Yamazaki Wakana, Voice of Ran Mouri, Passes Away Peacefully
Yamazaki Wakana, the legendary voice actress behind Detective Conan's Ran Mouri, has died peacefully at 61 after receiving medical treatment. Voice actress Akemi Okamura will assume the iconic role going forward.
The anime community is devastated by the loss of legendary Japanese voice actress Yamazaki Wakana, the iconic voice of Ran Mouri from Detective Conan, who passed away peacefully at age 61. Her agency confirmed her death on April 18, with the official announcement made on May 15. Yamazaki Wakana became a household name among anime fans for her decades-long portrayal of Ran Mouri, the female lead in Detective Conan, establishing herself as one of the most distinctive voices in Japanese animation.
In February, she had announced through her agency that she was receiving medical treatment and would temporarily suspend all work on doctor's orders. Just two months later, the sad news of her passing shocked fans worldwide, who expressed their condolences through social media. Her agency has announced that Akemi Okamura, known for voicing Nami in One Piece, will take over the role of Ran Mouri going forward.
The official anime website stated that the team will inherit the spirit and dedication Yamazaki Wakana brought to the character and works, while thanking fans for their continued support and asking them to pray for her peaceful rest. Though she has passed, her voice will remain in the latest Detective Conan Movie 29: The Heavenly Angel Mystery (2026), currently in theaters, marking her final performance as Ran Mouri.
Born on March 21, 1965, Yamazaki Wakana had an extensive career beyond her iconic role as Ran Mouri. She voiced Ayane in the Dead or Alive game series and briefly portrayed Nami in the One Piece anime during episodes 70-78. She will be remembered as an important figure in Japanese voice acting whose contributions to anime will endure in the hearts of fans forever.