TV Special
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII is the thirteenth-generation descendant of the historical Japanese bandit Ishikawa Goemon, a folk hero executed by boiling during the Azuchi-Momoyama period for stealing from the wealthy to aid the oppressed. Initially appearing as an adversary in the original manga, Goemon targeted Arsène Lupin III after Lupin infiltrated his clan to steal secrets related to his ancestral sword's impervious blade formula or alchemic gold-making technique. Fujiko Mine, then Goemon's girlfriend, exposed Lupin's deception, prompting Goemon to pursue vengeance through assassination attempts, including hiring Daisuke Jigen. After repeated failures, Goemon shifted allegiance upon recognizing Lupin's potential as a mentor, solidifying their partnership after Lupin enabled him to avenge his uncle's killer.
He wields the sword Zantetsuken, or "Ryusei" in early manga, capable of cleaving through virtually any material like bullets, vehicles, and buildings. Despite this power, he typically avoids lethal force, opting to destroy weapons or clothing to incapacitate foes. After such non-fatal strikes, he utters his signature phrase, "I have cut yet another worthless object," reflecting the traditional belief that a katana must draw blood before sheathing. His martial prowess extends beyond swordsmanship to mastery of jujutsu, aikido, karate, and battōjutsu, allowing him to subdue multiple attackers unarmed. Proficiency in espionage tactics, attributed to ninja training under an Iga master, rationalizes his acceptance of theft despite his samurai ethos.
His personality blends stoic discipline with profound vulnerabilities. He maintains deep cultural loyalty, wearing traditional hakama and fundoshi, consuming only Japanese cuisine, practicing Shinto and Buddhism, and favoring activities like meditation, fishing, and noh theater. This adherence often clashes with modern settings, rendering him inept with technology like smartphones or vehicles, though exceptions occur. Extreme pride in his abilities drives intense shame when failing—such as breaking Zantetsuken or losing it to deception—prompting self-imposed exile for training or meditation. His greatest weakness is naiveté around women; he readily trusts those appearing innocent or virtuous, leading to frequent betrayals, yet flees or averts his gaze when confronted with sensuality due to fears of distraction.
Throughout various media, his loyalty to Lupin's group evolves. While initially joining for self-interest, he develops genuine camaraderie, particularly with Jigen, whom he views as a fellow honorable warrior. He frequently clashes with Lupin over moral disagreements or reckless behavior, vowing to eventually deliver his deathblow, yet consistently aids him in just causes. His bond is tested in extreme scenarios, such as enduring torture without betraying Lupin or facing foes like Hawk in "The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa." In this OVA, Hawk's near-invincibility shatters Zantetsuken and humiliates Goemon, compelling him to undergo grueling sensory training to awaken a predictive "sixth sense." This culminates in a rematch where he defeats Hawk, showcasing growth through disciplined self-improvement.
In "The Pursuit of Harimao's Treasure," specific details regarding Goemon's role are not provided. Across all appearances, his character remains defined by unwavering principles, comedic cultural dissonance, and a commitment to honor transcending his role as a thief.
He wields the sword Zantetsuken, or "Ryusei" in early manga, capable of cleaving through virtually any material like bullets, vehicles, and buildings. Despite this power, he typically avoids lethal force, opting to destroy weapons or clothing to incapacitate foes. After such non-fatal strikes, he utters his signature phrase, "I have cut yet another worthless object," reflecting the traditional belief that a katana must draw blood before sheathing. His martial prowess extends beyond swordsmanship to mastery of jujutsu, aikido, karate, and battōjutsu, allowing him to subdue multiple attackers unarmed. Proficiency in espionage tactics, attributed to ninja training under an Iga master, rationalizes his acceptance of theft despite his samurai ethos.
His personality blends stoic discipline with profound vulnerabilities. He maintains deep cultural loyalty, wearing traditional hakama and fundoshi, consuming only Japanese cuisine, practicing Shinto and Buddhism, and favoring activities like meditation, fishing, and noh theater. This adherence often clashes with modern settings, rendering him inept with technology like smartphones or vehicles, though exceptions occur. Extreme pride in his abilities drives intense shame when failing—such as breaking Zantetsuken or losing it to deception—prompting self-imposed exile for training or meditation. His greatest weakness is naiveté around women; he readily trusts those appearing innocent or virtuous, leading to frequent betrayals, yet flees or averts his gaze when confronted with sensuality due to fears of distraction.
Throughout various media, his loyalty to Lupin's group evolves. While initially joining for self-interest, he develops genuine camaraderie, particularly with Jigen, whom he views as a fellow honorable warrior. He frequently clashes with Lupin over moral disagreements or reckless behavior, vowing to eventually deliver his deathblow, yet consistently aids him in just causes. His bond is tested in extreme scenarios, such as enduring torture without betraying Lupin or facing foes like Hawk in "The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa." In this OVA, Hawk's near-invincibility shatters Zantetsuken and humiliates Goemon, compelling him to undergo grueling sensory training to awaken a predictive "sixth sense." This culminates in a rematch where he defeats Hawk, showcasing growth through disciplined self-improvement.
In "The Pursuit of Harimao's Treasure," specific details regarding Goemon's role are not provided. Across all appearances, his character remains defined by unwavering principles, comedic cultural dissonance, and a commitment to honor transcending his role as a thief.