Tokyo celebrated a milestone for one of Japan’s most beloved cultural exports on February 19 as Gosho Aoyama, creator of Detective Conan (Case Closed), took the stage at Tokyo Dome City’s Prism Hall for the opening ceremony of the TV anime’s 30th anniversary exhibition. In a moment that delighted fans, Aoyama reacted with surprise when a behind-the-scenes secret—kept quiet for nearly three decades—was unveiled on stage.
A behind-the-scenes twist, 30 years in the making
Sharing the spotlight with singer Mai Kuraki and voice actors Minami Takayama (voice of Conan Edogawa) and Kappei Yamaguchi (voice of Shinichi Kudo), Aoyama learned for the first time that the anime’s first two TV episodes were recorded in reverse order during production. Takayama explained that the team flipped the recording for Episodes 1 and 2 to lock in Conan’s character from the outset. Aoyama, visibly amused and astonished, blurted, “I didn’t know that. I was tricked!”—a candid reaction that underscored how even the series’ creator can still be surprised by the craft of anime-making.
Yamaguchi added that while voicing Shinichi—who shares an identity with Conan—he always kept in mind that “Detective Conan is Conan’s story,” and aimed to let a touch of Conan’s essence inform Shinichi’s delivery. Takayama also recalled a formative on-screen moment: Conan’s very first, quietly shocked “Eh?” after being transformed into a child—an understated line that became iconic for fans worldwide.
Why this matters: craft, continuity, and Japan’s soft power
Detective Conan began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 1994 and has since become the magazine’s longest-running series, surpassing 1,000 chapters in 2017. The TV anime launched in 1996, followed by annual theatrical films from 1997 onward. The franchise’s meticulous storytelling, consistent character work, and deft balance of mystery and heart have made it a pillar of Japan’s pop-culture landscape and a touchstone for international audiences discovering anime.
Japan’s animation industry is renowned for its attention to detail and collaborative production culture. The revelation about swapping the order of early episode recordings is a window into that process: a pragmatic decision meant to secure character clarity for a premiere that would set the tone for decades. It also highlights a hallmark of Japanese content creation—quiet ingenuity that prioritizes narrative precision and audience experience.
Inside the 30th anniversary exhibition
Running from February 20 to March 29 at Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall, the anniversary exhibition invites visitors to trace the anime’s creative journey “from plan to theme song.” Themed zones guide guests through production stages—story development, artwork and coloring, character animation, voice recording, and music—revealing how sketches become scenes and how voices and songs bring the world of Conan to life. Fans can also revisit celebrated moments from the series and watch a special exhibition film curated for the event. Costumed appearances by Conan and Ran added a festive touch at the ceremony, while franchise icon Kaito Kid features prominently in visuals. The event was hosted by Nippon TV announcer Erika Tokushima.
Planning a visit: a pop-culture stop in central Tokyo
Prism Hall sits within Tokyo Dome City, a lively entertainment complex in Bunkyo Ward, easily reached from Suidobashi and Korakuen stations. For overseas visitors and residents alike, it’s a convenient, family-friendly excursion that pairs well with nearby attractions. While most materials are in Japanese, the exhibition’s visual storytelling and multimedia displays make it broadly accessible, and staff are accustomed to welcoming international fans.
What’s next for Conan
Closing the ceremony, Aoyama promised more twists ahead: “I’m still thinking up plenty of fun ideas, and the mysteries will continue to be solved—please look forward to it.” For a franchise that helped introduce millions to Japanese anime, the message is clear: Detective Conan remains very much alive, evolving with the same care and craft that made it a global ambassador for Japan’s creativity. As the 30th anniversary unfolds, Tokyo once again proves why it is a world capital of pop culture, where fans can experience the making of legends up close.
