One Piece Star Officially Assumes Historic 30-Year Role Following Tragic Passing

Akemi Okamura, the Japanese voice actor of Nami in One Piece, is officially assuming the role of Ran Mouri (Rachel Moore) in Detective Conan (Case Closed) following the tragic passing of her original voice actor, Wakana Yamazaki.

On May 15, 2026, it was publicly confirmed that Japanese voice actor Wakana Yamazaki had passed away at age 61. She initially passed away on April 18, 2026, but her death was only made public today by her agency, Aoni Production. Yamazaki was best known for playing Ran Mouri on Detective Conan from 1996 to 2026 (30 years).

An official cause of death has yet to be announced for Wakana Yamazaki. However, the legendary voice actor went on a medical hiatus on Feb. 16, 2026. Akemi Okamura assumed the role of Ran Mori in Detective Conan Episode 1193. In 2001, Yamazaki temporarily took over the role of Nami in Episodes 70-78 of One Piece, while Okamura was on maternity leave.

Wakana Yamazaki, Voice Actor of Ran Mouri in Detective Conan, Dies at 61

Detective Conan‘s official anime website released a statement about the sudden loss of Wakana Yamazaki.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, who played the role of Ran Mouri in Detective Conan for approximately 30 years since the start of the television series in 1996,” the official statement reads. “The entire production staff of Detective Conan expresses its deepest gratitude to Wakana Yamazaki for her tremendous efforts and contributions over many years, and offers its heartfelt prayers for her soul to rest in peace.”

Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan, also released a statement about Yamazaki’s tragic death.

“It is so sad that we will no longer be able to hear that gentle, comforting voice that was always there for us…,” Aoyama said. “Regarding the role of Ran Mouri going forward, Akemi Okamura will continue to play the role, with respect for the character that Wakana Yamazaki nurtured so carefully.”

“The entire production staff will cherish and carry on the legacy and aspirations that Wakana Yamazaki instilled in her work. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who have so warmly supported us over the years. Once again, we pray that Wakana Yamazaki may rest in peace.”

Naoko Matsui, the voice of Sonoko Suzuki (Serena Sebastian) in Detective Conan, also shared an emotional message regarding the loss of her colleague on X (formerly Twitter).

“Ran… I’ll be your friend for life, okay?” Matsui said on X, referring to the friendship between their characters in Detective Conan. “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. Thank you, Kazu-chan.”

Although Wakana Yamazaki left the TV production of Detective Conan in February, she’s still credited in the series’ latest theatrical outing, Detective Conan: Fallen Angel. The 29th film in the Detective Conan series now features Yamazaki’s final vocal performance as Ran.

Rest in Peace, Wakana Yamazaki.