Wakana Yamazaki, the Voice of Ran Mōri in Detective Conan, Passes Away at 61

The anime world was shaken today by very sad news. Master artist Wakana Yamazaki, who gave voice to Ran Mōri, one of the most important characters in the Detective Conan (Meitantei Conan) series, has passed away at the age of 61. In an official statement released by her agency Aoni Production, it was stated that Yamazaki passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, due to an illness she had been battling for some time. The news of the artist's passing was shared with the public on May 15, after the funeral ceremony was completed at the request of her family.

Having voiced the character Ran Mōri since 1996, Yamazaki was considered the heart and emotional anchor of the series. Throughout her nearly 30-year career, the artist did not limit herself to Detective Conan; she also brought unforgettable characters to life such as Meiko Akizuki in Marmalade Boy, Koan in Sailor Moon R, and Ayane in the popular fighting game series Dead or Alive. Additionally, she voiced Nami's sister Nojiko in the One Piece series and also stepped up to the microphone temporarily for the character of Nami for a period.

Following Yamazaki's break from her duties in February 2026 due to health issues, the role of Ran Mōri was taken over by another legendary name, Akemi Okamura. Okamura, whom One Piece fans know closely from the character Nami, had a long-standing friendship with Yamazaki. In fact, when Okamura went on maternity leave in 2001, Yamazaki temporarily voiced the character of Nami; the reversal of roles years later became a sad but meaningful coincidence for fans. Detective Conan e