Detective Conan, the beloved anime mystery series, is gearing up for an expansive 30th-anniversary celebration in January 2026, highlighted by two significant television specials: a prequel titled “Episode ‘ZERO’ The Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Case” and a separate, original two-hour special, marking the first of its kind in ten years. Fans have already received a glimpse of the “Episode Zero” special through a newly released trailer, building anticipation for the upcoming festivities.
Commemorating Three Decades of Deduction
The 30th anniversary of Detective Conan on January 8, 2026, will be a landmark event for the series, which has captivated audiences worldwide for three decades. TMS Entertainment has unveiled a series of initiatives to honor this milestone, including special episode releases and collaborations.
“Episode ‘ZERO’ The Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Case”: A Prequel One-Hour Special
The special drawing immediate attention is the one-hour “Episode ‘ZERO’ The Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Case” (Meitantei Conan Episode “ZERO” Kudō Shinichi Suizokukan Jihen). Set to premiere on January 3, 2026, and streaming on Crunchyroll, this special offers a nostalgic dive into the past, exploring events before high school detective Shinichi Kudo was transformed into Conan Edogawa.
The narrative follows Shinichi and Ran Mōri as they visit an aquarium with the intention of devising a plan to reconcile Ran’s separated parents, Kogoro Mōri and Eri Kisaki. However, their outing takes a dramatic turn when a murder occurs, thrusting Shinichi into action to unravel the mystery. This special is based on the events depicted in manga chapters 882-884 and previously adapted in anime episodes 772-773. The recently streamed trailer provides fans with a glimpse into this critical prequel story, showcasing Shinichi’s brilliant deductive skills before his fateful encounter with the Black Organization.
The First Original 2-Hour Special in a Decade: “Murder Case No. 30”
In a separate, equally exciting announcement, Detective Conan will also receive its first two-hour television special in ten years. Titled “Murder Case No. 30,” this special will feature a completely original story, deviating from existing manga or anime plots. This marks a significant return to extended original content, with the last two-hour special being “Episode One: The Great Detective Turned Small,” which aired in 2016 and retold the series’ first episode with new material.
The script for “Murder Case No. 30” is penned by Takeharu Sakurai, known for his work on Detective Conan films such as One-Eyed Flashback and Black Iron Submarine. While a broadcast date for this highly anticipated two-hour special has yet to be announced, its production signifies a major event for the franchise’s loyal fanbase.
Broader Anniversary Celebrations and Collaborations
Beyond these two significant specials, the 30th anniversary will encompass a range of other celebratory projects. These include collaborative episodes with Japan’s J.League and the annual Japan International Birdman Rally. Additionally, renowned singer Mai Kuraki will contribute a new ending theme, “TOWA ~Ride the Wind Forever~,” for the TV anime, continuing her long-standing musical association with the series. Crunchyroll and Netflix will also feature curated collections of episodes, including “Rivals of the Great Detective,” with new English dubs, further expanding accessibility for international fans.
The confluence of a detailed prequel, a groundbreaking original two-hour special, and various other initiatives ensures that the 30th anniversary of Detective Conan will be a memorable event for both longtime enthusiasts and new viewers alike.
