Pocke & the Lost-and-Found Detectives
Koharu raising her star magnifying glass in a sunset hillside town, with Pocke, Ayame, Taiga, Kanata and the shadow of Phantom Thief Midnight

Pocke &the Lost-and-Found Detectives

When the 5 o'clock chime rings, lost things begin to speak.

📖 Start reading Episode 1 Characters

Story

Tsukimizaka is a little hillside town by the sea. Fifth-grader Koharu Hoshikawa is a true genius at forgetting things — something different every single day.

One evening, as the town's sunset chime rings out at 5 o'clock, Koharu hears a tiny voice: "...So cold. Somebody, please find me..."

Following the voice to the top of the hill, she discovers a mysterious red-brick building that holds a hundred years of lost things: the Lost-and-Found Hall. There she meets Pocke, the spirit of a single red mitten.

Koharu can hear the voices of lost things. Together with proud honor student Ayame, her easily-scared childhood friend Taiga, and the mysterious new transfer student Kanata, she takes on Phantom Thief Midnight, who steals people's most precious memories. Who is the thief behind the mask? The cozy, magical case files of the Lost-and-Found Detectives begin!

Characters

Who's your favorite?

Koharu Hoshikawa Heroine, 5th grader Koharu Hoshikawa “Leave that lost thing to me — I'll bring it home!”

A cheerful, big-hearted "genius of forgetting." She forgets her own things all the time, but she's the first to notice when someone has lost a feeling. During the 5 o'clock twilight, she can hear lost things speak. Loves roasted sweet potatoes and the melon bread from her family's bakery.

Pocke Mitten spirit Pocke “Leave it to me-pock!”

A palm-sized spirit born from a single red mitten. Greedy for snacks, a little cheeky, and quick to cry. When Pocke slips onto Koharu's left hand, she can see the glowing "threads of memory" that lead to a lost thing's owner. Pocke is always searching for its missing other half.

Ayame Kujo Class president, the brains Ayame Kujo “Evidence never lies.”

A perfectionist honor student with a sharp tongue and a soft heart. Never without her detective notebook and fountain pen. Where Koharu sees with her heart, Ayame sees with her head. Secretly adores cute things (she silently screamed the first time she saw Pocke) and is terrified of ghosts.

Taiga Inukai Childhood friend, soccer kid Taiga Inukai “Leave it to me! ...W-WAAAH, IT'S HERE!”

Koharu's loud, big-hearted childhood friend. His nose is as good as a dog's — he can guess the school lunch menu from the hallway. He's scared of anything spooky, but he's always the first to run in when a friend needs him.

Kanata Yomi Mysterious transfer student Kanata Yomi “...Whatever.”

A quiet, cool transfer student with silver hair. He carries an antique silver pocket watch stopped at exactly 5 o'clock. He's only gentle with little kids and cats — and for some reason, he can't ride a bike. No one knows his secret.

Phantom Thief Midnight Mysterious thief Phantom Thief Midnight “Your memory is mine tonight.”

A phantom thief who appears at twilight and steals people's most precious memories, turning them into black glass marbles. Strangely, he always leaves behind a clue for getting them back. Who is he — and why?

Shiori Keeper of the Lost-and-Found Hall Shiori “Oh my, what a lovely guest.”

The keeper of the Lost-and-Found Hall, where a hundred years of lost things sleep. She wears a Taisho-era kimono and hakama with a ring of brass keys at her waist. Gentle and dreamy, but sometimes startlingly sharp. Loves tea and sweets.

Episodes (12 in all)

Each episode takes about 15–20 minutes to read.

  1. Episode 1 The Sunset Chime and the Talking Mitten A tiny voice at the 5 o'clock chime leads Koharu to a mysterious hall on the hilltop — and to Pocke, a red mitten spirit. 16 min read
  2. Episode 2 The Transfer Student and the Stopped Watch The day silver-haired Kanata transfers in, Phantom Thief Midnight sends a calling card. His target: Ms. Mori's most precious memory. 13 min read
  3. Episode 3 Ayame's Detective Notebook The class money has vanished — and Koharu is the prime suspect! Ayame's logic and the voices of lost things uncover the truth. 13 min read
  4. Episode 4 Taiga and Grandpa's Ball Taiga lost the signed soccer ball his grandpa gave him. The only clue leads to the one place he fears most: the Haunted Tunnel. 12 min read
  5. Episode 5 The Single Boot on a Rainy Day On a cold rainy day, a little girl cries over a lost rain boot. And for some reason, quiet Kanata tags along. 14 min read
  6. Episode 6 Ayame's Birthday and the Vanished Promise Midnight's next target is Ayame's mother's memory. To save a birthday promise, the detectives race to the hospital at night! 14 min read
  7. Episode 7 The True Face of Phantom Thief Midnight A single silver hair left in Koharu's hand. On the sunset hilltop, she comes face to face with the truth. 12 min read
  8. Episode 8 The Secret of the Lost-and-Found Hall A story from a station a hundred years ago, and a basement sealed with chains. What is the lonely shadow hiding in the hall? 12 min read
  9. Episode 9 The School Play and the Star Lantern As the curtain rises on "The Snow Queen," the whole town's memories are in danger. Everyone's feelings transform the star magnifying glass! 14 min read
  10. Episode 10 No One Remembers Kanata The next morning, Kanata's desk is gone. Only Koharu and Pocke remember him... 13 min read
  11. Episode 11 Into the Land of Twilight A land of forgotten things where the sunset never ends. Koharu goes to bring someone precious home. 12 min read
  12. Episode 12 That Mitten, I'll Always Remember Five years ago, at the winter festival, at 5 o'clock — the most important promise Koharu forgot. The detectives' final case. 15 min read

FAQ

What age is it for?

It's written for kids around 8 and up, and fun for the whole family.

Is it free?

Yes! All 12 episodes are free to read, no sign-up needed.

Which languages are available?

The Japanese original plus English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean, Spanish, French and Portuguese versions are being published.

Will it become an anime?

This is an original story written as source material for an anime series.

Enjoyed it? Cheer on the author!

"Pocke & the Lost-and-Found Detectives" is an original story that anyone can read for free. You can send a message of support or a fan letter through OFUSE. Your support helps bring new episodes and illustrations to life.

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