Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) movie poster

Plot Summary

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2009 · 111 mins · Japanese
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Yasuichiro Yamamoto
Starring
Minami Takayama, Megumi Hayashibara, Daigo, Mami Koyama, Nana Mizuki, Ami Koshimizu

A newly recruited Black Organization operative, responsible for the drug that shrank Shinichi Kudo, discovers that the child‑detective Conan is actually Shinichi in disguise. This knowledge endangers everyone close to him, and Gin along with other Organization members move quickly to eliminate any threats and keep their secret hidden.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser
  6. 6 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

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.

Last updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:13

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why did Kazuki Honjou become the serial killer?

Kazuki Honjou killed to avenge his sister Nanako, who died two years earlier in a Kyoto hotel fire. When eight people escaped via elevator, Nanako was left behind and couldn't get out. Kazuki believed those present were responsible for her death and orchestrated a revenge plot targeting anyone he blamed for the tragedy.

Foreshadowing: Conan uncovers the Kyoto hotel fire incident early in the investigation, revealing Nanako's death as the catalyst for the murders.

  • kazuki honjou
  • nanako
  • revenge
  • kyoto hotel fire
  • serial killer
Q2

What was the purpose of the Mahjong tiles at the crime scenes?

The Mahjong tiles were a deliberate misdirection planted by Kazuki to throw off police investigation. He used them to redirect suspicion toward Kosuke Mizutani, Nanako's boyfriend, making it appear Mizutani was the killer. The tiles were never the real clue, Kazuki designed them to protect his true identity.

Foreshadowing: Conan initially treats the Mahjong tiles as significant evidence before realizing they were a deliberate false trail.

  • mahjong tiles
  • misdirection
  • crime scenes
  • evidence
Q3

How did Conan link the serial murders to the Kyoto hotel fire?

Conan connected the cases by tracing the Big Dipper constellation pattern of the crime scenes back to Nanako and Kosuke Mizutani's past stargazing sessions in Kyoto. He learned that Nanako died in the hotel fire two years earlier, and the celestial clues pointed toward someone seeking vengeance for her death.

Foreshadowing: The timeline explicitly mentions the Kyoto hotel fire as the starting point that led Conan to investigate Nanako's death.

  • kyoto hotel fire
  • big dipper
  • nanako honjou
  • constellation
  • crime scenes
Q4

Who is Irish in the Black Organization?

Irish is a Black Organization operative who infiltrated the police force by disguising himself as Superintendent Matsumoto. He reveals himself to Conan during the confrontation at Tokyo Tower and explains he hates the Organization because they murdered his friend Pisco. Irish ultimately sacrifices himself to protect the memory chip from Gin and the Organization.

Foreshadowing: Conan spots a suspicious police officer entering a black Porsche after the police conference, hinting at an infiltrator.

  • irish
  • matsumoto
  • black organization
  • undercover
  • pisco
Q5

Why did Kosuke Mizutani confess to murders he didn't commit?

Mizutani was manipulated by Kazuki Honjou into confessing. Kazuki used Mizutani as a scapegoat, convincing him to take the blame for the revenge killings. Mizutani's guilt stemmed from surviving the hotel fire while Nanako died, and Kazuki exploited this emotional vulnerability to make him an unwitting participant.

Foreshadowing: During the Tokyo Tower confrontation, Mizutani confesses readily, which surprises Conan given the inconsistent details.

  • kosuke mizutani
  • confession
  • scapegoat
  • manipulated
Q6

What is the memory chip the Black Organization is searching for?

The memory chip is a crucial piece of data the Black Organization desperately wants, revealed during Vermouth's confrontation with Conan. The Organization will kill anyone who possesses it. Irish protects it at great cost, ultimately dying to prevent Gin from seizing it. Its exact contents remain mysterious, but it's clearly tied to the Organization's larger plans.

Foreshadowing: Vermouth mentions the Black Organization's need for the memory chip during Conan's interrogation on Tanabata.

  • memory chip
  • black organization
  • vermouth
  • data
Q7

How did the Big Dipper and Polaris clues help identify the killer?

The crime scenes across Japan were arranged to form the Big Dipper constellation with Polaris (the North Star) as the final target, Tokyo Tower. This celestial pattern was Kazuki's signature, connecting the murders to his sister's death and the stargazing trips she shared with Mizutani in Kyoto. Conan decoded this astronomical code to trace the killer's movements and predict the next location.

Foreshadowing: Conan pieces together the stargazing connection between Nanako and Mizutani early in the investigation.

  • big dipper
  • polaris
  • constellation
  • tokyo tower
  • celestial clues
Q8

Why did Irish help Conan despite being a Black Organization member?

Irish helps Conan because he despises the Black Organization after they murdered his friend Pisco. Though still technically an operative, Irish has turned traitor. He protects Conan and the memory chip as an act of personal revenge against the Organization, ultimately sacrificing his life to prevent Gin from obtaining the data.

Foreshadowing: Irish's reveal comes when Conan realizes Matsumoto is suspiciously knowledgeable about the Organization's movements.

  • irish
  • betrayal
  • pisco
  • revenge
  • black organization
Q9

How did Conan figure out Matsumoto was Irish in disguise?

Conan deduces Matsumoto's true identity as Irish when the Superintendent intervenes during the confrontation at Tokyo Tower. Irish's actions and knowledge are too detailed for a normal police officer, he demonstrates familiarity with the Organization's methods and members. His willingness to protect Conan despite being a known operative confirms his disguise.

Foreshadowing: During the police conference, Conan notices someone entering a black Porsche, hinting at organization ties.

  • matsumoto
  • disguise
  • irish identity
  • tokyo tower
Q10

What was the seven-in-elevator rule in the Kyoto hotel fire?

The hotel fire trapped eight people, and the elevator could only carry seven. The 'seven-in-elevator rule' meant one person would be left behind, Nanako Honjou wasn't on the final elevator and died as a result. This tragedy became the foundation of Kazuki's revenge plot against those he blamed for her death.

Foreshadowing: Conan interviews Nanako's neighbor Shun Sawamura, who mentions the elevator incident.

  • seven in elevator
  • kyoto hotel fire
  • nanako
  • tragedy
Q11

What did the dying message 'Tanabata kyo' mean?

The dying message 'Tanabata kyo' (meaning 'Tanabata today') left at the first crime scene was the initial clue linking all the murders. It connected the case to the Tanabata festival and hinted at a larger pattern. Conan used this message as a starting point to investigate the string of killings across multiple prefectures.

Foreshadowing: The first timeline event explicitly shows the dying message as the case's opening clue.

  • tanabata kyo
  • dying message
  • crime scene
  • clue
Q12

How did Conan escape the Black Organization's attack at Tokyo Tower?

When the Organization opened machine gun fire, Conan used his expanding suspenders as a makeshift bungee cord. He attached them to a nearby light fixture and jumped off the tower, using the recoil to sling himself away from danger. The light fixture then rebounded and struck the Organization's helicopter, damaging its engine and causing it to crash.

Foreshadowing: Conan's gadgets have been established throughout the series as crucial escape tools.

  • conan escape
  • tokyo tower
  • expanding suspenders
  • helicopter
  • black organization
Q13

What were Irish's last words to Conan?

Irish's dying words were 'Kudo Shinichi… Keep… Coming After Us…' By using Shinichi's real name, Irish acknowledged Conan's true identity. His final message was a plea for Conan to continue pursuing the Black Organization, passing the torch of resistance to the young detective.

Foreshadowing: Irish's death occurs immediately after he protects the memory chip from Gin.

  • irish death
  • last words
  • kudo shinichi
  • promise

Movie threads

More Movies Like Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Conspiracy Thrillers like Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser

Characters race against a hidden enemy to expose a dangerous conspiracy. If you enjoyed the high-tension cat-and-mouse game in Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser, you'll find similar movies here. These stories feature protagonists uncovering dangerous secrets while being hunted by a hidden enemy, blending methodical investigation with intense, fast-paced action.

  • suspenseful
  • urgent
  • methodical
  • dangerous
  • paranoid
  • atmospheric
  • Tone: tense, paranoid, dangerous
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist, often an investigator or an ordinary person in over their head, who uncovers a conspiracy that puts them in immediate danger. The plot is driven by a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic, where the hero must use deduction and resourcefulness to expose the truth while evading a ruthless and well-organized antagonist.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared structure of a deadly cat-and-mouse chase, a pervasive sense of paranoia, and the high-stakes goal of exposing a hidden truth against overwhelming odds. The combination of intellectual puzzle-solving and visceral threat creates a uniquely gripping experience.

Emotionally Heavy Thrillers like Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser

High-action stories where victory comes at a profound personal cost. Find movies similar to Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser that blend intense thriller action with heavy emotional weight. These films feature bittersweet endings where the resolution of the central conflict is tempered by personal loss and sacrifice, creating a powerful and memorable experience.

  • tragic
  • determined
  • anxious
  • suspenseful
  • solemn
  • heavy
  • Tone: tense, tragic, determined
  • Pacing: fast, emotional
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The story builds through a high-stakes conflict, but the emotional core is driven by themes of vengeance, loyalty, or protection. The narrative journey culminates in a resolution that secures a victory or safety, but at the cost of a major character's life or well-being, emphasizing the tragic weight of the struggle.

Why they belong together: This thread connects movies that share a specific emotional trajectory: combining the relentless pace and danger of a thriller with a narrative that isn't afraid to explore tragic themes and conclude with a somber, bittersweet feeling. The emotional impact is as significant as the action.

If you liked this

Movies Like Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser

Similar movies to Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app