Voice actress Wakana Yamazaki, known for playing Ran Mouri in Detective Conan, died on April 18 due to an illness. She was 61 years old. A funeral service was held by her close relatives.

Her talent agency Aoni Production announced in February that she would temporarily put her activities on hold to undergo medical treatment.

Yamazaki was born in Kanagawa prefecture in 1965, making her voice acting debut in 1990. In 1996, she began voicing Ran Mouri, the protagonist's childhood friend and heroine in the television anime Detective Conan, a role she maintained for three decades.

Throughout her career, Yamazaki also voiced Meiko Akizuki in Marmalade Boy, Cooan in Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R, and Nene in the Sengoku Musou franchise. She also lent her voice to Nojiko in One Piece, reprising the character in One Piece Film: Strong World as well as the Episode of East Blue and Episode of Nami television specials.

Following the news of her passing, the production staff of Detective Conan and original manga creator Goushou Aoyama released memorial statements on the anime's official website. The staff expressed their deep gratitude for Yamazaki's immense dedication and contributions to the series for nearly three decades. "It is so sad that I can no longer hear that comfortable, reassuring, and gentle voice that was always naturally by our side," Aoyama expressed.

The production staff also confirmed that voice actress Akemi Okamura, who had been filling in for the role since March 14, will permanently succeed Yamazaki as the voice of Ran Mouri moving forward.

For her contributions to the industry, Yamazaki received the Kei Tomiyama and Kazue Takahashi Award at the 19th Seiyuu Awards, sharing the honor with fellow voice actor Souichirou Hoshi. The award recognizes individuals who have actively worked to promote the voice acting profession across various media platforms.

Source: Mainichi Shimbun, Oricon News