Japanese voice actor Wakana Yamazaki, best known as the voice behind Ran Mori in the long-running anime series Detective Conan, passes away on April 18, 2026.
She is 61 years old.
News of her death is confirmed by her talent agency, Aoni Production, in an official statement posted on its website on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Aoni Production reveals that Yamazaki had been undergoing treatment prior to her passing.
"Our affiliated actor, Wakana Yamazaki (61), had been undergoing medical treatment for some time; however, despite all efforts, she passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.
"We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness and support she received during her lifetime and hereby respectfully inform you of her passing."
The agency also explains that funeral arrangements were kept private, as requested by Yamazaki's family.
"Please note that the wake and funeral services were held privately, attended only by close relatives, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family. We kindly ask for your understanding."
Three months earlier, in February 2026, Aoni Production announced that Yamazaki would be taking a hiatus to focus on treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.
Wakana Yamazaki's Famous Works
Yamazaki, who hailed from Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, became widely known for bringing to life one of the central characters in Detective Conan.
<>She voiced Ran Mori for nearly 30 years.
Her performance became an integral part of the series’ enduring success not just in Japan but around the world.
Her portrayal of Ran earned her a loyal following among anime fans, with many crediting her voice work for shaping the emotional depth of the long-running franchise.
Through her decades-long career, Yamazaki left a lasting mark on the Japanese animation industry.
Beyond Detective Conan, she showcased her versatility by lending her voice to several other well-known anime characters, including Meiko Akizuki in Marmalade Boy (series and film), Ruri-Hime in Mononoke, Koan in Sailor Moon R, and Nene in Samurai Warriors.
She also voiced Nojiko in One Piece and appeared in the film One Piece Film: Strong World.
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