Wakana Yamazaki, Voice of Detective Conan's Ran Mouri for 30 Years, Dies at 61

Wakana Yamazaki, the veteran voice actress best known for bringing Detective Conan heroine Ran Mouri to life since 1996, died on April 18 at the age of 61. Her agency, Aoni Production, publicly confirmed the news on May 15.

A Career Defined by Ran Mouri

Yamazaki had voiced Ran Mouri the fierce, loyal martial artist and Conan's emotional anchor for nearly 30 years across the long-running Detective Conan television anime and its theatrical films. Born on March 21 in Kanagawa Prefecture, she joined the cast at the series' inception and became inseparable from the role. Her warm, resolute performance helped shape one of the most recognizable female characters in anime history, accompanying Detective Conan through more than a thousand episodes and dozens of feature films.

Beyond Detective Conan, Yamazaki built a varied career. She voiced Nojiko in One Piece, and when Akemi Okamura took maternity leave in 2001, Yamazaki temporarily stepped into the role of Nami for episodes 70 through 78. She also lent her voice to Ayane across the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden game franchises, earning recognition from developer Team Ninja for her long-running contributions.

Health and Transition

Yamazaki had suspended her voice acting activities in February 2026 while undergoing medical treatment. A specific cause of death has not been disclosed. With Yamazaki stepping away from the microphone, Akemi Okamura herself a beloved presence in the anime world as One Piece's Nami began voicing Ran Mouri starting March 14 and will continue in the role going forward.

Notably, the currently-screening theatrical feature Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway still features Yamazaki's original performance as Ran, making the film one of the final recorded works audiences will hear in her voice.

Tributes from Colleagues and Creators

Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama issued a heartfelt tribute following the announcement. "The gentle voice that was always there beside us, so comforting and reassuring to hear the thought that we'll never hear it again is incredibly sad," Aoyama wrote. His words reflected the deep bond between author and performer that had sustained the franchise for three decades.

Voice actress Naoko Matsui, who plays Ran's best friend Sonoko Suzuki, also shared an emotional farewell. Matsui wrote that the two characters would always remain best friends and addressed Yamazaki directly, blurring the line between their on-screen bond and the real friendship behind it. Team Ninja similarly honored Yamazaki's lengthy contributions to their fighting-game franchises.

A Legacy That Endures

Wakana Yamazaki's passing leaves a profound gap in the anime industry, but her three-decade tenure as Ran Mouri ensures her voice will remain part of Detective Conan's identity for generations. With Akemi Okamura now carrying the role forward, the franchise continues shaped indelibly by the actress who defined its heart for nearly 30 years.