TV Special
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII carries the legacy of his namesake ancestor as a master swordsman and occasional thief. He embodies traditional samurai principles, strictly adhering to Japanese cultural practices: wearing hakama and fundoshi, consuming only Japanese cuisine, and practicing Buddhism and Shinto. Typically reserved and stoic, he meditates deeply even in peril, though women occasionally trigger outbursts of frustration or vulnerability, as he instinctively trusts them yet fears distraction from his training.
Trained in kenjutsu, iaidō, jujutsu, karate, and battōjutsu, he wields the katana Zantetsuken, whose blade cleaves through virtually any material—bullets, steel, buildings. He spares lives unless challenged to a duel by a dishonorable opponent, often incapacitating foes by destroying their weapons or clothing instead. After such non-lethal strikes, he typically remarks, "I have cut yet another worthless object," reflecting his disdain for unworthy targets. His martial expertise extends to unarmed combat, breath control for diving, and limited supernatural understanding. Failure in a task or damage to Zantetsuken brings profound shame, driving him to retreat for meditation or rigorous training as atonement.
Introduced as Lupin III's enemy in the manga, Goemon targeted him for infiltrating his clan to steal an alchemic formula for impervious blades. After numerous failed assassination attempts, he switched allegiance, recognizing Lupin's value as a mentor. Their bond solidified when Lupin enabled Goemon to avenge his uncle's killer. In later manga arcs, Goemon demonstrated unwavering loyalty, enduring torture without betraying Lupin. Though frequently annoyed by Lupin's womanizing and antics, he assists in morally just causes and has vowed to deliver Lupin's deathblow as their final act. He shares a mutually respectful "foxhole buddy" dynamic with Jigen, often partnering on missions, and cautiously collaborates with Fujiko despite distrusting her.
In *Island of Assassins*, Goemon investigated a Walther P38 used to shoot Inspector Zenigata, recognized by Lupin as his own former weapon. The incident led to a hidden island sanctuary for assassins, protected by global officials. During the conflict, Goemon dueled Sadachiyo, a rogue assassin from his clan hired by a faction within the Geltic tribe. The battle ended when Sadachiyo broke Zantetsuken's tip, only for the fragment to pierce his heart. This confrontation underscored Goemon's adherence to honorable combat and his swordsmanship's lethal precision.
Goemon's history includes encounters with clan figures like Kikyo, a childhood friend turned betrayer who faked her death to steal artifacts (*Dragon of Doom*), and Murasaki Suminawa, whom he nearly married before deeming himself unworthy (*The Fuma Conspiracy*). His weaknesses include susceptibility to scams promising enlightenment, bribes involving Japanese food, and protective instincts toward children. While typically inept with technology, his adaptation varies across media, occasionally extending to modern devices like mobile phones.
Trained in kenjutsu, iaidō, jujutsu, karate, and battōjutsu, he wields the katana Zantetsuken, whose blade cleaves through virtually any material—bullets, steel, buildings. He spares lives unless challenged to a duel by a dishonorable opponent, often incapacitating foes by destroying their weapons or clothing instead. After such non-lethal strikes, he typically remarks, "I have cut yet another worthless object," reflecting his disdain for unworthy targets. His martial expertise extends to unarmed combat, breath control for diving, and limited supernatural understanding. Failure in a task or damage to Zantetsuken brings profound shame, driving him to retreat for meditation or rigorous training as atonement.
Introduced as Lupin III's enemy in the manga, Goemon targeted him for infiltrating his clan to steal an alchemic formula for impervious blades. After numerous failed assassination attempts, he switched allegiance, recognizing Lupin's value as a mentor. Their bond solidified when Lupin enabled Goemon to avenge his uncle's killer. In later manga arcs, Goemon demonstrated unwavering loyalty, enduring torture without betraying Lupin. Though frequently annoyed by Lupin's womanizing and antics, he assists in morally just causes and has vowed to deliver Lupin's deathblow as their final act. He shares a mutually respectful "foxhole buddy" dynamic with Jigen, often partnering on missions, and cautiously collaborates with Fujiko despite distrusting her.
In *Island of Assassins*, Goemon investigated a Walther P38 used to shoot Inspector Zenigata, recognized by Lupin as his own former weapon. The incident led to a hidden island sanctuary for assassins, protected by global officials. During the conflict, Goemon dueled Sadachiyo, a rogue assassin from his clan hired by a faction within the Geltic tribe. The battle ended when Sadachiyo broke Zantetsuken's tip, only for the fragment to pierce his heart. This confrontation underscored Goemon's adherence to honorable combat and his swordsmanship's lethal precision.
Goemon's history includes encounters with clan figures like Kikyo, a childhood friend turned betrayer who faked her death to steal artifacts (*Dragon of Doom*), and Murasaki Suminawa, whom he nearly married before deeming himself unworthy (*The Fuma Conspiracy*). His weaknesses include susceptibility to scams promising enlightenment, bribes involving Japanese food, and protective instincts toward children. While typically inept with technology, his adaptation varies across media, occasionally extending to modern devices like mobile phones.