Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the thirteenth-generation heir to the legendary Japanese bandit Ishikawa Goemon, carries his forebear’s name and prowess as a peerless swordsman. Honed in traditional martial arts, he wields the Zantetsuken, a blade that slices through nearly any substance—a symbol of his unwavering discipline. Initially an adversary of Lupin III after the thief infiltrated his family to steal sword-making or alchemy secrets, Goemon repeatedly tried to assassinate him, even recruiting sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen. After persistent failures, he forged an alliance with Lupin, respecting his ingenuity.
Stoic and bound by samurai codes, Goemon meditates to sharpen his focus. He disdains lethal force, opting to sever opponents’ weapons or garments with the dismissive remark, “I have cut yet another worthless object.” Though loyal to Lupin, he bristles at his ally’s recklessness, especially around the cunning Fujiko Mine, whose schemes he distrusts. Yet he cooperates with her pragmatically when missions demand it.
In crossovers like *Lupin III vs. Detective Conan: The Movie*, Goemon adopts the alias Eishin Wakagomo, aiding Lupin in securing a rare mineral tied to stealth technology. His maneuvers expose villains weaponizing the ore, reflecting his alignment with justice over mere profit. A traditionalist, he favors Japanese customs, cuisine, and attire, begrudgingly tolerating modern tech under pressure.
Vulnerable to manipulation by women and uneasy with advanced technology, he relies on allies like Jigen for support. Failures trigger intense self-criticism, driving him to solitary training. His bond with Jigen hinges on mutual warrior respect, while his rivalry with Kaito Kid stems from the latter’s tactical victories. Across adventures, Goemon navigates the tension between ancestral honor and loyalty to Lupin’s chaotic endeavors, merging heritage with roguish adaptability.