Ryoko's Case File

About Ryoko's Case File

If you are hunting for a new mystery series, Ryoko's Case File (薬師寺涼子の怪奇事件簿) deserves a look (2008). The setup goes like this. What the story covers: Based on a series of light novels written by Tanaka Yoshiki and illustrated by Kakinouchi Narumi. The story revolves around Ryouko Yakushiji, a 27-year-old multilingual investigator that graduated from Tokyo University's elite Department of Law, and the bizarre cases she faces while working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.

More of the story: Yakushiji not only has to deal with supernatural beings in her line of work, but also her rival Yukiko Muromachi, another equally talented and beautiful police investigator.

As a mystery title, clues, misdirection and a satisfying reveal are the hook. Voice work is led by Hitomi Nabatame as Ryouko Yakushiji and Hidenobu Kiuchi as Junichiro Izumida. If you count yourself among viewers who like piecing together a puzzle, put it on your list. The run is 13 episodes in total, so you know what you are signing up for.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with Doga Kobo, which means the visual identity of Ryoko's Case File follows that studio's craft. The mystery focus matters here: clues, misdirection and a satisfying reveal are the hook. Its 6.6/10 score suggests opinions are split, so it suits viewers who already like the genre. Voice casting, including Hitomi Nabatame as Ryouko Yakushiji, adds to the appeal for fans who follow seiyuu. Released in 2008, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.