The character of Sherlock Holmes has been done and redone through out the decades. The master of observation has faced supernatural foes and even portrayed as a cartoon dog. The things that make Holmes remarkable are not his profession, but rather his keen eye for details. In Holmes of Kyoto, the character is not a detective, but an antique dealer.
Holmes and Zen Master Hakuin
Aoi Mashiro just needed money. She came to the antique shop to sell a possession of her grandfather. On her visit she meets Kiyotaka Yagashira, a member of the family he owns the shop. Yagashira is nicknamed “Holmes” because he can tell if an antique is real or fake. Aoi will get a job at the store and she and “Holmes” will find themselves solving mysteries attached to the very items they come in contact with.
Kiyotaka is a perfect substitute for the famous detective. His skills are second to none, but he has a harder time dealing with the people who bring him his cases. Aoi is equally as good as the “Watson” character. So many versions have Watson as incompetent and a fool. Holmes saw that Watson had the talent, much like Kiyotaka sees that Aoi will make a good antique dealer.
The Lost Dragon
The mysteries of Kyoto are not of the murder type of variety. This is a small town, so the mysterious have more to do with an inheritance or a fake piece of art. These is another thing of the Holmes mystique that also works. Homes and Watson did not spend all of their time on murders. Some of the best stories were about simple matters. This focus on more mundane crimes make them see more real.
The show just started in July and you can catch up on Crunchyroll as the new episodes come out. This mystery show is well worth your time as the crimes and the crime solvers are very realistic. My only question is that since Kiyotaka has the nickname of Holmes, does this mean that Sherlock Holmes exists in this reality.
