Detective Conan Exhibition Report: 30 Years of Anime History Condensed With an Exclusive Original Story Screening

The Detective Conan Exhibition marks the 30th anniversary of the TV anime with an immersive showcase of its history, creative process, and an exclusive original story available only at the venue. Titled the Broadcast 30th Anniversary TV Anime Detective Conan Exhibition, the event opens today at Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall, following a special press preview.

A Grand Entrance Celebrating 30 Years

At the entrance, Edogawa Conan and 30 characters welcome visitors in newly illustrated, glamorous anniversary outfits created specifically for this exhibition. The lineup immediately draws fans into photo sessions, setting the tone for a comprehensive experience that feels impossible to take in all at once.

The introduction area features a compilation of the iconic opening narration scene familiar to anime viewers for three decades. The display brings together 30 years of the famous line, The appearance of a child and the intellect of an adult. His name is Detective Conan. Presented against a nostalgic backdrop reminiscent of classic cathode ray tube televisions, the exhibit conveys the long history of the series.

Exploring the Creative Process Behind the Anime

Section 1 Planning showcases character design sheets and background art settings. It also introduces key points that original manga creator Gosho Aoyama values when designing characters, along with recommended tricks from the director. Detailed miniature models, including the Mouri Detective Agency, have been recreated from actual production materials. Visitors are encouraged to look closely, as Aoyama’s question and answer displays and flat laid materials inside glass cases are arranged throughout the space.

Section 2 Storyboards fills an entire wall with actual storyboards used in the anime. The sheer volume created over 30 years becomes tangible, with famous scenes from each character highlighted while additional storyboard sketches appear throughout the background.

Section 3 Animation focuses on color and motion, two essential elements in anime production. Here, visitors can observe Conan’s movements frame by frame, visually experiencing the transition from monochrome line art to fully colored animation as the character comes to life.

Section 4 Voice Recording highlights the process of bringing characters to life through performance. Visitors can compare Conan’s expressions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, and read congratulatory messages from the voice cast.

Section 5 Theme Songs spotlights one of the defining features of the TV series. CD jackets from across the years are displayed alongside a chronological timeline. Signed comments from artists such as Mai Kuraki and Bz are also featured.

Memorial Scenes and Exclusive Anniversary Content

The Special Memorial Scenes area allows visitors to revisit memorable moments and iconic character scenes in chronological order from the anime’s 1996 debut. Original scene cuts and storyboards are generously displayed. Life size figures of Shinichi Kudo with Ran Mouri and Heiji Hattori with Kazuha Toyama are installed for commemorative photos. For the most immersive shot with Shinichi and Ran, taking the photo slightly from above to align eye levels is recommended.

Toward the end of the exhibition, the Thanks Theater screens a special movie created exclusively for the event. This original story, available only at the exhibition, features characters dressed in newly illustrated anniversary outfits celebrating 30 years in full Detective Conan style.

Visitors may also spot the familiar silhouette of the culprit peeking in from unexpected places. Additional areas include a showcase of past NEXT CONANS HINT segments and behind the scenes materials detailing the production of the special exhibition movie.

An audio guide enhances the experience, allowing visitors to hear the voices of Edogawa Conan, Kaito Kid, and others while touring the venue. Approximately 70 original merchandise items are available, including goods featuring 31 newly illustrated characters and products using valuable intermediate production materials such as line art.

About Detective Conan

Detective Conan follows high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who is forced to ingest a mysterious poison by men in black and transforms into a child. Taking the alias Edogawa Conan, he solves numerous difficult cases while pursuing the black clad organization.

The original manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 1994 and surpassed 1000 chapters in 2017, making it the longest running serialized work in the magazine’s history. The TV anime premiered in 1996, followed by the theatrical film series in 1997, and continues to this day. The exhibition runs through March 29 and will also tour nationwide.

Source : ORICON NEWS