TV Special
Description
Goemon Ishikawa XIII is the thirteenth-generation descendant of the historical Japanese figure Ishikawa Goemon. He is a master swordsman who wields the legendary Zantetsuken, a blade capable of cutting through virtually any material except konnyaku jelly. Tradition dictates the sword must draw blood before resheathing, prompting his signature phrase, "Once again, I have cut a worthless object," after non-lethal use. His combat mastery extends beyond kenjutsu to include battōjutsu, jujutsu, aikido, and karate, allowing him to disarm or incapacitate opponents without killing. He possesses physical abilities enabling travel on vehicle exteriors at high speeds and endurance for intense training.
Trained as both samurai and ninja, Goemon initially appeared as Lupin III's adversary, tasked with assassinations or protecting secrets like sword-forging techniques. Repeated failures and recognition of Lupin's capabilities shifted his allegiance, viewing Lupin as a mentor. This evolved into loyalty, though Goemon maintains moral independence and occasionally opposes Lupin's actions. He shares mutual respect with Daisuke Jigen, often partnering on missions, while his distrust of Fujiko Mine coexists with sporadic alliances when interests align.
Goemon adheres strictly to Japanese traditions, wearing kimono and hakama, eating only Japanese cuisine, and practicing Buddhism and Shinto. His personality balances stoic reserve with intense pride; failures like breaking Zantetsuken or succumbing to weaknesses trigger shame and self-imposed exile for meditation or training. He is highly susceptible to manipulation through vulnerabilities: women (especially innocent-seeming ones), Japanese food, scams promising enlightenment, and requests from children. These traits frequently lead him into traps or comedic situations, such as surrendering money to cult leaders or being immobilized by female seduction.
In *Seven Days Rhapsody*, Fujiko hires him to steal a diamond, exploiting his professionalism and combat skills for her independent scheme, highlighting his occasional detachment from Lupin's core group and willingness to engage in theft for payment. His role in the 2017 OVA *The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa* exemplifies his honor code. After failing to protect a yakuza boss from the mercenary Hawk, he undergoes grueling training to awaken a "sixth sense" for predicting opponents' moves, culminating in a decisive victory that avenges his employer and restores his dignity.
Broader character development includes moments like technological ineptitude or fright, contrasting his typically serene demeanor. Despite his skills, he remains financially impractical, easily deceived by spiritual schemes, and perpetually reliant on traditional values in a modern world.
Trained as both samurai and ninja, Goemon initially appeared as Lupin III's adversary, tasked with assassinations or protecting secrets like sword-forging techniques. Repeated failures and recognition of Lupin's capabilities shifted his allegiance, viewing Lupin as a mentor. This evolved into loyalty, though Goemon maintains moral independence and occasionally opposes Lupin's actions. He shares mutual respect with Daisuke Jigen, often partnering on missions, while his distrust of Fujiko Mine coexists with sporadic alliances when interests align.
Goemon adheres strictly to Japanese traditions, wearing kimono and hakama, eating only Japanese cuisine, and practicing Buddhism and Shinto. His personality balances stoic reserve with intense pride; failures like breaking Zantetsuken or succumbing to weaknesses trigger shame and self-imposed exile for meditation or training. He is highly susceptible to manipulation through vulnerabilities: women (especially innocent-seeming ones), Japanese food, scams promising enlightenment, and requests from children. These traits frequently lead him into traps or comedic situations, such as surrendering money to cult leaders or being immobilized by female seduction.
In *Seven Days Rhapsody*, Fujiko hires him to steal a diamond, exploiting his professionalism and combat skills for her independent scheme, highlighting his occasional detachment from Lupin's core group and willingness to engage in theft for payment. His role in the 2017 OVA *The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa* exemplifies his honor code. After failing to protect a yakuza boss from the mercenary Hawk, he undergoes grueling training to awaken a "sixth sense" for predicting opponents' moves, culminating in a decisive victory that avenges his employer and restores his dignity.
Broader character development includes moments like technological ineptitude or fright, contrasting his typically serene demeanor. Despite his skills, he remains financially impractical, easily deceived by spiritual schemes, and perpetually reliant on traditional values in a modern world.