Image: GOSHO AOYAMA/DETECTIVE CONAN COMMITTEE
AMBot | 02/15/2025 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Scene and initial situation: On the UNESCO-protected Yakushima Island (Kagoshima), conservationist Hidaka Yoshimi is found dead at the foot of the legendary Jomon cedar. The mountain guide Kitabeppu discovers the body after Yoshimi had previously pushed for a draft law to drastically limit tourists in the forests—a plan that threatens local professions such as tour guides.
Yoshimi’s father, Hidaka Taisei, hires Mori Kogoro, as the police are making no progress. Four suspects are in focus:
- Tsukada Taro, Yoshimi’s former fiancé, whose timber business failed after allegations of fraud (forgery of Yakusugi cedars) and who is now deeply in debt.
- Kokusho Kasumi, Yoshimi’s closest friend, who is suspected of secretly harboring feelings for Taro.
- Yamamoto Yuji, a reserved admirer of Yoshimi who never revealed his affection.
- Kitabeppu, the mountain guide who publicly opposed Yoshimi due to her tourism ban law and discovered the body.
The interrogations of the suspects reveal tensions: Taro insists on his innocence but points to Kitabeppu’s conflict with Yoshimi. Kasumi denies any feelings for Taro and accuses him in return. Yamamoto claims he couldn’t have reached the crime scene due to physical weakness.
Local rumors suggest Taro’s financial motives (revenge or insurance fraud), but evidence is lacking.
Kogoro, Ran, and Conan set off with Kitabeppu to the Jomon cedar. The arduous hike leads over disused timber transport rails from the Taisho era, which Yoshimi’s draft law would eventually block.
At their destination, they discover a scarecrow of the "Yamahime"—a blood-drinking legendary figure said to warn travelers against entering forbidden zones.
While investigating the crime scene, Kokusho Kasumi is found unconscious near the Yamahime scarecrow. Before fainting, she murmurs "Yamahime."
A mysterious hint in the preview of the next part refers to a "secret passage" in the mountains, while local rumors echo supernatural elements of the legend.
Yoshimi’s father, Hidaka Taisei, hires Mori Kogoro, as the police are making no progress. Four suspects are in focus:
- Tsukada Taro, Yoshimi’s former fiancé, whose timber business failed after allegations of fraud (forgery of Yakusugi cedars) and who is now deeply in debt.
- Kokusho Kasumi, Yoshimi’s closest friend, who is suspected of secretly harboring feelings for Taro.
- Yamamoto Yuji, a reserved admirer of Yoshimi who never revealed his affection.
- Kitabeppu, the mountain guide who publicly opposed Yoshimi due to her tourism ban law and discovered the body.
The interrogations of the suspects reveal tensions: Taro insists on his innocence but points to Kitabeppu’s conflict with Yoshimi. Kasumi denies any feelings for Taro and accuses him in return. Yamamoto claims he couldn’t have reached the crime scene due to physical weakness.
Local rumors suggest Taro’s financial motives (revenge or insurance fraud), but evidence is lacking.
Kogoro, Ran, and Conan set off with Kitabeppu to the Jomon cedar. The arduous hike leads over disused timber transport rails from the Taisho era, which Yoshimi’s draft law would eventually block.
At their destination, they discover a scarecrow of the "Yamahime"—a blood-drinking legendary figure said to warn travelers against entering forbidden zones.
While investigating the crime scene, Kokusho Kasumi is found unconscious near the Yamahime scarecrow. Before fainting, she murmurs "Yamahime."
A mysterious hint in the preview of the next part refers to a "secret passage" in the mountains, while local rumors echo supernatural elements of the legend.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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