A brand-new one-hour special for the Detective Conan anime, titled “Detective Conan Episode ‘ZERO’ Kudo Shinichi Aquarium Case,” is set to premiere in January 2026 on the Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV network. This highly anticipated broadcast will kick off the anime’s 30th-anniversary year, delving into a critical period just before high school detective Shinichi Kudo is transformed into Conan Edogawa.
The special promises to offer fans a unique look at Shinichi’s abilities and his relationship with Ran Mouri prior to the events that launched the long-running series. It forms a central part of the broader “Detective Conan 30 YEAR PROJECT” celebrating three decades of the popular franchise.
Unveiling the “Kudo Shinichi Aquarium Case” Plot
The “Episode ‘ZERO'” special will transport viewers back to a pivotal moment in Shinichi Kudo’s life, before his fateful encounter with the Black Organization that led to his shrinking. The narrative centers around Shinichi and his childhood friend Ran Mouri as they visit Beika Aquarium. Their seemingly innocent outing has a deeper purpose: to execute the “Aquarium Surprise Reunion Love Revival Operation,” a plan concocted to help reconcile Ran’s estranged parents, Kogoro Mouri and Eri Kisaki.
However, a typical day quickly turns into a crime scene, a common occurrence in Shinichi’s world. Shinichi, with his extraordinary deductive senses, detects an unusual tension and the scent of blood, immediately suspecting a murder has occurred. He directs Ran to alert staff before employing his sharp intellect and all his senses to pinpoint the crime scene and identify the culprit. This intricate deduction drama is teased as a crucial “reconnaissance” connected to the day that irrevocably changed his life.
Celebrating 30 Years of Detective Conan
The upcoming “Episode ‘ZERO'” special serves as a major highlight for the “Detective Conan 30 YEAR PROJECT,” which officially commenced in January 2026, marking three decades since the anime first aired in January 1996. The comprehensive anniversary celebration includes various initiatives, such as a newly revealed commemorative logo and a special video, with further details expected to be announced on a dedicated anniversary website.
To commemorate the special’s announcement and its prequel nature, a key visual has been released. It beautifully captures Shinichi and Ran enjoying their time at the aquarium, underscoring the innocent and emotional closeness they shared before their relationship faced the dramatic challenges brought on by Shinichi’s transformation. This visual is slated for display at the Yomiuri TV booth during the Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair 2025 (Kyomafu) on September 20 and 21.
The Franchise’s Enduring Legacy
Detective Conan, known as Case Closed in some regions, has maintained immense popularity globally since its manga debut in 1994 and its anime adaptation in 1996. The series follows Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who, after being poisoned by a mysterious criminal syndicate, is shrunk into a child’s body. Adopting the alias Conan Edogawa, he lives with Ran Mouri and her private detective father, Kogoro Mouri, secretly solving cases and hunting for the organization responsible for his condition.
The anime has surpassed 1000 episodes and continues to deliver complex mysteries and compelling character development. The franchise also consistently releases theatrical films, with the 29th Detective Conan movie scheduled for Golden Week in 2026, further solidifying its presence in the anime landscape.
Differentiating “Episode Zero” from “Zero’s Tea Time”
It’s important for fans to note that this new “Episode ‘ZERO'” special, which focuses on Shinichi Kudo’s pre-Conan detective work, is distinct from the Detective Conan: Zero’s Tea Time spin-off. Zero’s Tea Time is a separate manga and anime series that centers on the daily lives and multiple identities of the character Toru Amuro, also known as Rei Furuya, a public security agent, private detective, and café worker. While both share the “Zero” nomenclature, they explore different facets of the Detective Conan universe and its expansive cast of characters.
