OVA
Description
Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya is a first‑grade student at Teitan Elementary School and a core member of the amateur detective group known as the Detective Boys. He comes from a family of educators: both of his parents are teachers, and he has an older sister, Asami, who is about ten years his senior. This upbringing has instilled in him a formal and polite manner of speaking, particularly toward adults, whom he addresses with the respectful suffix “‑san” regardless of how close he is to them.

In terms of personality, Mitsuhiko is exceptionally bright and intellectually curious for his age. He has a strong interest in science and technology, often reading science books and applying a logical, methodical approach to problem‑solving. He enjoys being prepared for any situation and frequently takes notes in his Detective Boys notebook, anticipating that information might become useful later. This habit of thinking ahead and his ability to recall factual details make him a valuable asset during investigations, especially when Conan Edogawa or Ai Haibara are not immediately present. Despite his intelligence, he remains a child at heart; he loves activities like treasure hunting and making snowmen, and he shares a close friendship with his fellow Detective Boys Genta Kojima and Ayumi Yoshida.

Mitsuhiko’s motivations are driven by a genuine desire to help others and a fascination with solving puzzles. He takes pride in his knowledge and feels rewarded when his studies prove helpful in cracking a case. He is also motivated by his feelings for Ayumi and later for Haibara; he has been shown to go out of his way to please them, such as venturing into a forest to catch fireflies after hearing them express admiration for the insects. His romantic feelings are portrayed with innocence and sincerity, and he once confided in Ran Mouri that he liked both Ayumi and Haibara equally, worrying that this made him a bad person.

In the story of Magic File 5: Niigata~Tokyo Souvenir Capriccio, Mitsuhiko, along with the other Detective Boys, has just returned from a trip to Kitanosawa. He is directly involved in the central confusion when souvenir gifts meant for their teacher, Sumiko Kobayashi, and Sonoko Suzuki’s boyfriend, Makoto Kyogoku, are accidentally swapped. Mitsuhiko participates in the group’s efforts to unravel how the mix‑up occurred, and his methodical thinking helps fuel the speculation about the possible moments the exchange could have happened. His role in this OVA highlights his characteristic attentiveness and his willingness to work alongside his friends to solve a light‑hearted mystery.

Key relationships define much of Mitsuhiko’s development. He looks up to Conan and respects his deductive abilities, often deferring to him during serious cases. With Haibara, he admires her intelligence and competence, and he develops a crush on her after she joins the group. His bond with Ayumi and Genta is the foundation of the Detective Boys; he is often the more level‑headed and perceptive of the three, acting as the voice of reason when Genta charges ahead or Ayumi becomes emotional. He also maintains a respectful relationship with Professor Hiroshi Agasa, whom he calls “Professor.”

Over the course of the series, Mitsuhiko demonstrates notable growth in confidence and initiative. While he initially relies on Conan’s guidance, he gradually learns to trust his own observations and deductions. He is not afraid to act when it matters, as seen when he carries an injured Haibara to safety and later saves her from a falling car. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his willingness to apply scientific knowledge to real‑world problems are his most prominent skills. He also shows a talent for leaving coded messages and interpreting clues, often using his notebook to record critical information that others might overlook.

Overall, Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya is a bright, polite, and inquisitive young detective whose combination of book‑smarts and genuine kindness makes him an indispensable member of the Detective Boys. In the Niigata~Tokyo Souvenir Capriccio OVA, his characteristics shine through as he engages in the playful yet puzzling souvenir swap, demonstrating the same curiosity and teamwork that define him throughout the larger series.