The Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur features eight interactive zones, each designed to captivate fans and newcomers alike. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
The Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition, which launched in Kuala Lumpur last week, marks three decades of mystery, adventure, and iconic characters from Japanese manga artist Gosho Aoyama’s beloved series.
Running until Feb 16, 2025, at Pavilion Bukit Jalil (Pink Zone), this touring showcase from Japan invites fans to relive pivotal moments through interactive zones, exclusive exhibits, and rare behind-the-scenes insights into the series' creation.
In Malaysia, the Detective Conan series has a loyal fanbase, with his manga and anime works readily available in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese.
Detective Conan follows the story of Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant teenage detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned by a mysterious crime syndicate. Adopting the alias "Conan Edogawa", he solves complex cases while secretly working to expose the organisation and reclaim his original body.
The show features nearly 100 exhibits, including real-life props and original comic strips from the series. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
The exhibition in Kuala Lumpur offers fans an informative and fun journey through the evolution of Detective Conan, charting his origins, unforgettable adventures, and the thrilling cases that have shaped his enduring legacy.
It serves as both a nostalgic tribute for long-time followers and an engaging introduction for newer audiences, weaving together the character’s history with the series’ broader cultural impact (with a Netflix spin-off series in 2022 and a new upcoming anime movie set for next year).
In KL, the exhibition offers eight interactive zones, a pop-up cafe, and a merchandise area, where visitors can "solve mysteries" alongside their favourite characters and explore Conan Edogawa’s ingenious crime-solving gadgets.
Here are five highlights to look out for in the Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Exhibition.
A visitor looks for the clues in the 'crime-solving' section of the exhibition. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
Conan's crime solving
This section highlights Conan Edogawa's crime-solving methods, showcasing iconic tools such as the "bowtie voice changer", tracking glasses, and turbo skateboard. Visitors can pore through detailed recreations of memorable cases, exploring the clues and twists that define Conan's sharp deductive skills. Interactive displays (every exhibition needs them!) allow fans to engage with some of Conan's most famous deductions, offering a hands-on experience of his world.
Conan's love interest
Love is in the air! This section explores the relationship between Shinichi Kudo (Conan's true identity) and Ran Mouri, his childhood friend and love interest. Through cute moments and iconic scenes, fans can trace their bond, which endures despite Shinichi's transformation and secrets. Here, visitors will treated to visual narratives, love letters, and key exchanges that have shaped their relationship over the years. Couples can also enjoy taking photos at the colourful backdrops available.
A tribute section to manga artist Gosho Aoyama allows visitors to learn more about Detective Conan's backstory and behind-the-scenes concept art. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
Gosho Aoyama tribute
This section pays homage to Gosho, the creator of Detective Conan, celebrating his artistic journey through a recreation of his studio and workspace. Fans can explore a showcase of original sketches, behind-the-scenes concept art, and a timeline of his illustrious career. With a video interview display and fun facts about the manga artist, the exhibit traces his inspirations and how he developed the world of Detective Conan, offering "clues" about his storytelling process.
Visitors can explore The Detective Conan universe on the big screen at the Theatre Room. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
Theatre Room
The Theatre Room offers a cinematic experience where fans can watch exclusive content from the Detective Conan universe. This immersive space provides a chance to relive Conan's most gripping cases on the big screen where visitors can enjoy the storytelling that has captivated fans for decades. With special commentary and previously unseen footage, it’s a must-visit area for those who want a deep dive into the series.
Wall of Conan's Hannin
Conan's Hannin refers to the criminals or bad guys in the Detective Conan series. This section leads visitors into the dark side of the series by showcasing the diverse array of criminals Conan encounters. These individuals are often at the centre of the cases, ranging from cunning masterminds to those committing crimes driven by desperation or personal motives.
