Columbo of Shinano 4 - The Karuizawa Forked Road Murder Case (2017)
A charming Japanese TV crime mystery inspired by the iconic American detective, set against the scenic backdrop of Karuizawa.
Columbo of Shinano 4 - The Karuizawa Forked Road Murder Case - Movie Information
- Original Title: 内田康夫サスペンス 信濃のコロンボ4 ~軽井沢追分殺人事件~
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Yuji Nakamae
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Production Companies: TBS
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Uchida Yasuo Suspense: Shinano no Colombo 4: Karuizawa Oiwake Satsujin Jiken (JP)
Columbo of Shinano 4 - The Karuizawa Forked Road Murder Case - Plot
The fourth 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.
Columbo of Shinano 4 - The Karuizawa Forked Road Murder Case - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yuji Nakamae
Main Cast
- Yasufumi Terawaki
- Yumi Aso
- Katsunori Takahashi
- Yoichi Nukumizu
- Tarou Oumiya
- Yôsuke Kawamura
- Yukijiro Hotaru
- Ryôji Nakamura
- Megumi Ujiie
- Hiromi Kitagawa
Writers
- Yasuo Uchida
Columbo of Shinano 4 - The Karuizawa Forked Road Murder Case - FAQs
What is Columbo of Shinano 4 about?
The film follows a Japanese police detective who has adopted the iconic rumpled style and deductive mannerisms of the beloved American TV detective Columbo. Set in the scenic Karuizawa region, it's the fourth entry in a series adapted from Yasuo Uchida's popular mystery novels, blending Japanese crime drama with a charming nod to a classic Western detective.
Is this film based on a book series?
Yes! The film draws from the long-running mystery novel series by Yasuo Uchida, one of Japan's most celebrated crime fiction authors. Uchida's "Shinano no Colombo" books are hugely popular in Japan, and this TV movie is the fourth screen adaptation in the franchise, staying faithful to the spirit of the source material.
Who plays the lead detective in this film?
Yasufumi Terawaki takes the lead as Takemura Iwao, the Columbo-inspired detective at the heart of the story. He's joined by a strong ensemble including Yumi Aso, Katsunori Takahashi, and Yoichi Nukumizu, all bringing the mystery and its colorful cast of suspects to life.
How does this detective compare to the original Columbo?
Rather than a direct remake, this is a loving Japanese reimagining. The detective Takemura Iwao consciously mirrors Columbo's famous traits — the disheveled appearance, the seemingly bumbling manner, and the sharp deductive mind beneath it all — but the stories are entirely original, rooted in Japanese settings and culture.
What is the Karuizawa setting like in the film?
Karuizawa is a picturesque mountain resort town in Nagano Prefecture, long favored by Tokyo's elite as a summer retreat. The film uses this atmospheric backdrop — its forested roads, old inns, and quiet elegance — to great effect, giving the murder mystery a distinctly moody and scenic Japanese character.
Who directed Columbo of Shinano 4?
Yuji Nakamae directed this installment. The film was produced by TBS, one of Japan's major broadcast networks, and aired as part of the long-running TV movie franchise built around Yasuo Uchida's detective fiction.
Is Columbo of Shinano 4 a good entry point for new viewers?
While it's the fourth in the series, each installment tells a self-contained mystery, so newcomers can jump in without prior knowledge. Fans of Japanese crime dramas, cozy mysteries, or the original Columbo series will likely find it an enjoyable and accessible watch.
What are some similar films to watch after this?
If you enjoy this style of mystery, you might like Miss Marple: The Murder at the Vicarage, Dead Man's Folly, or Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser. For a Japanese crime film with a different tone, Mr. Long (2017) and The City of Lost Souls are also worth exploring.
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