Shinichi Kudō Returns: Detective Conan Prequel Special Confirmed for January 3 Debut

The world of Detective Conan (Case Closed) is set to revisit its origins as the franchise prepares to celebrate its monumental 30th anniversary. Fans can mark their calendars for January 3, when the highly anticipated one-hour special, 'Detective Conan Episode ZERO: Shinichi Kudō Aquarium Incident,' makes its debut. This landmark episode serves as a crucial prequel, winding the clock back to explore the formative moments of the prodigious high school detective, Shinichi Kudō, right before the mysterious event that transforms him into the diminutive Conan Edogawa.

The narrative of 'Episode ZERO' unfolds just prior to the main series timeline. Audiences will follow Shinichi and Ran Mōri during a seemingly innocent trip to an aquarium. While the initial goal of their visit is heartwarming—to strategize a reunion for Ran’s famously estranged parents, detective Kogoro Mōri and lawyer Eri Kisaki—the outing quickly spirals into a high-stakes investigation. A sudden murder shatters the peaceful environment, providing Shinichi with the perfect stage to demonstrate the brilliant deductive reasoning skills that would eventually define his career. The special is guaranteed to deliver a gripping mystery while simultaneously providing deeply nostalgic Easter eggs that directly lead up to the series' foundational "fateful day."

Beyond the mystery, the broadcast acts as a grand tribute to three decades of animated excellence. Creator Gōshō Aoyama himself will join the celebration, alongside the iconic voice actors: Minami Takayama (Conan), Kappei Yamaguchi (Shinichi Kudō), and Wakana Yamazaki (Ran Mōri). This stellar panel will share cherished memories and insights into the show’s legendary theme songs, adding a profound, personal dimension to the anniversary milestone.

Since its launch on January 8, 1996, the Detective Conan anime has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Japanese animation, boasting a staggering run of over 1,100 episodes. To further honor this landmark achievement, TMS Entertainment has curated an exclusive streaming collection titled 'Conan vs. The Black Organization.' This carefully selected group of episodes, now available on Crunchyroll and Netflix, features both the original Japanese audio and a brand-new English dub, crucially offering selections never before accessible to U.S. audiences. With its unique focus on Shinichi's pre-Conan life, its thrilling premise, and extensive anniversary content, 'Episode ZERO' is positioned as an absolute must-see event for the global fanbase.