Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the thirteenth descendant of the famed bandit Ishikawa Goemon, was conceived by Monkey Punch as a traditionally Japanese counterpoint to the manga's international cast, drawing direct inspiration from Kyūzō in *Seven Samurai*. Initially portrayed as Lupin III's adversary tasked by his clan to eliminate the thief after Lupin targeted their secret sword formula, repeated failures led Goemon to join Lupin's gang, seeking to learn from him. His primary weapon is the Zantetsuken, a sword capable of slicing steel girders, bullets, and vehicles. He typically employs it non-lethally, destroying objects or weapons, then utters his signature phrase: "Once again, I have cut a worthless object," adhering to the tradition that a katana must draw blood before sheathing. His martial prowess extends beyond swordsmanship, encompassing Kenjutsu, Battōjutsu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate, enabling him to effortlessly incapacitate multiple unarmed opponents. Intense pride in his abilities defines Goemon, matched by deep shame upon failure. Loss or damage to the Zantetsuken—such as its breakage against Flinch in *The Mystery of Mamo* or theft in *Tokyo Crisis*—triggers deep remorse, often prompting rigorous training or meditation for atonement. He strictly adheres to Japanese traditions: wearing kimono and hakama, consuming only Japanese food, and practicing Buddhism and Shinto. His vulnerabilities include susceptibility to scams promising enlightenment, deception by seemingly innocent women, immobilizing discomfort around overt female sexuality, and inconsistent struggles with technology—unable to operate car pedals in *Part 4* yet adept at arcade games like Xevious in *Part 5*. In *Tokyo Crisis*, Goemon allies with Fujiko Mine after his sword is stolen. He aids in stealing photographic plates tied to the Tokugawa treasure, later discovering they are decoys. Disarmed, he and Jigen infiltrate a warehouse to retrieve the Zantetsuken, though their initial attempt fails due to Jigen's toothache and Goemon's lack of weaponry. He ultimately reclaims his sword and slices a plane during the climax. His loyalty to Lupin's gang fluctuates across media. In *The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa*, he endures grueling training to unlock a sixth sense after defeat by Hawk, gaining the ability to predict opponents' movements. Despite occasional friction, including promises to kill Lupin, he consistently risks his life for the team. His backstory reveals ninja training under an Iga master, explaining his acceptance of theft despite samurai ethics. Goemon's character evolved from an emotionally volatile figure in early manga—prone to tears and rage—to a reserved, stoic presence in anime adaptations. He maintains a close, respectful dynamic with Jigen as a fellow warrior, while remaining wary of Fujiko's betrayals.