manga
City Hunter
Shinjuku itself, drawn as itself, for a series enormous in France and Italy.
City Hunter is set in the real **Shinjuku** and draws it as itself — the east exit crowds, the skyscraper district, Shinjuku Central Park and the Metropolitan Government building. The series is enormous in France and Italy, where it aired as Nicky Larson and has had live-action remakes, and comparatively little known to English-speaking fans. One thing to be clear about: the **message board at the station east exit**, where clients leave "XYZ", has been revived several times as a promotion tied to film releases, but it is **not permanently installed**. Do not travel expecting to find it.
Choose a district
Where in Japan?
Pick a city and we show you what is there for City Hunter — the places, and what is on while you visit.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Common questions
Is the XYZ message board still at Shinjuku?
No. It has been revived several times as a promotion tied to film releases, but it is not permanently installed. Do not travel expecting to find it.
What can I actually see?
The district itself — the east exit crowds, the skyscraper district west of the station, the Metropolitan Government building and Shinjuku Central Park below it.
Why is it so popular in Europe?
It aired in France as Nicky Larson and became a staple there and in Italy, with live-action remakes. English-speaking fans mostly missed it.