TV Special
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the thirteenth-generation descendant of the historical bandit Ishikawa Goemon, upholds his legacy as a master swordsman and occasional thief. He typically collaborates with Arsène Lupin III's gang, participating selectively in missions based on personal interest or moral alignment. His character blends intense loyalty with a rigid ethical code, frequently opposing Lupin's plans when they clash with his principles.
In *Bye Bye, Liberty*, Goemon's path diverges from the central heist targeting the "Super Egg" diamond. While Lupin and Daisuke Jigen infiltrate the Statue of Liberty, Goemon travels to Alaska. There, he rescues Isabel, a woman pursued by armed assailants later revealed as members of the secret society Three Masons. He becomes her bodyguard and develops romantic feelings. Journeying to Arizona and later New Orleans at Isabel's request to see the Grand Canyon and experience Dixieland jazz, he protects her. During this time, Isabel subtly probes Goemon for information about the Super Egg's location, exploiting his trust.
Goemon's combat prowess defines him. Trained in classical Japanese martial arts—Kenjutsu, Battōjutsu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate—he wields the sword Zantetsuken, capable of slicing through virtually any material, from bullets to steel structures. He avoids killing unless necessary, often disabling opponents by destroying their weapons or clothing, then uttering his catchphrase: "I have cut yet another worthless object." His skills extend beyond swordsmanship to exceptional unarmed combat agility, underwater breath control, and proficiency in disguise, driving, and piloting, though he favors traditional methods over modern technology.
His personality reflects deep adherence to Japanese traditions. He wears a kimono, hakama, and fundoshi, consumes only Japanese cuisine, practices frequent meditation, and engages in activities like fishing or attending Noh theater. He is intensely private, especially regarding women; he blushes or averts his gaze in suggestive situations and historically trusts women who appear innocent—a trait Isabel exploits. When she is revealed as "Number 2" of the Three Masons and betrays him, Goemon reacts with uncharacteristic fury. In the climax, after Jimmy (Number 3) mortally wounds Isabel, Goemon destroys the Super Egg with Zantetsuken in a rage, symbolizing his heartbreak and rejection of the diamond's corrupting influence, contrasting his usual composure.
His broader background across the franchise reveals additional dimensions. He first appeared as Lupin's enemy in early manga, hired to assassinate him but eventually joining his gang after recognizing Lupin's ingenuity. His loyalty is conditional; he pledges to deliver a fatal blow to Lupin as their "final act" together, yet repeatedly aids him in just causes. His relationship with Jigen involves mutual respect as fellow warriors, while his interactions with Fujiko Mine involve cautious alliances despite distrust. Other stories explore his connections to his heritage, including a near-marriage to Murasaki Suminawa (*The Fuma Conspiracy*) and conflicts with clan members like Kikyo (*Dragon of Doom*) and Sadachiyo (*Secret of the Twilight Gemini*). Financial naivety and susceptibility to scams, such as donating money to a cult leader, further humanize him.
In *Bye Bye, Liberty*, his protective instincts extend to Isabel's son, Michael. After Isabel's death, he supports the boy during her farewell, showcasing his compassion for the vulnerable—consistent with his fierce defense of children across the series. His actions culminate in a return to Alaska, reflecting his need for solitude and meditation after emotional turmoil. This conclusion reinforces his cyclical character pattern: retreat, reflection, and eventual return to Lupin's world.
In *Bye Bye, Liberty*, Goemon's path diverges from the central heist targeting the "Super Egg" diamond. While Lupin and Daisuke Jigen infiltrate the Statue of Liberty, Goemon travels to Alaska. There, he rescues Isabel, a woman pursued by armed assailants later revealed as members of the secret society Three Masons. He becomes her bodyguard and develops romantic feelings. Journeying to Arizona and later New Orleans at Isabel's request to see the Grand Canyon and experience Dixieland jazz, he protects her. During this time, Isabel subtly probes Goemon for information about the Super Egg's location, exploiting his trust.
Goemon's combat prowess defines him. Trained in classical Japanese martial arts—Kenjutsu, Battōjutsu, Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate—he wields the sword Zantetsuken, capable of slicing through virtually any material, from bullets to steel structures. He avoids killing unless necessary, often disabling opponents by destroying their weapons or clothing, then uttering his catchphrase: "I have cut yet another worthless object." His skills extend beyond swordsmanship to exceptional unarmed combat agility, underwater breath control, and proficiency in disguise, driving, and piloting, though he favors traditional methods over modern technology.
His personality reflects deep adherence to Japanese traditions. He wears a kimono, hakama, and fundoshi, consumes only Japanese cuisine, practices frequent meditation, and engages in activities like fishing or attending Noh theater. He is intensely private, especially regarding women; he blushes or averts his gaze in suggestive situations and historically trusts women who appear innocent—a trait Isabel exploits. When she is revealed as "Number 2" of the Three Masons and betrays him, Goemon reacts with uncharacteristic fury. In the climax, after Jimmy (Number 3) mortally wounds Isabel, Goemon destroys the Super Egg with Zantetsuken in a rage, symbolizing his heartbreak and rejection of the diamond's corrupting influence, contrasting his usual composure.
His broader background across the franchise reveals additional dimensions. He first appeared as Lupin's enemy in early manga, hired to assassinate him but eventually joining his gang after recognizing Lupin's ingenuity. His loyalty is conditional; he pledges to deliver a fatal blow to Lupin as their "final act" together, yet repeatedly aids him in just causes. His relationship with Jigen involves mutual respect as fellow warriors, while his interactions with Fujiko Mine involve cautious alliances despite distrust. Other stories explore his connections to his heritage, including a near-marriage to Murasaki Suminawa (*The Fuma Conspiracy*) and conflicts with clan members like Kikyo (*Dragon of Doom*) and Sadachiyo (*Secret of the Twilight Gemini*). Financial naivety and susceptibility to scams, such as donating money to a cult leader, further humanize him.
In *Bye Bye, Liberty*, his protective instincts extend to Isabel's son, Michael. After Isabel's death, he supports the boy during her farewell, showcasing his compassion for the vulnerable—consistent with his fierce defense of children across the series. His actions culminate in a return to Alaska, reflecting his need for solitude and meditation after emotional turmoil. This conclusion reinforces his cyclical character pattern: retreat, reflection, and eventual return to Lupin's world.