by The long-running TV anime Detective Conan is marking a major milestone with a very special broadcast.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the anime, Episode 1187, titled “Episode ‘ZERO’: Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Incident,” will air as a one-hour special on January 3 at 4:30 p.m. on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV.
This commemorative episode takes viewers back to a crucial moment just before Shinichi Kudo became the child detective Conan Edogawa, offering a rare look at the “scarlet high school detective” in his prime.
What Is “Episode ‘ZERO’: Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Incident”?
This anniversary special is a brand-new original story created to honor three decades of Detective Conan. It focuses on Shinichi Kudo, before the fateful incident that caused him to be poisoned by the Black Organization and transformed into Conan Edogawa.
Set shortly before that turning point, the episode explores:
- Shinichi’s sharp deductive skills
- His relationship with Ran Mouri
- The hidden events that quietly lead to the series’ beginning
For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic return to Shinichi’s original form. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry point that clearly shows why he was feared and admired as a genius detective.
Story Summary (Beginner-Friendly)
Before Shinichi and Ran officially begin dating, the two visit Beika Aquarium to scout a location for a heartfelt plan known as the “Aquarium Surprise Reunion Love Revival Plan.” Their goal is to help reconcile Ran’s estranged parents, Kogoro and Eri.
What begins as a lighthearted outing quickly turns serious.
Amid the lively crowd, Shinichi senses something amiss. A faint smell of blood triggers his instincts, and he rushes to the scene. Using his keen observation and reasoning, Shinichi pieces together the truth behind the incident—showcasing the full brilliance of the detective he once was.
But the mystery doesn’t end there.
Beyond the case itself lies another hidden “investigation”, one that subtly connects to the tragic events that will soon change Shinichi’s life forever. This layered storytelling adds emotional weight and foreshadowing, making the episode far more than a simple standalone mystery.
Why This Episode Is Special for the 30th Anniversary
1. A Rare Focus on Shinichi Before Conan
Most episodes center on Conan Edogawa. This special places the spotlight firmly on Shinichi Kudo, reminding viewers why he was already legendary before his transformation.
2. Nostalgia Meets Modern Storytelling
The episode blends classic Detective Conan atmosphere with modern animation techniques, paying tribute to the early years of the series while maintaining the polished quality fans expect today.
3. Emotional Context for the Series’ Beginning
By depicting events that occur immediately before Shinichi’s downfall, the episode adds new emotional depth to the origin of Detective Conan—without contradicting established canon.
A Brief Introduction to Detective Conan
Detective Conan is based on the manga by Gosho Aoyama, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (Shogakukan). The series began its TV broadcast in January 1996 and has since become one of Japan’s most iconic mystery franchises.
The story follows Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is poisoned by a secret criminal organization and transformed into a child. Under the alias Conan Edogawa, he continues solving cases while secretly pursuing the truth behind the organization that ruined his life.
Over 30 years, the series has expanded into:
- More than 1,000 TV episodes
- Numerous theatrical films
- Specials, spin-offs, and global releases
Perfect for Longtime Fans and New Viewers Alike
- Longtime fans will appreciate the callbacks, foreshadowing, and character depth.
- New viewers can enjoy the episode as a standalone detective drama without prior knowledge.
This balance makes Episode ‘ZERO’ an ideal anniversary celebration—and a smart way to introduce the franchise to a new generation.
Broadcast Information at a Glance
- Title: Episode ‘ZERO’: Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Incident
- Series: Detective Conan
- Episode Number: 1187
- Broadcast Date & Time: January 3, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
- Network: Yomiuri TV / Nippon TV
- Format: 1-hour special
Final Thoughts
With “Episode ‘ZERO’: Shinichi Kudo Aquarium Incident,” Detective Conan delivers a fitting tribute to its 30-year legacy. By revisiting the moment just before everything changed, the series reminds us why Shinichi Kudo became a legend—and why Detective Conan continues to captivate audiences decades later.
Whether you’ve followed Conan since childhood or are curious to see where it all began, this anniversary special is not to be missed.
