Fans of the beloved and long-running manga series Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo, widely known as Kochikame, have cause for celebration as a brand new anime project and a new video game have been officially announced. The revelations were made on December 20 at Jump Festa 2026, marking a significant return for the franchise ahead of its 50th serialization anniversary in 2026.
A Decade-Long Wait Ends: New Kochikame Anime Announced
The new anime project, titled “New KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops” (or Shin Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo), signifies the first full-scale animation production for the series since 2016. Studio Gallop, the animation studio behind the original 1996 television anime adaptation, will once again be at the helm, bringing the classic gag manga to life with a refreshed approach.
The new series is confirmed to feature an entirely new cast, with details regarding the voice actors scheduled to be unveiled in September 2026. A teaser visual depicting protagonist Kankichi Ryotsu at the Kanamachi Water Purification Plant in Katsushika Ward has also been released, evoking the nostalgic spirit of the original work. This new anime is a central part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations for the manga, which ran in Weekly Shonen Jump for nearly four decades.
The Legacy of Kochikame in Animation
The original Kochikame manga, created by Osamu Akimoto, serialized from 1976 to 2016, holds a remarkable record for its nearly 40-year uninterrupted run in Weekly Shonen Jump. Its enduring popularity led to a highly successful television anime series that aired from 1996 to 2004, spanning over 300 episodes, followed by irregular broadcast specials until 2016. The franchise has also inspired anime films, live-action dramas, and stage plays, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
Officer Ryotsu Goes Digital: Ryo-san’s Billion-yen Beat Game
In addition to the anime, fans can look forward to a new video game titled Kochikame: Ryo-san’s Billion-yen Beat (officially Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo: Ryo-san no Shotengai Monogatari). This pixel art simulation game is a collaboration between Shueisha Games and Kairosoft, a developer known for its addictive management simulation titles.
In the game, players will join Officer Ryotsu Kankichi in his pursuit of wealth and community revitalization. The core gameplay involves transforming a struggling shopping district into a thriving metropolis. Players will earn seed money through various means, including gambling and part-time jobs, and then construct profitable facilities to expand their empire. The game promises to blend Kairosoft’s signature management mechanics with the humor characteristic of the Kochikame series.
Multi-Platform Release and International Accessibility
Kochikame: Ryo-san’s Billion-yen Beat is set for a wide release across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, Android, and PC via Steam. Furthermore, to cater to its global fanbase, the game will support English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese text, making Ryotsu’s comedic endeavors accessible to a broader audience. The release date for the game is yet to be announced.
The dual announcement of a new anime and a video game at Jump Festa 2026 underscores the enduring appeal of Kochikame as it approaches its monumental 50th anniversary. These projects are poised to introduce the beloved characters and their humorous antics to a new generation of fans while delighting long-time enthusiasts.
