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Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) Plot Summary & Timeline

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) movie poster

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser is a 2009 animation and mystery film directed by Yasuichiro Yamamoto, running 1 hour 51 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 1,076 words (about 5 minutes to read) and covers 13 key events in order, 9 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser.

to read the plot summary
5 min
key events in the timeline
13
characters profiled
9
themes explained
3
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Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m
Original language
Japanese
Studio
Toho
No spoilers

What Is Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser About?

The premise of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling streets of modern Tokyo, a shadowy syndicate known only as the Black Organization weaves its unseen influence through the city’s underbelly. The series‑long battle between brilliant deduction and ruthless secrecy takes on a new urgency, as the ever‑present threat of this clandestine group looms over every whispered clue and hurried footstep. The atmosphere crackles with a blend of urban realism and heightened suspense, where each alley could hide a secret and each encounter may tip the balance between safety and disaster.

At the heart of this tension is the remarkably sharp‑witted child detective Conan, the shrunken alter‑ego of former high‑school sleuth Shinichi Kudo. Forced into a diminutive form by a mysterious drug, he continues to apply his prodigious intellect to unravel mysteries that baffle the adult world, all while shielding his true identity from those who would exploit it. His partnership with loyal friends and occasional allies provides both emotional grounding and a foil for his relentless curiosity, creating a dynamic interplay of trust, disguise, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

The delicate equilibrium shatters when a freshly recruited operative of the Black Organization discovers that Conan is, in fact, Shinichi in disguise. The revelation sends a ripple of dread through the detective’s inner circle, as the knowledge threatens to expose him and endanger everyone he cares about. Gin, a senior figure within the syndicate, together with other shadowy members, moves swiftly to contain the breach, heightening the sense of a cat‑and‑mouse chase that tightens around every conversation and clue.

Against this backdrop of looming danger, the film promises a seamless marriage of cerebral puzzles and pulse‑quickening action. Viewers can expect a story that balances methodical deduction with moments of high‑stakes confrontation, all underscored by the ever‑present question of whether the child‑detective can stay one step ahead of an organization willing to erase any threat to its secrecy.

Full plot

What Happens in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

The complete story of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser, from the first scene to the last, in 1,076 words (about 5 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Conan Edogawa [Minami Takayama] is drawn into a chilling string of murders after a man driving down a hillside road discovers his brakes fail. The Alfa Romeo Brera careens toward a toll station at terrifying speed, the driver dies, and a cryptic dying message—“Tanabata kyo”—is left behind, along with a Mahjong tile that strangely links the scene to six other killings across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano, and beyond. As investigators across prefectures rally to track the culprit, Conan senses a broader conspiracy, realizing that a single mastermind or organization may be orchestrating these high-profile killings. The investigation unfolds against a backdrop of cross-city police collaboration, relentless pressure, and the ever-present danger of a concealed enemy among the ranks.

On Tanabata itself, Conan corners Vermouth Mami Koyama in the underground parking lot of a crowded mall and confronts her about the plot surrounding the memory chip the Black Organization desperately seeks. Vermouth drops cryptic hints and confirms that a new member, “Irish,” has joined the organization. The exchange deepens the intrigue: the true scope of the murders appears tied not only to the memory chip but also to the Organization’s looming plan, which is about to unfold in ways Conan can barely anticipate. To untangle the puzzle, Conan recruits help from Heiji Hattori [Ryo Horikawa], whose street-smarts and brisk deductions complement Conan’s formal methods as they chase the threads left by the mysterious killer.

As the mystery widens, Conan traces a historical clue to two years prior: a hotel fire in Kyoto that claimed the life of Nanako Honjou [Fumiko Orikasa], a young woman whose elevator ride with seven people went tragically wrong. The seven-in-elevator rule meant one person would be left behind, and Nanako wasn’t among those who escaped. Conan interviews Nanako’s neighbor, Shun Sawamura [Nobutoshi Canna], and pieces together a pattern: Nanako, her boyfriend Kosuke Mizutani [Daigo], and the others had once shared stargazing moments, and their paths intersected with fate in a way that now haunts them all. The crime scenes line up with the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star Polaris, a celestial breadcrumb trail that seems designed to guide investigators to the killer’s exact moves.

Conan’s pursuit points toward the killer’s identity as Nanako’s brother, Kazuki Honjou [Masashi Sugawara], whose obsession with his sister pushes him toward vengeance against anyone he deems responsible for taking her away. Kazuki’s plan is chillingly precise: he uses Mizutani as a scapegoat, convincing him to shoulder the blame for the revenge murders. The mahjong markers left at the crime sites are deliberate misdirections meant to lead the police away from Kazuki’s true target, with the final clue directing attention to Tokyo Tower. The tension escalates when Kazuki threatens Conan and Mizutani with a knife, only to be thwarted by Matsumoto’s timely intervention. Yet Conan senses something even more insidious at play: Superintendent Matsumoto appears to be Irish in disguise, a revelation that intensifies the danger and the stakes of the investigation.

Irish [Yuji Mikimoto] refuses to reveal himself’s full nature but makes clear his enmity toward the Black Organization after the murder of his friend Pisco. He offers a stubborn, almost tragic resistance to the Organization’s plans, presenting a fragile but crucial thread in Conan’s ongoing crusade. The case takes a dramatic turn when Ran Mouri [Wakana Yamazaki] arrives at Tokyo Tower, where she squares off with Irish in disguise and deals with the danger he poses. A fierce kick tears off part of his mask, revealing the man beneath, and Irish uses the moment to press his advantage as a helicopter bearing Gin, Vodka, Korn, and Chianti closes in. Irish produces the memory chip, but Gin orders Chianti to shoot him and seize the chip. The resulting gunfire injures Irish severely, and Conan reaches to help, but Irish dies heroically, sacrificing himself to protect the young detective who has been pursuing his enemies for so long.

In the chaos that follows, the Black Organization targets Conan with automatic fire, damaging several upper levels of Tokyo Tower. With the odds stacked against him, Conan uses a daring, improvised escape: he attaches his expanding suspenders to a nearby light as a makeshift anchor and slingshots himself away from the danger. The light rebounds and flings toward the Organization’s helicopter, damaging its engine and forcing it to retreat—though it crashes soon afterward. The tower’s surroundings become a perilous battleground as the Organization fights to reclaim the chip and silence their pursuer.

Once the immediate danger subsides, Conan and Ai Haibara Megumi Hayashibara walk through the woods toward a boarded-up house, reflecting on the case and the losses it has inflicted. Conan recalls Irish’s last words, “Kudo Shinichi… Keep… Coming After Us…,” and resolves to honor the promise by continuing to chase the Black Organization until they are brought to justice. The case reaffirms Conan’s determination to uncover the truth behind his own altered identity and the menacing reach of the Organization.

Throughout the ordeal, Conan’s alliance with Kogoro Mouri [Akira Kamiya] remains a steady anchor, even as Conan quietly works behind the scenes to piece together the puzzle that lies beyond the surface of each crime. The ever-present Juzo Megure [Chafurin] and Matsumoto [Seizô Katô] add layers of procedural weight to the investigation, while other familiar faces—such as Jugo Yokomizo, Sango Yokomizo, and a rotating cast of organization operatives—linger in the background as potential suspects or red herrings.

The narrative crescendos with a blend of high-stakes action and quiet, methodical deduction. The personal stakes run deep for Mizutani, Nanako’s brother Kazuki, and Conan himself, who must navigate a maze of past tragedies to expose a present-day conspiracy that uses celestial symbolism as a code, a deadly memory chip as leverage, and the Black Organization as its unyielding engine. The final sequence binds science, strategy, and sacrifice, underscoring Conan’s unwavering resolve to pursue truth and justice in the face of overwhelming danger.

In the aftermath, the story leaves a lingering sense of unresolved tension—the memory chip’s fate, the true extent of the Organization’s reach, and the unanswered questions about Shinichi Kudo’s and Conan’s intertwined destinies. Yet one thing remains clear: the bond between Conan and his allies endures, even as the shadows of the Black Organization continue to loom. The closing moments, with Conan and Ai Haibara moving forward together, affirm a future where every clue, every confession, and every dangerous encounter will be met with courage, intellect, and a steadfast commitment to bring the truth to light.

Timeline

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

13 key events in the order they happen, from “Brake failure and fatal crash on hillside road” to “Aftermath: Irish's death and Conan's vow”. 13 events name a place, across 10 locations.

  1. 1

    Brake failure and fatal crash on hillside road

    A man realizes the brakes fail at high speed on a hillside road. The car slams into a toll station and the driver dies. He leaves a dying message, 'Tanabata kyo,' that hints at a larger connection to other cases.

    When:Moment of crash Where:Hillside road / toll station, Japan

  2. 2

    Mahjong clues link serial murders across Japan

    Mahjong tiles are found beside each victim, linking murders across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and beyond. Police conclude that the same person or group is behind the killings. The case expands into a nationwide investigation.

    When:After crash Where:Various locations across Japan

  3. 3

    Police conference and undercover infiltration spotted

    A police conference about the case brings together detectives from multiple prefectures. Conan notices a police officer leaving the building and entering a black Porsche, signaling a Black Organization infiltrator. The police begin to suspect that a member has infiltrated their ranks.

    When:Following the conference Where:Police conference building, Tokyo

  4. 4

    Conan confronts Vermouth on Tanabata

    On Tanabata, Conan corners Vermouth in the underground parking lot of a shopping mall and interrogates her. Vermouth hints that the Black Organization needs a memory chip and mentions a new member called 'Irish'. Conan realizes he is up against a dangerous conspiracy.

    When:Tanabata day Where:Underground parking lot, shopping mall

  5. 5

    Heiji joins the investigation to chase the dying message lead

    Conan enlists Heiji Hattori to help solve the serial murders by following the dying message lead. They piece together clues and compare them to past cases, expanding the investigation's scope. Their collaboration strengthens the case against the hidden organization.

    When:Weeks after Tanabata Where:Tokyo and surrounding areas

  6. 6

    Two years ago: Kyoto hotel fire and Nanako's death

    Two years before the present, a Kyoto hotel fire claims Nanako Honjou and forces eight people to escape by elevator. Nanako wasn't on the last elevator and couldn't escape, fueling a motive for revenge. Conan questions Shun Sawamura, Nanako's neighbor, as part of his investigation.

    When:Two years ago Where:Kyoto, Japan (hotel fire scene)

  7. 7

    Nanako and Kosuke Mizutani's stargazing and the Big Dipper clue

    Nanako and her boyfriend, Kosuke Mizutani, often went stargazing together. The crime scenes align to form the Big Dipper and Polaris, indicating a deliberate pattern. Conan links these celestial clues to Nanako's death and the Kyoto hotel fire.

    When:Two years ago Where:Kyoto, Japan

  8. 8

    Confrontation at Tokyo Tower: Mizutani confesses

    Police arrive at Tokyo Tower's deserted area, and Conan corners Mizutani. Mizutani confesses to the murders and intends to poison himself. The truth begins to unfold, though the motives remain entwined with past events.

    When:During confrontation Where:Tokyo Tower, Tokyo

  9. 9

    The real killer revealed: Kazuki Honjou

    Kazuki Honjou, Nanako's brother, appears and testifies that Nanako stepped out voluntarily, revealing the real killer behind the revenge murders. He manipulated Mizutani to act as a scapegoat for his vengeance. The mahjong stones were planted to misdirect the investigation toward Mizutani.

    When:After Mizutani's confession Where:Tokyo Tower, Tokyo

  10. 10

    Matsumoto is revealed to be Irish in disguise

    Kazuki threatens Conan and Mizutani, but Superintendent Matsumoto interferes and incapacitates Kazuki. Conan realizes Matsumoto is Irish in disguise, a Black Organization operative. Irish reveals he hates the Organization for killing his friend, Pisco.

    When:During confrontation Where:Tokyo Tower, Tokyo

Show the other 3 events of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser
  1. 11

    Ran's arrival and the memory chip reveal

    Ran arrives at Tokyo Tower and fights Irish, discovering his true identity when part of his mask is torn. Irish reveals the memory chip to Gin, who orders Chianti to shoot him. Irish dies from his gunshot wounds, protecting the chip.

    When:Climax near the top Where:Tokyo Tower, Tokyo

  2. 12

    Conan survives the Black Organization attack

    The Black Organization attacks with a machine gun, damaging the upper levels of Tokyo Tower. Conan uses his expanding suspenders attached to a light as a makeshift bungee to jump off the tower. The light slingshots back and damages the helicopter's engine, causing the helicopter to crash as the Organization flees.

    When:Climax chase Where:Tokyo Tower vicinity, Tokyo

  3. 13

    Aftermath: Irish's death and Conan's vow

    Conan and Haibara walk through the woods to a boarded-up house, reflecting on Irish's death and his last words: 'Kudo Shinichi... Keep... Coming After Us..'. Conan vows to continue pursuing the Black Organization until they are destroyed.

    When:Epilogue Where:Woods near a boarded-up house

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

9 characters, among them Conan Edogawa (Shinichi Kudo), Vermouth and Irish: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 7 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Minami Takayama as Conan Edogawa (Shinichi Kudo) in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser

    Conan Edogawa (Shinichi Kudo)

    Played by Minami Takayama

    A brilliant, perceptive teen detective trapped in a child's body, Conan relentlessly pursues the truth behind the Black Organization's crimes. He connects clues across prefectures, uses his wit to outsmart suspects, and coordinates with Heiji and others to prevent more deaths. His resolve to bring the Organization to justice drives the investigation forward.

    • 🧠 Intelligence
    • 🧭 Investigation
    • 🔎 Deduction
  • Mami Koyama as Vermouth in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser

    Vermouth

    Played by Mami Koyama

    A cunning member of the Black Organization who toys with appearances and information. She uses disguises and calculated moves to manipulate events and test Conan's limits. Her presence underscores the persistent danger posed by the Organization.

    • 🎭 Disguise
    • 🗝️ Manipulation
    • 🕵️‍♀️ Cunning
  • I

    Irish

    Played by Yûji Mikimoto

    A high-level operative disguised as Matsumoto, he betrays the trust of colleagues to safeguard the Black Organization's secrets. He reveals himself in crucial moments, protecting Conan and pursuing the memory chip, and ultimately dies after a heroic act.

    • 🛡️ Disguise
    • 🧬 Memory-chip
    • 💔 Sacrifice
  • NH

    Nanako Honjou

    The young woman whose death two years earlier serves as a catalyst for the killer's plan. Her memory drives the investigation, as others become entangled in the motive of revenge surrounding her life and relationships.

    • 💔 Tragedy
    • 🪞 Memory
    • 🗺️ Backstory
  • KH

    Kazuki Honjou

    Nanako's killer, driven by an obsessive need to punish those he blames for taking her away. He engineers the murders by using Mizutani as a scapegoat, expertly masking his own role until the final reveal.

    • 🗝️ Motives
    • 🧭 Obsession
    • 🗡️ Revenge
  • RM

    Ran Mouri

    Played by Wakana Yamazaki

    A brave ally to Conan who demonstrates toughness in dangerous moments on the case, including confronting threats at Tokyo Tower. Her involvement helps push Conan toward the truth and keeps the stakes personal.

    • ❤️ Loyalty
    • 🥊 Courage
    • 🧭 Investigation
  • HH

    Heiji Hattori

    Played by Ryo Horikawa

    A sharp-witted friend of Conan who collaborates on the case, offering local insight and helping connect clues spread across different locations. He provides support and perspective amid escalating danger.

    • 🧠 Brainpower
    • 🤝 Partnership
    • 🗺️ Local insight
  • G

    Gin

    Played by Yukitoshi Hori

    A ruthless agent of the Black Organization who commands the operation with cold efficiency and a willingness to shoot to protect the plan. His actions escalate the danger when confronting Conan and Irish.

    • ⚔️ Power
    • 🧊 Cold-blooded
    • 🗺️ Organization
  • KM

    Kogoro Mouri

    Played by Akira Kamiya

    A seasoned detective whose involvement provides a counterpoint to Conan's methods, often serving as comic relief while also playing a crucial role in pursuing the truth.

    • 🕵️ Detective
    • 🧩 Collaboration
    • 👨‍👦 Father figure
Setting

Where and When Is Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser Set?

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser is set in Japan (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and other prefectures). Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Japan (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and other prefectures)

The story unfolds across multiple locations in Japan, from hillside roads and toll stations to Kyoto and Tokyo. It links murders across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and other prefectures, requiring nationwide police coordination. The settings emphasize cross-prefectural investigation and tense encounters in both urban and remote sites.

  • 🗺️ Japan-wide
  • 🏙️ Urban-rural mix
Themes

What Are the Themes of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deduction, Undercover Organization and Revenge.

  1. 01

    Deduction

    Conan pieces together the crime from scattered clues—a dying message, Mahjong tiles, and star-pattern mappings—turning ambiguous events into a clear pattern. The investigation relies on careful observation, cross-checking alibis, and connecting disparate murders. The film builds tension as each clue narrows the suspect pool and reveals a larger conspiracy.

  2. 02

    Undercover Organization

    The Black Organization operates from the shadows, disguising its members within police and official appearances. Irish is revealed to be a key undercover asset, having infiltrated the investigation as part of a larger plan to obtain a memory chip. The case highlights the danger of deception and the risks of crossing paths with a ruthless network. The pursuit exposes how trust can be weaponized.

  3. 03

    Revenge

    Kazuki Honjou's actions stem from an obsessive need to punish those he blames for taking Nanako away. The murders are framed as personal vendettas rather than random violence, using Mizutani as a scapegoat. The tension culminates in a confrontation that reveals hidden motives and tragic consequences. The storyline shows how grief can fuel a calculated, deadly plan.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Complex
Intensity
High
Ending
Bittersweet

A high-stakes, fast-paced thriller that combines methodical deduction with intense action and a pervasive sense of danger, underscored by tragic personal loss and a looming shadowy conspiracy.

  • suspenseful
  • urgent
  • methodical
  • anxious
  • tragic
  • determined
  • crime investigation
  • revenge
  • conspiracy
  • hidden identity

Content notes: murder, child endangerment, gun violence, revenge killing.

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FAQ

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser about?

In the bustling streets of modern Tokyo, a shadowy syndicate known only as the Black Organization weaves its unseen influence through the city’s underbelly.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser take place?

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser is set in Japan (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and other prefectures). The story unfolds across multiple locations in Japan, from hillside roads and toll stations to Kyoto and Tokyo. It links murders across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano and other prefectures, requiring nationwide…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

The story follows Conan Edogawa (Shinichi Kudo) (played by Minami Takayama), Vermouth (played by Mami Koyama), Irish (played by Yûji Mikimoto) and Nanako Honjou; the character guide covers 9 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Deduction, Undercover Organization and Revenge.

The themes explained

Who directed Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser?

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) was directed by Yasuichiro Yamamoto and runs 1 hour 51 minutes.

Yasuichiro Yamamoto’s films

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