Directed by

Yuzuru Tachikawa
Made by

TMS Entertainment
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In Frankfurt, a Europol agent is chased by Black Organization members Kir and Gin, and Gin ultimately murders the agent. Sometime later, Conan Edogawa, Ran Mouri, the Detective Boys, Hiroshi Agasa and Kogoro Mouri are invited to a resort on Hachijo-jima owned by Sonoko’s family. There, Conan receives word from Subaru Okiya that a Europol agent has been killed and that a Black Organization operative known as “Pinga” is responsible for a break-in. The news pushes Conan to dig deeper, especially after he learns that the case touches a global network.
As Conan tracks the threads, he discovers Inspector Shiratori and Chief Hyoue Kuroda from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and quietly tails them to Interpol’s underwater facility, known as Pacific Buoy. The facility is built to connect to surveillance cameras across Japan, Europe, and eventually worldwide, enabling a sweeping, real-time view of security from above and below the waves. At the heart of the operation is a project headed by Yosuke Makino, a team of engineers—including Ed from India, Grace from France, Leonhardt from Germany, and Naomi Argento from the United States—teaming up with a controversial tool called All-Age Recognition, a system that uses facial recognition and AI reconstruction to identify people even when their appearance has aged or altered.
Bourbon and Vermouth infiltrate Pacific Buoy and hatch a plan to abduct Naomi Argento, keeping her captive in a submarine as part of a bold move to push the project forward. Meanwhile, Vodka and Kir uncover a crucial clue on Naomi’s flash drive necklace: the All-Age Recognition system can identify Haibara, but only as a face that resembles Shiho Miyano, not necessarily the real person. That realization trudges the plot into a dangerous confrontation, because the system’s reliability becomes the central point of contention.
That very night, Chianti, Vodka and Pinga kidnap Ai Haibara from Sonoko’s resort. Conan and Dr. Agasa race after them, yet the pursuing submersible vanishes beneath the sea, taking Haibara with it to the submarine’s depths. The security cameras on the Buoy reveal nothing—no submarine, no vehicles—suggesting tampering with the surveillance system itself. Shiratori and Kuroda are informed, while Conan seeks access to the Buoy’s systems to trace the chase, a move that unsettles both the investigators and the intruders.
In the Buoy’s cafe, Leonhardt becomes a tragic casualty after a suspected poisoning, and a later confession letter hints at a backdoor access that made the system’s gaps possible. The investigation tightens around Grace, who was the apparent author of the confession and who the team now suspects is also Pinga. The tension peaks as Grace is revealed to be the person controlling the operation from behind the scenes, and she attempts to slip away. With the submarine set to attack the Buoy, Conan orchestrates a daring countermeasure: he coordinates a lights-out maneuver from underwater and calls in Shuichi Akai to fire a rocket, delivering a devastating blow to the submarine and forcing the Black Organization to retreat. Pinga meets her end in the ensuing blast, though Conan’s body is knocked unconscious by the ordeal and Haibara risks the dangerous ascent to pull him to the surface.
The post-credits scene brings a bittersweet coda: Naomi’s father survives the assassination attempt, and the Pacific Buoy project is slated to move to another country. Naomi realizes that Haibara is, in fact, Shiho Miyano—someone who had stood up for her when they studied in the United States. The supposed flaw in the system—presented as a dramatic breakthrough—turns out to have been staged by Vermouth, who disguises herself as Shiho and appears in security footage to discredit the notion that Haibara is Shiho Miyano. The elder woman Haibara had earlier offered a Fusae Campbell-branded ginkgo pin to purchase is unmasked as Vermouth herself, who leaves Conan with a final instruction: discover the reason Vermouth helped stage the flaw in the system, and do so on your own terms.
Overall, the narrative threads together a tense web of pursuit, surveillance, and deception, where advanced technology, undercover identities, and long-held loyalties collide on a dangerous underwater stage. The balance between scientific ambition and moral hazard becomes clear as the players navigate betrayals, personal histories, and the ever-present pull of the criminal underworld, all while Conan and his friends push to uncover the truth behind the Pacific Buoy project and the real motive behind the Black Organization’s escalating machinations.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Europol agent murdered in Frankfurt
A Europol agent is chased by Kir and Gin in Frankfurt, and Gin ultimately murders him. This killing triggers Conan and his friends to become involved as a larger conspiracy starts to unfold.
Invitation to Sonoko's resort on Hachijo-jima
Conan, Ran, the Detective Boys, Dr. Agasa, and Kogoro are invited to Sonoko's family resort on Hachijo-jima. The invitation foreshadows danger away from Tokyo and sets the stage for the group's gathering.
Subaru Okiya warns of Pinga and a wider conspiracy
Conan receives information from Subaru Okiya that a Europol agent’s murder is connected to a Black Organization operative known as Pinga. The warning heightens tension and links the case to a larger criminal network.
Pacific Buoy: Interpol underwater surveillance facility
Conan and authorities discover the Interpol underwater facility Pacific Buoy, which promises to connect cameras across Japan and beyond. The facility's reach is impressive but raises concerns about surveillance and control.
Pacific Buoy staff and the All-Age Recognition system
At Pacific Buoy, Yosuke Makino leads the project while engineers Ed, Grace, Leonhardt, and Naomi Argento work on the system. The All-Age Recognition feature uses facial recognition and AI reconstruction, hinting at immense power and potential danger.
Bourbon and Vermouth kidnap Naomi Argento
Bourbon and Vermouth infiltrate Pacific Buoy and arrange the kidnapping of Naomi Argento, holding her captive in a submarine. The operation marks a dangerous escalation for the Black Organization.
Naomi’s flash drive reveals All-Age Recognition flaw
Naomi's flash drive necklace reveals that the All-Age Recognition system can identify Haibara, suggesting a disturbing flaw. The revelation foreshadows further threats against Haibara and those close to Conan.
Haibara kidnapped by Chianti, Vodka and Pinga
Chianti, Vodka, and Pinga kidnap Haibara from Sonoko's resort and drag her toward the underwater submarine. Conan and Dr. Agasa chase the abductors but realize the targets have been submerged.
Surveillance tampering blocks the chase
Conan asks to access the Buoy's surveillance to trace the chase, but the security footage shows no submarine or vehicles, implying the system has been tampered with. The gap undermines their ability to track the criminals.
Leonhardt’s murder and the backdoor confession
Leonhardt is drugged and later found dead in the Buoy Café, and a confession letter claims he is responsible for the system's backdoor. The death reveals internal betrayal within the project.
Vermouth’s plan and Gin moves to destroy the Buoy
Vermouth informs Gin that the All-Age Recognition can identify similar faces but not the exact person. Following this, Gin decides to use a submarine to destroy the Buoy.
Grace is Pinga and the escape attempt
Conan reveals that Grace murdered Leonhardt and is actually Pinga. Grace/Pinga attempts to escape from the Buoy, triggering a tense chase as alarms blare.
Climax: submarine attack and escape thwarted
Conan coordinates from underwater and Shuichi Akai fires a rocket to damage the submarine, forcing the Black Organization to flee. Pinga dies in the explosion, ending that thread of the threat.
Conan is rescued; Haibara saves him
Conan loses consciousness underwater and is rescued by Haibara, who brings him to the surface. The immediate danger subsides, but the truth about the network’s flaws remains to be confronted.
Post-credits revelations and unresolved motives
Naomi’s father survives the assassination attempt and the Pacific Buoy project moves to another country. Naomi learns Haibara is Shiho Miyano, and Vermouth—disguised as Shiho in footage—admits she staged the flaw, leaving Conan to unravel Vermouth’s real intentions.
Explore all characters from Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Conan Edogawa (Minami Takayama)
A brilliant young detective who threads the investigation across Frankfurt, Hachijo-jima, and the Pacific Buoy. He pieces together clues, coordinates with Dr. Agasa and Kogoro, and relies on sharp deduction to outmaneuver dangerous foes. His resolve drives the pursuit of the Black Organization and the protection of Haibara.
Ai Haibara (Megumi Hayashibara)
Former Shiho Miyano, now allied with Conan. Targeted by the Black Organization, she fights to stay safe and to help dismantle their plots. Her presence deepens the mystery around Shiho Miyano’s identity and the All-Age Recognition project.
Vermouth (Mami Koyama)
A sophisticated Black Organization operative who orchestrates key manipulations from the shadows. She orchestrates the system flaw and manipulates footage to mislead investigators, adding psychological complexity to the confrontation.
Kir (Kotono Mitsuishi)
A Black Organization operative who assists in tracking Haibara and coordinating operations. She demonstrates agility and a cool-headed approach, serving as a counterpoint to Conan’s team.
Pinga (Ayumu Murase)
One of the Organization’s agents; associated with the Grace alias. Involved in kidnapping Naomi Argento and pursuing Haibara, her actions contribute to the film’s tension and ultimate confrontation; her fate intertwines with the submarine crisis.
Naomi Argento (Atsumi Tanezaki)
A European Parliament member’s daughter central to the All-Age Recognition project. Her kidnapping heightens political stakes and presses for the system’s control. Her position amplifies the ethical and security dilemmas at the heart of the plot.
Leonhardt (Jun'ichi Suwabe)
An engineer at the Pacific Buoy project who maintains the surveillance framework. He is murdered, and a confession hints at a backdoor vulnerability within the system, revealing internal corruption.
Subaru Okiya (Ryotaro Okiayu)
A mysterious figure who provides crucial intelligence about the Europol incident and guides Conan through the Interpol facility. His presence hints at deeper connections within the espionage world and serves as a strategic ally.
Kogoro Mouri (Rikiya Koyama)
The detective father who anchors some on-site investigation at the resort, providing a contrast to Conan’s sharper deductions while supporting the team’s efforts.
Ran Mouri (Wakana Yamazaki)
Conan's ally and friend who accompanies the group to the island and adds emotional stakes to the investigation. Her presence helps ground the story in familiar personal ties.
Shuichi Akai (Shuichi Ikeda)
A skilled operative whose actions provide decisive momentum against the Black Organization aboard the submerged pursuit. His interventions bring tactical precision to the confrontation with the Organization.
Jodie Starling (Miyuki Ichijou)
A key FBI ally whose intelligence supports cross-border cooperation against the Black Organization. Her involvement adds to the international scope and coordination of efforts.
Learn where and when Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Modern day
The events take place in contemporary times, leveraging current surveillance tech and international agencies like Europol and Interpol. The plot centers on a cutting-edge yet flawed system (All-Age Recognition) and a high-stakes security crisis. The timeline unfolds over a few tense days of pursuit, infiltration, and confrontation rather than a long historical arc.
Location
Frankfurt, Hachijo-jima, Pacific Buoy
The story spans a European city, a remote Japanese island resort, and a high-security underwater lab. It threads the pursuit from Frankfurt to the Pacific Buoy, showcasing a global espionage backdrop. Key scenes unfold at an Interpol underwater facility, highlighting advanced surveillance networks and cross-border cooperation. The settings emphasize high-tech security, tension, and international intrigue.
Discover the main themes in Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🕵️
Surveillance
The All-Age Recognition system embodies a futuristic take on facial recognition and AI reconstruction. Its results can be manipulated or misinterpreted, revealing how technology can mislead as much as it informs. Vermouth and Gin exploit perceived truths to steer events, underscoring privacy and trust issues in a world of global espionage. The plot uses surveillance as both a tool and a weapon, driving the conflict and moral questions.
🤖
Identity
AI-based identity tools attempt to map faces to individuals across borders, but the story shows their fragility when appearances can be deceived. The possibility of misidentification undermines the reliability of digital identity in a high-stakes chase. Haibara’s true identity becomes a central axis, tying personal history to the security project. The film uses technology to question what it means to be who you appear to be.
⚔️
Espionage
A web of covert operations drives the action, with the Black Organization infiltrating the Pacific Buoy and orchestrating kidnappings. The plan to stage a system flaw and the submarine confrontation escalate the crisis toward a climactic showdown. Conan and allies must outmaneuver seasoned operatives like Vermouth and Kir while protecting Haibara. The narrative centers on loyalty, deception, and the high-stakes game of international espionage.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
The story opens with an ambitious gathering of engineers from around the world at Interpol’s Pacific Buoy, a sleek underwater research hub perched off the coast of Tokyo. Their mission is to unveil a groundbreaking global surveillance network that promises to link cameras from Japan to Europe and beyond, blending cutting‑edge technology with the quiet menace of the deep sea. The facility’s pristine, high‑tech corridors contrast with the rolling ocean outside, setting a tone that feels both futuristic and unsettlingly watchful.
Invited by Sonoko, the famed detective’s circle arrives on the volcanic island of Hachijō‑jima for a brief respite before the launch. Conan leads the group, his sharp mind ever alert despite the holiday atmosphere, while Ran brings her steady optimism and keen intuition. The seasoned detective Kogoro adds a touch of comedic bravado, and the inventive Dr. Agasa supplies gadgets that never fail to surprise. Meanwhile, Haibara moves quietly among them, her own past and scientific expertise hinting at deeper layers beneath the surface. Their camaraderie balances light‑hearted banter with an undercurrent of relentless curiosity, each character’s distinct personality enriching the dynamic.
The island’s tranquil scenery is quickly pierced by a terse dispatch from Subaru, warning that a Europol agent has been targeted. The warning draws Conan’s attention to a shadowy force that has long lingered in the series’ background: the Black Organization. Their interest in the project centers on a key piece of data held by a female engineer, raising the stakes and hinting at a high‑risk confrontation that could jeopardize both the surveillance system and everyone gathered.
As the sleek marine facility readies its launch, the juxtaposition of serene sea vistas and the invisible eyes of the new network creates a palpable tension. The film teeters between the allure of technological progress and the ever‑present threat of those who would misuse it, inviting the audience to wonder how Conan and his friends will navigate a mystery that stretches from the bright corridors of Pacific Buoy to the dark, uncharted depths of the ocean itself.
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