The File of Young Kindaichi Returns (2014)

A mystery anime revival following teenage detective Hajime Kindaichi as he unravels elaborate murder cases across Japan and beyond.

The File of Young Kindaichi Returns - Series Information

  • Original Title: 金田一少年の事件簿R
  • First Air Year: 2014
  • Last Air Year: 2016
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Animation, Mystery
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 47
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Japanese
  • Spoken Languages: Japanese
  • First Air Date: April 5, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: YTV
  • Production Companies: Toei Animation, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation
  • Production Countries: Japan
  • Alternative Titles: 소년탐정 김전일 리턴즈 (KR), 金田一少年之事件簿R (CN), Kindaichi Case Files R (US), Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Returns (JP), 金田一少年事件簿R (TW)

The File of Young Kindaichi Returns - Plot

High school student Hajime Kindaichi is the supposed grandson of famous private detective Kosuke Kindaichi. Visiting Hong Kong for a fashion event with Kindaichi, our hero's girlfriend Miyuki is captured by a stranger in a case of mistaken identity. The journey to save Miyuki itself leads to yet another crime case...

The File of Young Kindaichi Returns - Trailer

See the mystery unfold in the official trailer:

Where to Watch The File of Young Kindaichi Returns

Looking for where to watch The File of Young Kindaichi Returns?

The File of Young Kindaichi Returns - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Taiki Matsuno
  • Akiko Nakagawa
  • Jurota Kosugi
  • Toshiyuki Morikawa
  • Kenichi Ono
  • Kazuki Shimizu

The File of Young Kindaichi Returns - FAQs

What is The File of Young Kindaichi Returns about?

The series follows Hajime Kindaichi, a high school student and grandson of legendary detective Kosuke Kindaichi. When his girlfriend Miyuki is kidnapped in Hong Kong due to mistaken identity, the rescue mission spirals into a full-blown murder mystery — setting the tone for the clever, suspense-driven cases that define the show.

Is The File of Young Kindaichi Returns a sequel or remake?

It's a direct sequel. The File of Young Kindaichi Returns picks up the beloved Kindaichi Case Files franchise and continues Hajime's detective adventures with updated animation by Toei Animation. It follows the original 1990s anime and manga series, making it essential viewing for longtime fans of the franchise.

How many seasons and episodes does this series have?

The series ran for 2 seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 47 episodes. Season 1 contains 25 episodes, Season 2 contains 22 episodes, and there is also a Season 0 featuring 1 special episode. It aired from 2014 to 2016 on YTV in Japan.

Is The File of Young Kindaichi Returns based on a manga?

Yes, the series is based on the long-running manga Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo by Yozaburo Kanari and Fumiya Sato, with art by Seimaru Amagi. The manga has been a staple of Japanese mystery comics since 1992, and this anime revival brings fresh story arcs from the manga's later chapters to life.

Who are the main voice actors in this series?

The principal cast includes Taiki Matsuno as protagonist Kindaichi Hajime and Akiko Nakagawa as his girlfriend Nanase Miyuki. They are joined by Jurota Kosugi, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Kenichi Ono, and Kazuki Shimizu as Motohiko Konoe, rounding out the core ensemble.

Where can I watch The File of Young Kindaichi Returns?

Streaming availability for The File of Young Kindaichi Returns varies by region. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date information on where the series is currently available to stream, rent, or buy across all major platforms in your country.

What anime are similar to The File of Young Kindaichi Returns?

Fans of this series often enjoy Moriarty the Patriot, ID: INVADED, Undead Murder Farce, and B: The Beginning — all mystery-driven anime with sharp plotting and compelling detective leads. Kemono Jihen and The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED are also strong picks for fans of the genre.

When did The File of Young Kindaichi Returns first air?

The series premiered on April 5, 2014, in South Korea, and aired on YTV in Japan. Produced by Toei Animation and Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, it concluded in 2016 after two full seasons, bringing a satisfying close to this revival chapter of the Kindaichi franchise.

More About The File of Young Kindaichi Returns

Explore further details about the series on these authoritative databases:

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error