MIU404

This Japanese series is centred on members of Tokyo's Mobile Investigative Unit; most notably members Kazumi Shima and Ai Ibuki. The unit's job is to deal with the first twenty four hours of an investigation; if it isn't solved by then the case is passed on. Our protagonists seem an unlikely pair; Shima is an experienced detective while the best anybody can say about new member Ibuki is that he can run fast! It soon becomes clear that the series will have a comic tone when, after writing off a car, the duo must drive around in an old melon bread van. The unit's cases typically are solved within the episode but some story lines last through the series before becoming the main focus in the concluding episodes.

I thought this was a really enjoyably series. For the most part the tone is light which only amplifies the occasional poignant or tragic events. The characters are a lot of fun; not just the two leads but also the other team members. The cases are interesting and varied, occasionally shining a light of social issues such as the treatment of migrant workers. There are plenty of laughs to be had throughout the series. The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of police dramas who don't demand 'grittiness'.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

I am amazed to see this messy slapstick farce would be appreciated greatly by many viewers and generously awarded it with high scores. Since when the Japanese metro police in Tokyo would become a boy-girl scout like juvenile summer camp? The police force in this ridiculous mess is divided into two age groups, incompetent grown-ups idiots and juvenile delinquent Z generation teenager thugs. A policeman would purposely show his road rage to block another car to pass and almost start a fist fight openly in the broad daylight Tokyo street with that driver? You can't be so naive to create such ridiculous scene just to give viewers an impression that this scenario and scene could certify itself as a comedy. All the older generation cops in this so-called dramedy should be retired yesterday, and those younger ones should be disqualified and banned from the police academy. By adapting manga novels into movies or drama series is why the Japanese movie industries has become a laughable joke.

Just finished watching all 11 episodes on Netflix. Enjoyed every episode. Eposide 3 is my favorite. Ibuki was my favorite charater. He kept me wanting to watch more. Shima and Ibuki made such a brilliant team. Every charater was played so well. The stories on each episode were so good, exciting and well written and acted. If you like detective stories then this MIU 404 is a must see.

The main characters are very good at there job alone with a bit tender hearted. This is my 4th or 5th Japanese drama watching. When I watch a drama I think this one is my favorite. Since I've watched this one it is now my favorite. It full of good humor, the acting is great. The scenery is beautiful. I definitely recommend you watch. I loved it when Ibuki runs. I'm finding out J-drama's are very good and enjoyable to watch. I'm always looking for another one.

I personally think that this show had some of the best casts. The chemistry between the team are natural, cute and fun. Their characteristics are solid and you would notice how they grow when the drama progress, how their partnership become stronger (not only between Shima and Ibuki, but also Jinba and Kokonoe). Would rate 8-9 for the casts and character settings.

Musics are great too. I watched this drama because of Kenshi Yonezu's OST, and his song, Kanden, match this drama very well. Not forget to mention some of the other great background music as well.

Storyline however, mediocre. There are too many coincidence in the whole drama, you would know what am I saying once dive into it. I do not want to ignore how outstanding the characters' ability in solving cases, but too much coincidence makes me think that god help them solving the cases instead of themselves. Too many of the connectivity and coincidence can get distracting, so I would rate 6 for the story.

But I do love this drama shows us how police work while processing a case, and many of the positivity and heart warming moments. It brings out a message that a person can be good or bad not only depend on their own choice, but also obstacles in their life. Episode 4 are my personal favourite.