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Originally, TMS planned to team up with Toho and produce a theatrical film. Some of the best talent (including Osumi Masaki, Shibayama Tsutomu, and Otsuka Yasuo) were brought together and feverishly worked on producing the "Pilot Film". Two versions were made, a Cinemascope and TV version, as it was assumed during the planning phase that the film would be released in theaters and then later on television.
While the pilot film was completed in 1969, it consumed a great deal of time and money. TMS and Toho could not come to terms about budget for the film; this and several other problems caused the pilot film to never reach theaters. TMS decided to sell "Lupin III" for TV anime even though its more adult-oriented themes would make it a difficult sell. In October 1971, TMS managed to sell the idea to Yomiuri TV (YTV); they would air the series on television.
TMS could not round up the entire staff of the pilot film as too much time had elapsed. Production of the series went on with Osumi and Otsuka as its core. On 24 October 1971, the first episode of Lupin III (commonly known as the "green jacket series") aired on YTV. It was one of the first anime series with an adult sensibility. It was also grounded in reality as evidenced by the details of the automobiles, guns, etc. depicted in the series. It had all the tools to capture an appreciative adult audience, but the show did poorly in the ratings.
By the time episode three aired, Osumi was removed from the production of the show. Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao were brought in to replace Osumi. The emphasis of the show was also changed to a more humorous, cartoon-style flavor. Despite these changes, the series ended after only twenty-three episodes. While its initial broadcast run was a disaster, the series experienced an explosive surge in popularity through numerous reruns.
With this surge of popularity, the decision was made to make a second television series. Fans quickly came to call this new series Shin Lupin III (New Lupin III); it is also widely known as the "red jacket series". The first episode aired on 3 October 1977 and differed in content from the first series. The plots were more conscious of children; the settings were expanded to cover the entire globe, and the character's idiosyncrasies were simplified. While fans of the original series did not think much of the changes, the second series garnered huge ratings and aired 155 episodes over three years.
During the second series broadcast, Lupin finally made it to the big screen. While a live-action film version of Lupin was made in 1974, it was not until 16 December 1978 that an animated Lupin film was shown in theaters. Simply titled Lupin III, the film captured the adult themes and dark atmosphere of the manga and the first part of the first TV series. The film was a success both critically and commercially; naturally, another film had to be made to capitalize on this success.
On 17 December 1979, Castle of Cagliostro became the second animated Lupin film to hit theaters. Directed by Miyazaki Hayao, the film was a wonderful action & adventure film with many memorable scenes.1 It was more light-hearted than the first film as Miyazaki felt that the film should represent Lupin in the twilight of his career. Lupin is more nice and sentimental as he is looking for fulfillment that cannot be found in thievery.2 The film did not receive as much industry or critical acclaim initially. However, the film increased in popularity through TV broadcasts and magazine listings; today, it is considered to be a classic piece of animation.
A third television series began airing in 1984; Lupin III Part III, the "pink jacket series", aired fifty episodes over two years. This series focused more on slapstick humor. A third theatrical feature appeared in the middle of this broadcast run; 1985 saw the release of Legend of the Gold of Babylon; this film reflected the slapstick nature of the third series. After the third series ended, 1987 saw the release of Fuma Conspiracy direct to the home video market. It eventually made its appearance in theaters as well.1
The production company for Fuma decided to drop Yamada Yasuo as the voice of Lupin because of the budget. Monkey Punch was informed of this decision by the production company; Monkey Punch felt he had no right to enforce decisions regarding voice actors. He told the production company that he understood their choice, but that they needed to make Yamada understand this fact as well. Unfortunately, this was not made clear to Yamada, and he felt that Monkey Punch had directly dropped him from the project. Yamada took pride in being the voice of Lupin and was upset about this decision. Monkey Punch tried to clear up the misunderstanding in later conversations with Yamada, but their relationship remained strained until Yamada's death.3
A year went by before the next Lupin title came out. In 1989, an annual tradition began; each year since 1989 has seen the release of a TV special or a theatrical film. The first special was Bye Bye Liberty and featured the return of Yamada Yasuo as the voice of Lupin. Yamada would continue to voice Lupin for five more years until his tragic death in 1995.
Kurita Kanichi was picked to fill Yamada's shoes, a daunting task to be sure. Kurita has managed to capture though not completely recreate Yamada's voice for Lupin. In 1995, the fourth original theatrical film To Hell with Nostradamus! was released.
In 1996, Monkey Punch directed a portion of the fifth film Dead or Alive; this film returned Lupin to its roots, roots not seen since the first film aired back in 1978. The film was dark, violent, and relied less on humor than recent titles. Lupin fans consider it one of the best titles in the Lupin filmography. It was often rumored that Monkey Punch directed this film due to his dissatisfaction with the way Nostradamus and specials had been portraying Lupin. However, he has stated that he unwillingly accepted the director's chair after being approached for the position. He credits the voice actors and other production people for making the film what it is.4
It is now over thirty years since Lupin was first aired on television; specials continue to be produced on a yearly basis. While the history of Lupin anime is long, it is far from over.
1 House, Michael. "Meet... Lupin III ...An Japanese Superhero!", Toon Magazine 1.7 (1995): 25 - 30.
2 Ragone, August. "1981 conversation with Monkey Punch at the San Diego Comic Con", From a post to the Yahoo! LupinTheThird Group (22 Feb 2003).
3 "Interview with Monkey Punch", Hokkaido Shimbun (8 May 2001).
4 Divers, Allen. "Interview: Monkey Punch", Anime News Network (13 Nov 2003).
While the pilot film was completed in 1969, it consumed a great deal of time and money. TMS and Toho could not come to terms about budget for the film; this and several other problems caused the pilot film to never reach theaters. TMS decided to sell "Lupin III" for TV anime even though its more adult-oriented themes would make it a difficult sell. In October 1971, TMS managed to sell the idea to Yomiuri TV (YTV); they would air the series on television.
TMS could not round up the entire staff of the pilot film as too much time had elapsed. Production of the series went on with Osumi and Otsuka as its core. On 24 October 1971, the first episode of Lupin III (commonly known as the "green jacket series") aired on YTV. It was one of the first anime series with an adult sensibility. It was also grounded in reality as evidenced by the details of the automobiles, guns, etc. depicted in the series. It had all the tools to capture an appreciative adult audience, but the show did poorly in the ratings.
By the time episode three aired, Osumi was removed from the production of the show. Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao were brought in to replace Osumi. The emphasis of the show was also changed to a more humorous, cartoon-style flavor. Despite these changes, the series ended after only twenty-three episodes. While its initial broadcast run was a disaster, the series experienced an explosive surge in popularity through numerous reruns.
With this surge of popularity, the decision was made to make a second television series. Fans quickly came to call this new series Shin Lupin III (New Lupin III); it is also widely known as the "red jacket series". The first episode aired on 3 October 1977 and differed in content from the first series. The plots were more conscious of children; the settings were expanded to cover the entire globe, and the character's idiosyncrasies were simplified. While fans of the original series did not think much of the changes, the second series garnered huge ratings and aired 155 episodes over three years.
During the second series broadcast, Lupin finally made it to the big screen. While a live-action film version of Lupin was made in 1974, it was not until 16 December 1978 that an animated Lupin film was shown in theaters. Simply titled Lupin III, the film captured the adult themes and dark atmosphere of the manga and the first part of the first TV series. The film was a success both critically and commercially; naturally, another film had to be made to capitalize on this success.
On 17 December 1979, Castle of Cagliostro became the second animated Lupin film to hit theaters. Directed by Miyazaki Hayao, the film was a wonderful action & adventure film with many memorable scenes.1 It was more light-hearted than the first film as Miyazaki felt that the film should represent Lupin in the twilight of his career. Lupin is more nice and sentimental as he is looking for fulfillment that cannot be found in thievery.2 The film did not receive as much industry or critical acclaim initially. However, the film increased in popularity through TV broadcasts and magazine listings; today, it is considered to be a classic piece of animation.
A third television series began airing in 1984; Lupin III Part III, the "pink jacket series", aired fifty episodes over two years. This series focused more on slapstick humor. A third theatrical feature appeared in the middle of this broadcast run; 1985 saw the release of Legend of the Gold of Babylon; this film reflected the slapstick nature of the third series. After the third series ended, 1987 saw the release of Fuma Conspiracy direct to the home video market. It eventually made its appearance in theaters as well.1
The production company for Fuma decided to drop Yamada Yasuo as the voice of Lupin because of the budget. Monkey Punch was informed of this decision by the production company; Monkey Punch felt he had no right to enforce decisions regarding voice actors. He told the production company that he understood their choice, but that they needed to make Yamada understand this fact as well. Unfortunately, this was not made clear to Yamada, and he felt that Monkey Punch had directly dropped him from the project. Yamada took pride in being the voice of Lupin and was upset about this decision. Monkey Punch tried to clear up the misunderstanding in later conversations with Yamada, but their relationship remained strained until Yamada's death.3
A year went by before the next Lupin title came out. In 1989, an annual tradition began; each year since 1989 has seen the release of a TV special or a theatrical film. The first special was Bye Bye Liberty and featured the return of Yamada Yasuo as the voice of Lupin. Yamada would continue to voice Lupin for five more years until his tragic death in 1995.
Kurita Kanichi was picked to fill Yamada's shoes, a daunting task to be sure. Kurita has managed to capture though not completely recreate Yamada's voice for Lupin. In 1995, the fourth original theatrical film To Hell with Nostradamus! was released.
In 1996, Monkey Punch directed a portion of the fifth film Dead or Alive; this film returned Lupin to its roots, roots not seen since the first film aired back in 1978. The film was dark, violent, and relied less on humor than recent titles. Lupin fans consider it one of the best titles in the Lupin filmography. It was often rumored that Monkey Punch directed this film due to his dissatisfaction with the way Nostradamus and specials had been portraying Lupin. However, he has stated that he unwillingly accepted the director's chair after being approached for the position. He credits the voice actors and other production people for making the film what it is.4
It is now over thirty years since Lupin was first aired on television; specials continue to be produced on a yearly basis. While the history of Lupin anime is long, it is far from over.
1 House, Michael. "Meet... Lupin III ...An Japanese Superhero!", Toon Magazine 1.7 (1995): 25 - 30.
2 Ragone, August. "1981 conversation with Monkey Punch at the San Diego Comic Con", From a post to the Yahoo! LupinTheThird Group (22 Feb 2003).
3 "Interview with Monkey Punch", Hokkaido Shimbun (8 May 2001).
4 Divers, Allen. "Interview: Monkey Punch", Anime News Network (13 Nov 2003).
Arsène Lupin III
While his grandfather was known as the "Gentleman Thief", Lupin III has no qualms about trying to separate a woman from her modesty. He fancies himself as quite the ladies man, but his advances rarely succeeds. His primary weakness is his overconfidence and lust for Mine Fujiko.
Vital Statistics
| Known Aliases
Jigen Daisuke He greatly distrusts Mine Fujiko, and Lupin's infatuation with her is a source of much irritation for him. As he is proficient with a variety of firearms, it is advised to approach him with extreme caution.
Ishikawa Goemon Thirteenth in the line of the Ishikawa samurai family, Goemon wields a sword that can cut through anything and is nearly indestructible. While the bulk of his training is shrouded in mystery, it is known that received assassination training from Momochi no Jijii ("Old Man Momochi"). Momochi ordered Goemon to kill Lupin; however, Momochi planned on eliminating both Goemon and Lupin to become the world's greatest assassin but was killed by Lupin. Through long and rigorous training, Goemon has perfected the art of iai, the katana fast-draw. The combination of Goemon's reflexes and Zantetsuken's sharpness make for a lethal package. While he feels that most of the people or things that feel the touch of Zantetsuken are worthless, he does not hesitate to cut down anything or anyone that blocks his path. Goemon is based on a historical figure of the same name. He was the Japanese version of Robin Hood though some debate this comparison. The original Goemon lived circa 1650 AD and was finally caught and executed by being placed in a pot of boiling oil.
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Mine Fujiko
Mine Fujiko is a beautiful thief that few men, including Lupin, can resist. Her primary method is to use her feminine wiles to get close to the same treasure that Lupin is after. Fujiko and Lupin are occasionally friends, more often opponents, and never really lovers much to Lupin's chagrin. Normally, Lupin does outsmart Fujiko, but she also makes away with the loot on occasion.
She routinely makes a deal with Zenigata to hand over Lupin in exchange for her own freedom. While she is very seductive and devious, she is also intelligent and is an expert in firearms, burglary, and driving.
She routinely makes a deal with Zenigata to hand over Lupin in exchange for her own freedom. While she is very seductive and devious, she is also intelligent and is an expert in firearms, burglary, and driving.
Vital Statistics
| Known Aliases
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Inspector Zenigata Koichi
Zenigata is based on a famous Japanese crime fighting character named Heiji Zenigata. The character is a few hundred years old and was best known for throwing coins as a weapon. Zenigata's handcuff throwing technique is his own take on the character's choice of weapon.
Vital Statistics
Pilot Film Jacket Color: Red Release Date: 1969 Cut to Inspector Zenigata playing shogi over the phone trying to keep his opponent on the line while a trace is made. Zenigata calls checkmate; his opponent does likewise telling Zenigata that the pieces are fake. Zenigata examines the backs of the pieces to find "Lupin III" written on them. This infuriates Zenigata, but the trace went through! The call is coming from a phone booth outside. Zenigata rushes out to find the booth empty except for a shogi piece with the name "Zenigata" written on it. He throws the playing piece, and it explodes! Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko end up being trapped by Zenigata in an old mansion. Zenigata attempts to storm the mansion but fails; he falls back outside dragging his injured policemen with him. It is a stalemate; Lupin cannot get out, and Zenigata cannot get into the mansion. Suddenly, the famous private investigator Akechi Kogoro suggests that Zenigata throw a grappling hook through a second floor window. He then suggests that Zenigata tie the other end to a car bumper. Akechi starts the car up and begins to drive off; Zenigata chases after him trying to find out what to do next. Akechi reaches to his face and pulls off a mask. It was really Lupin in disguise! Lupin disguised himself as an injured policman to get out of the mansion. As he drives off, Zenigata sees that the grappling hook has been attached to a make-shift kite that carries Jigen and Fujiko away. | Known Aliases
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Pilot Film
Jacket Color: Red
Release Date: 1969
Release Date: 1969
Cut to Inspector Zenigata playing shogi over the phone trying to keep his opponent on the line while a trace is made. Zenigata calls checkmate; his opponent does likewise telling Zenigata that the pieces are fake. Zenigata examines the backs of the pieces to find "Lupin III" written on them. This infuriates Zenigata, but the trace went through! The call is coming from a phone booth outside. Zenigata rushes out to find the booth empty except for a shogi piece with the name "Zenigata" written on it. He throws the playing piece, and it explodes!
Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko end up being trapped by Zenigata in an old mansion. Zenigata attempts to storm the mansion but fails; he falls back outside dragging his injured policemen with him. It is a stalemate; Lupin cannot get out, and Zenigata cannot get into the mansion. Suddenly, the famous private investigator Akechi Kogoro suggests that Zenigata throw a grappling hook through a second floor window. He then suggests that Zenigata tie the other end to a car bumper.
Akechi starts the car up and begins to drive off; Zenigata chases after him trying to find out what to do next. Akechi reaches to his face and pulls off a mask. It was really Lupin in disguise! Lupin disguised himself as an injured policman to get out of the mansion. As he drives off, Zenigata sees that the grappling hook has been attached to a make-shift kite that carries Jigen and Fujiko away.
Second Series
The famous "green jacket" series was created with an adult sensibility and attempted to create a stylish series not previously seen. Great attention was given to the details of the automobiles, guns, and brand name items used. Initially, the series focused less on humor and more on pulp stories centered on a particular heist. Lupin would not hesitate to kill anyone in his way though he did have his own skewed moral code.
The series opened to poor ratings, and director Osumi Masaki's refusal to alter the tone of the series lead to his removal by the time the third episode had aired. In an attempt to reach a broader audience, Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao were brought in to soften the series and provide more humor. Despite their efforts, the series was canceled after twenty-three episodes. However, the series found its audience in reruns and grew in popularity.
After reruns made the first series a fan favorite, a second TV series was produced and set years after the first series. Donning a red jacket, Lupin reunited with Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko to resume their thieving ways; this series retained the comic tone Miyazaki and Takahata brought to the close of the first series. While the darker tones of the manga were left out, many of the manga stories were adapted into episodes. The series also earns the distinction of being the first anime series to be broadcast in stereo starting with episode 99 and intermittently to the end.
The "red jacket" series is the most recognizable and most popular series around the world.
Third Series
The "pink jacket" series has seen little play outside of Japan and is chiefly judged by Legend of the Gold of Babylon, the film produced during the same time period. While Babylon and this series share the same comedy style, the third series fares a bit better in its execution.
Review:
My preconceptions going into this series were based on Legend of the Gold of Babylon; I was expecting an arduous journey through fifty episodes. However, this third TV series managed to be more entertaining, though not by much. Most of the episodes are mediocre heists lacking the wacky panache the second series mustered. The rest range from absurd slapstick to some of the hard edge the first series had. It was not an exceptional run of fifty episodes, but it managed to be just entertaining enough to keep me watching.
With passable stories, one would hope that the animation and character designs would provide some decent eye candy to help. Not the case with the third series; the character designs are atrocious making the cast elongated, amorphous blobs. Fujiko comes off the worst looking like a hideous, old crone half the time. Near the end of the series, the characters edge back towards more familiar designs, but multiple animators must have been working on the series as they shift from the familiar back to the hideous for the last few episodes.
Overall, this could have been much worse; I could not have sat through fifty episodes of material like Babylon. I managed to get some enjoyment out the series, but it is not one I'll be pulling off the shelf much.
Secret of Mamo
Synopsis:
Transylvania... Lupin has been captured and hanged to death; the coroner's report confirms that down to the DNA level this was the real Lupin the Third. However, Zenigata refuses to believe Lupin is dead and drives to a castle to view the body. He then proceeds to drive a stake through the heart of Lupin's corpse. The corpse explodes, and Zenigata comes face to face with... Lupin?!
Transylvania... Lupin has been captured and hanged to death; the coroner's report confirms that down to the DNA level this was the real Lupin the Third. However, Zenigata refuses to believe Lupin is dead and drives to a castle to view the body. He then proceeds to drive a stake through the heart of Lupin's corpse. The corpse explodes, and Zenigata comes face to face with... Lupin?!
Castle of Cagliostro
Synopsis:
Lupin's search for the source of the legendary counterfeit "Goat Money" leads him to the small country of Cagliostro. While fixing a flat tire on the side of the road, Lupin and Jigen are passed by a beautiful girl being chased by a group of thugs. Lupin naturally rushes to the aid of the pretty girl and saves her from a nasty fall over a cliff.
Lupin's search for the source of the legendary counterfeit "Goat Money" leads him to the small country of Cagliostro. While fixing a flat tire on the side of the road, Lupin and Jigen are passed by a beautiful girl being chased by a group of thugs. Lupin naturally rushes to the aid of the pretty girl and saves her from a nasty fall over a cliff.
Legend of the Gold of Babylon
Synopsis:
Several stone tablets have been unearthed in New York City and tell the tale of an ancient treasure. Thousands of years ago, a god demanded that all of the gold in Babylon be collected so it could be hidden. Lupin is naturally looking to make this horde of gold his own but must contend with two Mafia families that are after it as well.
Several stone tablets have been unearthed in New York City and tell the tale of an ancient treasure. Thousands of years ago, a god demanded that all of the gold in Babylon be collected so it could be hidden. Lupin is naturally looking to make this horde of gold his own but must contend with two Mafia families that are after it as well.
Farewell to Nostradamus
Synopsis:
A simple diamond heist leads Lupin into the machinations of a bizarre cult. The cult is based around the prophecies of Nostradamus, and they kidnap Julia, the daughter of Douglas, a wealthy American who is seeking the presidency, along with Lupin's diamond. At stake is the lost book of prophecy Douglas holds in the vault at the top of his skyscraper.
Can Lupin rescue Julia, find a way into the vault, and discover the connection between the cult and the kidnapping? And what about his diamond?!
A simple diamond heist leads Lupin into the machinations of a bizarre cult. The cult is based around the prophecies of Nostradamus, and they kidnap Julia, the daughter of Douglas, a wealthy American who is seeking the presidency, along with Lupin's diamond. At stake is the lost book of prophecy Douglas holds in the vault at the top of his skyscraper.
Can Lupin rescue Julia, find a way into the vault, and discover the connection between the cult and the kidnapping? And what about his diamond?!
Dead or Alive
Synopsis:
The latest target for Lupin is the legendary treasure of the kingdom of Zufu. This treasure lies on the mysterious "Drifting Island", and Lupin drags his gang to investigate. Upon reaching a mysterious door, the island activates an impressive defense system, and Lupin manages to escape by the seat of his pants.
The latest target for Lupin is the legendary treasure of the kingdom of Zufu. This treasure lies on the mysterious "Drifting Island", and Lupin drags his gang to investigate. Upon reaching a mysterious door, the island activates an impressive defense system, and Lupin manages to escape by the seat of his pants.
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