Case Closed: The Target is Kogoro! The Detective Boys' Secret Investigation

Released in 2005, this original video animation served as a standalone feature within the long-running Detective Conan franchise, created by Gosho Aoyama. It was produced by TMS Entertainment to coincide with the broader media expansion of the series, which had solidified its status as a cultural staple in Japan following the success of the television anime and annual feature-length films. This specific installment was crafted to provide fans with a lower-stakes, character-focused mystery that highlighted the camaraderie of the Detective Boys, acting as a lighthearted bridge between the more intense theatrical releases.

The animation was directed by Yasuichiro Yamamoto, a veteran of the series who sought to maintain the visual consistency and mystery-solving tone that defined the franchise since its 1996 debut. The design and narrative approach reflect the 'whodunit' structural DNA established by Aoyama, emphasizing classic deduction elements and the distinct personalities of the core ensemble. Upon release, it was received as a nostalgic and accessible addition to the canon, praised for staying true to the established dynamics between Conan Edogawa and the younger members of the cast while maintaining the series' trademark blend of tension and comedy.