The Case of the Coded City Map

Detective Conan - Episode 4 - The Case of the Coded City Map
Title The Case of the Coded City Map
Other Title The Coded Map of the City Case
Japanese Title 大都会暗号マップ事件 (Daitokai Angou Mappu Jiken)
Episode
Season 1, Episode 4
(International Episode 4)
 
NetflixCollection 1, Episode 4
Original Airdate January 29, 1996
Broadcast Rating 12.2%
Manga Source Volume 4: Files 7-10
English Dub Title Fish Marks the Spot
English Airdate May 27, 2004
Netflix Release Date March 1, 2021 (Japan)
April 25, 2025 (International)
Previous Episode A Murder Behind the Locked Doors of a Celebrity's Apartment
Next Episode The Great Bullet Train Explosion

The Case of the Coded City Map (大都会暗号マップ事件, Daitokai Angou Mappu Jiken) is the fourth episode of the iconic Detective Conan anime series. This installment follows Conan Edogawa and the Detective Boys as they embark on an unexpected treasure hunt triggered by a cryptic paper covered in mysterious symbols and the intriguing word “Oro.”

While initially dismissive of the children’s game, Conan soon uncovers the real significance of the map, discovering that “Oro” — meaning “gold” in Italian — hints at a hidden trail tied to neon-lit city landmarks. The episode weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the thrill of decoding secret messages within an urban setting.

Cast

Characters

  • Conan Edogawa
  • Ran Mouri
  • Kogoro Mouri
  • Juzo Megure
  • Ayumi Yoshida
  • Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya
  • Genta Kojima
  • Kawana
  • Reporter
  • Shop Owner A
  • Shop Owner B

Case

Situation

After visiting an exhibit focused on hidden treasures, Conan and his young companions stumble upon a puzzling note filled with cryptic symbols alongside the word “Oro.” This discovery sparks a treasure hunt across the city. Initially indifferent to the childish quest, Conan’s curiosity is piqued upon learning that “Oro” translates to “gold” in Italian.

By carefully analyzing the paper, Conan concludes that the symbols correspond to neon signs displayed on various buildings around the city, turning the playful search into a serious investigation.

Robbery Background

The treasure map links back to a recent high-profile robbery at an Italian bank, where notorious crime boss Dino Cavane and his gang stole a substantial cache of 15,000 Maple Leaf gold coins. Although Cavane was captured the day before the treasure hunt began, the whereabouts of the stolen gold remain unknown, and the hunt for the missing loot continues.

People

  Name Notes
Dino Cavane - Detective Conan Episode 4 Dino Cavane An Italian mob leader recently arrested for orchestrating a major heist
Kawana Second-in-command of Cavane’s crime syndicate
Gang Members (Man A & Man B) Loyal henchmen of Cavane
TV Announcer Reporting on the events related to the robbery

Case Resolution

Through careful deduction and teamwork, Conan manages to piece together the clues embedded in the coded map. The treasure hunt reveals connections between the stolen gold and Cavane’s criminal operations. Ultimately, Conan and the Detective Boys’ efforts bring the mystery closer to resolution, highlighting Conan’s growing skills in solving complex puzzles even in his youthful form.


Staff & Production Details

  • Director: Kenji Kodama
  • Screenplay:  Kazunari Kouchi
  • Storyboard: Hirohito Ochi
  • Episode Director: Hirohito Ochi
  • Animation Director: Haruo Ogawara
  • Character Design: Masatomo Sudo
  • Opening Theme: "Mune ga Dokidoki"
  • Closing Theme: "STEP BY STEP"

Voice Cast

  • Minami Takayama as Conan Edogawa
  • Wakana Yamazaki as Ran Mouri
  • Akira Kamiya as Kogoro Mouri
  • Chafurin as Juzo Megure
  • Wataru Takagi as Genta Kojima, Next Conan's Hint
  • Ikue Otani as Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya
  • Yukiko Iwai as Ayumi Yoshida
  • Masaharu Sato as Kawana
  • Konami Yoshida as Reporter
  • Isshin Chiba as Shop owner A
  • Naoki Makishima as Shop owner B

Manga to Anime Differences

Several changes distinguish the anime adaptation from the original manga storyline:

  • A poignant flashback scene involving Ran, Shinichi, and the Tohto Tower was omitted from the anime. This scene, featuring an affectionate moment with a cold drink, later appears in the fourth Detective Conan movie, Captured in Her Eyes.
  • The manga contains a more graphic portrayal of Genta’s imagined fate during the treasure hunt, which the anime substitutes with a stylized, less intense depiction featuring cartoonish gunshot marks.
  • Differences exist in the symbols on the treasure map: the anime replaces the manga’s bowtie sign with an umbrella, and the placement of the word “ORO” and fish symbol varies between versions.
  • Conan’s strategic handling of the gangsters following the group differs. In the manga, Conan secretly copies the map and attempts the search alone before involving the Detective Boys; the anime shows a more straightforward cooperation.

Trivia

  • This episode marks the eighth day since Shinichi Kudo became Conan Edogawa, emphasizing the early stages of his transformed life.
  • Dino Cavane’s character design draws inspiration from infamous gangster Al Capone.
  • A remastered version of this episode was broadcast on June 6, 2009.

See Also 


The Case of the Coded City Map stands out as a captivating chapter in the Detective Conan series, blending the excitement of a city-wide treasure hunt with the intellectual challenge of deciphering hidden codes. This episode not only showcases Conan’s detective prowess but also deepens the series’ overarching narrative surrounding organized crime and stolen treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the franchise, this adventure offers an intriguing look at Conan’s world of mystery and deduction.

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