July 30, 2025

When Anime Meets Tradition: Detective Conan Osechi Sells Out Year After Year—A Reflection of Japan’s Growing “Character Culture” Craze

Japan’s traditional New Year cuisine, osechi ryori, has experienced an unexpected change in recent years—not driven by culinary experts, but by the influence of anime. One notable example is the Detective Conan Osechi, a boxed meal set themed after the long-running mystery series Detective Conan (Case Closed). Released annually since 2023 by Ringbell Co., Ltd., this unique product has sold out four years in a row—transforming what was once a simple family meal into a character celebration phenomenon.

The 2026 edition, titled “Feast of the Detectives,” is once again generating excitement. Filled with 26 traditional and Western-style dishes, each level of the two-layered box features visual motifs and culinary inspirations inspired by the anime and the latest film, Detective Conan: The Phantom of the One-Eyed Shadow. Along with the food, fans receive original illustrations, a designer ema (votive plaque), festive chopsticks, and a New Year’s card from creator Gosho Aoyama.

This isn't just smart merchandising; it signals a larger trend. Japan’s “character economy” has been gaining momentum, with anime, manga, and game properties expanding far beyond the screen. In recent years, products like train passes, hotel rooms, traditional dolls, and temple tours have all been themed around popular characters. The Detective Conan Osechi serves as a prime example of how traditional cultural practices are being reimagined through pop culture, helping them connect with younger generations.

What's driving this shift? A blend of nostalgia, identity, and the rise of “oshikatsu,” a trend where fans celebrate and support their favorite characters as a way to express themselves. From themed cafés to birthday celebrations for fictional heroes, fans are taking advantage of chances to include their “oshi” (favorite) in real-life milestones. The New Year, Japan’s most culturally important holiday, has become a perfect setting for this new form of emotional and economic engagement.

Furthermore, the attention to detail in the Detective Conan Osechi shows that this isn’t just a novelty. With high-quality ingredients, thoughtful design, and culinary craftsmanship, the set honors osechi’s traditions while providing a playful and meaningful reinterpretation.

The product costs ¥21,600 (about $140 USD) and is available through Ringbell’s online store. Orders started on August 1 and will continue until December 25, or until supplies run out—a likely scenario given past demand.

As Japan enters an era where culture and commerce seamlessly blend, the success of the Detective Conan Osech suggests that the fusion of tradition and fandom isn’t just a niche novelty. It’s a growing cultural statement.

Order and details:
https://www.ringbell.co.jp/gourmet/osechi/conan/