7 / 10 (based on 62 reviews)
A ghost was seen on the 12th floor of the Asakusa Juunikai building. A newspaper article featuring the sighting brought together Takuboku Ishikawa, who runs a private detective agency and his assistant Kyosuke Kindaichi to solve the case.
Genre: Animation
Main Cast: Shintarô Asanuma, Takahiro Sakurai, Makoto Furukawa, Yukiya Hayashi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Woodpecker Detective’s Office (2020)
Yuukoku no Moriarty (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 2982 reviews)
William James Moriarty lives as a regular noble while also being a consultant for the common folk to solve their problems. However, deep inside him lies a desire to destroy the current structure that dominates British society.
Genre: Animation, Crime, History, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Theo Devaney, Ryan Colt Levy, Stephen Chatfield, Sarah Roach
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes
Arte (2020)
6.9 / 10 (based on 420 reviews)
Arte was born into an aristocratic family in Florence during the 16th century Renaissance era. Being female, it was unheard of for one to become an artist. She is willing to cast aside her aristocratic lifestyle to become an artist.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Mikako Komatsu, Mark Allen Jr., Felecia Angelle, Josh Bangle
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
Kakushigoto (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 879 reviews)
A writer of lewd stories tries to keep his work a secret from his innocent and unknowing daughter.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Rie Takahashi, Natsuki Hanae, Taku Yashiro
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Yesterday wo Utatte (2020)
6.9 / 10 (based on 849 reviews)
A college graduate with no ambition or dreams leads a meaningless life, but the arrival of possible romantic interests may give him hope.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Chikahiro Kobayashi, Yume Miyamoto, Kana Hanazawa, Natsuki Hanae
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 18 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Appare-Ranman! (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 411 reviews)
In the late 19th century, two Japanese, an inventor and a samurai guard, get stranded in America. They enter a cross-country race from Los Angeles to New York to earn money to get home.
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Main Cast: Lin Gothoni, Suzie Yeung, Ivan Jasso, Emi Lo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Gleipnir (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 1563 reviews)
Shuichi Kagaya is a high school student with an ability to transform into a monster costume. But when he rescues a fellow classmate, she forces him into a partnership to hunt down other monsters.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Brittney Karbowski, Ry McKeand, Michelle Marie, Kieran Flitton
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
ID:Invaded (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 2879 reviews)
A detective is called upon to solve a murder in a virtual reality world. But how can he manage a case when its rules can and are constantly being changed?
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Kenjirô Tsuda, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Sarah Emi Bridcutt, Monica Rial
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 924 reviews)
When a golem discovers a young human girl in the forest that he protects, the two set out on a journey in search of other humans, whom are considered to be nearly extinct.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Main Cast: Inori Minase, Daisuke Ono, Hiroki Nanami, Tatsuhisa Suzuki
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Wave, Listen to Me! (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 257 reviews)
From manga legend Hiroaki Samura, creator of Blade of the Immortal and Die Wergelder, comes something completely different, the journey of one disgruntled young woman’s journey into the wild rapids of talk radio.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Tia Lynn Ballard, Terri Doty, Christopher Sabat, Ian Sinclair
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Tower of God (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 6193 reviews)
Reach the top, and everything will be yours. At the top of the tower exists everything in this world, and all of it can be yours.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Matthew David Rudd, Cherami Leigh, Johnny Yong Bosch, Scott Whyte
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
The Millionaire Detective: Balance – Unlimited (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1974 reviews)
A rich but eccentric detective and a middle-class cop team up to solve cases in Tokyo.
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Yûsuke Ohnuki, Maaya Sakamoto, Kazuyuki Okitsu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the world of anime, where genres span the vast expanse from the adrenaline-pumping action of shonen to the heart-tugging narratives of drama, there’s a niche that often goes unnoticed but is equally captivating – historical mystery. Among these, “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” (2020) stands out not just as a mere addition but as a noteworthy entry. This series, set in the Meiji era, intertwines literature, mystery, and the complexities of human nature, offering viewers a unique blend of intellectual stimulation and entertainment.
The Premise
At its core, “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” is a story of two friends, Ishikawa Takuboku and Kindaichi Kyosuke, who find themselves entangled in various mysteries. Ishikawa, a struggling poet with a penchant for solving mysteries, decides to start a detective agency out of his lodgings, which he whimsically names the Woodpecker Detective’s Office. Kindaichi, a linguist and Ishikawa’s more grounded friend, often finds himself roped into these investigations. The series takes viewers through a series of cases, each intertwined with elements of literature, history, and the socio-political climate of the Meiji era.
Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
The character development in “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” is subtle yet profound. Ishikawa Takuboku, with his flamboyant personality and seemingly carefree attitude, might initially come off as frivolous. However, as the series progresses, layers of his character are peeled back to reveal a deeply passionate individual, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a genuine desire to seek justice. His friendship with Kindaichi Kyosuke, the more rational and steady counterpart, provides a compelling dynamic. This contrast not only adds depth to their characters but also mirrors the balance between emotion and logic, a recurring theme in their investigations.
Supporting characters, from the enigmatic Sakai to the spirited Toshi, add color and complexity to the narrative. Each character, no matter how briefly they appear, serves a purpose, either driving the plot forward or shedding light on the main characters’ motivations and growth.
The Art of Weaving History with Fiction
One of the most striking aspects of “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” is its meticulous attention to historical detail. Set during a time of cultural and social upheaval in Japan, the series does an admirable job of reflecting the tensions and transformations of the era. From the architecture and fashion to the linguistic nuances, the show is a visual and intellectual treat for those with an interest in Japanese history.
Moreover, the series pays homage to real historical figures, including the protagonists themselves, who were prominent literary figures of their time. This blend of factual and fictional storytelling not only enriches the narrative but also offers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of Meiji-era intellectuals.
The Mysteries: A Blend of Intrigue and Intellect
At its heart, “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” is a mystery series, and it delivers on this front with a series of engaging and thought-provoking cases. Unlike typical mystery shows that rely on shock value or sensationalism, this series takes a more intellectual approach. The mysteries often have literary or historical significance, requiring not just deductive reasoning but also a deep understanding of human emotions and motivations.
The way the series intertwines personal dilemmas with the broader mysteries is particularly noteworthy. It’s not just about finding the culprit; it’s about understanding the why, which often leads to profound reflections on society, morality, and the human condition.
Visual and Auditory Delight
No discussion of “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” would be complete without mentioning its aesthetic and auditory appeal. The animation style, with its soft color palette and meticulous attention to historical accuracy, is a feast for the eyes. The series captures the beauty and intricacy of Meiji-era Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes.
The soundtrack, with its blend of traditional Japanese instruments and modern melodies, complements the visual experience perfectly. It enhances the mood of each scene, whether it’s the tension of a mystery unfolding or the poignant moments of introspection.
Why “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” Stands Out
In a sea of anime series, “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” distinguishes itself through its unique blend of historical fiction, mystery, and deep character exploration. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but also educates and provokes thought. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface, to delve into the complexities of human nature and the societal constructs of the time.
What sets it apart is its refusal to conform to the typical tropes of the genre. The mysteries aren’t just puzzles to be solved; they’re narratives that delve into the depths of the human psyche, reflecting the tumultuous era in which the series is set. The characters aren’t just vehicles for the plot; they’re deeply flawed, relatable individuals, each with their own story to tell.
Final Thoughts
“Woodpecker Detective’s Office” is more than just a mystery series set in the Meiji era. It’s a thoughtful exploration of friendship, society, and the human condition, wrapped in a beautifully animated package. For those who appreciate a series that blends intellectual stimulation with emotional depth, this show is a must-watch.
In a world where anime can often be dismissed as superficial or juvenile, “Woodpecker Detective’s Office” stands as a testament to the medium’s potential for storytelling that is both profound and engaging. It’s a reminder that, at its best, anime can be a canvas for exploring the complexities of history, culture, and the human heart.