Ninth Step Station

Lore & Background

After China invades Japan, Tokyo is divided between American and Chinese control, creating a fragile balance of power. Emma Higashi, an American Peacekeeper, is assigned to work with Miyako Koreda of the Tokyo Police to warm international relations. Though initially incompatible, they develop a friendship while investigating crimes. Throughout the first season, tensions arise between organized crime syndicates, the Chinese government, American peacekeeping forces, the Japanese government, and Japanese Resistance fighters opposed to foreign occupation. These groups fight for control of a divided Tokyo, leaving Emma and Miyako caught in the crossfire. As the political system deteriorates, high-ranking politicians are assassinated and China invades Tokyo's buffer zones, sparking outright war.

Reader's Guide

Ninth Step Station received praise for the realism and political complexity of its setting, with comparisons to the division of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The use of drone technology, body modification, and advanced forensic technology was noted for its present-day social relevance. The series was also praised for its high-quality sound design and narration. Some reviewers found the overarching narrative compelling but criticized the simplicity of individual criminal cases. Other reviews highlighted the complex issues explored, including misogyny, colonialism, and racism. The series was first released in March 2019 and has been renewed for a second season.

Did You Know?

• The series is set in a Tokyo divided between American and Chinese control after a Chinese invasion.
• The main characters are American Peacekeeper Emma Higashi and Japanese investigator Miyako Koreda.
• The series was published by Serial Box and written by four authors: Malka Older, Fran Wilde, Jacqueline Koyanagi, and Curtis C. Chen.
• The first season was released in March 2019 and the production has been renewed for a second season.