Columbo of Shinano 3 - The Hokkoku Kaido Murder Case (2016)
A Japanese TV mystery following a Columbo-inspired detective, based on Yasuo Uchida's beloved crime novel series.
Columbo of Shinano 3 - The Hokkoku Kaido Murder Case - Movie Information
Columbo of Shinano 3 - The Hokkoku Kaido Murder Case - Plot
The third in a series of Japanese TV movies about a police detective who has adopted the dress and mannerisms of famous American TV detective Columbo, based on a series of novels by popular mystery author Yasuo Uchida.
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Columbo of Shinano 3 - The Hokkoku Kaido Murder Case - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yuji Nakamae
Main Cast
- Yasufumi Terawaki
- Yumi Aso
- Katsunori Takahashi
- Yoichi Nukumizu
- Yôsuke Kawamura
- Yukijiro Hotaru
- Ryôji Nakamura
- Toshifumi Muramatsu
Columbo of Shinano 3 - The Hokkoku Kaido Murder Case - FAQs
What is Columbo of Shinano 3 about?
The film follows a Japanese police detective who channels the iconic style and mannerisms of the beloved American TV sleuth Columbo. It's the third entry in a TV movie series based on mystery novels by Yasuo Uchida, blending classic whodunit storytelling with a distinctly Japanese setting along the historic Hokkoku Kaido road.
Is this film based on a book or novel?
Yes! The film is adapted from the popular mystery novel series by Yasuo Uchida, one of Japan's most celebrated crime fiction authors. Uchida's "Shinano no Colombo" series has been a beloved staple of Japanese mystery literature, and this TV movie is the third screen adaptation of his work.
How is this detective connected to Columbo?
The central detective, played by Yasufumi Terawaki, deliberately adopts the rumpled appearance and deceptively casual interrogation style of the famous American TV detective Columbo. It's a loving homage rather than a direct adaptation — the character is entirely Japanese, solving crimes in the Shinano region.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The cast is led by Yasufumi Terawaki as detective Takemura Iwao, with Yumi Aso as Takemura Youko and Katsunori Takahashi as Okabe Kazuo. The ensemble also includes Yoichi Nukumizu, Yôsuke Kawamura, Yukijiro Hotaru, Ryôji Nakamura, and Toshifumi Muramatsu.
Who directed Columbo of Shinano 3?
Yuji Nakamae directed this installment of the series. The film was produced by TBS, one of Japan's major television broadcasters, and aired as part of their long-running tradition of mystery TV movies adapted from popular Japanese crime fiction.
What genre is Columbo of Shinano 3?
It's a Crime TV Movie — a classic Japanese mystery in the tradition of the beloved "honkaku" detective genre. Fans of slow-burn whodunits, procedural detective stories, and Japanese crime dramas will feel right at home with this one.
How long is Columbo of Shinano 3?
The film runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes — a satisfying length for a TV mystery movie that gives the story enough room to build suspense, develop its characters, and deliver a properly crafted resolution without overstaying its welcome.
What are similar films to watch after this?
If you enjoyed this, try Dead Man's Folly (1986), Miss Marple: The Murder at the Vicarage (1986), or Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) for more classic mystery fare. A Fugitive from the Past (1965) is also a standout Japanese crime film worth exploring.
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