Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection backdrop
Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection poster
Official Collection
Series Freshness: Feb 03, 2026

Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection

Furuhata Ninzaburō is a Japanese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television from 1994 until its final episodes in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Kōki Mitani and is often referred to as the Japanese version of Columbo. The series is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura as Furuhata Ninzaburo and Masahiko Nishimura as his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP, television hosts like Sanma Akashiya and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki 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.

10Movies
★ 8.0 Avg Rating

Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis

The Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection has evolved significantly over a span of -11 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 10 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.

The "Series" Benchmark: 1.5/10

The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 1.5. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with Furuhata Ninzaburo vs SMAP standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.

Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal

Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.

Timeline & Watch Order

We recommend watching the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.

1
The Laughing Kangaroo

The Laughing Kangaroo

1995★ NRPENDING

A love triangle turns deadly during an awards ceremony in Australia. Unfortunately for the killers, however, Furuhata and Shintaro are on a well-deserved holida...

2
A Brief Parting

A Brief Parting

1996★ NRPENDING

The head of a flower arrangement clan murders her overbearing teacher and rival during a flamenco recital. The one thing Furuhata, who was in the audience, can'...

3
The Disappearance of Furuhata Ninzaburo

The Disappearance of Furuhata Ninzaburo

1996★ NRPENDING

Famous detective Furuhata Ninzaburo has disappeared, so a TV crew decide to make a documentary about his career interviewing his associates and the killers he c...

4
Furuhata Ninzaburo vs SMAP

Furuhata Ninzaburo vs SMAP

1999★ 8.0SUPER HIT

Furuhata is called in to investigate a murder committed by the well-known Japanese boy band SMAP....

5
The Terror of Dr. Kuroiwa

The Terror of Dr. Kuroiwa

1999★ NRPENDING

Furuhata comes out of retirement to investigate a series of bizarre serial killings which would look like deaths by natural causes except for the notes found in...

6
All By His Excellency's Work

All By His Excellency's Work

2004★ NRPENDING

An employee at a Japanese embassy in a South American country is kidnapped but Furuhata, who is there on holiday, begins suspecting that the man was killed by n...

7
Furuhata Ninzaburo The Resurrection Of Death

Furuhata Ninzaburo The Resurrection Of Death

2006★ NRPENDING

Furuhata investigates a series of bizarre, seemingly random accidental deaths. He zeroes in on the suspected murderer, but loses faith in his instincts when the...

8
Furuhata Ninzaburo Final: A Fair Murderer

Furuhata Ninzaburo Final: A Fair Murderer

2006★ NRPENDING

Ichiro Suzuki, a baseball player obsessed with fair play, murders a man who was blackmailing his brother who is none other than Furuhata's faithful friend Mukoj...

9
Furuhata Ninzaburo Final: Last Dance

Furuhata Ninzaburo Final: Last Dance

2006★ NRPENDING

Kyoko Kagami is a pen name for a pair of twin writers. After one sister kills the other, their technical advisor Furuhata investigates. His investigation is com...

10
Furuhata Chugakusei

Furuhata Chugakusei

2008★ 7.0HIT

Young Furuhata, a 3rd-year junior high student from Tokyo, transferred to a school in the countryside due to family circumstances. He doesn't fit in at first, b...

Common Questions about Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection

How many movies are in the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection?

There are currently 10 movies in the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection, starting from Furuhata Ninzaburo The Resurrection Of Death to the latest release, The Laughing Kangaroo.

What is the best order to watch the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection?

The best way to watch the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection is usually in release order: starting with Furuhata Ninzaburo The Resurrection Of Death and ending with The Laughing Kangaroo. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.

Which is the highest-rated movie in the Furuhata Ninzaburo Collection?

According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Furuhata Ninzaburo vs SMAP in this franchise.