Rest in peace
I just found out Wakana Yamazaki died and I'm literally crying at 5 in the morning because of shock and heartbreak. I'm sad for her family. She died too early, there's so much more for her in this world. She has a sweet voice, and seeing some of her interviews and interactions with her fellow VAs, I feel she's also a sweet person.
Right now, forgive me for being selfish and speaking solely as a DC fan.
Detective Conan has been a huge part of my childhood, I grew up with it. And Ran has always been my favorite character. I've adored and admired her personality, and that character of hers I love had been shaped by Wakana Yamazaki.
She's not just Ran's voice. She's Ran. She's given life to my beloved kind, compassionate, strong, brave, resilient character. Not ever hearing her voice again whenever seeing Ran from hereon will always remind me of the loss. Watching any future episodes, especially one of Shinichi and Ran, would never feel the same. She'd breathed so much life into Ran, she defined Ran's character with her portrayal. Ran won't feel the same without her voice. I think I will cry my heart out when Movie 30 is released.
I've been waiting so long for Shinichi and Ran to reunite. M30 would have been the perfect time, especially with the London Arc flashback. It's gonna have something great and monumental for my favorite DC couple.
But now, it feels as though Ran has been separated from Shinichi.
Kappei Yamaguchi and Wakana Yamazaki are my Shinichi and Ran. I've rooted for them and watched/read their journey in the anime/manga through the years. They're the soul of the characters, their voices expressing every heartbreak, joy, sorrow, love that have had my heart breaking or soaring for them.
Right now I feel like half of that heart has died. Kappei Yamaguchi's statement on her death feels like how Shinichi would react, a lie he can't believe at first. The other VAs' reactions show just how working for decades in this anime have made them all close like family. And Ran is one of the core characters of the series. Losing her original voice forever that was there for three decades feels like losing the Ran I've known.
She will always be my Ran 🖤 I'm going to support Akemi Okamura in taking over the role. But Wakana Yamazaki's Ran will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you, Wakana Yamazaki, for giving life to such a beautiful character and making me love Ran Mouri even more. Be at peace. 🕊️