May 21st is “Detective Day”.
This date commemorates the first time an advertisement for a detective agency was published in a Japanese newspaper back in 1891.
Essential to any mystery, detectives are busy solving cases in countless anime series. Whether they’re meticulously investigating to uncover the truth of an incident, going undercover while hiding their true identity, or confronting criminals with special abilities… their approach varies greatly from character to character.
Following our annual tradition, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Who is your favorite ‘Detective’ Character?”. We received 152 responses during the survey period from May 12th to May 16th.
The gender ratio was approximately 30 percent male and 70 percent female, showing a leaning towards female respondents. The age groups were primarily younger demographics, with around 30 percent each for those aged 19 and under, and those in their 20s.
Table of Contents
■Meitantei Conan Holds Onto the Top Spot with Even Stronger Support Than Last Year!
1st Place
Taking the top spot is Edogawa Conan (Kudou Shinichi) from Meitantei Conan. With approximately 46 percent of the vote, he secures the top position for the sixth consecutive year.
Fans commented with praise such as, “In Meitantei Conan, there are numerous detectives like Mouri Kogorou, Hattori Heiji, and Amuro Tooru, but I just had to vote for Edogawa Conan, whose deduction skills rival Holmes himself. He was shrunk after taking a mysterious drug, but he uses that to his advantage, lulling opponents into a false sense of security by appearing as a child, or navigating narrow passages on his skateboard… He truly makes the most of his adverse situation.” Another fan highlighted his charming duality: “While he’s dependable during cases, he struggles to understand the heart of his childhood friend, Ran. The gap between his detective brilliance and his age-appropriate cuteness in romance is also appealing.” The portrayal of the romantic elements alongside the mysteries seems to have left a strong impression on voters. The currently airing theatrical film, Gekijouban Meitantei Conan: Sekigan no Zanshou (Flashback of the Single Eye), has already surpassed 12.2 billion yen in box office revenue. The protagonist of this nationally beloved series continues to show overwhelming strength this year.
2nd Place
In second place is Edogawa Ranpo from Bungou Stray Dogs. Holding approximately 14 percent of the vote, he also secures the second position for the sixth consecutive year.
Fans were drawn to him, saying, “With his ability ‘Super Deduction’, this great detective can instantly solve any difficult case with a single glance. He has a childish side, like liking sweets and being a bit demanding, but he’s also dedicated to meeting the expectations of his companions at the Armed Detective Agency.” Another comment appreciated his style: “His classic detective attire with the hunting cap and cape-collared coat really captures the atmosphere.” Besides his exceptional deductive abilities aided by his power and his vintage fashion sense, his popularity stems from the gap between his brilliant mind and simple limitations (like not being able to ride a train), as well as the secrets hidden within his ability.
3rd Place
Placing third is Siesta from Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru.. With approximately 5 percent of the vote, she maintains the third position for the third consecutive year.
Siesta is a unique detective in that she has already passed away at the beginning of the story. Much about her name and age is shrouded in mystery, but the story gradually reveals more about her personality, which has been a talking point. Comments like, “‘A first-class detective is someone who solves the case before it even happens,’ that famous line is just so cool!” highlight the appeal of her calm and composed personality and her bold, fearless pronouncements. The production of the second season of the TV anime has already been announced.
■Introducing Other Comments!
For Chuugenji Akihiko from Chuugenji Sensei Monkagiroku Sensei ga Nazo o Toite Shimau Kara., one comment noted, “He always wears a grumpy, deadpan expression, but the slight smirk he shows when he pushes the detective role onto his student Shiori is just irresistible – that gap is amazing.”
Nakano Ichika from Gotoubun no Hanayome received votes because “Among the five sisters, she’s the most perceptive and there were scenes where she did some推理 (suiri – deduction). By the way, at the anime’s 5th-anniversary event, her voice actor, Hanazawa Kana-san, did impressions of famous TV drama detectives!”
Oshiri Tantei from Oshiri Tantei was popular because “He’s a detective whose face is literally a butt – a visual you won’t forget once you see it! He boasts an IQ of 1104 and solves every case. Despite his紳士 (shinshi – gentlemanly) behavior, always using polite language with everyone, his special move is, well, a bit ‘that’, which is funny.”
Nagumo Keiichirou from Mattaku Saikin no Tantei Tokitara received votes as the protagonist of an upcoming new series: “He’s a former great detective left behind by the times, living with various ailments like rheumatism and back pain. While he occasionally shows glimpses of his old deductive prowess, he often finds himself in unfortunate situations… I can’t wait for the broadcast!” This new anime is set to start in July.
In this year’s survey, the top 3 rankings remained unchanged for the third consecutive year. Will a character emerge to challenge this established order in the future?
The next page reveals the top 10 ranking, so be sure to check that out too!
■Ranking Top 5
[Who is your favorite “Detective” Character? 2025 Edition]
1st Edogawa Conan (Kudou Shinichi) Meitantei Conan
2nd Edogawa Ranpo Bungou Stray Dogs
3rd Siesta Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru.
4th Kindaichi Hajime Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo
5th Usami-chan Masuda Kousuke Gekijou Gag Manga Biyori
5th Oshiri Tantei Oshiri Tantei
5th Kamonohashi Ron Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri
（Survey Period: May 12, 2025 – May 16, 2025）
Next Page: Top 10 Ranking Revealed
- Other ongoing survey themes can be found here! Tell us your thoughts.＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
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