Mystery (778)

Whether its solving a crime or finding an explanation for a puzzling circumstance, the main cast willingly or reluctantly become investigators who must work to answer the who, what, why, and/or how of the current dilemma. The narrative of mystery stories is always on collecting evidence, identifying suspects, and theorizing possible scenarios for the unexplainable, before finally capturing the perpetrator or resolving the current situation. Almost always, the audience has the same information as the main characters and anticipation is directed towards discovering the explanation, not what will transpire after the answer is found. Contrast with Suspense or Horror where often the audience has more information than the cast, which heightens the tension or fear of what will happen next.

Detective Conan OVA 03: Conan and Heiji and the Vanished Boy

Detective Conan OVA 03: Conan and Heiji and the Vanished Boy

Detective Conan OVA 03: Conan and Heiji and the Vanished Boy

Conan and Ran are visiting Heiji and Kazuha in Osaka when the four come across a trio of kids while touring the city. These children, who look eerily similar to the Detective Boys but with different personalities, are looking for their friend who has gone missing—and the two young detectives agree to help find the vanished boy.

2003 | 1 eps | Publishing

With You: Mitsumeteitai

With You: Mitsumeteitai

With You: Mitsumeteitai

Dec 25, 2000 to May 25, 2001 | 2 eps | Publishing

Detective Conan OVA 07: A Challenge from Agasa! Agasa vs. Co...

Detective Conan OVA 07: A Challenge from Agasa! Agasa vs. Conan and the Detective Boys

Detective Conan OVA 07: A Challenge from Agasa! Agasa vs. Conan and the Detective Boys

Professor Agasa is kidnapped and the Detective Boys must use clues found at his house and in various parts of the city in order to find him.
Mar 13, 2007 | 1 eps | Publishing

Takarajima

Takarajima

Takarajima

Oct 8, 1978 to Apr 1, 1979 | 26 eps | Publishing

Urban Square: Kohaku no Tsuigeki

Urban Square: Kohaku no Tsuigeki

Urban Square: Kohaku no Tsuigeki

Nov 28, 1986 | 1 eps | Publishing

Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man

Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man

Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man

In 2024, the terrorist incident known as "The Laughing Man Incident" occurred in which Ernest Serano, president of the groundbreaking micromachine company, Serano Genomics, was kidnapped and ransomed. One day, the case having remained unsolved for six years, Detective Yamaguchi, who has been investigating "The Laughing Man Incident," sends word that he wants to meet with Togusa from Public Safety Section 9. However, soon after sending this message, Yamaguchi, crucial to the success of the case, dies in an accident. Many days pass and in the midst of a police interview relay concerning suspicions behind interceptors, a forewarning is received from "The Laughing Man" of his next crime. The incorporeal hacker begins to move once again.

(Source: ANN)
Sep 23, 2005 | 1 eps | Publishing

Detective Conan OVA 04: Conan and Kid and Crystal Mother

Detective Conan OVA 04: Conan and Kid and Crystal Mother

Detective Conan OVA 04: Conan and Kid and Crystal Mother

Once again, Kaitou Kid has a target in mind: the Crystal Mother, Europe's largest topaz owned by Queen Selizabeth of the Principality of Ingram. He intends to steal this jewel while the Queen is stuck on a train from Tokyo to Osaka. However, Kid's abilities are put to the test, as the Queen has already concealed the gem somewhere aboard the train.

Conan Edogawa, who is among train's passengers, suspects an attack from the phantom thief and begins investigating on his own, while Inspector Ginzou Nakamori is ready for a new confrontation against the elusive jewelry robber.

2004 | 1 eps | Publishing

Detective Conan OVA 05: The Target is Kogoro! The Detective...

Detective Conan OVA 05: The Target is Kogoro! The Detective Boys' Secret Investigation

Detective Conan OVA 05: The Target is Kogoro! The Detective Boys' Secret Investigation

Conan Edogawa and his classmates are assigned to do a class report about a small business of their choice. After discarding other possible topics, the Detective Boys concludes that it's a perfect opportunity to find out more about Detective Kogorou Mouri's job.

Conan's friends refuse to settle for a simple interview though, as they want to experience first-hand all the details of his work. Thus, they, along with a reluctant Conan and Ai Haibara, decide to tail the renowned detective for a day. However, the kids soon get involved in a grim situation when Kogorou's current case takes an unexpected and dangerous turn.

2005 | 1 eps | Publishing

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou

Shion no Ou follows the story of Yasuoka Shion, a 13-year-old Shougi player with a past of tragedy. Shion's parents were brutally murdered in front of her when she was 5 years old. The murderer sat down with her and challenged her to a game of Shougi, after telling her that if she wanted to stay alive she should forget how to speak, and forget what happened that night.

Now Shion has entered the realm of female pro Kishi, mute but strong. As her playing gathers more and more attention, so do the questions about her past and the brutal murder she witnessed. Shion's memories slowly come back, and the mystery begins to unravel, thread by thread.
Oct 14, 2007 to Mar 23, 2008 | 22 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

A series of eerily similar suicides occupy newspaper headlines in late '90s Japan. Amidst all the bizarre resemblances, there is one detail that stands out above the rest: the victims have all taken their lives by leaping from the Fujou building, a run-down abandoned structure rising high above the city.

Shiki Ryougi, a cold-hearted girl living in an empty apartment, suspects that these sinister events have a supernatural cause. Possessing a mystical power herself, Shiki works to investigate the incidents alongside Touko Aozaki, a doll-making detective specializing in magic, and her friend Mikiya Kokotou who works as Touko's assistant.

Shiki unravels the mystery as she ventures through an enigmatic world to uncover the dark secrets surrounding the strange phenomenon.

Dec 1, 2007 | 1 eps | Publishing

Shinreigari

Shinreigari

Shinreigari

Strange things are happening around the town of Suiten. The daughter of a priest begins to see strange visions, spirits have started to roam the mountains, and Tarou Komori is having unsettling dreams. Due to the trauma of being kidnapped 11 years ago, he has repressed most of the memories that could shed light on what really happened all those years ago. But they return in his sleep, combined with encounters beyond the realm of dreams.

In Shinreigari: Ghost Hound, the supernatural and psychological collide, as three children struggle to face their demons and repair the breach between the spiritual and corporeal worlds.

Oct 18, 2007 to Apr 4, 2008 | 22 eps | Publishing

Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan

Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan

Kaiketsu Jouki Tanteidan

The scene is Steam City, a London-ish city which represents an entire civilization run by coal and steam power. Because of steam, the city is sometimes covered in a mist. Villains take advantage of the steamy mist to hide and execute their evil plans. Only a few dare venture into what's beyond the steamy mist. They are known as the Steam Detectives: Narutaki (and his convertible all-purpose pistol), his nurse-assistant Lingling, and his Megamaton robot Gohliki.

(Source: ANN)
Oct 7, 1998 to Mar 31, 1999 | 26 eps | Publishing

Saint Luminous Jogakuin

Saint Luminous Jogakuin

Saint Luminous Jogakuin

Kaihei is a rather normal high school student but soon discovers that his deceased grandfather has left him the chairman position of his all-girls high school, St. Luminous Mission High School. Besides being the only male student on campus, he is also now the young chairman in charge of campus rules, happenings and punishments. When Kaihei arrives however, it seems a student has gone missing. Kaihei, along with his closest friends, are now determined to solve this mystery (without getting the local police involved) before graduation.

(Source: ANN)
Oct 6, 1998 to Dec 30, 1998 | 13 eps | Publishing

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Special: Nekogoroshi-hen

As a punishment for losing an intense poker game, Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude must walk around town dressed in costumes. Wanting to avoid being seen by more people, Keiichi convinces the group to visit Yagouchi—a deserted neighboring village.

Mion's mention of a nearby abandoned quarry spikes the attention of Rena and Keiichi. Still, as she tells them more about the mysterious incidents surrounding the place, they debate whether it would be wise to explore it.

Aug 2, 2007 | 1 eps | Publishing

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou Dai Ni Maku

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou Dai Ni Maku

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou Dai Ni Maku

The battle against Tendou Kodzunu is over, and the Magami Five begin to look forward to their senior graduation, hopefully planning for their adult futures. However, life in Tokyo is not at peace...

The underground assassin group known as the Twelve Heavenly Generals of the Martial Fist begin to move against those protecting the city from demons. Normally rumored to kill criminals that the mundane law was unable to bring to justice, the Martial Fist now set their sights on Tatsuma Hiyuu, Kyouichi Houraiji, Aoi Misato, Komaki Sakurai, Yuuya Daigo, and Hisui Kisaragi.

What is the purpose of this cruel turn of events? And who ordered the hit? New threats emerge as others awakened to powers unleashed by the Ryumyaku seek out the Magami kids - and old friends now return as enemies.

Destinies will collide as the Stars of Fate begin to merge; Yin and Yang will meet. And soon the shadowy figure pulling the strings will reveal himself, in an effort to raze Tokyo to the ground and awaken the Vessel of the Golden Dragon.
Jul 27, 2007 to Oct 12, 2007 | 12 eps | Publishing

Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo The Movie

Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo The Movie

Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo The Movie

The wicked multi-billionaire, Shinatora, builds wretched, ugly buildings. The explosives genius calling himself Benten has targeted Shinatora's empire and begins to destroy the monstrosities that are wiping out whole sections of downtown Tokyo. In cooperation with the local police force, the FBI has sent Lisa Hoshino, a bomb disposal expert, and her robot assistant, Dandy, on a lecture tour of Japan. Ryotsu is reluctantly paired with Lisa to protect the people of the Kameari district. Why does Benten only target Shinatora's buildings? What is his next target?

Another email warning arrives at the Katsushika Police Station. Benten's next target is the newly built, gigantic amusement park, Shinatora World. Lisa and Ryotsu hurry to the scene. What they find is a huge Soviet-era rocket armed with a massive bomb powerful enough to obliterate the entire area of Katsushika.

What can Ryotsu do?

(Source: AniDB)
Dec 23, 1999 | 1 eps | Publishing

ef: A Tale of Memories.

ef: A Tale of Memories.

ef: A Tale of Memories.

On Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono runs into Miyako Miyamura, a frivolous girl who "borrows" his bicycle in order to chase down a purse thief. After Hiro finds his bicycle wrecked and Miyako unconscious, the two unexpectedly spend their Christmas Eve together, and when they discover they go to the same high school, their accidental relationship develops even further. This sparks the jealousy of Hiro's childhood friend Kei Shindou, whose pure approach to life catches the eye of Kyosuke Tsutsumi, a womanizing photographer searching for the perfect shot.

Elsewhere, Renji Asou, a boy who dreams of being a girl's knight in shining armor, has a chance encounter with Kei's twin sister—the overly shy Chihiro Shindou, who spends her time reading alone—at an abandoned train station. The two quickly become friends and eventually decide to write a novel together. However, when Renji discovers Chihiro's secret, a disability that causes her to have an eternally ephemeral memory, his childish ideals will be put to the test.

Guided by two mysterious adults, these youths' relationships intertwine in a heart-rending tale of love, rejection, acceptance, and memories.

Oct 7, 2007 to Dec 23, 2007 | 12 eps | Publishing

Mokke

Mokke

Mokke

This is a story about two sisters: Shizuru, is a high school student who is able to see ghosts while her younger sister, Mizuki, is haunted by these apparitions. Frustrated by their abilities, their parents decided to entrust the sisters into the care of their grandparents who live in the countryside. As they adapt to life in the countryside, Shizuru and Mizuki begin to learn about the importance of coexisting nature with these apparitions.

(Source: ANN)
Oct 3, 2007 to Mar 16, 2008 | 24 eps | Publishing

Suteki Tantei Labyrinth

Suteki Tantei Labyrinth

Suteki Tantei Labyrinth

In a forgotten town known as the old capital of Tokyo, strange and mysterious crimes are progressively occuring. These supernatural occurances are beyond comprehension and bring fear and terror to the people. Only one person is not intimidated by the evil underlying these occurances and is willing to challenge them: Hyuga Mayuki, a young boy detective who holds a special insight power that allows him to uncover the real truth behind these occurances.

(Source: ANN)
Oct 3, 2007 to Mar 26, 2008 | 25 eps | Publishing

Kindan no Mokushiroku: Crystal Triangle

Kindan no Mokushiroku: Crystal Triangle

Kindan no Mokushiroku: Crystal Triangle

Jul 22, 1987 | 1 eps | Publishing

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei

Mar 25, 1987 | 1 eps | Publishing

Ribbon no Kishi

Ribbon no Kishi

Ribbon no Kishi

Princess Sapphire is a girl raised as a Prince. Through the mischief of an angel, the princess is born with both a girl's body and boy's mind. Since there is no boy successor in her kingdom, Sapphire is raised as a boy, but evil ministers try to reveal her secret. Unable to put up with the kind of vicious conduct prevailing in the kingdom, Sapphire disguises herself as "Princess Knight" and wields her sword of justice.

This is an animated version of the girls' manga featuring Sapphire's romance and adventure, which marked the first made-for-TV animated program geared towards girls in Japan.

(Source: Official site)
Apr 2, 1967 to Apr 7, 1968 | 52 eps | Publishing

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Specials

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Specials

Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Specials

Kindaichi and the gang are on their way to a hot spring, but get lost and end up at a run down and sinister hotel. They are told that a vampire used to live in the hotel way back. Someone even died (was found with bite marks on the neck).

Six years ago a girl was found in the cellar with bite marks on her neck, and the villagers killed her. When one of the guests is killed and Miyuki is attacked by a creature with fangs, it would seem like the vampire is still there...
Nov 12, 2007 to Nov 19, 2007 | 2 eps | Publishing

Luv Wave

Luv Wave

Luv Wave

Mar 31, 2000 to Oct 27, 2000 | 3 eps | Publishing