Okay, Detective Conan fans, can we just take a moment to freak out? The 28th movie in our favorite mystery franchise, Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback (Meitantei Conan: Sekigan no Furasshubakku in Japan), has smashed through ¥10 billion (about $70 million USD) at the box office in just 19 days since its April 18, 2025, release. That’s right—19 days! As someone who’s been obsessed with Conan’s gadget-filled detective adventures since forever, I’m both stunned and totally unsurprised that this snowy Nagano thriller is breaking records. Here’s why One-eyed Flashback is a big deal and why I’m already planning my rewatch.
A Box Office Beast
According to Anime News Network, One-eyed Flashback racked up ¥10.03 billion and sold 6.97 million tickets by May 6, 2025, making it the third Detective Conan film in a row to hit the ¥10 billion mark. It’s trailing just behind 2023’s Black Iron Submarine (¥13.88 billion) and 2024’s The Million-dollar Pentagram (¥15.8 billion), which was Japan’s top-grossing movie last year. This thing came out swinging, earning ¥3.44 billion in its first three days—beating Pentagram’s ¥3.35 billion for the franchise’s best opening weekend ever.
By day 12, it was already at ¥7.44 billion, and Japan’s Golden Week holiday (late April to early May) sent it into overdrive. I mean, ¥736 million in one day? That’s the kind of cash flow that screams “everyone and their grandma went to see Conan.” I’m honestly wondering if it could catch The Million-dollar Pentagram and become the franchise’s biggest hit yet.
What’s Got Everyone Hooked?
So, what’s the deal with One-eyed Flashback? Picture this: a snowy mystery in Nagano Prefecture, where Inspector Kansuke Yamato, a tough-as-nails cop, is haunted by a case from ten months ago. He was shot near his left eye and buried in an avalanche while chasing a suspect in the Yatsugatake mountains. He survived, but he’s blind in one eye, and now his scar’s acting up—yep, it’s throbbing—when a researcher at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory gets attacked. Enter Kogoro Mouri and our boy Conan Edogawa, who get roped in when a colleague’s probe into the same avalanche turns deadly.
Directed by Katsuya Shigehara (his first Conan movie!) and written by Takeharu Sakurai, this film is a total vibe. Unseen Japan called it a Hollywood-style thriller, like James Bond meets Tom Clancy, with epic action scenes that had me gripping my imaginary popcorn. But the real kicker? Kogoro Mouri, usually the goofy dad, gets some seriously emotional moments. Fans are raving about a scene where he cries—Kogoro, crying! Add in real Nagano landmarks like Zenkō-ji temple, King Gnu’s banger of a theme song “Twilight!!!,” and a snowy setting that’s giving cozy-but-creepy, and you’ve got a recipe for a hit.
Why We Can’t Get Enough
Let’s be real: Detective Conan is a cultural juggernaut. Gosho Aoyama’s manga, which started in 1994, and the anime (1,100+ episodes, anyone?) have us hooked on Shinichi Kudo, aka Conan, the teen detective stuck in a kid’s body. The movies are like annual holidays in Japan, turning places like Nagano into tourist traps after fans flock to see film locations. One-eyed Flashback went all out, hitting 522 theaters—the most ever for a Conan film—and offering IMAX, MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema screenings. I’m dying to try MX4D to feel those avalanches!
The film also tugs at the heartstrings. It’s dedicated to the late voice actress Miyuki Ichijo (Jodie Starling) and art director Yukihiro Shibutani, with a Jodie flashback that’s got fans emotional. Plus, starting May 16, Japan’s hosting “cheer screenings” where you wave penlights to match the snowy scenes. It’s like a K-pop concert meets a detective flick, and I’m so jealous of everyone going.
The Catch: Will We See It Overseas?
Here’s where I’m a little nervous. One-eyed Flashback is killing it in Japan, but Detective Conan (or Case Closed outside Japan) hasn’t always clicked globally. A 2004 Adult Swim run in North America tanked thanks to weird name changes and a bad fit with the network’s vibe. Thankfully, Crunchyroll and Netflix have the series and some films with subs, so there’s hope for an international release. I’m crossing my fingers for a limited theater run or a streaming drop, but nothing’s confirmed yet. Come on, world, don’t sleep on this!
Another worry? Keeping up the pace. The film slowed slightly around day 6 compared to The Million-dollar Pentagram, but Golden Week brought it roaring back. With expectations this high, it’s got to keep the momentum to claim the franchise’s top spot.
Why This Feels So Special
Hitting ¥10 billion in 19 days isn’t just a number—it’s proof that Detective Conan is still the king of anime franchises after 30 years. In a world of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen blockbusters, a nearly 30-year-old series holding its own is wild. Unseen Japan nailed it: the film’s slick production makes it a crime it’s not bigger overseas. For me, it’s personal—Conan’s been my go-to for clever mysteries and heartwarming moments since I was a kid. Seeing Kogoro shine, Yamato face his past, and Conan do his thing with a tranquilizer watch? That’s my happy place.
What’s Next for Conan?
With One-eyed Flashback still packing theaters and those cheer screenings coming, I’m betting it’ll climb even higher. Could it beat The Million-dollar Pentagram’s ¥15.8 billion? I’m hopeful. Global fans, keep checking Crunchyroll for updates, and let’s pray for a worldwide release. For now, I’m rewatching old Conan movies and dreaming of catching this one in 4DX. Here’s to more mysteries, more Kogoro tears, and more reasons to love Detective Conan!
