The latest installment in the Detective Conan anime film franchise, Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback, has achieved a remarkable feat, climbing to the 19th position in the all-time box office rankings in Japan. This incredible success underscores the enduring popularity of the series and its ability to captivate audiences with its thrilling mysteries and beloved characters.
A Box Office Phenomenon
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback has not only become a commercial triumph but has also solidified its place as a significant cultural event in Japan. The film’s journey to the top has been marked by numerous milestones, demonstrating its widespread appeal and strong performance in theaters across the country.
Opening Weekend Success
The film was released on April 18, 2025, across 522 theaters—the widest release in the history of the Detective Conan film series. Its opening weekend was nothing short of spectacular, grossing ¥3.43 billion ($24.1 million USD) from 2.31 million admissions. This impressive start set a new record for the franchise, surpassing the previous best held by Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram, which earned $23.5 million (¥3.35 billion) during its opening weekend in April 2024.
Continued Dominance
Following its record-breaking opening, One-Eyed Flashback maintained a strong presence at the box office, holding the number one position for five consecutive weekends. This sustained success is a testament to the film’s quality and the strong fan base of the Detective Conan series. Even when faced with competition from major Hollywood releases, the film continued to perform admirably, securing the second-place spot before eventually settling into the top five.
Climbing the Ranks
As of June 16, 2025, Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback has grossed over 13.9 billion yen, with audience numbers exceeding 9.65 million. This outstanding performance has propelled it to 19th place in the all-time box office rankings in Japan, surpassing the record of Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, which was released in 2023. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the franchise, further cementing its legacy in Japanese cinema.
Storyline and Setting
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback takes place in the snowy mountains of Nagano Prefecture, a picturesque setting that adds to the film’s mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story revolves around a series of mysterious events and murders that connect Kogoro Mouri and Yamato Kansuke, a Nagano Prefectural Police officer.
Synopsis
The film weaves together two seemingly unrelated storylines:
- Yamato Kansuke’s Past: While pursuing a “certain man” in the snowy mountains, Kansuke is caught in an avalanche after a bullet grazes his left eye. Ten months later, he miraculously survives and investigates an attack on a researcher at Nobeyama Observatory.
- Kogoro’s Investigation: Kogoro and Conan meet a former colleague from the Metropolitan Police Department to discuss the avalanche accident. However, their meeting is interrupted by a gunshot, leading them into a new mystery.
The film explores the “sleeping memories” that link these two investigations, creating a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns. The snowy landscapes of Nagano Prefecture serve as a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama, enhancing the sense of intrigue and suspense.
Production Details
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback is the 28th film in the Case Closed series, based on the manga by Gosho Aoyama. The film is directed by Katsuya Shigehara, marking his feature directorial debut. The screenplay is written by Takeharu Sakurai, a veteran writer of several previous Detective Conan films.
Key Personnel
- Director: Katsuya Shigehara
- Screenwriter: Takeharu Sakurai
- Original Creator: Gosho Aoyama
Wide Release
The film’s release in 522 theaters across Japan was the widest in the history of the Detective Conan film series, indicating the high expectations and anticipation surrounding the project. This extensive release ensured that a large audience could experience the film on the big screen, contributing to its box office success.
Impact and Reception
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback has garnered positive reactions from both critics and audiences, praised for its engaging storyline, stunning animation, and well-developed characters. The film’s success is not only a testament to its quality but also to the enduring appeal of the Detective Conan franchise.
Tourist Destinations
Like many Conan films, One-Eyed Flashback features real-life locations that have become popular tourist spots for fans of the series. The snowy Nagano Prefecture and the Nobeyama Observatory have attracted visitors eager to experience the settings of the film firsthand, boosting local tourism and economies.
Franchise Legacy
The film’s performance has further solidified Detective Conan‘s position as one of Japan’s most beloved and successful anime franchises. With each new installment, the series continues to captivate audiences and break box office records, demonstrating its lasting impact on Japanese popular culture.
Other Films in the Japanese Box Office
While Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback has achieved remarkable success, other films have also made their mark in the Japanese box office:
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: This Hollywood blockbuster briefly dethroned One-Eyed Flashback from the top spot, showcasing the impact of international releases in Japan.
- JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie: This compilation film from the JUJUTSU KAISEN anime franchise has also performed well, highlighting the popularity of the series.
- Doraemon The Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales: Released earlier in the year, this film in the Doraemon franchise held the top spot before being surpassed by Detective Conan.
These films, along with others, contribute to the vibrant and competitive landscape of the Japanese box office, where both domestic and international productions vie for audience attention.
Future Prospects
The success of Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback sets a high bar for future installments in the franchise. With its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and beloved characters, the film has resonated with audiences and critics alike. As the series continues to evolve, it is poised to maintain its position as a leading force in Japanese animation and cinema.
Continued Growth
The Detective Conan franchise has consistently demonstrated its ability to attract new fans while retaining its loyal following. This ongoing growth is fueled by the quality of the films, the engaging mysteries, and the relatable characters that have become cultural icons. As the series expands into new media and explores different storylines, it is likely to continue its successful run in the years to come.
International Appeal
In addition to its domestic success, Detective Conan has also gained a significant following in international markets. The series’ universal themes of mystery, friendship, and justice resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a global phenomenon. As the franchise expands its reach, it is poised to attract even more fans and achieve greater success on the international stage.
Conclusion
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback‘s rise to become the 19th highest-grossing film in Japan is a remarkable achievement that reflects the enduring appeal of the Detective Conan franchise. With its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and well-developed characters, the film has captured the hearts of audiences and solidified its place in Japanese cinematic history. As the series continues to evolve, it is poised to maintain its position as a leading force in Japanese animation and cinema, captivating audiences for years to come.
