Back in February, the official "Detective Conan" team announced that Wakana Yamazaki, the beloved voice actress behind Ran Mouri for many years, would be taking a temporary hiatus from her activities due to health issues. The news had fans worried about her condition.
Tragically, her agency, Aoni Production, officially announced today (May 15) that Yamazaki passed away on April 18, 2026, at the age of 61. The agency expressed gratitude for all the support and care she received throughout her life. 
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Wakana Yamazaki had been the voice of the iconic heroine Ran Mouri since "Detective Conan" first aired in 1996. Her other notable roles included Atsuko Kagami in "Himitsu no Akko-chan," Ayane in "Dead or Alive," and Nijiko in "ONE PIECE."
Aoni Production's statement confirmed that Yamazaki, who had been undergoing medical treatment since her health issues were announced in February, succumbed to her illness. She passed away on April 18 at 61 years old, and her funeral was a private affair attended only by close family, respecting the wishes of her loved ones.
The official "Detective Conan" anime website also released a statement shortly after, sharing condolences from the production team and original creator Gosho Aoyama. The anime staff thanked her for her dedicated 30 years of voicing Ran Mouri and extended their deepest gratitude and prayers.
Gosho Aoyama himself shared his sorrow, stating, "It's truly heartbreaking that I'll never hear that gentle and comforting voice again."
The role of Ran Mouri will now be officially taken over by Akemi Okamura, who previously served as a substitute voice actress and is known for her roles as Nami in "One Piece" and Fio in "Porco Rosso." Wakana Yamazaki's final performance as Ran Mouri was in this year's theatrical release, "Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel of the Highway."
The sudden news has deeply affected her colleagues, with Kappei Yamaguchi (voice of Shinichi Kudo) and Naoko Matsui (voice of Sonoko Suzuki) both posting tributes. Their messages conveyed disbelief and heartfelt gratitude for over 30 years of friendship and shared work.
