KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops

“KochiKame” is officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the manga series with the most published volumes in Japan. Truly a legendary work, this is what we proudly call the greatest manga in the world. The story centers on the wild and unpredictable police officer Kankichi Ryotsu, affectionately known as "Ryo-san." He’s not your average cop—he once pulled a gun on someone just asking for directions, skips work to bet on horse races or play pachinko, and is constantly scheming new ways to make (and quickly lose) money. If real police officers in Japan acted like Ryo-san, they’d be fired on the spot—so don’t worry, visitors, Japan is safe! By the 200th volume, Ryo-san is said to have amassed about 2 trillion yen in debt due to his excessive spending habits. This says a lot about how much fun he has and how often he fails at his crazy plans. Ryo-san may love gambling, model kits, and money-making schemes, but at heart, he’s full of human warmth and justice—which is exactly why he’s so beloved by readers across generations in Japan. A Consistent Formula That Works Each story typically follows a simple formula: Ryo-san starts off successfully executing some clever plan, but by the end, his greed or overconfidence leads to spectacular failure. The manga is written in an omnibus (episodic) style, making it easy to jump into any volume. A Cast of Memorable Characters KochiKame wouldn’t be the same without its colorful cast. There’s Nakagawa, the ultra-wealthy elite officer; Reiko, a classy and capable female officer; and Chief Ohara, who constantly scolds Ryo-san. Other fan favorites include Higure, a man who only wakes up once every four years, and Honda, a shy officer who turns into a wild biker when he’s on a motorcycle. The list goes on—with over 200 volumes, even longtime fans can’t remember them all! It’s perfectly fine to read stories featuring your favorite characters without following the entire series.

August 7, 2025

With 200 volumes, it’s understandable if you don’t plan to read everything. If you’re new to the series, try starting around volume 40—since the manga is episodic, you’ll still be able to enjoy it without confusion. Among all the stories, the flashback arcs to Ryo-san’s childhood are particularly touching. These episodes focus on his friendships and memories with old classmates and teachers, showing a deeper, more emotional side to the usually over-the-top Ryo-san. The Kachidoki Bridge episode is especially heartfelt and is a perfect showcase of Ryo-san’s humanity and charm.

August 7, 2025