Since its launch in January 1996, the beloved anime Detective Conan has continued to charm viewers of all ages. To commemorate its thirtieth anniversary, the Detective Conan TV Anime Thirtieth Anniversary Exhibition is now open at Tokyo Dome City’s Prism Hall in Bunkyō, running until March 29. The event offers fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the long-running series.
The anime follows high school sleuth Kudō Shin’ichi, who is transformed into a child by a shadowy organization and carries on his detective work under the name Edogawa Conan, Nippon reported.
With more than 1,000 episodes to date, the exhibition spotlights memorable scenes from throughout the show and features production materials seldom displayed publicly.
Series creator Aoyama Gōshō attended the opening ceremony, noting the evolution of his artwork. “The way I drew the characters at the beginning is quite different from how they appear now,” he said. “I hope visitors will enjoy seeing how the designs have changed over time.”
The exhibition is divided into five sections that trace the anime’s creation: Planning, Storyboarding, Animation, Voice Recording, and Theme Songs. Guests can look back on the series’ musical history through a chronological display of theme songs, snap photos with life-sized character figures, and explore content designed to delight devoted fans.
Exclusive features include a special screening and limited-edition merchandise available only at the venue. After closing in Tokyo, the exhibition will travel to 12 locations nationwide over the next year, including Tottori, Osaka, and Nagoya.
