TV Special
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII carries the mantle of the thirteenth successor to the legendary Japanese bandit Ishikawa Goemon. While historical accounts record the execution of the original Goemon and his family in the 16th century, legends persist that an infant son survived, enabling the lineage's continuation. This legacy varies across interpretations; the title "Jusan-daime" often implies a theatrical or mentorship succession reminiscent of kabuki traditions, distinct from direct biological descent.
Initially appearing as an adversary to Lupin III in the manga, Goemon aimed to steal Lupin’s secrets or assassinate him, acting under orders from his masters. Their rivalry transformed after mutual survival against shared enemies, like the assassin Sandayu Momochi who manipulated them both. This pivotal encounter forged Goemon’s recurring motivation: a personal vow to one day kill Lupin himself, a pledge that gradually evolved into protective loyalty. His formal integration into Lupin’s crew solidified through joint exploits, including recovering the meteorite-forged sword Zantetsuken (also known as Ryusei), a blade capable of cutting any material except specific substances like konnyaku jelly.
Goemon embodies strict bushido principles. He meditates frequently, wears traditional attire (kimono, hakama, fundoshi), and exclusively consumes Japanese cuisine—a habit adversaries often exploit. He displays intense pride in his swordsmanship, expressing shame whenever Zantetsuken breaks or he fails a task. His signature catchphrase, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object," highlights his preference for non-lethally disarming foes by destroying their weapons or objects rather than taking lives. Notable vulnerabilities include naivety toward seemingly innocent women, discomfort around overt sexuality, strong protectiveness toward children, and susceptibility to scams promising spiritual enlightenment.
His martial prowess extends beyond kenjutsu, encompassing mastery of battōjutsu, jujutsu, aikido, and karate. This skill allows him to deflect bullets and dismantle structures or vehicles with Zantetsuken. While typically technophobic—struggling with driving or smartphones—he occasionally demonstrates unexpected aptitude, such as achieving high scores in arcade games. Ninja training, revealed in Part 2, explains his acceptance of theft despite samurai ethics.
In *The Last Job*, Goemon joins the theft of a Buddha statuette tied to the Fuma Clan’s secret power, Fujin. After Inspector Zenigata suffers critical wounds during the pursuit, Goemon confronts the antagonist Morgana, who seeks Fujin’s power. The narrative delves into themes of honor and vengeance linked to the Fuma legacy, connecting to the clan's earlier series appearances.
His relationships across media fluctuate: he shares mutual warrior respect with marksman Daisuke Jigen, distrusts Fujiko Mine for her manipulations, and maintains complex loyalty to Lupin, balancing assassination threats with unwavering support during just causes. His background includes commitments like his engagement to Murasaki Suminawa (*The Plot of the Fuma Clan*), illustrating conflicts between duty and personal connections.
Initially appearing as an adversary to Lupin III in the manga, Goemon aimed to steal Lupin’s secrets or assassinate him, acting under orders from his masters. Their rivalry transformed after mutual survival against shared enemies, like the assassin Sandayu Momochi who manipulated them both. This pivotal encounter forged Goemon’s recurring motivation: a personal vow to one day kill Lupin himself, a pledge that gradually evolved into protective loyalty. His formal integration into Lupin’s crew solidified through joint exploits, including recovering the meteorite-forged sword Zantetsuken (also known as Ryusei), a blade capable of cutting any material except specific substances like konnyaku jelly.
Goemon embodies strict bushido principles. He meditates frequently, wears traditional attire (kimono, hakama, fundoshi), and exclusively consumes Japanese cuisine—a habit adversaries often exploit. He displays intense pride in his swordsmanship, expressing shame whenever Zantetsuken breaks or he fails a task. His signature catchphrase, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object," highlights his preference for non-lethally disarming foes by destroying their weapons or objects rather than taking lives. Notable vulnerabilities include naivety toward seemingly innocent women, discomfort around overt sexuality, strong protectiveness toward children, and susceptibility to scams promising spiritual enlightenment.
His martial prowess extends beyond kenjutsu, encompassing mastery of battōjutsu, jujutsu, aikido, and karate. This skill allows him to deflect bullets and dismantle structures or vehicles with Zantetsuken. While typically technophobic—struggling with driving or smartphones—he occasionally demonstrates unexpected aptitude, such as achieving high scores in arcade games. Ninja training, revealed in Part 2, explains his acceptance of theft despite samurai ethics.
In *The Last Job*, Goemon joins the theft of a Buddha statuette tied to the Fuma Clan’s secret power, Fujin. After Inspector Zenigata suffers critical wounds during the pursuit, Goemon confronts the antagonist Morgana, who seeks Fujin’s power. The narrative delves into themes of honor and vengeance linked to the Fuma legacy, connecting to the clan's earlier series appearances.
His relationships across media fluctuate: he shares mutual warrior respect with marksman Daisuke Jigen, distrusts Fujiko Mine for her manipulations, and maintains complex loyalty to Lupin, balancing assassination threats with unwavering support during just causes. His background includes commitments like his engagement to Murasaki Suminawa (*The Plot of the Fuma Clan*), illustrating conflicts between duty and personal connections.