LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku: Zenigata Keibu is This Story’s “Another Main Character”!? Delving Into the Essence of the “Incarnation of Justice”

Unveiling the True Essence of Zenigata Keibu in LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku

The highly anticipated new 2D animated theatrical film for the 『Lupin Sansei』 series, 『LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku』, is set to premiere on June 27, 2025. Serving as the other main protagonist in this story brought to life by Kantoku Koike Takeshi is none other than the fervent and capable detective who despises crime: Zenigata Keibu. This article delves into Zenigata Keibu’s presence in this film, inviting viewers to lose themselves in his relentless pursuit of justice and his iconic confrontations with Lupin, a dynamic duo who transcend the boundaries of good and evil.

Zenigata Keibu is a man from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Security Division who is consumed by his burning desire to arrest Lupin Sansei. Many might envision him as the slightly clumsy, often-foiled, yet lovable character who frequently provides comedic relief. In the legendary classic 『Lupin Sansei: Cagliostro no Shiro』 (1979), a film holding a special place in anime history, he delivered the unforgettable line, “He stole something precious from me. Your heart.” Even in that poignant moment, if you look closely, his face is plastered with bandages from various mishaps. This delightful contrast between his seriousness and his comical setbacks is precisely what makes him so endearing and relatable.

However, the Zenigata depicted in the 〈LUPIN THE IIIRD〉 series, helmed by Kantoku Koike, highlights the fundamental aspect of a cool, intelligent man of “justice” that was more prominently featured in Monkey Punch’s original manga. He shines as a complex character who reveals surprising human depth through his unique relationship with his arch-nemesis, Lupin, a dynamic that transcends the simple dichotomy of good and evil. The climax of 『LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku』, the first 2D animated 『Lupin Sansei』 theatrical film in roughly 30 years directed by Kantoku Koike, promises to condense the very essence of this profoundly complex agent of justice, making it an absolute must-see.

A Desperate Situation on a Mysterious Island

This film unfolds on a mysterious island that doesn’t appear on any world map. Zenigata, who crash-lands on the island while pursuing Lupin and his companions intent on stealing a treasure, is met with an unimaginable spectacle. The island is filled with a toxic mist that causes death within 24 hours, and eerie “garbage humans” roam the land, creatures said to have been used as weapons and then abandoned. Furthermore, Zenigata discovers a terrifying entity named “Muomu,” who seeks to dominate the world through selection and exclusion, advocating for eternal life. This pushes Zenigata into a life-or-death struggle.

Even in this perilous environment, the Zenigata portrayed in this film is the very embodiment of the hardboiled character that inherits the soul of the original manga. Armed with fiery passion hidden beneath his sharp, dignified expression, an unwavering sense of justice, and keen insight, he inches closer to the truth. The exquisite distance maintained between him and Lupin is vividly portrayed, bringing Zenigata’s character into sharper relief. The relationship between the detective and the master thief—a relationship built on mutual respect between arch-rivals that extends beyond good and evil—adds significant depth to the story.

The Prequel: Zenigata and the Two Lupins

Furthermore, Zenigata’s captivating charm was fully showcased in the theatrical prequel, 『LUPIN THE IIIRD Zenigata to Futari no Lupin』. In an unprecedented bombing terrorist incident that involved civilians, Lupin Sansei’s name surfaced as a suspect. Zenigata confronts the case with his unshakable belief: “My only job is to arrest the criminal in front of me.” However, his sharp intuition leads him to harbor doubts, prompting him to pursue the shocking existence of a “second Lupin.” Here too, the complex relationship between Zenigata and Lupin becomes the core of the narrative. Their struggle, born from their respective positions yet rooted in mutual understanding, creates unexpected developments.

The True Essence of the LUPIN THE IIIRD Series Zenigata Keibu

As seen, the Zenigata Keibu depicted by Kantoku Koike radiates a complex charm; he is both an agent of justice and deeply human. His relentless pursuit of Lupin, his indomitable spirit in confronting crime, and his intricate relationship with Lupin are all part of his appeal. The contrast between his cool exterior and passionate interior—these are the very essence of the 〈LUPIN THE IIIRD〉 series’ Zenigata Keibu. It is precisely because Zenigata never stops chasing him that Lupin is always able to continue his flamboyant heists and operations. 『LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku』 is a story that connects to the entirety of this dynamic, making it an absolute must-see.

Additional Scene Photos

Here are some additional scene photos from the film:

Film Details

『LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE Fushimi no Ketsuzoku』
Opening nationwide on June 27th (Friday)

STAFF

CAST

Original Work: Monkey Punch(C)TMS

《Nakase Koutarou》