Description: Is LaSalle Ishii returning as Ryotsu? The confirmed Japanese cast, fan concerns about the trailer and what remains familiar in the new KochiKame.
Answer: Fukushi Ochiai is the new Japanese voice of Kankichi Ryotsu. The 2027 anime Shin Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo replaces the voice associated with the 1996–2004 television series, LaSalle Ishii. The cast and a trailer featuring the new voices were announced on September 5, 2026.
Who else has been recast?
Fuji TV confirms Shota Aoi as Keiichi Nakagawa, M・A・O as Reiko Akimoto and Yorimitsu Sakamoto as Daijiro Ohara. All four central police-box characters have new Japanese actors. The series celebrates 50 years of Osamu Akimoto's manga and is scheduled for Japanese television in 2027. An exact premiere date has not yet been supplied. Ochiai says he earned the part through an audition; that does not explain every internal casting decision.
Why are longtime fans worried?
Ryotsu is more than a loud cop. He sells ridiculous business schemes with complete confidence, scrambles for excuses when Ohara catches him and sees Nakagawa's wealth as an invitation to trouble. Ishii's delivery became part of those jokes. In a September 5 Reddit trailer discussion, a viewer who watched the old anime as a teenager said they were excited yet uncomfortable with the new Ryotsu and Nakagawa voices. They also praised aspects of the other performances and music. Another commenter missed Ishii. These are identifiable reactions, not a poll of the entire fandom.
Can the new show retain the original's energy?
Akitaro Daichi directs, Gallop animates and Toshihiko Sahashi provides music. Creator Osamu Akimoto said the new voices made the lively police-box crew feel back together. That is encouraging feedback, not a review of episodes that have yet to air. A trailer lets viewers compare timbres; full episodes will reveal whether Ryotsu's scheme, Nakagawa's involvement and Ohara's furious response still build into one escalating joke.
Verdict: a new voice, an old talent for chaos
Ochiai's Ryotsu is confirmed for 2027. Fans can miss Ishii and still give the new cast room to find its rhythm. Kameari's real emergency begins whenever Ryotsu announces another brilliant way to get rich.
Sources / 出典（2026-10-25）: Fuji TV, Crunchyroll News, Reddit fan discussion.
