Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback, the 28th film in the beloved anime franchise, has achieved phenomenal success in Japan, captivating audiences and climbing the ranks of all-time highest-grossing films. Released on April 18, 2025, this thrilling installment has not only broken franchise records but has also secured a place among the top cinematic achievements in Japanese history. As of June 16, 2025, the film has officially become the #19 highest-grossing film of all time in Japan.
A Box Office Phenomenon
Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback has taken the Japanese box office by storm, surpassing numerous milestones and setting new benchmarks for the franchise. Here’s a detailed look at its impressive performance:
- Opening Weekend Record: The film earned a staggering 3,438,626,700 yen (approximately $24.41 million USD) during its opening weekend, attracting 2,314,690 viewers. This marked a new opening-weekend record for the Detective Conan franchise, surpassing the previous record set by “Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram.”
- Number One Film: It quickly became the number one film at the Japanese box office, dethroning “Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” which had held the top spot since its release on March 7, 2025.
- Fastest to ¥10 Billion: “One-Eyed Flashback” reached the ¥10 billion (approximately $72.9 million USD) milestone in just 19 days, making it the fastest film in the franchise to achieve this feat.
- Second Highest-Grossing Film: As of June 16, 2025, the film has grossed over ¥13.98 billion (approximately $97.1 million USD) with over 9.65 million admissions. It now stands as the second highest-grossing film in the Detective Conan series, only behind “The Million-Dollar Pentagram” (¥15.8 billion / $109.7 million USD).
- All-Time Ranking: The film’s impressive earnings have propelled it to the #19 spot on the list of all-time highest-grossing movies in Japan, surpassing “Detective Conan: Kurogane no Submarine” (Iron Submarine), the 26th film in the series, which is now at #20.
- Continued Success: Even in its eighth weekend, “One-Eyed Flashback” maintained a strong presence, ranking fourth at the Japanese box office and adding 223 million yen (approximately $1.54 million USD) to its total earnings.
Storyline and Characters
“Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback” weaves a complex and engaging mystery set against the backdrop of Japan’s snowy Nagano Prefecture. The film brings together familiar faces and introduces new challenges, offering a compelling narrative for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Inspector Yamato Kansuke of the Nagano Prefectural Police, who, ten months prior to the film’s events, was critically injured during the pursuit of a suspect. Shot near his left eye and caught in an avalanche, Yamato was presumed dead but miraculously survived, albeit with an injured eye and memory loss.
In the present day, Yamato and Detective Yui Uehara investigate a break-in at the Nobeyama radio observatory. Simultaneously, Kogoro Mouri is contacted by a former colleague, leading him and Conan Edogawa into a web of interconnected events. The activation of the radio dish triggers mysterious throbbing in Yamato’s damaged eye, and gunshots further complicate the situation.
The film intricately connects these seemingly unrelated events through “memories long buried,” bringing together Kogoro and Yamato in a compelling psychological thriller.
Key Characters
- Conan Edogawa: The brilliant teenage detective trapped in a child’s body, Conan continues to solve mysteries with his sharp intellect and unwavering determination.
- Kogoro Mouri: The often-bumbling private detective and Ran’s father, Kogoro steps into the spotlight in this film, showcasing his skills and emotional depth.
- Ran Mouri: Conan’s childhood friend and love interest, Ran plays a crucial role in gathering information and supporting Conan throughout the investigation.
- Yamato Kansuke: The inspector from the Nagano Prefectural Police, Yamato’s past trauma and present investigation are central to the film’s plot.
- Yui Uehara: A detective working alongside Yamato, Yui’s relationship with Yamato adds emotional layers to the story.
Production Details
“Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback” is a collaborative effort of talented individuals:
- Director: Katsuya Shigehara, making his feature directorial debut, brings a fresh perspective to the franchise.
- Writer: Takeharu Sakurai, a veteran writer of various Detective Conan films, crafts a compelling and intricate script.
- Music: Yugo Kanno, a renowned composer, creates a captivating soundtrack that enhances the film’s atmosphere.
- Animation Studio: TMS/1st Studio, known for their high-quality animation, brings the characters and story to life.
- Distribution: Toho, a major film distributor in Japan, ensures the film reaches a wide audience.
- Theme Song: King Gnu performs the theme song “Twilight!!!”, adding to the film’s emotional resonance.
Reception and Impact
“Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback” has been met with positive reviews and enthusiastic reactions from fans and critics alike. The film has been praised for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning animation.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have lauded the film for its ability to balance thrilling mystery elements with emotional character development. The focus on Kogoro Mouri, in particular, has been praised for humanizing a character often relegated to comic relief.
Fan Reactions
Longtime fans of the Detective Conan series have expressed their satisfaction with the film, noting its adherence to the franchise’s core elements while also offering fresh and exciting twists. The film’s emotional depth and focus on character relationships have resonated deeply with audiences.
Cultural Impact
Like many Detective Conan films, “One-Eyed Flashback” features real-life locations that have become popular tourist spots for fans of the series. The film’s setting in Nagano Prefecture has drawn attention to the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Future Prospects
With its continued success at the Japanese box office and positive reception from audiences, “Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback” is poised to become one of the most beloved and enduring installments in the franchise. Its ranking as the #19 highest-grossing film of all time in Japan is a testament to its quality and appeal.
As the Detective Conan series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, “One-Eyed Flashback” stands as a shining example of the franchise’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to its roots.
