Police in a Pod

Today I’d like to introduce a manga from one of my favorite genres—occupational dramas—called Police in a Pod. This series offers a realistic depiction of the daily lives and working conditions of Japanese police officers, with a special focus on those stationed at local police boxes (called kōban in Japanese). Before reading Police in a Pod, I didn’t know much about how Japanese police actually work or how they help maintain public safety. So this manga immediately caught my interest. One of its biggest strengths is its authentic portrayal of both police work and the incidents they deal with. For example, it doesn’t shy away from addressing serious societal issues like stalking-related murders—cases that have been major concerns in Japan. These events are depicted with a high level of realism, capturing not just the crime itself but also the psychological toll and grueling workload that officers endure in the aftermath. In some cases, officers are unable to go home for days or get proper sleep. Another appeal of Police in a Pod is its strong sense of humor. It balances the heaviness of serious crime with witty, relatable episodes based on common “police workplace scenarios.” The series offers plenty of comedic relief while still maintaining respect for the profession. The manga was adapted into a live-action drama in Japan, which helped boost its popularity. If you're not sure whether the manga is for you, the live-action version is a good way to get a feel for the tone and themes. While Japan’s police system is vastly different from that of countries like the U.S.—where guns are more accessible—this manga provides a fascinating and respectful insight into Japanese law enforcement culture. If you're interested in learning more about how police work in Japan, this manga is highly recommended.

July 17, 2025