TV-Series
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII is the thirteenth-generation descendant of the historical Japanese folk hero Ishikawa Goemon, a renowned outlaw from the Sengoku period who was executed by boiling after a failed assassination attempt on Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later became a legendary figure in kabuki theater and popular culture. This samurai lineage is a point of personal pride and informs his strict adherence to traditional values.
Initially introduced as an enemy of Arsène Lupin III, Goemon was sent by his masters to assassinate the thief, often due to Lupin's attempts to steal secrets related to Goemon's sword-making formula or other valuable techniques. After numerous failed attempts, Goemon concluded that he could learn more by working alongside Lupin than against him, leading to a shift in allegiance. His loyalty was cemented when Lupin assisted him in achieving revenge for his uncle's death.
His personality is defined by an extreme sense of pride in his martial abilities and a deep commitment to Japanese cultural traditions. He often expresses disappointment after using his sword on inanimate objects, uttering his catchphrase, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object." Failures, such as breaking his sword or being tricked, cause him significant shame, prompting him to leave for periods of intense meditation or training to overcome his weaknesses. He maintains a stoic and aloof demeanor, with meditation being his primary pastime, often entering a trance-like state so deep he becomes unmovable.
He exhibits several notable weaknesses. He is incredibly susceptible to deceit by women who appear innocent or trustworthy, which frequently lands him in trouble, and he reacts with extreme shyness, often blushing or fleeing from sexually suggestive situations. He has a pronounced weakness for authentic Japanese cuisine, which can be used to bribe or lure him into traps, and he will refuse other types of food, even choosing to fast. He is generally inept with modern technology, such as being unable to drive a car or use a smartphone, though on rare occasions he has been shown to be proficient with certain gadgets like mobile phones or video games. Furthermore, he is notoriously bad with money, frequently falling for scams promising enlightenment and often charging Lupin for his services, though the ultimate use of these funds remains a mystery.
As a master martial artist, his skills are formidable. He is a master of Kenjutsu and Battōjutsu, wielding the sword Zantetsuken, which can cut through virtually any material, including steel girders, bullets, and entire buildings. He is also highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, including Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate, allowing him to defeat multiple attackers effortlessly. Despite his lethal capabilities, he prefers to incapacitate opponents non-lethally by destroying their weapons and clothing. The 2017 OVA "The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa" depicts a significant development where, after a humiliating defeat by the mercenary Hawk, he undergoes grueling training to unlock a "sixth sense," granting him the ability to predict an opponent's moves, which he later uses to achieve victory.
His relationship with the core group is complex. His loyalty to Lupin is absolute, having been forged through numerous adventures, though he is easily annoyed by Lupin's womanizing and will oppose him if a job conflicts with his personal morals. He shares a strong, respectful bond with Daisuke Jigen, viewing him as a fellow honorable warrior; the two are frequently paired on missions and often work together to keep Lupin in check. His relationship with Fujiko Mine is one of deep distrust due to her constant betrayals, though he has been known to reluctantly ally with her on occasion.
His appearance is consistently traditional, featuring a kimono and hakama, with his hair worn long and unevenly cut due to his refusal to get a proper haircut. The specific colors of his attire have varied slightly across different anime series, ranging from light gray and lavender in earlier parts to pink in Part 4 and off-white in Part 5.
Within the narrative of "Lupin the Third: Part 5," which is set in modern-day France, his difficulties with contemporary technology are more prominent. He is shown needing assistance from local children to use a smartphone and requires help from Lupin to operate a camera, highlighting his struggle to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital world. Despite these challenges, he remains a steadfast and reliable member of the team, particularly when Lupin is engaged in a just cause.
Initially introduced as an enemy of Arsène Lupin III, Goemon was sent by his masters to assassinate the thief, often due to Lupin's attempts to steal secrets related to Goemon's sword-making formula or other valuable techniques. After numerous failed attempts, Goemon concluded that he could learn more by working alongside Lupin than against him, leading to a shift in allegiance. His loyalty was cemented when Lupin assisted him in achieving revenge for his uncle's death.
His personality is defined by an extreme sense of pride in his martial abilities and a deep commitment to Japanese cultural traditions. He often expresses disappointment after using his sword on inanimate objects, uttering his catchphrase, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object." Failures, such as breaking his sword or being tricked, cause him significant shame, prompting him to leave for periods of intense meditation or training to overcome his weaknesses. He maintains a stoic and aloof demeanor, with meditation being his primary pastime, often entering a trance-like state so deep he becomes unmovable.
He exhibits several notable weaknesses. He is incredibly susceptible to deceit by women who appear innocent or trustworthy, which frequently lands him in trouble, and he reacts with extreme shyness, often blushing or fleeing from sexually suggestive situations. He has a pronounced weakness for authentic Japanese cuisine, which can be used to bribe or lure him into traps, and he will refuse other types of food, even choosing to fast. He is generally inept with modern technology, such as being unable to drive a car or use a smartphone, though on rare occasions he has been shown to be proficient with certain gadgets like mobile phones or video games. Furthermore, he is notoriously bad with money, frequently falling for scams promising enlightenment and often charging Lupin for his services, though the ultimate use of these funds remains a mystery.
As a master martial artist, his skills are formidable. He is a master of Kenjutsu and Battōjutsu, wielding the sword Zantetsuken, which can cut through virtually any material, including steel girders, bullets, and entire buildings. He is also highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, including Jujutsu, Aikido, and Karate, allowing him to defeat multiple attackers effortlessly. Despite his lethal capabilities, he prefers to incapacitate opponents non-lethally by destroying their weapons and clothing. The 2017 OVA "The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa" depicts a significant development where, after a humiliating defeat by the mercenary Hawk, he undergoes grueling training to unlock a "sixth sense," granting him the ability to predict an opponent's moves, which he later uses to achieve victory.
His relationship with the core group is complex. His loyalty to Lupin is absolute, having been forged through numerous adventures, though he is easily annoyed by Lupin's womanizing and will oppose him if a job conflicts with his personal morals. He shares a strong, respectful bond with Daisuke Jigen, viewing him as a fellow honorable warrior; the two are frequently paired on missions and often work together to keep Lupin in check. His relationship with Fujiko Mine is one of deep distrust due to her constant betrayals, though he has been known to reluctantly ally with her on occasion.
His appearance is consistently traditional, featuring a kimono and hakama, with his hair worn long and unevenly cut due to his refusal to get a proper haircut. The specific colors of his attire have varied slightly across different anime series, ranging from light gray and lavender in earlier parts to pink in Part 4 and off-white in Part 5.
Within the narrative of "Lupin the Third: Part 5," which is set in modern-day France, his difficulties with contemporary technology are more prominent. He is shown needing assistance from local children to use a smartphone and requires help from Lupin to operate a camera, highlighting his struggle to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital world. Despite these challenges, he remains a steadfast and reliable member of the team, particularly when Lupin is engaged in a just cause.