Overview
| Summary | “Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu!” — meaning “There is always only one truth!” — is the iconic catchphrase of Conan Edogawa, the protagonist of the long-running Japanese anime and manga series Detective Conan (Case Closed). The phrase is used dramatically after Conan reveals the true culprit and explains the mystery. |
| Japanese Writing | 真実はいつも一つ！（しんじつはいつもひとつ） |
| Genre | Mystery / Detective Fiction / Anime |
| Typical Age Group | 10–40 years old (though fans range widely due to the series’ longevity) |
| Audience | Anime and mystery fans |
| Popularity | ★★★★☆ |
| Relevance | ★★★★☆ First aired in 1996, Detective Conan continues to be one of Japan’s most beloved anime series. The phrase has transcended the show and become widely recognized in Japan as a declaration of truth or logic — even among people who don’t follow the show. |
| Usability | ★★★★☆ |
| When to Use | ・After solving a tricky problem or revealing the truth in a funny or dramatic way ・When pointing out contradictions or inconsistencies ・As a lighthearted reference among anime fans |
| How to Use | Pause for dramatic effect, point assertively or strike a detective pose, and say: “Shinjitsu wa… itsumo hitotsu!” (“The truth… is always one!”) Bonus points if you imitate Conan’s serious tone and expression. |
| Cultural Note | “Detective Conan” is based on the manga by Gosho Aoyama and has aired for over two decades with hundreds of episodes and movies. The phrase is always delivered at the climax of each case and is synonymous with the reveal of justice and truth. It represents the Japanese storytelling tradition of valuing logic, observation, and fairness. |
Original performance
You can hear a similar phrase at about 00:13 in this YouTube video.