After reruns made the first series a fan favorite, a second TV series was produced and set years after the first series. Donning a red jacket, Lupin reunited with Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko to resume their thieving ways; this series retained the comic tone Miyazaki and Takahata brought to the close of the first series. While the darker tones of the manga were left out, many of the manga stories were adapted into episodes. The series also earns the distinction of being the first anime series to be broadcast in stereo starting with episode 99 and intermittently to the end.

The "Red Jacket" series is the most recognizable and most popular series around the world. Episodes 145 and 155 are especially well known as Miyazaki Hayao returned to direct these episodes.

Japanese Title:
Shin Rupan Sansei (New Lupin the Third)
Jacket Color:
Red
Initial Air Date:
1977 October 03
Final Air Date:
1980 October 06
Episode Count:
155
Run Time per Episode:
~30 minutes
Credits Scene from Second TV Series
Unless otherwise noted, the summaries below are ©1995 by Michael House and Toon Magazine.
Episode 1: The Dashing Entrance of Lupin III

Episode 1: The Dashing Entrance of Lupin III

Rupan sansei sassoo toojoo
Air Date: 1977 October 3
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After a long time, Lupin III invites Jigen Daisuke, Ishikawa Goemon, and Mine Fujiko to reunite aboard the luxury liner Sirloin. But when Lupin appears, he tells them that he was invited by Fujiko. Why have they received false invitations? Trapped aboard the ship with their eternal rival, Inspector Zenigata, a confrontation with their bitter rival Mister X (the commissioner of Scorpion) is fast approaching!

Notes: This is a direct sequel to the old series pilot with flashback footage from it. Yamazaki Noriaki wrote both stories, and Takiguchi Jumpei played the Commissioner/Mister X in both episodes also. Scorpion are one of only two villains to appear more than once in Lupin III, and the only one to appear three times.

Episode 2: A Bouquet of Bills Blossom in Rio's Sunset

Episode 2: A Bouquet of Bills Blossom in Rio's Sunset

Rio no Yuuhi ni Saku Satsutaba
Air Date: 1977 October 10
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When Brazil's illustrious Santos FC and their American counterparts square off at the world's largest sports arena, Rio de Janeiro's Stadium Maracanan, the box office and betting takes are huge. Thus, Lupin and company plan to take the money, first getting themselves thrown in jail to give themselves alibis, and then escaping to make the theft once this is done. Will things go entirely as planned?

Episode 3: Hitler's Legacy

Episode 3: Hitler's Legacy

Hitler no Isan
Air Date: 1977 October 17
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Supposedly, an old man who knows the secret of the legacy of Hitler is living on the other side of the Berlin Wall. Walls are no problem, and taking Genhardt, the old man, to the West is easy enough, but he is absolutely senile and recalls nothing about any legacy. Therefore, the plan is to reenact a scene from the period, but... What has happened to the legacy, anyway?

Episode 4: I Can Hear Nessie's Song

Episode 4: I Can Hear Nessie's Song

Nessie no Uta ga Kikoeru
Air Date: 1977 October 24
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At Loch Ness, Scotland, the mysterious monster Nessie shows itself charmed by Fujiko's singing. Doctor Oz, seeing this, decides to use Fujiko to draw out Nessie so that he can capture it and show it all over the world. There is also revenge involved. It's a fight to the death between Nessie and Oz's dinosaur robot. Will Lupin let Oz get away with his scheme?

Episode 5: I'll Tell You How to Transport Gold Bullion

Episode 5: I'll Tell You How to Transport Gold Bullion

Kinka no Hakobikata Oshiemasu
Air Date: 1977 October 31
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Fujiko and a mystery man come bringing a request that Lupin steal a mountain of gold bullion from a Swiss bank, which is renowned throughout the world for the strength of its security. The man's idea, for them to join forces, steal the gold from underneath the vault, melt it down, and remold it so as to look like the body of a truck, is carried out to that point. What is the man's true identity? Who will have the last betrayal?

Episode 6: Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Standing?

Episode 6: Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Standing?

Pisa no Shatoo wa Tatteiru ka
Air Date: 1977 November 7
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Someone comes along and demands that the Italian government pay him a ransom if they don't want the Leaning Tower of Pisa destroyed by an earthquake. It seems he really does have a device for generating artificial earthquakes. The government meets his demands, but Lupin has it in mind to take the money for himself. The chase scene with Zenigata leads right to the enemy's lair, and the maddened criminal hits the switch, determined to teach everyone a lesson! What will become of the Leaning Tower?

Episode 7: Tutankhamen's 3000-year Curse

Episode 7: Tutankhamen's 3000-year Curse

Tutankhamen Sanzen no Noroi
Air Date: 1977 November 14
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The place is Egypt. Lupin uses a balloon to boldly steal the deathmask of the boy-king, Tutankhamen. But the instant he puts it on, what appears before his eyes is the world of the pharaohs, 3000 years ago. The only way to break the ominous pharaoh's curse which is possessing Lupin is to put the mask back where it came from. How effective will the plan to return the golden deathmask be?

Episode 8: The Venice Superexpress

Episode 8: The Venice Superexpress

Venicia Chootokkyuu
Air Date: 1977 November 21
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The Transeurope Superexpress is transporting a racehorse from Italy to France. But the collected valuables of crime boss Don Marcino is also aboard that train. His true objective is to get his ill-gotten gains out of the country. Lupin and company pull off a beautiful theft, but Marcino mounts his own counterattack, and the Superexpress is on a collision course!!

Episode 9: What Do You Think of Ukiyoe Blues?

Episode 9: What Do You Think of Ukiyoe Blues?

Ukiyoe Blues wa Ikaga
Air Date: 1977 November 28
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An old man Lupin meets by chance turns out to be the grandson of Ukiyoe master Tooshuusai Sharaku. In order to test his own skill he has been switching his own works for Sharaku's originals, but suffered a heart attack just as he was about to make the last switch. At Fujiko's request, and after much trouble, Lupin succeeds in acting as Sharaku III's stand-in. But the old man has already died by that time. Where have the Ukiyoe gone?

Episode 10: Steal File M123

Episode 10: Steal File M123

File M123 o Nusume
Air Date: 1977 December 5
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At the invitation of Marcel, a young noble of Paris' jetset, Lupin escorts Fujiko to a party. But this is a trap set by Marcel, who has another face. He takes Fujiko hostage, straps a timebomb belt around Lupin's waist, and tells him to steal a certain criminal list from Scotland Yard before time runs out. There's hardly any time left!

Episode 11: Wager on the Monaco GP

Episode 11: Wager on the Monaco GP

Monaco GP ni Kakero
Air Date: 1977 December 12
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Racing freak Lupin has come to Monaco for the Gran Prix. Beforehand, when he goes to the casino to try his luck, he gets taken to the cleaners, losing even his Formula-1 car. But this is a set-up arranged by a fixer as part of a conspiracy aimed at the race. If the unknown Lupin wins, those who bet on him will win big. The starting light is blinking!!

Episode 12: A Present for the President

Episode 12: A Present for the President

Daitooryoo e no Okurimono
Air Date: 1977 December 19
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The last bottle of Bordeaux wine which Napoleon had made for Josephine is going to be given to the President of the United States as a Christmas present. Lupin and company head to Bordeaux in order to claim it for themselves, but are chased off by gunfire from Zenigata, whom they had intended to use. Their next attempt is the challenge of a transport aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean. Who will receive the present?

Episode 13: The Great San Francisco Chase

Episode 13: The Great San Francisco Chase

San Francisco Daitsuiseki
Air Date: 1977 December 26
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Lately, a depressed Old Man Zenigata has even been suffering from a persecution complex, one in which he feels certain Lupin is watching him. But is this delusion, or is he really being pursued?! The truth is, some group has implanted microfilm containing a process developed by NASA for creating artificial diamond in one of Zenigata's back teeth. Will Zenigata's peace of mind be able to stand this bizarre backwards chase?!

Episode 14: The Great Caribbean Adventure

Episode 14: The Great Caribbean Adventure

Carib no Daibooken
Air Date: 1978 January 9
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Foward Hees, the world's richest man, dies a mysterious death. Fujiko receives a large ruby in his will, but she too is attacked by a flock of creepy black birds. The ruby was stolen from a temple in the Caribbean. In order to save Fujiko from a mysterious fever, Lupin and company head there to return the ruby but are attacked by black magic zombies!

Episode 15: The Great Detectives Take to the Sky

Episode 15: The Great Detectives Take to the Sky

Meitantei Sora o Yuku
Air Date: 1978 January 16
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Count Gabriel challenges Lupin. He dares him to steal Dracula's Tear, the world's best-known carbuncle, from on board his airship, the Hendenburg, with Holmes III, Detective Archer, Kaneda Koojisuke, and Inspector Zenigata in attendance. Let's go for it. Facing his rivals, the fateful moment gets closer and closer. The airship is headed for an airport where the police are waiting!

Episode 16: The Two Faces of Lupin

Episode 16: The Two Faces of Lupin

Futatsu no Kao no Lupin
Air Date: 1978 January 23
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Transformation sickness - in which one changes into another, cruel personality, and commits crimes repeatedly, but has absolutely no memory of what happened during that time. After numerous crimes not worthy of the name of Lupin, the man himself, having completely lost his self-confidence, even contemplates taking his own life, in his depression. But due to various factors, cannot succeed at dying. But something is strange. Is the mass murderer really Lupin?!

Episode 17: Go for the Oildollar

Episode 17: Go for the Oildollar

Oildollar o Nerae
Air Date: 1978 January 30
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A blackmail notice is delivered to a small Arab country: pay $100,000,000 if you don't want your oil fields blown up. Lupin and company set their sights on the payoff money, but according to intelligence agent Hassan, the enemy is apparently using human bombs. The gimmick is a remote-controlled capsule bomb implanted in the person's stomach. In fact, Hassan himself is the enemy leader, Lawrence III. Will crude oil and currency dance in the desert?!

Episode 18: Black Panther

Episode 18: Black Panther

Black Panther
Air Date: 1978 February 6
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Black Panther - a one-of-a-kind emerald. When light shines on it from a certain angle, a black panther appears. Lupin acquires the gem and hides it temporarily in the museum to evade a body check by the strict security cordon, planning to come back for it later. But when both Zenigata and Inspector Conaiseau get involved, it's a real rough-and-tumble! What will become of the black panther?

Notes: This is a clear homage to the "Pink Panther" movies. "Conaiseau" is a pun on the Japanese pronunciation of "Clouseau". It comes out as "Kuru zo" (Here I come), and "Konai zo" is the negative form of this verb in this conjugation. Another similar pun is the name of Conaiseau's assistant, Hageito, a takeoff on Cato, Clouseau's "manservant".

Episode 19: Can You Open the Ten-Year Vault?

Episode 19: Can You Open the Ten-Year Vault?

Juunen Kinko wa Yabureru ka
Air Date: 1978 February 13
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Having returned to Japan after an extended absence, Lupin challenges the Marukin line of safes, renowned for being absolutely unbreakable, and cracks them at every turn. Having completely lost confidence in himself, Marukin experiences the grief of bankruptcy. As far as Lupin is concerned, it's his natural ability at work, but Marukin's son, Tetsutaroo, challenges him in his father's place. Giving Lupin poison, he forces him to accept the challenge of opening the safe he give him - a safe which has neither lock nor combination, nor even a door!

Episode 20: Lupin Up Against the Wall

Episode 20: Lupin Up Against the Wall

Oitsumerareta Lupin
Air Date: 1978 February 20
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"If only the wind hadn't blown that time..." Setting his sights on the large medallion on Generalissimo Hatler's chest (containing a 50-carat ruby), Lupin should have been able to take it easily enough, using his special rod-and-reel technique, but ends up exposing the Generalissimo's secret toupee. The infuriated Generalissimo order that Lupin and company be wiped out, and in the face of the attack by his combined armed forces, a wounded Lupin makes his stand in an old castle with Fujiko. Is this their end....?!

Notes: The sequence with Hatler playing with the world globe is a takeoff on "The Great Dictator."

Episode 21: Goemon's Revenge

Episode 21: Goemon's Revenge

Goemon no Fukushuu
Air Date: 1978 February 27
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Goemon returns to Iga after ten years, only to find his master, Jinen, near death. Before expiring, he tells Goemon that his junior disciple, Hissatsu Jinkuroo, stole half of the Scroll of the Secrets of the Iga Ninja, which contains a map showing the location of the Treasure of Iga. He also gives Goemon the remaining portion of the scroll, with the rest of the map. Jinkuroo, knowing that he doesn't stand a chance in a straight-on fight against Goemon, boldly has himself arrested, hoping to be put in prison, and thus beyond Goemon's reach. How will the trial, and the death duel, turn out?!

Episode 22: Search the House of Mystery Women

Episode 22: Search the House of Mystery Women

Nazo no Nyoonin Yakata o Sagure
Air Date: 1978 March 6
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Lupin and Jigen hear of an amazing treasure in a remote area, and go after it. Upon saving a woman being attacked by ruffians, the place she leads them to, by way of thanks, is a paradise on earth, with good-looking women everywhere. Lupin accepts the thanks, completely forgetting about the treasure. The fact is, this mansion full of women is for the purpose of seducing men, and then exposing them to an aging gas. Is there a way for Lupin, now completely turned old, to recover?

Episode 23: Witch of the Fourth Dimension

Episode 23: Witch of the Fourth Dimension

Daiyojigen no Majo
Air Date: 1978 March 13
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Lupin is feeling out of sorts, because lately he hasn't been able to get ahold of Fujiko. When he receives a phone call saying that she'll marry him if he passes her test, he takes off, but what he finds waiting for him is Fujiko's aunt, Mine BUJIKO. The test is, either find Rommel's Gold, or pay for failing to do so with his life. Lupin throws himself into deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. What grade does he get?

Episode 24: The Great Thief Nezumi-Koozoo Makes His Appearance

Episode 24: The Great Thief Nezumi-Koozoo Appears

Kaitoo Nezumi-Koozoo Arawaru
Air Date: 1978 March 20
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Appearing on a moonlit night, the figure in black who refers to Goemon as "the Thirteenth", calls himself "Nezumi-Koozoo IV." He informs Goemon that their ancestors teamed up in the International Thieves' Championship, but were defeated in competition by the original Lupin, and that they should team up to avenge this dishonor. The objective is top-secret data being kept under guard at Sakurada Police Station. Goemon and Nezumi split up, mounting a two-front offensive against Zenigata, who is reinforcing security. What will be the third-generation's next move?

Episode 25: The Coming of the Killer Iron Lizards

Episode 25: The Coming of the Killer Iron Lizards

Hissatsu Tokage Kenzan
Air Date: 1978 March 27
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There is a prison from which, it is said, no one attempts to escape. The reason is that the prison is guarded by Iron Lizards - self-propelled bombs which pursue people anywhere, based on data stored in a computer, and then finishes them off. Lupin and company learn that Fujiko is inside - held by the warden, who want to have sex with her - and get inside themselves, but find themselves targets of the Iron Lizards. How will the breakout of death end?!

Episode 26: The Rose and the Pistol

Episode 26: The Rose and the Pistol

Bara to Pistol
Air Date: 1978 April 3
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Spanish roses are crimson. Zenigata, equipped to the teeth, heads to Spain for an arrest that can't fail, but a trap awaits Lupin and Jigen in Barcelona. Meyer, beaten any number of times, chooses as his trick the clever device of making them appear to be enemies in disguise to one another, and thus have them kill one another. Surrounding them is the stealthy shadow of a woman. Lupin and Jigen aim precisely at one another's hearts, and bullets fly out of the muzzles of their guns...?!

Episode 27: Where Is the Cinderella Stamp?

Episode 27: Where Is the Cinderella Stamp?

Cinderella no Kitte wa Doko e Itta
Air Date: 1978 April 10
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The Cinderella Shadow is a stamp which is said to possess the magical power of making its owner into a princess. Lupin casually steals it from the hall where it is being exhibited, but a girl named Alice also wants the stamp. Not only is she quite persistent, she is smart as well, and tries her best to get the stamp. At the finish of the fantastic chase through the amusement park, where has the Cinderella Stamp gone?

Notes: This episode marks the beginning of the series' second opening and ending theme and animation sequences, vocal versions of the first opening and ending themes, which are the only vocal versions done for this series.

Episode 28: Lady Detective Melon

Episode 28: Lady Detective Melon

Onna Deka Melon
Air Date: 1978 April 17
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In response to a notice from Lupin stating that he will take the money from every bank in Paris, Melon, a femal detective and the granddaughter of Inspector Garimard [sic], rival of the original Arsène Lupin, is selected to replace Zenigata. The sea of bills gathered and stored in the underground police morgue is guarded by a special lock, whose switch is in the Superintendent-General's office. Melon's cold beauty shines in the Metro!

Notes: The name "Deka Melon" is a pun. "Deka" is a slang term for police detective in Japanese. Written another way, however, it is short for "dekai" which means large. "Melon" is a slang term for a woman's breasts. Thus, "Deka Melon" is a pun meaning "Big Tits," and "Onna Deka Melon" can be interpreted as "A Woman with Big Tits," or possibly "A Woman's Big Tits."

Episode 29: The Electroshock Pigeon Operation

Episode 29: Electroshock Pigeon Operation

Dengeki Hatapoppo Sakusen
Air Date: 1978 April 24
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The great thief Lupin III has numerous secret techniques, one of which is the Mid-air Float Technique. The Syndicate uses a dirty method to get their hands on it. Using a fake Lupin and Jigen, they torture X8 excruciatingly, filling him with the desire for revenge, and then send him against the real Lupin and Jigen. Lupin, knowing of this plot, fixes a keepsake of X8's mother, in order to prove that he's being framed, but... What is a man's tenacity?

Episode 30: The Wind Is Hot in Morocco

Episode 30: The Wind Is Hot in Morocco

Morocco no Kaze wa Atsuku
Air Date: 1978 May 1
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In Morocco, Lupin is attracted to a beautiful girl. Suddenly, he finds himself kidnapped and stuffed in a bag. he is taken to a desert encampment, where he is forcibly conscripted into the Foreign Legion. However, what should come spilling out of the bag next to his but Old Man Zenigata! Despite their protests, the two of them are shackled together by the neck, and their escape takes a twisted path. Which of them will be free?!

Episode 31: Face the Midnight Sun and Fire

Episode 31: Face the Midnight Sun and Fire

Byakuya ni Mukatte Ute
Air Date: 1978 May 8
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The sun doesn't set during summer in Stockholm. There, two beautiful twins, Latica and Anita, are fighting a repeated deathmatch. The reason is the location of the Viking treasure which is concealed on their backs. Lupin, playing two different roles, manages to photograph the map on both their backs, which only appears during the Summer Solstice, but the map has an additional secret!

Notes: This episode's title is a takeoff on "Face Tomorrow and Fire" (Ashita ni Mukatte Ute), the Japanese title of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

Episode 32: Lupin Dies Twice

Episode 32: Lupin Dies Twice

Lupin wa Nido Shinu
Air Date: 1978 May 15
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Zenigata is at the wheel of a patrol car. Sitting next to him is, of all people, Fujiko. She believes that the best way to protect Lupin from the high-speed hitman Puma is for him to be arrested by the police. Lupin answers Puma's ability to hit at long range, in the midst of rain and hail, goes out for a one-on-one showdown, and gets shot! Will the repose of poor Lupin's soul go with his love for Fujiko?

Episode 33: To Whom Does Orion's Crown Belong?

Episode 33: To Whom Does Orion's Crown Belong?

Orion no Ookan wa Dare o Mono
Air Date: 1978 May 22
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A stolen crown goes to auction by a secret route. Jigen is with the seller, Jaguar, Goemon is with the buyer, Tatsumaki, and Lupin is in disguise as the jewelry appraiser. Their objective in sneaking in is to get both the crown and the money used to purchase it. It's a four-way tug-of-war with Lupin, the Jaguar gang, the Tatsumaki gang, and even Zenigata getting in on the act! And lest we forget, an upset by Fujiko. What effect will that have on the outcome?!

Episode 34: Lupin Becomes a Vampire

Episode 34: Lupin Becomes a Vampire

Vampire ni Natta Lupin
Air Date: 1978 May 29
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Heburai Village, Japan - a place where, according to legend, Jesus Christ was washed ashore. In an excavated casket, a beautiful woman is found in a near-death state, together with a golden statuette of the Virgin Mary. Lupin goes after the statuette, but the woman, Camilla, revives, and brings Lupin into her circle of vampire acquaintances. She is Christ's twin sister, and she stole the statuette from her brother and fled. Will Fujiko be rescued from sacrifice at the ball 2000 years later?!

Episode 35: Chase the Gorilla Gang

Episode 35: Chase the Gorilla Gang

Gorilla Gang o Okkakero
Air Date: 1978 June 5
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A black pearl on which Lupin has set his sights is stolen just ahead of him by... a gang of three gorillas?! What would gorillas want with jewels? Lupin thinks, while setting up a decoy plan. When the gorillas next appear, they take both the jewels he set out from them, and Fujiko as well. This scene smells of a put-up job... That guardian of justice, Zenigata, doesn't give up either!

Episode 36: Expose the Secret of Tsukikagejoo

Episode 36: Expose the Secret of Tsukikagejoo

Tsukikagejoo no Himitsu o Abake
Air Date: 1978 June 12
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This job, oddly enough, is at Goemon's request. The will of an old man, Kuranari, says that whoever solves the "mystery" and finds his inheritance can have it. Lupin takes the challenge of deciphering the code. But the Fuuma Ninja are also plotting to take the treasure for themselves. The end of the battle over the mystery culminates on the roof of the castle tower. Where is the legendary sword, Tsukikagemaru?!

Episode 37: The Buried Treasure of Genghis Khan

Episode 37: The Buried Treasure of Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan no Maizookin
Air Date: 1978 June 19
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To steal the twin Golden Lions told of in the clan of Nariyoshi Shiase, Lupin and Jigen head for Mongolia. The real objective is the map concealed in the statue, which will lead them to the buried treasure of Genghis Khan. meanwhile, Fujiko, in search of Minamoto Yoshitsune's treasure, meets up with Goemon at Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, where he is visiting his ancestor's grave. The two threads are brought together at Ryuujinnuma (Dragon God Swamp), and where is the treasure...?

Episode 38: The Sweet ICPO Trap

Episode 38: The Sweet ICPO Trap

ICPO no Amai Wana
Air Date: 1978 June 26
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Zenigata's successor as head of the Lupin detail is, surprise of surprises, Lupin's own supposed companion, Fujiko. She has taken on the task of arresting Lupin in exchange for the ICPO bureau chief, who is less concerned with appearances than with actually arresting Lupin, erasing her criminal record. Facing the woman who knows all about him, Lupin finally finds himself on his way to a special prison cell. Is this the end for Lupin at last...?

Episode 39: A Diamond Disappeared in the Hong Kong Night Sky

39: A Diamond Disappeared in the Hong Kong Night Sky

Hong Kong no Yozora ni Daia wa Kieta
Air Date: 1978 July 3
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Lupin and Jigen search a smuggler's ship disguised as police officials, but find only thousands of chickens, not the diamonds they expected. Even though they infiltrate Dragonbaum Garden, lair of the smuggling boss, Kou Chin Ko, they can't find hide or hair of the diamonds, which are being sold undercover of a martial-arts tournament. What will the chickens lay for Kou's favorite egg dinner?

Episode 40: Operation Missilejack

Episode 40: Operation Missilejack

Misslejack Sakusen
Air Date: 1978 July 10
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The first attempt on a shipment of Costa Rican diamonds (worth some 9,000,000,000¥ at the time) fails when the captured case is found to contain Zenigata instead. Word is that the diamonds will be transported to their destination, Puerto Rico, by missile. If Lupin loses it, it will be a blow to his reputation. The decision is made to attack the missile at the midpoint of its trajectory, but in order for this to succeed, it is necessary to get the precise launch time. What will the combination play produce?

Episode 41: Find Princess Kaguya's Treasure

Episode 41: Find Princess Kaguya's Treasure

Kaguyahime no Takara o Sagase
Air Date: 1978 July 17
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Kaguya, a beautiful young woman, asks for some strange items: from Lupin, the tears of the Yeti; from Jigen, a mermaid's scales; and from Goemon, the liver of a dragon. And she does so one at a time, all at Monaco. When the three of them return from their various adventures, the three items are combined with an elixir made of pollen from flowers from all over the world. Thus, they discover that the result is a mysterious potion. Will the sleeping prince awaken?!

Episode 42: Lupin Becomes a Bride

Episode 42: Lupin Becomes a Bride

Hanayome ni Natta Lupin
Air Date: 1978 July 24
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The last voyage of shipping magnate Onabes's bachelorhood is an extravagant affair, with a ship full of beautiful women and first-class objets d'art. Lupin, knowing that Onabes has a villainous past, decides to give him a shock, by disguising himself as a shipwrecked woman(?!), and thus getting aboard his ship... a plan which works fine up to that point, but what should happen then but that Onabes falls in love at first sight with Lupin in his female disguise, and proposes!! Will wedding bells ring out at the church?!

Episode 43: Where Are Peking Man's Bones?

Episode 43: Where Are Peking Man's Bones?

Peking Genjin no Hone wa Doko ni
Air Date: 1978 July 31
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Lupin is in Hong Kong for a vacation, when he is asked to find an old woman, as payment of a debt. Lupin is red-faced, and not just from the Hong Kong heat. A beautiful woman has also crossed his path. It turns out that her mother is the woman he is looking for, and the burial jar in her possession contains not the bones of her father, but the archaeologically famous bones of Peking Man! Fujiko is also after them. How will the struggle over the bone jar come out?

Episode 44: The Vanishing Special Armored Car

Episode 44: The Vanishing Special Armored Car

Kieta Tokubetsu Sookoosha
Air Date: 1978 August 7
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The Sleeping Golden Lion is a statue which is being moved for the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Australia's establishment as a nation. As defense against Lupin, an armored car made of a super-strong metal has been prepared. Under aerial surveillance by escort helicopters, Lupin steals the armored car by means of an underground elevator platform, using a herd of sheep as camouflage. But in addition to the lion statue, inside the car is Zenigata, nearly asphyxiated! Which will it be, the quarry, or Zenigata's life?!

Episode 45: Killing Is the Smell of Wine

Episode 45: Killing Is the Smell of Wine

Koroshi wa Wine no Nioi
Air Date: 1978 August 14
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Lupin makes off with underworld boss Mulligan's jewelry. As might be expected, Fujiko takes them for herself, but Mulligan hires the highly skilled Hangman to get them back. This strange-smelling man pins down Lupin and company with intense machinegun fire! Unable to stand simply being wiped out, they return fire with prize wine. Having escaped one disaster, next comes Zenigata?!

Episode 46: Lupin Will Fetch a High Price

Episode 46: Lupin Will Fetch a High Price

Lupin Otakaku Urimasu
Air Date: 1978 August 21
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On the auction block at the Wanted Club, is of all people, Lupin. This organization, which captures criminals and sells them into slavery, also finds out Jigen's location due to his own carelessness. Doctor Mad makes the winning bid for Lupin, and he intends to use Lupin as a guinea pig in his human reconstruction experiments. Killer cyborgs come at Lupin on a desert island. Does flesh-and-blood Lupin stand a chance?!

Episode 47: Her Majesty's Slipshod Inspectors

Episode 47: Her Majesty's Slipshod Inspectors

Joooheika no Zukkoke Keibu
Air Date: 1978 August 28
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This time, Lupin's target is the historic Imperial State Crown, but it won't be easy, because Inspectors Dover and Pepper of Scotland Yard are keeping a tight guard on it. On their second try, on the day of the royal wedding, their trick comes off, and when the wedding bells of Westminster Abbey peal, will Big Ben chime the witching hour?!

Episode 48: Lupin Laughs While the Alarm Bell Rings

Episode 48: Lupin Laughs While the Alarm Bell Rings

Hijoo Bell ni Lupin wa Warau
Air Date: 1978 September 4
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Even though he announces that he will take the till from the Kentucky Derby, Lupin's first strike, on the transport car, fails. A despondent Lupin jumps straight into the Hudson River... but it's all part of his scenario. The main act is a supposedly perfect, supposedly foolproof cracking of the Metropolitan Bank's vault. How will Lupin penetrate an alarm system that sounds loud bells at the weight of even a handkerchief?

Episode 49: A Pretty Woman Has Venom

Episode 49: A Pretty Woman Has Venom

Kawaii Onna ni wa Doku ga Aru
Air Date: 1978 September 11
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Jacqueline - a beautiful woman who has become a multimillionaire through acquiring alimony and inheritances whenever she changes husbands. Lupin set his sights on her diamond collection, which is fine, but before you know it, Lupin and Jacqueline are very close. To a man and woman, time is unnecessary. Fujiko, who as usual is also after the treasure, is captured by the Cobra crime syndicate. What is the thread that ties together a beautiful body and a venomous snake?

Episode 50: Lupin, Whom I Loved (Part 1)

Episode 50: Lupin, Whom I Loved (Part 1)

Watashi ga Aishita Lupin (Zempen)
Air Date: 1978 September 18
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Tonight another secret auction of smuggled artworks is beginning. Naturally, just as Lupin is taking possession of same, Fujiko comes along yet again and snatches them away. But Fujiko goes missing soon after. The pursuing woman takes off her mask, revealing to Lupin a woman he had loved in younger days, a woman, who lost her life saving Lupin's - Cornelia?!

Episode 51: Lupin, Whom I Loved (Part 2)

Episode 51: Lupin, Whom I Loved (Part 2)

Watashi ga Aishita Lupin (Koohen)
Air Date: 1978 September 25
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Having met Lupin again, Cornelia does not remember him, and complains of headaches. The secret is her father, Doctor Zell, one of the last remaining Nazis. During World War II, he conducted secret experiments, the Corpse Preservation Project, and has been continuing them ever since. He has even sacrificed Cornelia, who chose Lupin over himself, to the Project. An army of the dead rises from the cemetery. Memories of love cause Cornelia confusion. "Remember, Cornelia!"

Episode 52: Emmanuelle Is an Angel's Whisper

Episode 52: Emmanuelle Is an Angel's Whisper

Emmanuelle wa Tenshi no Sasayaki
Air Date: 1978 October 2
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A canon for eternal life and youth is said to be concealed in the jungles of Thailand. Not only is Fujiko after it, but so is the beautiful and coldly intelligent Emmanuelle Poirot, granddaughter of the legendary detective, Hercule Poirot. With Surrender, her cat with poisoned claws. Lupin goes to the temple where the canon is said to be, being manipulated all the way, and takes the challenge of stealing the canon from the footstone containing it!! A beautiful trap is set, stealing even into the heart.

Notes: This episode introduced the series's third opening and ending themes, and animation sequences, "Lupin III '79" and "Love Squall," the latter of which would become Fujiko's theme. This episode is also an excellent tribute to the first Emmanuelle movie.

Episode 53: The Mad Fantoma Mark III

Episode 53: The Mad Fantoma Mark III

Kyooki no Fantoma Mark III
Air Date: 1978 October 9
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Fujiko is taken hostage in exchange for the world's largest ruby, which Lupin recently acquired from the royal house of India. The one making the demand is Fantoma Mark III, grandson of the mysterious European master thief and disguise artist, Fantoma. He intends to use the ruby as the oscillation unit of a laser satellite, with which he will melt the Antarctic ice, thus sinking the world's major cities, and enabling him to conquer the world. Lupin's attitude is, how dare you think of using my ruby and Fujiko for something like that! Can Lupin figure out how to swim in space?

Notes: Fantoma Mark III is the only villain besides Scorpion to appear more than once in Lupin III.

Episode 54: Detective Hanshichi's Ten-Year Promise

Episode 54: Detective Hanshichi's 10 Year Promise

Hanshichi Keiji Juunen no Yakusoku
Air Date: 1978 October 16
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The aging detective Mikawa Hanshichi is treated as a nuisance at the downtown police station where he is assigned, but to Zenigata he is a great and respected elder. At this time, in celebration of the founding of Asakusa Temple, a golden statuette of Kannon, long since hidden away, will go on display, and Lupin, setting his sights on it, sends word of his intended coming. Hanshichi, who experienced trouble with Lupin ten years before, is determined that this time for sure he will match wits, with a great arrest taking place on the roof of Asakusa Temple. It's official business!

Episode 55: Falling Cherry Blossoms - The Mysterious Gang of Five (Part One)

55: Falling Cherry Blossoms - Mysterious Gang of 5(Pt. 1)

Hanafubuki Nazo no Goninshuu (Zempen)
Air Date: 1978 October 23
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Lupin and company acquire the 36 Views of Mt. Fuji from an exhibition hall in Shinjuku. A group calling themselves the "Shiragami Five" bar their way. As a tryout, they steal just one of the 36 Views, indicating that they will come for the others at another time. Lupin deposits them in his electronically-locked vault, and prepares for attack. But Fujiko is captured, and even Goemon sides with the Five. What will happen?!

Episode 56: Falling Cherry Blossoms - The Mysterious Gang of Five (Part Two)

56: Falling Cherry Blossoms - Mysterious Gang of 5(Pt. 2)

Hanafubuki Nazo no Goninshuu (Koohen)
Air Date: 1978 October 30
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Goemon challenges Lupin to a one-on-one duel, in order that they may at last fight their decisive battle. Lupin is caught on the point of his sword. Taking advantage of this opening, the Five take the 36 Views, but one of their members, Benten Kikuko, escapes, telling Goemon she wants to show the Views to her gravely ill father. When Goemon discovers that he's been deceived, he bares his neck to Lupin. Where are the 36 Views? If groups of five are the rule, then who's the lead for our side?!

Episode 57: Will It Be the Computer or Lupin?

Episode 57: Will It Be the Computer or Lupin?

Computer ka Lupin ka
Air Date: 1978 November 6
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The one and only supposedly perfect safe in the world is housed inside a VTOL aircraft. And it is guarded by a supposedly almighty defense computer, programmed with all of Lupin's data, making it Professor Hunter's masterpiece. On a sudden impulse, Old Man Zenigata steals one of the throwing coins of his great Edo-period ancestor, Zenigata Heiji, and ends up carrying out a strange team-up operation with Lupin to put it back again. Is it possible to escape from an infinite maze?

Episode 58: The Border Is the Face of Farewell

Episode 58: The Border Is the Face of Farewell

Kokkyoo wa Wakare no Kao
Air Date: 1978 November 13
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The target is the Aurora Drop, a diamond adorning a ballerina's forehead. A special remote-control operation nets the diamond easily enough, but a wounded Jigen is rescued by said ballerina, Monika, and ends up helping her put her desire to defect into action. With fake passports declaring them husband and wife, the two of them head for the border. The only way to escape the Communist Bloc is to smash through the checkpoint. I pay my debts, Monika!

Notes: Monika is played by the renowned Ikeda Masako, perhaps best known for her portrayal of Maeter, the mysterious heroine of Ginga Tetsudoo 999 (Galaxy Express 999). The story also includes an excellent homage to "The Third Man."

Episode 59: The Mysterious World of Madame X

Episode 59: The Mysterious World of Madame X

Madame X no Fushigina Sekai
Air Date: 1978 November 20
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Having yet again shaken off Zenigata's pursuit, Lupin finds his way barred by a gigantic Fujiko. This device is the work of Madame X. Imprisoned in an old castle, he can do nothing as he is toyed with in the midst of mysterious phenomena. Madame X's hobby is collecting famous personages from around the world and turning them into living wax figures, and she means to add Lupin and company to her collection. How are illusions being worked?!

Episode 60: A Flower of Suicide Blooms in India

Episode 60: A Flower of Suicide Blooms in India

Indo ni Jisatsu no Hana ga Saku
Air Date: 1978 November 27
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The Suicide Ray Gun - once you're hit with it, it causes a sickness in which one wants to die as soon as possible. When the inventor of this weapon turns to evil, stopping it is no easy matter. Bandit leader Basara is the man with the gun, and he tries to wring out of Lupin the location of a diamond he's hidden in India. He even tries a fake Fujiko when all else fails to get Lupin to talk, but... What is the specific remedy for death-wish sickness?!

Episode 61: The Flying Zantetsuken

Episode 61: The Flying Zantetsuken

Soratobu Zantetsuken
Air Date: 1978 December 4
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When a gang boss and a death-dealing arms merchant join forces, nothing good is certain to come of it. They set their sights on Zantetsuken, which can cut even tanks in half, get Fujiko to steal it for them, and transform it into an invincible flying weapon of war. Meanwhile, Lupin and Jigen head to Central Africa to get Zantetsuken back for Goemon, whom they have left with Zenigata, as he is determined to die, seeing no other path for himself now that he has lost his warrior's soul. Does Zantetsuken have a weakness?!

Episode 62: The Sound of the Devil's Bells Calls Lupin

Episode 62: The Sound of the Devil's Bells Calls Lupin

Lupin o Yobu Akuma no Kane no Ne
Air Date: 1978 December 11
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Lupin receives a letter from Jigen and Goemon asking for help. He heads for their location, but finds the men of Gemallschaft, this village which isn't to be found on any map, where the church bells ring, living their lives under the guidance of Sister Labina. Jigen and Goemon seem to be different people. The secret is the sound of the bells. Labina is using mass hypnosis to turn the villagers into perfectly obedient soldiers, whom she then intends to sell. Jigen and Goemon close in on Lupin with intent to kill!!

Notes: This episode is an homage to "The Prisoner," containing a village which doesn't exist, whose brainwashed inhabitants have numbers for names, and which even has an enforcement device reminiscent of Rover.

Episode 63: A Trap for a Trap!

Episode 63: A Trap for a Trap!

Wana ni wa Wana o
Air Date: 1978 December 18
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Don Kecchi, the richest man in America, plans to donate all his wealth to charity. Lupin steals his money, and of all things shoots Fujiko right before Zenigata's eyes. But the real Lupin witnesses that Lupin's actions with his own eyes?! This is an act put on by Kecchi, who has learned that his illness was misdiagnosed, and decided that he wants his money back. The whole sequence was done with holograms. Who will end up with the 20,000,000,000,000¥?

Episode 64: Christmas Is in the Hands of the Goddess

Episode 64: Christmas Is in the Hands of the Goddess

Christmas wa Megami no Te ni
Air Date: 1978 December 25
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Lupin and company are spending their Xmas vacation in New York, but Margaret who owns both Tiffany's and a TV station, hires them to rob the store on live TV. Even though they don't feel up to it, Fujiko ends up using the blank check provided as token of the agreement, and they're stuck with going through with it. With the eyes and ears of all America tuned in, the exciting stealing technique will be lure fishing for jewelry?!

Episode 65: Lupin's Enemy Is Lupin

Episode 65: Lupin's Enemy Is Lupin

Lupin no Teki wa Lupin
Air Date: 1979 January 8
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"You are the only ones who can rescue our kidnapped Princess Yasmin!" Lupin and company are hired for the task by a small Silk Road country in exchange for all the holy curry they can eat. But this is in fact a trap set for Lupin. Within a fortress guarded by automatic missiles is Mister X, who looks exactly like Lupin. At the conclusion of a duel with water-sabers, which is the real one?!

Notes: This episode features the final encounter with Scorpioin, as well as flashback footage from the series pilot. As with the previous appearances of Scorpion, it, too, was written by Yamazaki Noriaki.

Episode 66: Shooting Orders!!

Episode 66: Shooting Orders!!

Shasatsu Meirei!!
Air Date: 1979 January 15
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Lupin tries to take it easy while Zenigata's away, but he suddenly finds himself being shot at. It's the coming of Beauty, who has accepted secret shooting orders from ICPO Headquarters. At the site where Lupin meets him for a one-on-one showdown, Lupin is blown away by Beauty's powerful Dum-Dum rounds, but gets away with his life thanks to Jigen's last-second save. When Jigen confronts Beauty to avenge Lupin, Lupin has only one handmade fulminate-of-mercury round for Jigen's gun!

Episode 67: Lupin's Big Saiyuuki

Episode 67: Lupin's Big Saiyuuki

Lupin no Daisaiyuuki
Air Date: 1979 January 22
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The mountain country of Kima, hidden away in Tibet, has mountains of treasure! On hearing this, Lupin and company head there. Though they infiltrate as a group of anthropological researchers, they are captured by Kinkaku and Ginkaku, the giants who rule the country, and ordered to fight each other as human playing pieces in a game of killer shogi. Jigen and Goemon are sucked into a gourd full of sulphuric acid. How will they get out of this pinch?!

Episode 68: Casino Island - Inversions and More Inversions

68: Casino Island-Inversions & More Inversions

Casino Too - Gyakuten Mata Gyakuten
Air Date: 1979 January 29
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Casino Paradise is an artificial island floating in New York Harbor. Domino, its operator, plans to use the $500,000,000 capital contained in the casino's three mobile safes to back his own run for president. Of the opinion that there is nothing he cannot steal, Lupin goes on a preliminary tour, and gets friendly with Nina, Domino's daughter. A big fan of Lupin's, she offers her assistance, but just then the artificial island is inverted through the strategy of Robert, Domino's campaign manager!

Episode 69: The Woman the Old Man Fell in Love with

Episode 69: The Woman the Old Man Fell in Love with

Tottsan no Horeta Hito
Air Date: 1979 February 5
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Political fixer Pomade Jors didn't trust anyone, so he implanted a miniature bomb inside the heart of his wife, Laura, and put all the scandal data he had acquired on political leaders of various countries into a special voice-activated safe. New York mafia boss Alec Cabane, having set his sights on that data, kills Pomade, steals the safe, and threatens Laura's life, because it is her voice that is the key to the safe. But if she speaks, and thus opens the safe, without her husband present to speak first and activate the safety mechanism, the bomb inside her heart will explode one minute later, with distance not a factor. Seeking help, Laura finds Zenigata, and they escape, their ongoing flight leading to love... Tragedy and confession come together!

Episode 70: Classic Thieves and Mynah Birds

Episode 70: Classic Thieves and Mynah Birds

Classic Doroboo to Kyukanchoo
Air Date: 1979 February 12
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Even though Zenigata comes raging up to FBI HQ, Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon are... clearly all in solitary confinement. This is actually all part of their plan, and they spring Clyde Barlow, an old man with the same name as the one-time machine-gun bandit. Then they get him to help in their attack on the trailer which the National Super Bank is using as temporary facilities while the main building is renovated. The old man's companion, Bonnie Parker, also signs on, and the activities of a mynah bird open the vault's door, but...?

Episode 71: Lupin Vs. the Shinsen Group

Episode 71: Lupin Vs. the Shinsen Group

Lupin Tai Shinsengumi
Air Date: 1979 February 19
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Kondoo Isamu III, grandson of the leader of the Shinsen Group of Tokugawa loyalists who fought the New Meiji Government during the collapse of the Shogunate, hires Lupin and company to recover the legendary Golden Cannon, sunk by the Shogunate forces in the Tsugaru Strait (between Hokkaidoo and Honshuu), and which would be worth some 7-8,000,000,000¥ to collectors. The problem is the violent deep-sea current which protects the sunken vessel. A ringtoss catch project acquires the golden cannon, but afterwards a death struggle for possession takes place. Okida, controlling a monster squid, takes a do-or-die course of action, shouting that he will take his ancestors' legacy and make Hokkaidoo an independent country!!

Episode 72: The Skateboard Murder Mystery

Episode 72: The Skateboard Murder Mystery

Skateboard Satsujin Jiken
Air Date: 1979 February 26
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Ellary Queen owns the legendary sapphire, the Eye of Solomon, and the Red Eagles football team. Lupin, coming for the sapphire as he declared he would, retreats when he finds Queen near death. Someone has already attacked Queen, attempting to hand him. According to the deduction of Bolonco, son of Detective Lt. Columbo, the sapphire has not yet been stolen. Who really dunit?!

Notes: This is a takeoff on the American TV series "Columbo" and also apes the scripting style of its creators, Richard Levinson and William Link. It is also the first episode to be animated by Ootsuka Yasuo's Studio Telecom, who would go on to animate ten more episodes and produce the second feature-length theatrical feature Castle Cagliostro with the fortuitous addition of Miyazaki Hayao as director/co-scripter.

Episode 73: Flowers and Storms and a Thieves' Race

Episode 73: Flowers and Storms and a Thieves' Race

Hana mo Arashi mo Doroboo Race
Air Date: 1979 March 5
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Lupin and Jigen are full of fighting spirit as they enter the final event of the Thieves' Olympics, the getaway race, beginning at Sooyamisaki, Japan's northernmost point, with the finish line at Japan's southernmost point, Sakurajima, Kyuushuu. If they win this event, they will be the greatest thieves in history. The only rule of the race is to win. How you do it doesn't matter. Getting past the strong American and Soviet teams, they move into a dead heat. But there is yet again a clear scent of conspiracy surrounding the proceedings. The sponsor of the event is Fantoma Mark III, hell-bent for revenge. Will the racetrack set as the goal be destroyed?!

Notes: This is the second and final appearance of the only other recurring villain besides Scorpion, Fantoma Mark III, and includes flashback footage from that episode. Both Mister X and Fantoma Mark III were played by Takiguchi Jumpei.

Episode 74: The Terrifying Chameleon Man

Episode 74: The Terrifying Chameleon Man

Kyoofuu no Chameleon Ningen
Air Date: 1979 March 12
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The world's largest uncut diamond has been discovered in South Africa, and naturally Lupin goes there and gets it. Unable to cut the ore, no matter how he tries, he finally gets Goemon to do it. But this is part of the plan of the diamond concern, who have the cut diamond recovered by Guiness, the Chameleon Man. Guiness's special tank cannot be affected by ordinary bullets. This will require a round made from a diamond!

Episode 75: Fujiko Doesn't Look Good in a Bridal Gown

Episode 75: Fujiko Doesn't Look Good in a Bridal Gown

Fujiko ni Hanayome Ishoo wa Niawanai
Air Date: 1979 March 19
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Unable to bear Fujiko getting married all in white, Lupin shoots her, then follows her by blowing himself up. But it's a trick. It's a big show, the purpose of which is to get the jewelry collection of Fujiko's would-be groom, Hafner. But Hafner is also a collector of brides, on a scale that would do justice to Bluebeard. Danger is closing in on Fujiko. Will Lupin arrive in time?!

Episode 76: Do You Know Shakespeare?

Episode 76: Do You Know Shakespeare?

Shakespeare o Shitteru kai
Air Date: 1979 March 26
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Jigen heads for the African republic of Borodias, with Lupin and company in pursuit, when he receives a letter from Sister Angelica. Angelica wants his help in rescuing Dr. Othello, head of the country's independence movement. Once a member of a noble Venetian family, she devoted herself to this land ever since Jigen left her eight years ago, when she looked to God for help. But the whole thing is the conspiracy of a major world power, which is controlling the situation from behind the scenes. Why are Othello's eyes blue?

Episode 77: Arrest Lupin with Horoscopes

Episode 77: Arrest Lupin with Horoscopes

Hoshiuranai de Lupin o Taiho
Air Date: 1979 April 2
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The Astrology Project: ICPO's special operation. Marianne, who can predict all of Lupin's actions via scrying with her crystal ball, is the opponent this time. The objective is Poseidon's Tear, an emerald which is the sign of the king of the country of Danmal. Goemon, charmed and mesmerized by a strange pigeon, tries to cut Lupin! Marianne wants the Emerald for herself. What is her gimmick?!

Notes: This is the second episode animated by Studio Telecom.

Episode 78: Diamonds Gleam in a Robot's Eye

Episode 78: Diamonds Gleam in a Robot's Eye

Robot no Me ni Dia ga Hikaru
Air Date: 1979 April 9
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A scientist who has no shortage of strange devices accidentally invents a robot that manufactures diamonds. Gavotte, a New York gangster, gets it to give to his girlfriend, Baby, but all they get out of it is ice. And thus follow a series of ridiculous failed exchanges surrounding the doctor and the robot, leading finally to a swap site at an amusement park. Can the robot be restored to its proper function?!

Notes: This episode is a takeoff on the American series "The FBI," especially the narration and the ending sequence describing what happened to the various characters.

Episode 79: The Lupin Funeral March

Episode 79: The Lupin Funeral March

Lupin Soosookyoku
Air Date: 1979 April 16
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Genius musician Kyoransky's conducting stick is conducting the music of Lupin's death. Those who hear the performance attack him. Lupin's target is also that diamond-studded conducting stick. Pretending to be a cameraman, Lupin records the orchestra on video, analyzes the orchestra recording, and solves the mystery: it's hypnosis, manifest through soundwaves beyond the range of human hearing. When the moment of the showdown approaches, Lupin wields a soup ladle full of holes in his hand?!

Episode 80: The Last Meal Is Cup Ramen

Episode 80: The Last Meal Is Cup Ramen

Saigo no Sashiire wa Cup Ramen
Air Date: 1979 April 23
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Silver, who once worked with Lupin on a train robbery, stole the money himself, hid it somewhere, and promptly got himself thrown into prison on a rinky-dink charge. Lupin, having learned that Silver is about to be released, goes to the prison intent on making Silver tell what he did with the loot, only to discover that, while Silver was in prison, a new top-of-the-line prison was built over the site where he hid the money. Now, will the operation to trade an execution for the recovery of the money succeed?!

Episode 81: Fujiko! Men Are Tough

Episode 81: Fujiko! Men Are Tough

Fujiko! Otoko wa Tsurai ze
Air Date: 1979 April 30
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Lupin and company are after the Bell of the Duchy of Beltenberg, constructed in the 15th century. However, it's a fake, and it's being guarded by Zenigata. Angered at these various problems, Fujiko takes off for Paris, where she falls in love with, and becomes engaged to, Claude, heir to the duchy. She has a weakness for royalty, after all. But the aim of the rulers is to exchange Fujiko for discovery of the real bell.

Episode 82: The Old Man Hostage Rescue Operation

Episode 82: The Old Man Hostage Rescue Operation

Tottsan Hitojichi Kyuushutsu Sakusen
Air Date: 1979 May 7
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Zenigata is abducted from ICPO?! Terrorists demand the release of Napoleon XI from prison in exchange for their hostage. ICPO refuses to answer the demand because of concerns of face, but Zenigata's life is at stake. This is where Lupin comes in. But Napoleon XI is a narcoleptic, who can only stay awake for three hours a day. What will become of the Old Man's rescue?!

Notes: This is the third episode animated by Studio Telecom.

Episode 83: Lupin's Big Western

Episode 83: Lupin's Big Western

Lupin no Daiseibugeki
Air Date: 1979 May 14
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Due to heavy competition in the hit-man industry, the Smith Gang's business results aren't good. So, at Fujiko's suggestion, they make a real-life film of killing Lupin, making it look like they're filming a Western. If they complete this commercial, it will be proof that they're No. 1 in the industry, and it will also make an excellent promotional piece as well! Lupin nonchalantly comes and goes on the set at Fujiko's invitation. Where is the love scene?!

Episode 84: Leave Revenge to Lupin

Episode 84: Leave Revenge to Lupin

Fukushuu wa Lupin ni Makasero
Air Date: 1979 May 21
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Joe Spade, once an expert gunman who taught Jigen how to shoot, unable to ward off the passing years, he has been cornered, and comes begging for help. Jigen, who takes debts very seriously, goes to Marseilles, but Joe is completely gone. The same gang which was after Joe is also after Lupin! There are also a string of jewel thefts using a telephotograph machine.

Notes: This episdoe is the fourth episdoe animated by Studio Telecom.

Episode 85: ICPO Secret Directive

Episode 85: ICPO Secret Directive

ICPO Maruhi Shirei
Air Date: 1979 May 28
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In order to make the dream of Maureen, daughter of a Mafia boss, come true in the brief time remaining to her, Stefan, her street-punk boyfriend, risks the showdown of his life. Lupin and company end up helping them out because Fujiko is moved by their plight, but it's all a secret ICPO project! Bureau chief Jasmine's strategy chases them all into a room with special mobile grating. Trouble!!

Episode 86: The Mysterious Nightlight Mask Appears

Episode 86: The Mysterious Nightlight Mask Appears

Nazo no Yakkoo Kamen Arawaru
Air Date: 1979 June 4
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The true identity of Nightlight Mask, who killed the Duke of Le Mond and stole his opal, is Lupin! Working on the deduction of novelist Conan Dorill, the mystery man will appear at the costume ball, kill the daughter of Count Johannes and steal a second opal. An innocent Lupin is not at all satisfied. Professor Dolmen has the third opal. How will the revenge concealed within the ancient treasure of the Incas resolve itself?

Notes: The name "Yakkoo Kamen" (Nightlight Mask) is a take-off on "Gekoo Kamen" (Moonlight Mask), probably the original Japanese masked hero. Also, "Conan Dorill" is a pun on "Conan Doyle" and "dorill," which is the Japanese pronunciation of "drill."

Episode 87: When the Devil Beckons to Lupin

Episode 87: When the Devil Beckons to Lupin

Akuma ga Lupin o Maneku Toki
Air Date: 1979 June 11
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On a night of pouring rain, a doll in the shape of a small girl is delivered to Lupin's hideout, and manipulates Lupin into stealing the jewel known as the Phoenix's Tear. From the shadows, the villain Mephistopheles is pulling the strings. The next objective is the Dragon's Tear, the Phoenix's Tear opposite. They are legacy of slain Jewish millionaire Jacob, and the true identity of the doll's controller is his son, Peter. The danger of a big explosion at a stadium, meant to kill former Nazis, is closing in!

Episode 88: Luipn's Big South Pole-North Pole Adventure

88: Luipn's Big South Pole-North Pole Adventure

Lupin no Nankyoku Hokkyoku Daibooken
Air Date: 1979 June 18
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To steal the Nobel Prize, all you have to do is successfully carry out an experiment to move the penguins from the South Pole to the North Pole?! Lupin wastes no time in carrying out this plan, but this is in fact camouflage. His real objective is to take the Vatican Crown, placed at the North Pole as a prayer for peace. The penguins he brings with him confound both Fujiko and the underground organization known as the Red Voyagers League. So where is the crown?!

Episode 89: Play the Thieves' Symphony

Doroboo Kookyookyoku o Narase
Air Date: 1979 June 25
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Within the special vault of the World Crime Prevention Devices Association are drawings of all the world's safes. It's impregnable, with explosives rigged to go off at the slightest change in weight in its elevator, and a sound-gathering and detection system connected to a nuclear reactor. Lupin even retires to the mountains and devises a sound-dampening device, but is defeated by the sound of the device's own functioning. Surprise of surprises, what is the special vault's blind spot?

Episode 90: Bad Guys Are Truly Big Villains

Warui Yatsu Hodo Daiakutoo
Air Date: 1979 July 2
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Having a gun pointed at him in Harlem, Lupin makes the acquaintance of Chico, a street-smart kid. Even while Lupin plays tag with Zenigata, Chico can only think of making small change, but sucking up even such small pickings is Boss Markane. Lupin sneaks into Markane's party in order to expose Markane's hypocrisy, but becomes the target of the evening's entertainment: a game of murder. What the?!

Episode 91: The Girl Who Travels Through Time

Toki o Kakeru Shoojo
Air Date: 1979 July 9
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Lupin rescues a beautiful girl who has completely lost her memory. Learning that the key to her identity is in Persia, Lupin and company fly to Tehran, but through the machinations of Giranin's Red Spider Gang, who are after the girl, they end up being sentenced to beheading by the Iranian Army. The girl is in fact Ianne, daughter of Darius, king of ancient Persia. Will the "Eternal Rainbow," which only a hero may hold, disappear in a faraway whirlwind?

Episode 92: Madame and a Thieves' Quartet

Madame to Doroboo Quartet
Air Date: 1979 July 16
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Learning that the entire possessions of Piccolo, a man who taught Lupin about thievery when he was a young punk, have all been impounded by the police, Lupin and company go to see what they can do. Madame, his widow, knows nothing of her husband's true profession, believing him to be a musician, which means one big headache. The foursome are stuck with raiding the Liverpool Police Department while deceiving Madame with musical instruments at the same time.

Episode 93: Operation Great Wall of China Invader

Banri no Choojoo Invader Sakusen
Air Date: 1979 July 23
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Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon steal the jade mah-jongg set which belonged to Emperor Shi, from the Peking Old Palace Museum. Even though he's kept his promise to get them for her, Fujiko won't marry him because he lacks intellect and refinement?! In that case, Lupin drinks the Confucian Analects, steeped in the Elixir of Learning, an ancient Chinese potion which enables one to absorb instantly the knowledge contained in any book which has been dissolved in the fluid. However, drinking the Analects transforms Lupin into a holy man, one who hates money and women. It's the conspiracy of Chang, a scientist turned gangster, who wants the mah-jongg tiles.

Episode 94: Lupin Vs. Superman

Lupin tai Superman
Air Date: 1979 July 30
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When Superman appears in the New York City sky, a bank robbery takes place nearby. Investigating together with Inspector McCleed, Zenigata suspects that it's Lupin's doing, but Lupin himself finds the notion simply ridiculous. Checking the banks which have been robbed, Lupin finds a small supermarket at the center of the ring they make. How will the showdown between Superman, Lupinman, and Fujikowoman end up?!

Notes: "McCleed" is an obivious takeoff on "McCloud."

Episode 95: From the Ghost Ship with Love

Yuureisen Yori Ai o Komete
Air Date: 1979 August 6
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Lupin and Fujiko obtain the statuette known as the Stonechild from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to have their Cessna crash in the Bermuda Triangle, and run into a ghost ship. The ship's female captain, Jeanne, confronts Lupin, but it develops that there are three of these stone figurines: Lupin has one, Jeanne has another, and shipping tycoon Hees has the third. Who made them? Will the mystery of the century be answered at Stonehenge?!

Episode 96: Lupin's Gourmet Heaven

Lupin no Oryoori Tengoku
Air Date: 1979 August 13
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There are any number of repulsive things to eat, but Baron Gourmel wants to eat Lupin's fresh brain. The promise of his diamond collection to whoever delivers it is irresistible to Fujiko. With Jigen, who likes pork and beans, and Goemon, with his three-minute soba noodles, mixed in for good measure, how will the sublime pie-throwing showdown with the army of cooks come out? Is Lupin's cooking any good...?!

Episode 97: Find the Treasure of Lupin I

Lupin Issei no Hihoo o Sagase
Air Date: 1979 August 20
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One of Lupin's back teeth holds microfilm containing the location of Lupin I's grave. Using a nude operation, Fujiko takes it, teams up with Holmes III and three secret agents from the U.S., U.K., and the U.S.S.R., they take to the sky in a gigantic hot-air balloon. Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon fight their secret weapons, meant to eliminate interference, with the "Live Capture" technique(?!) taught to them the hard way by Zenigata. Where is the treasure? Who is the thief?

Notes: Strictly speaking, this is the second appearance of Holmes III, who previously appeared in episode 15. However, the two differ in both appearance and voice and appear to have no connection other than name. This writer suspects a continuity gaffe occurred here, but nobody's perfect. The names of the three agents, "Napoleon Zero (U.S.A)," "James Dobon (Great Britain)," and "Rasputan (U.S.S.R)," are notable puns.

Episode 98: The Day the Old Man Died

Tottsan no Inai Hi
Air Date: 1979 August 27
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Zenigata, barring Lupin's path today the same as he has every other day, is suddenly shot in the middle of his attempted arrest! Fujiko is burning with rage, but Paris Police Superintendent Truffaut, who has declared that the killer is Lupin, is himself suspicious. Following the regulations concerning death in the line of duty, he tries to have Zenigata's corpse cremated, but just when he finally gets it to the site, after strenuous efforts, it abruptly gets up?!

Episode 99: The Combat Magnum Scattered in the Wasteland

Kooya ni Chitta Combat Magnum
Air Date: 1979 September 3
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The loot this time is the single Hannibal coin, which is in the Duchy of Blanco. Hidden within it is the site where the hero Hannibal buried his war chest, but Jigen, who was late for a duel five years ago due to unavoidable circumstances, chooses instead the road that leads to the showdown with his enemy, Stoneman. The time for the border closing is near. When the duel begins, Jigen's Magnum isn't in his holster. What is Lupin up to?!

Notes: This episode was the fifth episode animated by Studio Telecom, done as the pilot for stereo broadcast. Part of the stereo effect is that the opening and ending sequences were re-recorded, with sound effects added to the opening, and the album version of the ending theme substituted. Also, not every episode from here on is in stereo.

Episode 100: The Famous Painting Theft Ultra Operation

Meiga Goodatsu Ultra Sakusen
Air Date: 1979 September 10
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To cover the dinner bill for the President of France, an auction of artworks in storage at the Louvre is held, with an extemporaneous piece by Lupin I going on the block. It goes to Nai Baba, Arabian village chieftain and oil millionaire. It gets transported under heavy guard, but Zenigata knows that Lupin will try to take it. Fending off numerous sneak attacks, Zenigata finds himself the object of the chieftain's attentions(?). Will there be a final reversal?!

Notes: This story, and the three which follow, make up a four-part celebration of the series's 100th anniversary. Each was based on story ideas solicited from the viewers for this anniversary event, and the name of the viewer whose story idea was used is given as "Story Concept." Also, the name "Nai Baba" is a pun on "Ali Baba." "Ali (Ari)" and "Nai" are opposites in Japanese, meaning, roughly, "have" and "have not."

Episode 101: Versailles Burned with Love

Versailles wa Ai ni Moeta
Air Date: 1979 September 17
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The Black Lilly Party, obsessed with restoring the aristocracy, tries to get Lupin to find the phantom Crown of Marie Antoinette. On a hint from Oscar, the young, very attractive leader of the Black Lilly's Stormtroopers, Lupin removes the crown from a hidden compartment in a mirror at the palace of Versailles, but, breaking the promise of a 50/50 split, Oscar takes the crown and turns fugitive. What is Oscar's true identity?

Notes: This episode is an homage to the historical manga "The Rose of Versailles" (Versaille no Bara), Ikeda Riyoko's classic tale of France before and during the Revolution, and which was also animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Episode 102: Lupin Is Fond of Chanel

Lupin wa Chanel ga Osuki
Air Date: 1979 September 24
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Lupin is after the golden gun and diamond bullets that are the heirlooms of the House of Wilhelm, but upon learning that the current head of the house, Brillia, is a girl still in her teens, Lupin gives up. At the same time, a string of handgun thefts are taking place in London. The 99th gun stolen is Jigen's Magnum, and the 100th is Lupin's Walther P-38. Lupin fights Benkei's magnet-gun with a remote-controlled flying gun. The scent of Chanel fills the air. How does the vault containing the golden gun open?

Episode 103: The Wolf Saw an Angel

Ookami wa Tenshi o Mita
Air Date: 1979 October 1
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The LA National Bank is hit with a rash of robberies, their objective being the World's Jewelry Fair exhibits being stored there. Lupin, of course, is also carrying out his own plan, an underground attack which is a smashing success. At the moment when he has acquired the valuable jewelry, Vietnam veteran Harry Satler strikes with heavy artillery. He needs money for the treatments his daughter's eyes require. The blind daughter, Mary, meets an angel in the badlands...!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 104: The Most Dangerous Golden Bed

Mottomo Kiken-na Oogon Bed
Air Date: 1979 October 8
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If you wonder why the golden bed in Texas millionaire Morgan's possession is said to be the most dangerous, it's because it's guarded by laser beams, immersed in a pool of high-strength sulphuric acid, and is shielded by a tank division and numerous other systems. Lupin can't back down from stealing it because Fujiko wants it for a love nest, so, on their third assault, Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon draw off the tanks and fighter planes, and attempts to use Morgan's own 45-inch gun himself. Now, how will he fare in the end?

Notes: This episode introduced the series's fourth and final opening and ending themes, "Lupin III '80" and "Love Is Everything." Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 105: Horror - A Woman Disappeared on Devil's Head Island

Kaiki Onikubitoo ni Onna ga Kieta
Air Date: 1979 October 15
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On Devil's Head Island, in the Seto Inland Sea, there is a legend of refugees from the Heike Clan. Gempaku, who wants to see his descendant, Motomaro, continue the family line, has tried all manner of methods, using the Forest of Disappearances as a cover, but Motomaro keeps stuffing and mounting the women Gempaku brings him. With treasure seeking Fujiko and Lupin, and Zenigata and Goroohachi, the patrol officer stationed on the island, who are in hot pursuit, getting all mixed in, the battle with the samurai army is a seesaw. Is there no escape from the heavy siege?!

Notes: This episode is the sixth to be animated by Studio Telecom.

Episode 106: You're a Cat, I'm a Dried Tuna

Kima wa Neko Boku wa Katsuobushi
Air Date: 1979 October 22
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Vivian wants to become a star so badly that she's even willing to become Lupin's victim if it'll make her famous, but a slip of the tongue causes her to say "Lupin stole a cat that eats pencil shavings." Lupin, infuriated at the grade-school newspaper report, begins a search for the cat in question, feeling disgraced at having been accused of stealing something so stupid. The duo of Bucky and Butcher also get mixed up in the proceedings. But does this cat really exist?

Episode 107: A Wedding Ring Is an Accursed Trap

Kekkon Yubiwa wa Noroi no Wana
Air Date: 1979 October 29
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What Fujiko has priced out for her wedding ring is the legendary Hope Diamond, said to cause all its possessors misfortune. During the taking of it from the Smithsonian Institute, Lupin suffers a multitude of bad luck and disasters. This diamond really is possessed by a demon. Even though they manage to hold the wedding, Fujiko transforms into an old woman! Will love's tenacity win out?! Whose face is that in the mirror?

Episode 108: Zantetsuken's Lament

Kanashimi no Zantetsuken
Air Date: 1979 November 5
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Even on vacation, Goemon has eyes for nothing except swordsmanship. A girl named Naomi takes on of the iron bars Goemon had wrapped in bundles of straw for the purpose of cutting practice. Her grandfather is a swordsmith, and he wants very much to make a katana better than Zantetsuken. Naomi puts energy into her support of her grandfather, and they discover Zantetsuken's secret: the high temperature of its blade. Who holds the true legendary blade?!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 109: Lupin's Toughest Battle Ever

Lupin Shijoo Saidai no Kusen
Air Date: 1979 November 12
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Once again, Lupin's life is the object of a wager. If he wins, Fujiko will get a 5000-carat raw diamond. Lupin's opponent, chosen by Almighty, with whom Fujiko has her bet, is the high-speed killer, Tiger. He's enough of a marksman to hit Lupin in the forehead with a ketchup bullet. The showdown has begun, but is there some sort of trick to Tiger's ability to appear and disappear without warning? The showdown comes to a climax in the amusement park's house of mirrors!!

Episode 110: Hot Shot: This Is Fujiko

Gekisha Kore ga Fujiko da
Air Date: 1979 November 19
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A theft report is received from the police state of Malda. The investigation methods are much too harsh and unforgiving, considering that all that was stolen was one camera. Actually, this camera is the invention of the century: it can take pictures of the future. Thus, the hand of the state police closes in on Fujiko, who has been winning a string of large gambles. The excessively heavy-handed treatment pushes Zenigata past his limits. Against a robot adversary, will one police officer's fighting spirit do the job?!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 111: Is the Invader Safe Open?

Invader Kinko wa Hiraita ka?
Air Date: 1979 November 26
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While walking around New York City's downtown area, where Jigen grew up, Catherine, an old acquaintance who is now the widow of a diamond broker, issues a challenge: "Can you steal my jewelry?" Jigen goes, reluctantly, with Lupin and Goemon tagging along, but security is tighter than tight, and a half-baked effort will not suffice. The final Space Invader Safe is itself a major obstacle, but there is no time remaining to Catherine.

Episode 112: Goemon's Close Call

Goemon Kikiippatsu
Air Date: 1979 December 3
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Through his own carelessness, Goemon is taken prisoner at a hot spring, and subjected to torture by the assassin team of Rose and Wolf. They want to kill Lupin, because that will make the best proof of them being the best in the world. To that end, they are attempting to make Goemon, as Lupin's associate, tell them Lupin's weakness. The torture gets intense, but Goemon doesn't tell them anything. At the very moment when things look their worst, Zantetsuken flashes!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 113: The Name of the Operation Is Chuushingura

Sakusenna wa Chuushingura
Air Date: 1979 December 10
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The chief of police is reprimanded for his laissez-faire attitude toward Lupin, and dismissed from his post after assaulting the Prime Minister. Things having come to that point, the only way to restore his loss of face is to arrest Lupin! While the 47 top police officers are assembling, a strange old man asks Lupin to dig up the treasure of Kira Koozukenosuke from underneath the police station. The time is naturally a snowscape, and how will the showdown with Zenigata, in battle costume, turn out?!

Notes: As the title suggests, this episode is a takeoff on the classic Kabuki tale, "Cuushingura," also know as the 47 Roonin. Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 114: The Secret of the Mystery Painting, 'The First Supper'

Meiga Saisho no Banshoku no Himitsu
Air Date: 1979 December 17
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For 2000 years, the clan of Judas Iscariot, betrayer of Jesus Christ, have searched for the whereabouts of Christ's legacy, but have been unable to solve the mystery. The current descendant, Nova, has succeeded in inventing an eye medicine that gives one the power to see through anything. She gives it to Zenigata, and stirs him up by telling him that Lupin will only interfere with their getting married. Zenigata goes all out for love, but Nova's objective is the half of the mystery painting, "The First Supper, " painted by Christ, that is in Lupin's possession, having been stolen by Lupin I. The painting has a map concealed within it which shows the location of Christ's treasure. So, where is it, anyway?

Episode 115: Mona Lisa Smiles Twice

Mona Lisa wa Nido Warau
Air Date: 1979 December 24
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The famous painting, "Mona Lisa," is going on a rare international exhibition. Zenigata shouts far and wide that Lupin will come for it. But Lupin has personal reasons in this case. The truth is that his ancestor once was stuck with a fake. The security system in the floor of the exhibition hall is tricky: unless one walks the correct pattern, it will promptly become a pit. There are any number of Mona Lisas. What of the "true" Mona Lisa?

Episode 116: Have the 108 Bells Rung

108tsu no Kane wa Natta ka
Air Date: 1979 December 31
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As Lupin enters his own time of bad luck, in order to change his fate, he heads for Koohooji, in Kyooto, following the method explained in the time of the Three Kingdoms for evading such misfortune: stealing the Golden Treasure Ship of the Gods of Luck, from Mt. Hoorai. Both the chief of detectives, who receives Lupin's advance warning, and the Kyooto Mafia, send in men, and build up a desperate defense. And there is Antonio, out to avenge himself on Lupin and Jigen, who shot his ears off seven years before. While the temple bell rings out with its explanation of the carnal desires of mankind, Lupin's project starts!!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 117: The Chewing-Gum Disguise Operation

Chewing Gum Hensoo Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 January 7
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Lupin's friend Buckingham is always coming up with weird inventions. This time, he's come up with a bizarre type of chewing gum, one which enables one to disguise oneself on the spot. At the bar where they close the sale of the gum, Boss Gasper sets his sights on Lupin. he plans a wedding scam, wherein he has his girlfriend, a dancer named Amore, marry Lupin, after which he kills Lupin and takes his fortune. Gasper is the jealous type, and all hell breaks loose!!

Episode 118: The Southern Cross Looked Like Diamonds

Minami Juujisei ga Dia ni Mieta
Air Date: 1980 January 14
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In the eastern part of Rabaul, which saw some of the heaviest fighting of the Second World War, lies a cross which marks the location of Captain Cook's treasure. Lupin and company, who've come looking for it, find themselves suddenly under air attack by Zero. They are rescued by a man called Samejima, but he takes Fujiko hostage in exchange for having them get the A-bomb away from the Zero. It seems it was a holdover from the Bikini Atoll testing days, but Sergeant Kimihiro of the Imperial Japanese Air Corps is guarding it with his life, recalling the ghosts of both the Japanese and American soldiers. It's an aircraft carrier vs. a Zero!

Episode 119: Lupin, Who Killed Lupin

Lupin o Koroshita Lupin
Air Date: 1980 January 21
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Fujiko dies in Lupin's arms. Lupin flips out, but it's all a put-up job: having heard, at the last, the location of Lupin's most precious treasure, Fujiko teams up with the villain Helgar. An extremely angry Lupin takes off after them, but an almighty Minotaur defense system awaits at the hiding place, on the island of Crete. Helgar himself developed this transforming weapon. What is Lupin's treasure?

Episode 120: Frankenstein Attacks Lupin

Frankenstein Lupin o Osou
Air Date: 1980 January 28
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There is a gang who is swiping Lupin's intended targets right before his eyes. The Red Ghost gang uses a spirit gun to call forth a person's spirit, thus getting accurate information. To make it work, they need the body of one of that person's descendants. The next target is Goemon. The plan is to recover Frankenstein's soul, which was stolen by the original Goemon. Will the mightiest monster of all walk the earth again? What will happen to Goemon?!

Episode 121: The Treasure My Grandfather Left Behind

Ore no Jiisan ga Nokoshita Takaramono
Air Date: 1980 February 4
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The Opal Venus, a statue which Lupin's grandfather, Arsène Lupin, stole from the Palace of Elysees. According to an old document found in Arsène Lupin's silk top hat, Lupin left it with Gregoire, the No. 2 great thief of the time. Lupin's feeling is, if my grandfather left it, I'll go get it back. So saying, he and his friends get as far as Gregoire's castle, but there is one way to get across the garden which the Venus is decorating, and thus collect it! What the hell is the gimmick involved?!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 122: Rare Find: Napoleon's Fortune

Chinhakken Napoleon no Zaihoo
Air Date: 1980 February 11
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The pie-throwing gun with which the head of the ECC personally supplies Zenigata is a special weapon: it immobilizes opponents with its adhesive pies. Fujiko and Lupin are arrested in rapid succession, but the ECC head's objective is unexpected. He forces them to solve the mystery of Napoleon's Fortune, by threatening them with guillotining in Tahiti. The clue is a single Elmeth scarf. Just as they solve it, they find their existences on the verge of death!

Episode 123: Paris Is for Thieves

Doroboo wa Pari de
Air Date: 1980 February 18
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Fracois [sic], a nuisance of a little girl, has fallen for Lupin, even going so far as to place an advance-warning message on his behalf in the newspaper. She wants Lupin to replace the real Oppenheim Rose, a ruby which her father, a jewelry appraiser, switched with a fake. But he's up against the Louvre's maximum security unit. The girl is determined to succeed somehow, but Lupin takes her to school. What will happen tomorrow?

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 124: 1999: A Popcorn Odyssey

1999nen Popcorn no Tabi
Air Date: 1980 February 25
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A romantic night means a flight to the moon. For Fujiko, who tells him she wants to take a flight to the moon, Lupin decides to borrow the mass-popcorn-producing machine developed by Professor Pancho. NASA, however, doesn't buy it, because their prestige will be ruined if it is shown that the moon can be reached that easily, and take the Professor and his wife into custody, in an attempt to stop the launch. After various events, the countdown begins at last.

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 125: The Big Oildollar Plot

Oildollar no Daibooryaku
Air Date: 1980 March 3
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In exchange for Fujiko's life, Lupin steals a crown from a fountain of concentrated sulphuric acid. This is actually a test of skill: the real objective is to show snow to Princess Guiana, of the country of Iraran. The little princess doesn't have long to live. The only way to make snow fall in the desert is to acquire the Snow Cannon from Spinar, the world's most powerful secret society. Will Lupin make it in time?!

Episode 126: Together with Lupin to Hell

Jigoku e Lupin o Michizure
Air Date: 1980 March 10
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Lady Black, who wants for nothing in life, makes a certain wager with Fujiko, who believes in Lupin's immortality. If Lupin can get out alive from a maze equipped with killing devices, she will give Fujiko her fine art collection. All manner of traps attack Lupin and Jigen. Black has a secret. Lupin and Black's mother had a relationship... And what of Goemon?

Episode 127: Direct Hit! Operation Dead Ball

Chokugeki! Deadball Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 March 17
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Lupin and company took the complete take of a gambling casino, a little while ago. Boss Largo comes up with the most powerful group of killers in order to get it back. He hypnotizes a big-league baseball team, implanting a suggestion that they pitch and hit at Lupin, who has a toothache, whenever he puts his hand to his cheek. The pain of a cavity cannot be withstood. Is it game, set, and match when the opponents are pro-baseball players?!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 128: The Old Woman and Lupin Thievery Contest

Rooba to Lupin no Doroboo Kassen
Air Date: 1980 March 24
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There is a reward of $1,000,000 for Lupin's arrest. This in itself is not unusual, but when a newspaper reports of Lupin's crimes before they happen, something is definitely not right. The way Old Lady Dokonjo, who publishes a small newspaper all by herself, figures it, scoops are the only way to increase sales. Lupin and company fall for her tearful pleas, but her son, Benson, is a sinister character. It's a motorcycle showdown!!

Notes: "Dokonjo" may be a pun on "Dokonjoo," which can be translated as "extreme nerve" in Japanese, and which would seem to describe the old lady to a T.

Episode 129: In Jigen, I Saw the Gentleness of a Man's Soul

Jigen ni Otokogokoro no Yasashisa o MIta
Air Date: 1980 March 31
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Jigen has gone on his own ahead of Lupin to Janaika, which is on the verge of revolution. There, he rescues Sandra, who tried to sneak into the Presidential Palace by herself. Sandra is the daughter of the former president, and was trying to liberate a rare painting, a keepsake of her father, from the palace, so that she cen be married with Guyler, head of the freedom fighters. "The Naked Venus" is suspended in midair, protected by a special system. Jigen, who learns the deactivation method, cuts through the battlefield, and heads for the palace, alone!

Notes: "Janaika" is a bilingual pun on "Jamaica," and "Ja nai ka," which can roughly be translated as "isn't it." Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 130: Lupin Vs. the Mystery Man with Two Faces

Lupin tai Kaijin Nimensoo
Air Date: 1980 April 7
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A strange meeting is taking place at the atelier of surrealist artist Daré. Inspector Magrey is saying that he will recover what Lupin has stolen. Having no idea what awaits him, Lupin nonchalantly shows up, only to be put to sleep, and then locked in a smokehouse by Inspector Magrey, who is actually Daré. He says that Lupin is indeed the ultimate(?!) in source material for a work of art.

Notes: "Daré" is a pun on "Dali" and "dare," which means "who" in Japanese.

Episode 131: Two Goemons - the Mystery of Zantetsuken

Futari Goemon - Zantetsuken no Nazo
Air Date: 1980 April 14
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A nationwide warrant is out for Goemon, who not only robbed a bank but also stabbed a security guard to death. The Zantetsuken in Goemon's hand has none of the blood-clouding on the blade that would indicate stabbing a person. This is the work of Goemon's archenemy, Nidaemon. There are two Zantetsukens, a male and a female variety. According to tradition, unless the two blades lay together once every 300 years, the larger, male blade will lose its potency. This time is Midnight straight up. Will the disgrace be cleared up?

Episode 132: The Himalayan Holy Mountain Thieves' Cult

Reizan Himalaya no Doroboo Kyoodan
Air Date: 1980 April 21
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The holy ground is in the middle of the roof of the world. Discarding the fat that is the common world's wealth, believers who appeal to Guru Fandar can disappear from this world, and be given an new life in Utopia. "Don't be ridiculous." As it turns out that amongst the believers is a man who stole Lupin's 30,000 bills of Napoleon currency, Lupin goes out to expose the scam. But when the disguise at which he is so good is uncovered, things get bad!!

Episode 133: Keep Your Hands Off the Hot Treasure

Atsui Otakara ni Te o Dasu na
Air Date: 1980 April 28
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Lupin's date while Fujiko is away is Claudia. Lupin's objective is the gold and silver fortune placed in the mouth of the 100-year Volcano, on Cleo Island. Once every 100 years, the volcano stops erupting, for only 30 minutes. Jigen and Goemon, accepting Claudia's pleas not to steal that which supports the spirit of the natives, attempt to stop Lupin. With the girl and the Mafia also mixed in, who will get the hot fortune?

Episode 134: The Climactic Lupin Arrest Operation

Lupin Taihoo Choojoo Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 May 5
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The Kimberly Diamonds, which take up a full half of the diamonds traded annually worldwide, are worth a good $30,000,000,000. Lupin's dream is to claim those diamonds and make them into a diamond carriage for his honeymoon with Fujiko, but Zenigata isn't so naive as that. Lupin and company's crash-landed transport plane is fully surrounded by policemen from all over the world, gathered together and mobilized by a call from the UN! Will a shot from a giant crossbow made on the spot succeed in snatching victory from the jaws of defeat?!

Episode 135: Poison and Magic and Lupin III

Dokuyaku to Majutsu to Lupin Sansei
Air Date: 1980 May 12
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The spinster Lucrezia, last of the notorious Borgia clan, who used poison as a favorite means of murder, is in prison. Lupin and company, asked by her nephew Caldan to spring her, get themselves arrested and thrown in jail, and free her, bed and all. But Galdan was actually after Lucrezia's life, and getting her out was so that he could make her confess where the clan's jewels have been hidden. With the Old Man strangely mixed in, what will be the resolution?

Episode 136: Revenge of the Gold Butterfly

Gold Butterfly no Fukushuu
Air Date: 1980 May 19
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Lupin and company pull off a string of bank robberies in one evening, but Lupin's objective is to buy the only Great Golden Swallowtail Butterfly in captivity at auction. This butterfly has the ability to detect gold veins. Maniak, winner of the auction, leads an armed troop who destroy the environment in their search for gold. Their acts of trampling the butterfly paradise under their feet is unbearable. Will nature be avenged against such brutality? The butterflies' eyes light up.

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 137: The Magnificent Team-Play Operation

Kareinaru Teamplay Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 May 26
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The Museum of Jewelry is holding a special exhibition of the diamond known as "Cleopatra's Tear." Lupin quickly makes a preliminary inspection, but with Zenigata showing up yet again, he has to run away. This was a planned appointment, so that he could hear from Zenigata the date and time of the diamond's delivery to the exhibition hall. Afterwards, Lupin and company conduct special blindfolded training in order to carry out their plan. The chance will only be for a few seconds, in pitch darkness. In that time, the four of them must successfully carry out a sequential, collaborative play, but will their labors bear fruit?

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 138: The Treasure of Pompeii and Venomous Snakes

Pompeii no Hihoo to Dokuhebi
Air Date: 1980 June 2
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The Treasure of Pompeii has lain forever untouched because it is guarded by countless venomous snakes, deep inside a convent. Lupin acquires an anti-venom set from the Red Cross, and promptly makes his own attempt on the treasure. Lucia, a girl who has numerous loves for a nun, plots to take the treasure for herself while helping Lupin. She wants to be happy, you see. What is the treasure, really?

Episode 139: Steal Everything of Lupin's

Lupin no Subete o Nusume
Air Date: 1980 June 9
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Even for truly wealthy men, the greatest wish in life is to once again acquire a youthful body. Mister Steel has chosen Lupin III as the destination body for his brain transplant. The procurer is, of course, Fujiko. After a faked traffic accident, Lupin is borne to Steel's mansion, where the brain transplant takes place successfully. The old man has only a little time left, but the brain is Lupin's. How will the brain shuffle resolve itself?

Episode 140: Wolf, Run, Pig, Fall Down

Ookami wa Hashire Buta wa Korogare
Air Date: 1980 June 16
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At an auction held by Whitney, owner of a diamond mine, the items scheduled for bidding are stolen by mice and king salmon! Lupin, sensing that there is more to this than meets the eye, follows the salmon, who are migrating via their homing instinct, and ends up in Canada. Whitney, a connoisseur of food, has been using a clever method of circulating his diamonds so that his mine never runs dry.

Episode 141: 1980 Moscow Revelation

1980 Moskwa Mokushiroku
Air Date: 1980 June 30
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On the night before the Moscow Olympics, Zenigata is called to the Kremlin to safeguard a chandelier hanging from its ceiling, a chandelier made up entirely of over 3,000,000 diamonds. It's a special creation, with all the diamonds strung together on a single string. Lupin learns of its design from the engineer who made it, while they are locked up in adjoining cells, and mounts a rain gutter operation to steal it, under cover of repairing it, disguised as the engineer. The diamonds fly through the air as the gun salute goes off!

Episode 142: The Big Favorite Disappeared at the Grand Race

The Big Favorite Disappeared at the Grand Race
Air Date: 1980 July 7
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Enraged at the hypocritical courtesy of English Lord Weather, Lupin accepts a bet over whether he can steal the Lord's horse, Red Arrow. Though he makes attempts while the horse is in transit, and during the hunt, the Lord's counterstrategies are scrupulous, leaving no opening. Lupin makes an impossible announcement: "I will take the horse in the middle of the Grand National Race, before a full crowd in the stands!" In a jumping accident, only the horse disappears?!

Episode 143: The Miami Bank Raid Anniversary

Miami Ginkoo Shuugeki Kinembi
Air Date: 1980 July 14
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Lupin and company are taking a summer vacation on Miami Beach. Suddenly, a helicopter appears in the sky overhead, its passenger shouting something about Lupin having placed a call saying that he was going to raid Miami Bank. After that comes a phone call asking them to raid the bank, adding the strange proviso that if they do, then Miami Bank will join the ranks of the country's best. So, Lupin agrees, for the moment. Though he takes a shot at cracking the vault, it turns out to be empty. The bank becomes very famous for not having had a single cent stolen. And they plan to hold an anniversary celebration next year on the same date?!

Notes: This is the seventh episode animated by Studio Telecom. Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 144: Fujiko's Close Call Rescue Operation

Fujiko Kikiippatsu Kyuushutsu Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 July 21
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Lupin is attacked by the brothers Nanja-Monja while waiting for Fujiko to come over so they can celebrate her birthday party, which he has made all the preparations for. They have kidnapped Fujiko, and made her the prize inside the Lucky Safe on display at the stadium of the tourist country of Karchina. The only way to release her is for Lupin himself to be the key, accepting certain death by electrocution in exchange for Fujiko's freedom. Brushing aside Jigen and Goemon's hands, Lupin charges forth: "I love you..."

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 145: Wings of Death - Albatross

Shi no Tsubasa Albatross
Air Date: 1980 July 28
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Just when Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon wonder what she's called them for, Fujiko shows up, kicks their sukiyaki, has a firefight, and leaves them a present: the detonator plug to a pint-sized A-bomb. An aircraft museum which is restoring old aircraft is merely a cover: in fact, it's a flying merchant of death, with an A-bomb manufacturing plant housed in its wings. The head man, Lonebach, tries to seduce Fujiko by telling her that he will make her his first wife. Will Lupin let him get away with it?! A big aerial battle begins!!

Notes: This is the eighth episode to be animated by Studio Telecom and was written, directed, and storyboarded by Miyazaki Hayao, under the pseudonym of Teruki Tsutomu. Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 146: Lupin's Splendid Failure

Lupin Kareinaru Haiboku
Air Date: 1980 August 4
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Even though Fujiko says, which of you can capture my heart? Lupin's heart just isn't in it when he finds out his opponent is an eight-year-old kid. Romanov is a boy genius, made so with drugs. In any case, the duel to see which of them can gather the most money before sunset is a draw. The next showdown is to see who can get the largest diamond. Romanov, who is in poor physical condition, is determined to prove his intellect. Who has the smartest brain in the world?

Episode 147: The Mermaid That Disappeared in the Midnight Sun

Byakuya ni Kieta Ningyo
Air Date: 1980 August 11
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Fujiko, wearing not a stitch of clothing, is the model for a statue of a mermaid, carved from quartz crystal. With a heave, a pile of bills are laid before the sculptor, Vingel, by the mayor of a town who says he wants to make the mermaid into a tourist attraction, and Vingel sells it to him. When Fujiko cries to Lupin to get it back, he makes his entrance. The boxcar of the transport train carrying the statue has a special coupling mechanism, and stealing it will require a little engineering. Lupin's fanciful notion is a cold and clear one!

Episode 148: The Target Is 555 Meters

Target wa 555 M
Air Date: 1980 August 18
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The Marine Tower Observation Room, where this year's diamond auction is to be held, is a safe room floating in midair, accessible only by a single see-through elevator. Range: 555 meters. The success or failure of this job depends on Jigen's precision long-range marksmanship. Jigen, Lupin, and Goemon assume their various positions, and Jigen suddenly remembers a prize he failed to get in a shooting contest, for lack of one more bullet. It was a French doll. Shot!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 149: The Treasure of Mecca Wore a Veil

Veil o Haida Mecca no Hihoo
Air Date: 1980 August 25
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The treasure of the prophet Mahomet is held in the Islam holy city of Mecca. Patra Lawrence, daughter of Lawrence of Arabia, is guarding it as head of mosque security, because if she does, she will be accepted as a Moslem. It's secured in a vault operated by crude oil pressure. So long as the crude oil pressure does not drop, the vault cannot be opened. Fujiko is nowhere to be seen, but when Lupin concludes from the arrangement of the Earth's tectonic plates that drilling a new well at the South Pole should do the trick, he finds a trap awaiting his swift attack!!

Episode 150: Piano Symphony 'Zoo'

Piano Kookyookyoku "Doobutsuen"
Air Date: 1980 September 1
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Genius pianist and defector Keransky performed on a legendary Jovich Grand Piano, in a concert hall of his own design. The hall was built around the piano, thus its entrance is too small for the piano. Also, the hall has the newest anti-theft devices, and is guarded by a squad of snipers. "If it won't come out, we'll just bring it out"?! This showdown has reversals!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 151: The Arrest Lupin Highway Operation

Lupin Taiho Highway Sakusen
Air Date: 1980 September 8
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The operation this time is to take an entire shipment of South African diamonds, but oddly enough, the Old Man is calm and relaxed. He lets Lupin and company escape, at one point, taking Fujiko prisoner, but so long as he has the highway collapse machine devised by the combined leading-edge scientific resources of ICPO, he radiates confidence in each and every direction he gives. This serves to give Lupin a bad feeling, but oh well. The decisive point has almost arrived. Now!!

Notes: This is the ninth episode animated by Studio Telecom. Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 152: Jigen and a Hat and a Pistol

Jigen to Booshi to Kenjuu to
Air Date: 1980 September 15
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The president of a large trading company declares in his will, "I will give $10,000,000,000 to whoever is the best in the world with a pistol." Vice-president Don Hagero hires expert marksman Minnesota Fats to eliminate all of the competition, in order to ensure that no one else will get the fortune. His final target is Jigen. Fats, learning Jigen's secret, burns all of Jigen's hats, and challenges him with his special cuestick ricochet gun. Jigen can't sight without his hat. It's the ultimate pinch!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 153: The Bills That Came from God

Kamisama no Kureta Satsutaba
Air Date: 1980 September 22
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Once a year, ICPO takes the money they've collected from criminals all over the world to a Swiss bank, where they make an accounting. This year, Zenigata is given the task of escorting the money, which makes taking it like candy from a baby to Lupin. He acquires it easily enough, but all those bills are a major obstacle to getting away. Just then, they spot Sister Joanna's church, in need of renovation... Oh, a miraculous rain falls in the Alps.

Notes: This is the tenth episode animated by Studio Telecom. Broadcast in stereo.

Episode 154: The Hexagon's Great Legacy

Hexagon no Ooinaru Isan
Air Date: 1980 September 29
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Within Raika Bank, inside the Grand Hexagon, lies Nazi gold on a scale that would make the world tremble if it knew. The bank itself uses a construction of stacks of gold bullion, and has an alarm system that goes off if even one bar is missing. Fifty tons of gold bullion. If we can't have any missing, then we'll just add on. Shall we go for it? Within a defense net reminiscent of the war, the exchange bullion for bricks operation begins!!

Notes: Broadcast in stereo

Episode 155: Farewell My Beloved Lupin

Saraba Itoshiki Lupin yo
Air Date: 1980 October 6
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An armored robot flying through the skies of 1981 Tokyo raids a jewelry store, demonstrating truly amazing capabilities, and disappearing no one knows where. Lupin's announcement is, what's strange about me using a robot like this? The operator, Oyamada Maki, is cooperating in order to show what a dangerous weapon this robot is, but the truth is, the whole thing is a conspiracy. Thieves love peace!

Notes: This episode is the eleventh animated by Studio Telecom, and the second to be written, directed, and storyboarded by Miyazaki Hayao, under the pseudonym of Teruki Tsutomu (the first being episode 145, "Wings of Death - Albatross"). Also, the last line of this synopsis comes from the original working title of this episode, "Doroboo wa Heiwa o Aisu." Broadcast in stereo.

Arsene Lupin III:
Jigen Daisuke:
Goemon Ishikawa:
Fujiko Mine:
Inspector Zenigata:

Cast data provided by Anime News Network. Check their official page for any additional data not supplied through their API.

Staff data provided by Anime News Network. Check their official page for any additional data not supplied through their API.