The long-running anime Detective Conan is officially in the midst of its 30th anniversary celebrations, commemorating three decades since the series first aired on January 8, 1996. As part of the franchise’s TV & Movie 30YEAR PROJECT, organizers have unveiled a series of 2026 events and initiatives that honor the beloved mystery anime’s history and cultural impact.
30YEAR PROJECT: A Banner Anniversary Initiative
To mark the milestone, Detective Conan launched the “TV & Movie 30YEAR PROJECT”, a major anniversary campaign that includes a commemorative logo and promotional material celebrating the series’ longevity and global reach. The project was first teased in 2025 and builds toward a full year of special activities in 2026.
Special TV Programming
As part of the 30th anniversary festivities, a special one-hour TV episode titled Episode “ZERO” – The Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Incident, which serves as a prequel to the main story, aired in January 2026 with renewed interest from fans. The special revisits beloved characters Shinichi Kudo and Ran Mouri in a standalone mystery, offering nostalgic yet fresh storytelling.
30th Anniversary Exhibition: National Tour Begins in February 2026
One of the centerpiece events of the anniversary celebration is the 30th Anniversary TV Anime “Detective Conan” Exhibition, which opened on February 20, 2026, at Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall. Running through March 29, 2026, the exhibition offers fans a chance to explore three decades of production history, including original artwork, behind-the-scenes material, and iconic moments from the series.
Visitors can learn about how episodes are made—from initial character designs and color art to animated scenes and music—making it an immersive experience for both longtime supporters and new fans of the franchise. After its Tokyo run, the exhibition is scheduled to tour major cities across Japan, bringing Detective Conan’s history to audiences nationwide.
Anniversary Merchandise and Music Releases
In addition to exhibitions and specials, the 30th anniversary celebration includes commemorative merchandise releases, such as the Detective Conan Theme Song Collection being issued on vinyl LP format for the first time on February 18, 2026. This release invites fans to revisit classic theme music that has accompanied the series across its 30-year broadcast history.
Continuing the Celebration
While many activities are already underway or concluded before January 27, 2026, the 30YEAR PROJECT continues to roll out throughout the calendar year with additional exhibition stops and fan engagement opportunities in cities like Tottori, Osaka, Yokohama, and others, making 2026 a year of celebration for Detective Conan fans across Japan and beyond.
Fans are encouraged to follow official channels for updated schedules and announcements as the anniversary tour progresses into later months.
DETECTIVE CONAN CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY
