Arsène Lupin III is the grandson of world-famous thief Arsène Lupin, and he’s living up to his grandfather’s memory as a high-profile thief himself, alongside samurai Ishikawa Goemon, sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, and femme fetale Fujiko Mine. Due to his infamy, Lupin III attracts the attention of the persistent Inspector Zenigata of Interpol, as well as rival criminals. (adapted from MAL)
Lupin III content spans 6 long TV seasons with endless specials and films, aside from Monkey Punch’s original manga. Lupin III starts in Japan and regularly tours France, Italy, England, and America. While some places or entire countries like Cagliostro are pure fiction, many Lupin III locations can be visited, such as ICPO-INTERPOL headquarters, Loch Ness, and the Louvre . Italians are particularly fond of Lupin III, and several unofficial Lupin bars can be visited. A discussion of Lupin III in France would be incomplete without mentioning Le Clos Arsène Lupin, a museum dedicated to Lupin III’s literary forefather.
Hamanaka, Hokkaido is the birthplace of Monkey Punch, and it has worked on using the intellectual property power of Lupin III to revitalize since 2011, including cutouts, themed restaurants, a Monkey Punch exhibition, and an annual Lupin festival. Some Lupin voice actors appeared as festival special guests in August 2022.
