed above. This ensures you see the early 1985 version before moving into the more well-known 1996 remake and its subsequent movies and finale.
Manga-Transition Order#
For those who don’t mind reading, the most efficient way to get the full story is:
- Watch the KochiKame (1996) remake for the core experience.
- Switch to the manga to catch up on the story from 2004 through 2016.
- Finish with Kochikame THE FINAL to see the animated conclusion.
Useful Extras#
For the ultimate fan, there is a wealth of material beyond the screen. You can buy Kochikame merchandise to celebrate Ryo-san’s legacy. Additionally, the manga has even received its own Memorial Hall in Tokyo, highlighting its massive impact on culture.
Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikōen-mae Hashutsujo • manga • 1976-09-21 to 2016-09-17 (Weekly Shonen Jump, 1976 #42 - 2016 #42)
└─(adaptation)→ Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo • anime • 1985-11-23 (aired during "Shonen Jump Matsuri")
└─(remake)→ KochiKame • anime • 1996-06-16 to 2004-12-19
└─(related)→ Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo: The Movie • anime • 1999-12-23
└─(sequel)→ Kochira Katsushika-ku Kamearikouen-mae Hashutsujo The Movie 2 • anime • 2003-12-20
└─(related)→ Kochikame THE FINAL: Ryōtsu Kankichi Saigo no Hi • anime • 2016-09-18
└─(spinoff)→ Chō Kochikame • manga • 2006-09-15
└─(adaptation)→ Shin Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo • anime • 
