The new anime project Shin Kochikame (Shin Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kouen Mae Hashutsujo) has unveiled its main cast and staff at a special event on September 5. The announcement came during “Anime ‘Shin Kochikame’ New Cast Presentation ~Start! Reiwa Kochikame Daisakusen~”, where fans learned that Ochiai Fukushi will voice Ryotsu Kankichi, Aoi Shouta takes on Nakagawa Keiichi, M・A・O voices Akimoto Reiko, and Sakamoto Raikou plays Ohara Daijiro. Oota Akitaro will direct the series.
The original manga, written by Akimoto Osamu, ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1976 to 2016. The story follows the unorthodox, money-loving policeman Ryotsu Kankichi and his colleagues as they cause chaos around Katsushika-ku’s Kameari district. The franchise has previously been adapted into anime and live-action format.
The new anime project was announced at Jump Festa 2026 in December 2025, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original manga.
During the event, Ochiai Fukushi, who plays the lead, shared that Kochikame was the first manga he ever read. “When I heard I passed the audition, my heart was filled with happiness that I could breathe in the world of Kochikame!” he said.
Aoi Shouta, voicing Nakagawa, remarked, “I’m honestly still surprised, but I’m truly honored. It feels like a miracle to play a character from an anime I watched as a child.” M・A・O, who voices Reiko, expressed her delight: “I’ve grown up with both the manga and anime, so I was really happy when I got the result.” Sakamoto Raikou, taking on the role of the imposing chief Ohara, talked about the challenges of balancing his authority and warmth.
Cast Comments
Ryotsu Kankichi (Ochiai Fukushi)
On being cast: The first manga I read as a child was Kochikame. I also loved the anime, so when I got the news that I passed the audition, I was overjoyed to be able to breathe in the world of Kochikame.
Message to fans: The new Kochikame is somehow nostalgic, yet very bright and energetic. I hope everyone feels warm through this work. Let’s celebrate the 50th anniversary together!
Nakagawa Keiichi (Aoi Shouta)
On being cast: Honestly, there were moments I couldn’t hide my surprise, but I’m very happy and honored. It’s a miraculous time to be able to play a character from an anime I watched as a child, and I’m spending it with the rest of the cast to create something great for everyone watching.
Message to fans: The cast is finally announced, and we’re just waiting for the broadcast. This is a work that fans of the original manga and the old anime can enjoy with all their might. We can’t wait for the broadcast either. Let’s get excited together!
Akimoto Reiko (M・A・O)
On being cast: I’m M・A・O, voicing Akimoto Reiko. It’s a great honor to participate in Kochikame, which has been loved by many for a long time. I grew up reading the manga and watching the anime, so I was truly happy when I heard the result.
Message to fans: Along with the nostalgic and warm atmosphere of the old downtown, you’ll get to enjoy the wild comedy that makes you wonder how things got to that point (laughs). There are many unique and charming characters, so please look forward to the start of the broadcast.
Ohara Daijiro (Sakamoto Raikou)
On being cast: I was happy, but also full of questions: how do I bring out the chief’s dignity, power, kindness, and melancholy? He’s in his mid-fifties, and I thought that’s different from today’s fifty-somethings in a good way. In the end, I decided to rely on the live feel of recording with everyone else. Let’s see how that turned out…
Message to fans: I’m sure you’re excited, but I’m also nervous and looking forward to it. Since this is such a great original, I hope it continues for a long time like the Heisei version. Please watch and support us.
Director Oota Akitaro
On being appointed: Kochikame is a national work loved by many in both manga and anime, so I’m honored to be named the director. Even while actually producing it, I keep feeling the fun of the work. There are still a lot of Showa-style gags, and I’m making it with the staff while having fun.
Message to fans: I’m truly moved by Ryotsu’s vitality, and I’m glad that an anime that will energize Japan again is coming back with him. We’re making it while laughing ourselves. Please relax, laugh, and feel energetic. Look forward to it!
Original Author Akimoto Osamu
The visuals have evolved to be modern, but it’s still interesting with the same impactful images. I’m excited to see what kind of incidents will happen next. Hearing the voices of Ryotsu, Nakagawa, Reiko, and the chief, I feel happy that the lively precinct members are back. I’m looking forward to the broadcast.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Akimoto Osamu (Shueisha Jump Comics) |
| Director | Oota Akitaro |
| Script | Kamiyama Shuichi, Fukujima Yukinori |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Hara Kenichi |
| Chief Animation Director | Noh gil-bo |
| Music | Sahashi Toshihiko |
| Sound Director | Tanaka Kazuya |
| Color Design | Yokoi Masato |
| Photography Director | Saito Ayumi |
| Art Director | Hirama Yuka |
| Animation Production | Gallop |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Ryotsu Kankichi | Ochiai Fukushi |
| Nakagawa Keiichi | Aoi Shouta |
| Akimoto Reiko | M・A・O |
| Ohara Daijiro | Sakamoto Raikou |
The anime will broadcast on Fuji TV in 2027 and stream on various platforms.
(C) Akimoto Osamu / Atelier Beedama / Shueisha / ADK
