The highly anticipated 29th Detective Conan anime film has been officially teased, confirming that it will center on the Kanagawa Prefectural Police assistant inspector, Chihaya Hagiwara, and is slated for release during Japan’s Golden Week in 2026. The announcement, made on Sunday, August 31, 2025, also revealed that Miyuki Sawashiro will take over the role of Chihaya, replacing the late Atsuko Tanaka.
The news follows a post-credits tease for the character at the end of the 28th film, Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback, which premiered in Japan on April 18, 2025. The upcoming film is set to be a significant entry, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Detective Conan anime.
Chihaya Hagiwara Takes Center Stage
For the 29th installment, Chihaya Hagiwara, a prominent figure in the Detective Conan universe, will be a main protagonist alongside Conan Edogawa, Ran Mouri, and Jugo Yokomizo. This marks Ran Mouri’s first time as a main character in 19 years, a role she last held in Jolly Roger in the Deep Azure. Chihaya, an assistant inspector and leader of the Kanagawa Prefectural Police’s motorcycle division, is known for her sharp investigative skills and her connection to the late Kenji Hagiwara, her younger brother. She made her proper debut in the manga in File 1073 and has since become a character respected by Conan for her perceptive nature and ability to see through his “Sleeping Kogoro” trick. Her personality is characterized by kindness, a deep trust in Conan, and a sometimes aggressive, reckless driving style, reminiscent of her late brother. The film is reportedly set in Kanagawa Prefecture, Chihaya’s operational base.
Miyuki Sawashiro Steps In as Voice Actress
The role of Chihaya Hagiwara will see a change in voice talent, with veteran voice actress Miyuki Sawashiro assuming the character. Sawashiro, known for her diverse roles across numerous anime, games, and dubbing projects, replaces the late Atsuko Tanaka. This transition ensures the character’s continuity with a respected voice in the industry.
What the Teaser Reveals
A “super teaser trailer” released for the 29th film offers a glimpse into its premise. The short video features Miyuki Sawashiro’s voice, with Chihaya Hagiwara asking a poignant question: “What was it that you wanted to say that day?” The visual accompaniment includes falling feathers that are subsequently scorched by flame, hinting at a potentially intense and emotionally charged narrative. The teaser also features a bomb countdown, suggesting a high-stakes mystery that could revisit themes from past cases, such as “The Trembling Police Headquarters: 12 Million Hostages.”
A Look Back at Recent Detective Conan Film Successes
The Detective Conan film franchise continues to demonstrate immense popularity both in Japan and globally. The 28th film, Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback, had a record-breaking opening, becoming Japan’s second highest-grossing release of 2025 and the second highest-grossing Case Closed film of all time, earning over ¥14.66 billion (approximately US$99.8 million) domestically. Its predecessor, the 27th film, Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram, released on April 12, 2024, also achieved significant success, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2024 and the highest-grossing Case Closed film of all time, with worldwide gross surpassing ¥15 billion (estimated US$150 million). These successes set a high bar for the upcoming 29th installment.
Anticipation Builds for the 30th Anniversary Feature
The selection of Chihaya Hagiwara as a central figure, coupled with Ran Mouri’s prominent role, signals a fresh direction for the Detective Conan cinematic universe. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the film will delve deeper into Chihaya’s character, her past, particularly her connection to her late brother Kenji Hagiwara, and her interactions with the established cast. The film’s setting in Kanagawa Prefecture also promises to introduce new locales and investigative challenges for Conan and the police. The release during Golden Week 2026 will undoubtedly be a major cinematic event for Detective Conan enthusiasts worldwide.
