By: A Fellow Anime Addict
Final Score: 9/10
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can solve crimes” – or can it?
At first glance, The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED feels like a high-concept, style-over-substance anime where a rich guy throws money at crimes until they vanish. But stick with it, and you’ll uncover a layered mystery-drama with real emotional gravity hidden behind the chrome-polished tech and lavish spending.
Watching this anime was a multi-stage experience for me:
- Stage One – Intrigued: Daisuke Kanbe’s introduction is unforgettable. He’s a mix of Tony Stark, Bruce Wayne, and an actual Bond villain, but somehow still a good guy. He crashes onto the screen in a flashy car, solves a case in five minutes, and literally buys a building to stop a criminal. I laughed. I was impressed. I was confused. And I needed more.
- Stage Two – Entertained: The first half of the series plays almost episodically. Daisuke and Haru get assigned oddball cases. Daisuke uses money and tech to bulldoze through obstacles, while Haru plays the voice of reason, often frustrated at how “justice” is being bought. I found their dynamic charming and surprisingly complex—especially Haru, who isn’t just a foil, but a man dealing with past trauma and a strong moral code. They clash not only in method, but in worldview.
- Stage Three – Invested: Around episode 6 or 7, the real plot kicks in. We peel back the flashy exterior to reveal Daisuke’s personal demons. A conspiracy tied to his powerful family, the mysterious death of his mother, and corporate corruption add emotional weight. I didn’t expect to care so much about Daisuke by this point—but the show made me. His stoic, arrogant persona slowly cracks, and it’s damn satisfying to watch.
Character Deep Dive
Daisuke Kanbe
Initially, Daisuke is hard to like. He’s cold, calculative, and clearly doesn’t care about rules. But what makes him fascinating is that he’s not doing this out of boredom or arrogance—he’s haunted. His obsession with control and efficiency stems from a childhood wrapped in loss, power, and secrets. The way he uses money isn’t just practical—it’s a shield. Watching his emotional growth is the best part of the show.
Haru Kato
Haru is the show’s moral compass and, in many ways, its emotional anchor. A former top detective with anger issues, he now works at a backwater department after a tragic misjudgment. He’s not just a foil for Daisuke—he represents the question the show keeps asking: What is justice, really? He wants the system to work the way it’s supposed to. Daisuke doesn’t trust the system at all. Their ideological tug-of-war is the show’s spine.
HEUSC (The AI)
Okay, real talk—HEUSC is my favorite non-human character of 2020. The AI assistant is both a narrative tool and a brilliant comedic device. HEUSC handles everything from background checks to drone strikes to…buying yachts. Its calm “Request approved” line is chef’s kiss every time.
Themes & Narrative Depth
1. Wealth vs. Justice
Daisuke can manipulate law enforcement, the government, and even public perception with his funds. Haru stands firm that justice should never be purchased. The tension between them asks: Is justice even achievable in a world where power is for sale? It’s not a new theme, but the anime tackles it in a fun yet thought-provoking way.
2. Trauma and Family Legacy
Beneath Daisuke’s cool exterior lies a tormented soul. His investigation into his mother’s mysterious death isn’t just about finding the truth—it’s about reclaiming control over a life orchestrated by others. The show doesn’t spell it out, but the psychological toll of being born into a dynasty, expected to uphold its secrets and lies, is subtly and effectively conveyed.
3. Technology and Surveillance
This anime imagines a Tokyo with incredible surveillance and predictive technology—drones, facial recognition, data triangulation in seconds. It paints a near-future where privacy is a myth and technology can prevent crime…but at what cost? The show never preaches, but it does ask the question: Is solving everything with machines really solving anything?
Visuals & Sound
The animation, provided by CloverWorks, is stunning. Every frame oozes modern Tokyo aesthetics—sleek, bright, expensive-looking. The car chases are fluid, Daisuke’s tech is rendered beautifully, and even the small moments, like reflections in windows or city lights at night, are crafted with love.
The soundtrack mixes jazz, synth, and electronic vibes. Composer Yugo Kanno (of Psycho-Pass fame) nailed the tone. The OP, “NAVIGATOR” by SixTONES, is energetic and smooth—absolutely perfect for this show. I still listen to it weekly.
Fun Facts You May Not Know
- Based on a classic novel: The original Fugō Keiji novel (1975) by Yasutaka Tsutsui was way more grounded. It didn’t have AI, drones, or nearly as much sass. Balance: UNLIMITED modernizes the premise for a tech-savvy audience.
- Easter Eggs: Daisuke’s wardrobe and tech are inspired by luxury brands—his car resembles an Aston Martin DB11 and his wardrobe mimics high-end fashion lines like Tom Ford. A lot of care went into making him look effortlessly rich.
- CloverWorks pedigree: This studio also worked on The Promised Neverland, Horimiya, and Wonder Egg Priority. Balance: UNLIMITED shows their flexibility—it’s cinematic and stylish without being overblown.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Whether you’re in it for the crime-solving, the eye candy, the philosophical debate, or just want to watch a man spend billions on solving petty theft, The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED is worth your time.
It’s stylish, smart, emotionally compelling, and surprisingly rewatchable.
If there’s ever a Season 2, I’ll be there Day One—with champagne in hand, in Daisuke’s spirit.