Doberman Cop

Doberman Cop

Year: 1977

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

ActionCrime

Joji Kano, a hot‑headed detective from rural Okinawa, is dispatched to Tokyo to solve the brutal murder of an Okinawan woman. His investigation drags him into the city's seedy underworld of flesh‑peddling, corrupt talent agencies and organized crime, where he gradually uncovers a shocking truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Doberman Cop (1977)

Trace every key event in Doberman Cop (1977) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Discovery of Mayumi's remains in Shinjuku

The burned and unidentifiable remains of a young woman are found in a Shinjuku apartment. Objects at the scene hint at the name Mayumi Tamashiro, but the police suspect this may be a pseudonym used by Yuna Tamashiro, who has been missing for five years. The discovery triggers theories that a serial killer and arsonist are at work.

Shinjuku, Tokyo
2

Kano arrives to investigate the case

Kano, a visiting policeman from Ishigaki Island, begins his own inquiry and questions the official narrative. He quickly spots gaps in the theory and starts connecting Mayumi to Yuna’s long disappearance. His independent pursuit sets him against the local investigative line.

Shinjuku, Tokyo
3

Yuna's mother prophesies a future for Kano and Yuna

Kano speaks with Yuna's mother, a noro, who predicts that Kano and Yuna will marry. The encounter weaves a personal thread into the case and suggests a fated connection beyond mere investigation. Her words linger as Kano digs deeper.

Ishigaki Island
4

Kosode's fixation and care for Kano's pig

Kosode, a topless dancer, becomes infatuated with Kano and begins caring for his pet pig. Her attention adds a strange personal complication to Kano's pursuit of the truth. The odd bond hints at a larger network of relationships around the case.

Shinjuku
5

Kano rescues Miki Haruno from a hotel hostage situation

During a dangerous hostage situation at the top of a hotel, Kano uses ropes to rappel down the side and break through a window to save Miki Haruno. The dramatic rescue brings Kano into close contact with Miki and her perilous milieu. That same night he notices connections that deepen the mystery.

Hotel, Tokyo
6

Miki's performance and the photo discrepancy

Kano attends Miki Haruno's performance at the Lido club and is told that the photo of Yuna does not resemble Mayumi. This discrepancy hints that Mayumi's identity and Miki's past are entangled in a broader conspiracy. The reveal pushes Kano to probe Miki's origins further.

Lido Club, Tokyo
7

Chōei Mikawa's fan act and blackmail attempt

Chōei Mikawa impersonates a devoted fan and tries to blackmail Miki, claiming he knows Mayumi's secret. Club staff intervene and beat him, but Kano saves him, pulling him deeper into the case. The incident links Miki to a dangerous underworld web.

Lido Club, Tokyo
8

Miyoko attacked and Hidemori's bribery scheme exposed

Chōei's new girlfriend Miyoko is attacked by a masked man and killed, escalating the violence surrounding Mayumi/Miki. Chōei confronts Hidemori, who is revealed to be bribing judge Fujikawa to favor Miki, tying show-business manipulation to the murder.

Kawasaki / Tokyo area
9

Kano is arrested and escapes custody

Kano is arrested for killing Hidemori's men but escapes custody after Chōei tells him he has seen the real killer's face. The chase intensifies as Kano pursues the truth outside official channels. His escape marks a turning point in the investigation.

Police station, Tokyo
10

Chōei's murder and the killer's escape

Kano rushes to Chōei's apartment and finds Chōei murdered, with the killer slipping away. Kano pursues and corners the killer, killing him—revealing a corrupt officer in league with the real mastermind. The body count and betrayals push Kano toward a final showdown.

Chōei's apartment, Tokyo
11

A Star Is Born taping and Miki's drug injection

At the taping of A Star Is Born, Miki is too nervous to perform until Hidemori administers drugs to steady her. Kano pieces together the web of manipulation surrounding Mayumi's murder and Miki's ascent, linking performers, managers, and media alike. The scene heightens the stakes as the truth edges closer.

A Star Is Born set / backstage
12

Kano unveils the belt, exposes the plan, and final confrontation

Kano proves that Miki killed Mayumi with her own belt, which had been engraved with the name 'YUNA' to plant at the body. He reveals that Hidemori paid a yakuza to stage the crazed admirer incident for publicity. In a final confrontation, Kano uses a lucky bullet to shoot Hidemori through a door, ending his reign.

Hidemori's hideout / surrounding area
13

Encore and the ritual return to Ishigaki

Miki wins the competition and delivers an encore of her song 'My Memory' for the audience. Kano performs a traditional shell-throwing ritual, declaring that Yuna is truly dead, and he sets off to return to Ishigaki with his pet pig. The investigation closes as he heads home.

Lido Club / Ishigaki Island

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:27

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Doberman Cop Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Doberman Cop, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Doberman Cop Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Doberman Cop

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Doberman Cop

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