Woodpecker Detective’s Office

Woodpecker Detective’s Office, released in 2020 by the studio Liden Films, is a television anime series based on the mystery novel by Kei Ii. The story is set in the Meiji era and follows the fictionalized exploits of poet Takuboku Ishikawa and linguist Kyosuke Kindaichi as they operate a detective agency in Asakusa. The production was developed against a backdrop of renewed interest in historical Japanese literature, aiming to blend the aesthetic sensibilities of the early 20th century with the tropes of a buddy-cop procedural.

The character designs for the series were provided by illustrator Kaori Saita, who aimed to create a distinct visual contrast between the two leads to highlight their clashing temperaments. Upon its release, the series garnered mixed reviews, with critics often citing its ambitious attempt to reimagine historical figures as crime solvers. While the animation style and period setting were appreciated for their visual flair, the narrative pacing and character characterizations remained a subject of debate among viewers of the medium.