What does Columbo have to do with Ace Attorney?

Columbo, the 1970s detective show starring Peter Falk, is having a bit of a resurgence right now. But did you know that was previously a huge hit in Japan? Columbo references show up in all kinds of anime like Detective Conan and Lupin the 3rd... and in games like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. Detective Gumshoe is a pretty spot-on Columbo-alike, but how did this schlubby American detective get so popular in Japan, anyway? #Columbo #AceAttorney