The voice actress went on medical hiatus in February.
Japanese talent agency Aoni Productions announced on 15 May, that beloved voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, known for her long-standing role of Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan anime franchise, has sadly passed away. She died on 18 April, 2026. Although she was undergoing treatment for her medical condition, it was unfortunately ineffective, and she passed away at the age of 61. Her wake and funeral services were held privately by her family.
Who was Wakana Yamazaki?
Born on 21 March, 1965, Wakana Yamazaki was an actress, voice actress, and narrator. She is best known for her role as Ran Mōri in the Detective Conan anime series and movies. She voiced Ran Mōri for almost 30 years, before going on a hiatus for a medical condition in February 2026. Akemi Okamura (Nami in One Piece) took over her role in the recent episodes starting 14 March. However, it has been confirmed that she will permanently voice Ran Mōri after Yamazaki passed away.
Other than Ran Mōri, Yamazaki’s other memorable roles include Ayane in Dead or Alive, Kōan in Sailor Moon R, Bisshu in Dragon Ball GT, Monica in Trigun, Risa Kageyama in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Nojiko in One Piece (she also voiced Nami in episodes 70-78), Suzuna in InuYasha, and Nene in Samurai Warriors.
Naoko Matsui, who voices Sonoko Suzuki in the Detective Conan franchise wrote a memorial post which states (machine translated):
“Ran... I'll be your friend for life, okay?”
Everyone, it's okay. Take a deep breath.
Ran and Sonoko have always been best friends forever
And of course, they'll stay that way forever.
Detective Conan’s creator Gosho Aoyama is saddened that he will never get to hear Yamazaki’s “gentle voice” again.
Voice actor Mitsuki Saiga also shared a memorial message stating (machine translated):
I recall the times I visited Conan's studio; she spoke with such a bright smile and cheerful voice. I pray for Ms. Yamazaki's eternal rest.
Wakana Yamazaki’s voice as Ran Mōri can still be heard in the currently-screening Detective Conan movie, titled Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway. Her death is a great loss to the anime industry, which mourns her deeply.