OVA
Description
Daisuke Jigen is the primary marksman and fiercely loyal partner to Arsène Lupin III. His design draws inspiration from American gangsters, notably James Coburn's role in *The Magnificent Seven*. The name "Jigen" stems from the Japanese word for "dimension," reflecting creator Monkey Punch's fascination with the term and its origin in the phrase "jigen daisuki" ("I love dimensions").
Jigen's background varies across media. Manga debut introduced him as a cynical hitman hired to assassinate Lupin for a bounty. After failing, their dynamic shifted from rivalry to partnership, though early manga lacked consistent continuity, briefly depicting a sister and a brother killed by a man named Kido. Anime adaptations like *The Woman Called Fujiko Mine* and *Part 2* presented an alternate origin: a Bronx-born New York mobster who joined the Italian mafia. During this time, he formed a relationship with Cicciolina, his boss's wife. Upon discovery, the boss attempted to kill Jigen, but Cicciolina accidentally killed her husband. Jigen took the blame and fled with her gun, which became his signature Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver. Cicciolina later hired Fujiko to steal the gun, leading to a confrontation where Jigen killed Cicciolina after she pointed his unloaded Magnum at him—revealing her intent was suicide. This event prompted his transition from assassin to thief. The *Lupin Zero* prequel suggested he and Lupin knew each other as children in 1960s Japan.
He is instantly recognizable by his broad-brimmed fedora, which permanently shadows his eyes, and a chin-curtain beard. His attire consistently features dark suits, light-colored dress shirts, and black ties. The fedora and his revolver are his most cherished items; he removes the hat only during formal occasions or mourning.
Initially distrustful and opportunistic in early manga, Jigen evolved into Lupin's pragmatic and devoted accomplice. He balances Lupin's impulsiveness with cynicism, often voicing skepticism—particularly toward Fujiko Mine, stemming from his history of failed romances and betrayals. Despite a gruff exterior, he exhibits dry humor and maintains moral boundaries, avoiding harm to women and children unless necessary. Recurring traits include chain-smoking (60 cigarettes daily), an aversion to dentists, and preferences for American cuisine, spaghetti westerns, and classical music.
His combat expertise centers on firearms mastery, achieving a 0.3-second quick draw. He employs trick shots and handles weapons ranging from revolvers to anti-tank rifles. Though reliant on his Model 19, he remains highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, vehicle operation, and disguises.
In *Daisuke Jigen's Gravestone*, he served as bodyguard for Queen Malta, a singer advocating peace between warring nations East and West Doroa. Her assassination by sniper Yael Okuzaki fueled his pursuit of vengeance. He protected Malta pro bono after dismissal by her manager and later exposed her government's conspiracy via the "Calamity File." His duel with Okuzaki—who used a dice roll to determine bullets per target—culminated in the sniper's permanent incapacitation. The OVA reinforced his deep loyalty to Lupin, despite claiming they were "business partners, not friends."
Jigen's partnership with Lupin is defined by profound mutual trust and occasional brawls over petty issues. He respects Goemon Ishikawa XIII but frequently clashes with Fujiko due to her manipulative tendencies. His interactions with Inspector Zenigata range from confrontational to grudgingly cooperative during crises.
Jigen's background varies across media. Manga debut introduced him as a cynical hitman hired to assassinate Lupin for a bounty. After failing, their dynamic shifted from rivalry to partnership, though early manga lacked consistent continuity, briefly depicting a sister and a brother killed by a man named Kido. Anime adaptations like *The Woman Called Fujiko Mine* and *Part 2* presented an alternate origin: a Bronx-born New York mobster who joined the Italian mafia. During this time, he formed a relationship with Cicciolina, his boss's wife. Upon discovery, the boss attempted to kill Jigen, but Cicciolina accidentally killed her husband. Jigen took the blame and fled with her gun, which became his signature Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver. Cicciolina later hired Fujiko to steal the gun, leading to a confrontation where Jigen killed Cicciolina after she pointed his unloaded Magnum at him—revealing her intent was suicide. This event prompted his transition from assassin to thief. The *Lupin Zero* prequel suggested he and Lupin knew each other as children in 1960s Japan.
He is instantly recognizable by his broad-brimmed fedora, which permanently shadows his eyes, and a chin-curtain beard. His attire consistently features dark suits, light-colored dress shirts, and black ties. The fedora and his revolver are his most cherished items; he removes the hat only during formal occasions or mourning.
Initially distrustful and opportunistic in early manga, Jigen evolved into Lupin's pragmatic and devoted accomplice. He balances Lupin's impulsiveness with cynicism, often voicing skepticism—particularly toward Fujiko Mine, stemming from his history of failed romances and betrayals. Despite a gruff exterior, he exhibits dry humor and maintains moral boundaries, avoiding harm to women and children unless necessary. Recurring traits include chain-smoking (60 cigarettes daily), an aversion to dentists, and preferences for American cuisine, spaghetti westerns, and classical music.
His combat expertise centers on firearms mastery, achieving a 0.3-second quick draw. He employs trick shots and handles weapons ranging from revolvers to anti-tank rifles. Though reliant on his Model 19, he remains highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, vehicle operation, and disguises.
In *Daisuke Jigen's Gravestone*, he served as bodyguard for Queen Malta, a singer advocating peace between warring nations East and West Doroa. Her assassination by sniper Yael Okuzaki fueled his pursuit of vengeance. He protected Malta pro bono after dismissal by her manager and later exposed her government's conspiracy via the "Calamity File." His duel with Okuzaki—who used a dice roll to determine bullets per target—culminated in the sniper's permanent incapacitation. The OVA reinforced his deep loyalty to Lupin, despite claiming they were "business partners, not friends."
Jigen's partnership with Lupin is defined by profound mutual trust and occasional brawls over petty issues. He respects Goemon Ishikawa XIII but frequently clashes with Fujiko due to her manipulative tendencies. His interactions with Inspector Zenigata range from confrontational to grudgingly cooperative during crises.