TV-Series
Description
Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya is a student in Class 1-B at Teitan Elementary School who becomes one of the founding members of the Detective Boys. He first meets Conan Edogawa after Shinichi Kudo is transformed and joins his class. Mitsuhiko initially expresses skepticism about supernatural phenomena, but he is persuaded by his friend Genta to investigate a haunted mansion, which turns out to be the scene of a real crime. Shortly afterward, the accidental discovery of a treasure map leads him and the other children into a dangerous hunt for stolen gold coins, and after that case is resolved, he joins Genta and Ayumi in forming the Detective Boys. His parents are both teachers, and he has an older sister named Asami who is about ten years his senior. Due to his formal upbringing, Mitsuhiko tends to speak very politely to older people, addressing them with respectful language regardless of how close they are.

Mitsuhiko is an intelligent and well-read child who enjoys studying science, history, and general topics for his own enjoyment. He firmly believes in science and technology as the key to solving problems, and he often applies logical thinking to the mysteries he encounters. He is proactive and likes to be prepared for any situation, frequently taking notes in his detective notebook even when he does not yet know if they will be needed. This habit of thinking ahead sometimes proves crucial when Conan and Haibara are not present, as Mitsuhiko can step in to lead the investigation or offer a clever insight. Despite his intellectual curiosity, he remains a typical elementary school child who enjoys making snowmen, chasing treasure, playing video games, and watching monster movies like Gomera and superhero shows like Kamen Yaiba. He has a strong dislike for carrots and will eat them last if he cannot avoid them. He is best friends with Genta and Ayumi, and he values the bonds within the Detective Boys.

Mitsuhiko's role in the story is that of a junior detective who often provides the scientific or historical context that helps the group understand a case. When Conan and Haibara are absent, he becomes the de facto leader and uses his quick wits and knowledge to guide the others. He is shown to be more analytical than Genta and Ayumi, and he frequently takes the initiative to write down important details, record clues, and think about possible outcomes. One notable example of his capability occurs when the Detective Boys are trapped in a cavern and Conan loses consciousness; Mitsuhiko is the one who solves the riddle to find the exit. In another episode, when Haibara sprains her ankle in the woods, he makes her a bandage using a method Conan taught him and then carries her to a safer location. He also develops feelings for Haibara after that case, adding a layer of personal motivation to his interactions with her.

Mitsuhiko's relationships are central to his character. He has been friends with Ayumi and Genta since preschool, and he has harbored romantic feelings for Ayumi since kindergarten. He becomes jealous when Ayumi shows interest in Conan, but he also develops a deep affection for Haibara after she joins the Detective Boys. He admires Conan for his intelligence and courage, though he sometimes feels frustrated when Conan outshines him, especially in front of Ayumi. He respects Professor Agasa as a mentor and often addresses him formally. With Haibara, he is initially formal, calling her Haibara-san, but as they grow closer he occasionally calls her Ai-chan. His dedication to his friends is shown in the firefly forest incident, where he ventures alone into the Gunma wilderness to catch fireflies for Ayumi and Haibara after hearing them express admiration for the insects, and he is caught by an escaped serial killer who spares him because of their shared love for fireflies.

Over the course of the series, Mitsuhiko experiences subtle development. He becomes more confident in his ability to contribute to investigations, and he occasionally steps up as a leader when needed. His knowledge base expands, and he learns to apply his scientific understanding to real-world situations more effectively. He remains a child, however, and his growth is gradual, marked by small moments of independence and responsibility rather than dramatic changes. His ability to think ahead and his habit of documenting details are among his most reliable skills, and he is often the one who remembers a crucial piece of information that Conan or Haibara later uses to break a case. In the non-canon movies, his protective instincts toward Haibara are highlighted, such as when he catches her hand during a dangerous fall and declares that he will never let her go. Mitsuhiko also reflects on his own emotions, asking Ran if it is wrong to like two girls at once, which shows his introspective side. Overall, Mitsuhiko is a bright, polite, and curious child whose scientific mindset and loyalty to his friends make him a valuable member of the Detective Boys, even as he learns and grows through each mystery.