Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective (2003)
A Japanese workplace mystery series where the office's most forgettable employee is secretly its most dangerous operative.
Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective - Series Information
- Original Title: 特命係長 只野仁
- First Air Year: 2003
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Kimio Yanagisawa
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 41
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 4, 2003 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: tv asahi
- Alternative Titles: 变身特派员 (CN), Tokumei Kakaricou Tadano Hitoshi (US)
Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective - Plot
Hitoshi Tadano is an assistant manager of an advertisement company who seems to be nothing but a dull and incapable "nobody". While most of the employees wonder why such a passive and incompetent person like Hitoshi is yet to be laid off, there is just one person who heavily relies on him as a "savior" to the company, the CEO. In fact, the "Mr. Nobody" is simply a disguise from the real Hitoshi, as he is under various special missions of the CEO to quietly carry on his "extraordinary" task to fight against the corruption of the company.
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Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kimio Yanagisawa
Main Cast
- Katsunori Takahashi
- Masaru Nagai
- Rieko Miura
- Yuri Ebihara
- Tatsuo Umemiya
- Ryosei Tayama
- Atsuko Sakurai
- Maiko Takeda
- Shou Nishino
Writers
- Yasushi Fukuda
- Kimio Yanagisawa
Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective - FAQs
What is Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective about?
The series follows Hitoshi Tadano, an office worker at an advertising company who appears utterly useless to his colleagues. In reality, he is a highly capable undercover operative working directly for the CEO, quietly dismantling corruption from within the company while maintaining his bumbling facade.
Who plays the lead role in this series?
Katsunori Takahashi plays Hitoshi Tadano, the deceptively ordinary-looking protagonist. The supporting cast includes Masaru Nagai, Rieko Miura, Yuri Ebihara, Tatsuo Umemiya, Ryosei Tayama, Atsuko Sakurai, Maiko Takeda, and Shou Nishino.
How many seasons and episodes does this series have?
The series spans 5 main seasons plus a collection of specials, totalling 41 episodes. Season 1 has 11 episodes, Season 2 has 10, Season 3 has 10, Season 4 has 8, Season 5 has 2, and there are 5 special episodes rounding out the full run.
Is Hitoshi Tadano based on a true story or manga?
The series is adapted from a popular Japanese manga of the same name. The manga, known in Japan as 特命係長 只野仁, blends workplace comedy with undercover thriller elements, and the TV adaptation brought that distinctive mix of humor and corporate intrigue to a wide audience on TV Asahi.
When did the series first air on TV?
Hitoshi Tadano, the Extraordinary Undercover Detective first aired on July 4, 2003, on TV Asahi in Japan. The show proved popular enough to run across multiple seasons and specials, with its last recorded season airing in 2012.
What is the content rating for this series?
The series carries a TV-14 rating, indicating it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. Viewers can expect mature themes related to corporate corruption, adult humor, and some suggestive content consistent with the tone of the original manga source material.
What shows are similar to this series?
If you enjoy this blend of mystery and workplace drama, you might also like Burn the House Down, The Files of Young Kindaichi, Tell Me Lies, and Sherlock & Daughter. These series share themes of hidden identities, corporate or personal intrigue, and investigative storytelling.
Is Hitoshi Tadano cancelled or still returning?
The series is currently listed as a Returning Series and remains in production, suggesting the possibility of future installments. While the last full season aired in 2012, the show has not been officially cancelled, leaving the door open for the undercover office worker to return.
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