- Chief Inspector Japp
Detective Chief Inspector James Japp is a
fictional character ofScotland Yard appearing in many ofAgatha Christie 's novels and stories aboutHercule Poirot .Japp in Christie's work
Like those of Miss Lemon and
Arthur Hastings , the role of Inspector Japp in Poirot's career has been exaggerated by adaptations of Christie's original novels; specifically by the TV series "Agatha Christie's Poirot ", where these characters are often introduced into stories that did not originally feature them. Japp's career in the Poirot novels extends into the 1930s but, like Hastings, he disappeared from Christie's writing thereafter. A police officer somewhat similar in character (Superintendent Spence) was introduced as a significant recurring character in the later Poirot novels.Characteristics
James Japp, while being a serviceable
detective , is no match for Poirot; he frequently finds himself a step behind the great detective but has developed a grudging respect for the man's abilities over their years together. Japp and Hastings often commiserate on their confusion and inability to keep up with Poirot on cases.Portrayals on Film and TV
The role of Japp is played by Philip Jackson in the British TV series "
Agatha Christie's Poirot ", whereHercule Poirot 's character is played byDavid Suchet . It is interesting to note that before Suchet took on the role of Poirot, he had previously played Japp himself in the 1985 film "Thirteen at Dinner", wherePeter Ustinov filled Poirot'spatent leather shoes. Philip Jackson also plays Japp alongside John Moffat's Poirot in an ongoing series ofBBC Radio adaptations, produced contemporaneously with the Suchet TV series.In the Japanese
anime series "Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple " (NHK ,2004 ), Japp was renamed Nihongo|Inspector Sharp|シャープ警部|Shaapu-kebu.
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