Detective Conan's 29th Film Opens in Japan on April 10 With New Lead

The Detective Conan film franchise continues its annual tradition with its 29th entry. Detective Conan: Highway no Datenshi, which translates to Fallen Angel of the Highway, opens in Japanese theaters on April 10. Directed by Katsuya Shigehara with a screenplay by Takeharu Sakurai, the film introduces a new central character who ties into one of the franchise's most beloved storylines.

A New Central Character

The film centers on Chihaya Hagiwara, a member of the Kanagawa Prefectural Police who leads its motorcycle division. Chihaya is the sister of Kenji Hagiwara, a fan-favorite character from the Police Academy arc who died in the line of duty during a bomb disposal operation. Miyuki Sawashiro voices Chihaya, stepping into a role that was originally associated with the late voice actress Atsuko Tanaka.

The film's key visual features Conan alongside Chihaya, Inspector Jugo Yokomizo, teenage detective Masumi Sera, Kenji Hagiwara, and his Police Academy classmate Jinpei Matsuda. The presence of both deceased characters in the visual suggests the story will involve flashbacks or parallel narratives connecting Chihaya's present-day case to her brother's past. The Police Academy storyline has been one of the franchise's most emotionally resonant threads, and this film appears to extend that legacy.

Box Office Expectations

Detective Conan films are perennial box office titans in Japan. The franchise has dominated the Japanese spring box office for decades, consistently outperforming most domestic and international competition during its release window. Last year's entry, One-eyed Flashback, earned approximately 14.66 billion yen, roughly equivalent to $97 million, becoming Japan's 18th highest-grossing film of all time and setting a new franchise record.

Highway no Datenshi is expected to perform in a similar range. The franchise's box office has trended upward in recent years, with each new film surpassing or matching its predecessor. The Hagiwara family connection and motorcycle-themed action sequences could draw an even broader audience than usual.

International Release

No international theatrical release has been announced yet. Previous Conan films have received limited theatrical runs in select Asian markets, typically months after their Japanese debut. Streaming availability outside Japan usually follows six to twelve months later.

The Detective Conan franchise remains one of the most reliable annual events in Japanese cinema. With nearly three decades of films behind it and a fan base that spans multiple generations, Highway no Datenshi is positioned to continue the series' remarkable box office consistency. The motorcycle-themed action and Hagiwara family storyline bring fresh elements that could attract viewers beyond the franchise's core detective-mystery audience.