10 Shows Like Case File N° 221: Kabukicho

Description: A psychological crime thriller with deep character studies, exploring moral ambiguity and the darkness within human nature, set in a small town with eerie undertones.

Fact: Won multiple awards at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama. The series is praised for its slow-burn tension and intricate plot twists.

Description: Blends surreal horror with urban crime elements, set in a stylized version of Tokyo, featuring eccentric characters and a high-stakes survival game.

Fact: Directed by Sion Sono, known for his avant-garde and violent storytelling. The series was originally intended to be a film but expanded into a miniseries.

Description: A modern, gender-swapped adaptation of Sherlock Holmes set in Tokyo, blending detective work with personal drama and a stylish urban aesthetic.

Fact: The first Japanese adaptation to feature a female Sherlock. The series was co-produced by HBO Asia and Hulu Japan.

Description: A dark, twist-heavy crime drama that delves into the psychology of serial killers, featuring a cat-and-mouse game between detectives and a cunning antagonist.

Fact: The series was inspired by real-life debates about the nature of psychopathy. It features a shocking mid-series twist that recontextualizes the entire story.

Description: A biographical drama about the rise of Japan's adult film industry, blending dark comedy, crime, and entrepreneurial ambition in a gritty urban setting.

Fact: Based on the life of real-life adult video director Toru Muranishi. The series was a major hit on Netflix Japan.

Description: A survival thriller set in a dystopian Tokyo, where characters must compete in deadly games to survive, blending psychological tension with high-stakes action.

Fact: Based on a popular manga series. The show's first season was one of Netflix's most-watched non-English series.

Description: A slice-of-life anthology set in a small Tokyo diner, exploring the interconnected lives of its diverse patrons through food and quiet, emotional storytelling.

Fact: Based on a popular manga series. Each episode features a real recipe that ties into the story.

Description: A crime drama that weaves together Japanese and British cultures, focusing on family loyalty, duty, and the consequences of violence, with a noir-inspired visual style.

Fact: The title translates to 'Duty/Shame.' The series includes a unique dance sequence that symbolizes the characters' emotional states.