In the following bittersweet statement that’s got fans talking online, Wakana Yamazaki – adored as the voice behind Ran Mori in Detective Conan – announces she’ll be going on a health leave due to medical reasons.
This major update is perhaps an unusual one for one of anime’s longest-lasting roles and fans have been taking to the internet to share their excitement.
📢 A Voice in Healing From Veteran Reporter
Yamazaki, who played Ran Mouri — best known as Detective Conan’s childhood sweetheart and emotional center— since the anime’s start in 1996, has decided to take a break from all work at her doctor’s orders for health reasons. Her agency confirmed that she won’t resume work until she regains her strength.
For veteran followers, the news was bittersweet. Ran’s voice is instantly recognizable to viewers of all ages. But there has been an outpouring of love, support and hope — with fans expressing that they hope the giant recovers quickly and completely.
🎙️ Akemi Okamura to Step In
To ensure that the Detective Conan series remains in fluent production Akemi Okamura (Nami, One Piece) will be taking over temporarily as Ran M️ouri from the week airing on March 14, 2026.
Okamura is a venerable veteran with tons of voice acting under her belt, and she’s worked on some of the most beloved anime series ever.
💫 A Full Circle Moment: “Sisters” Have Their Doctor’s Latex Glove Trend on Social Media
What’s so poignant about this bit of news isn’t the casting change, it’s the story behind it.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans were soon aware of a special bond between Yamazaki and Okamura. Some years back, when Okamura was on maternity leave and Nami still featured in One Piece, it was Yamazaki who filled the void, for just a while giving voice to the cherished character.
The heartwarming history prompted “Sisters” to trend on the Internet as fans celebrated the real-life friendship that the two actresses share — who used to voice adoptive siblings Nojiko and Nami on One Piece. It’s understandably nostalgic, and now Okamura returns the gift working in for Yamazaki as Ran Mouri, almost like a life story where friendship pays it forward.
🎥 What This Means for the Future of Detective Conan
A spokesperson for the Detective Conan production team, however, said:
Yamazaki is scheduled to appear in the 2026 film Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel of the Highway, as she recorded everything for it before going on hiatus.
Okamura will also make his TV debut as Ran in mid-March.
The team will aspire to full recovery for Yamazaki and eventually her return, putting her health as the priority.
Support from fans and other voice actors has flooded in, highlighting how much Yamazaki means to the Detective Conan world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🟦 Why is Wakana Yamazaki on a break?
She is recovering while taking care of her health as per the doctor’s medical advices and will focus on recovery, temporarily taking a break from voice acting.
🟦 Who is Akemi Okamura?
Okamura is an accomplished voice actress known best for her portrayal of Nami on One Piece. She has filled to be Ran Mouri for Detective Conan in place of Yamazaki since his leave.
🟦 When does Akemi Okamura start voicing Ran?
Her role for is from the Detective Conan episode that aired on March 14, 2026.
🟦 Will Yamazaki ever show up in future Conan movies?
Yes! She finished recording the next theatrical release before going on her break.
🟦 Why have fans been referring to them as “Sisters”?
Yamazaki got Okamura’s back in One Piece, now Okamura does the same in Detective Conan. Their friendship in real life is similar to the sisterly roles they’ve taken on.
💬 Final Thoughts
This story, however, is about more than just a casting announcement: It’s a tale of friendship and respect — and the nurturing spirit of the world of anime. Although fans will no doubt miss Yamazaki’s recognizable voice in Detective Conan for the time being, the collective outpouring of love across fandoms reminds us all of just how much joy these performers bring to our lives.
Here’s to a prompt recovery for Wakana Yamazaki — and the “sisters” who keep inspiring us. 💛
Read …… Hell’s Paradise Season 2
About the Author
