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Lupin the 3rd (TV)

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Trivia:

Charlie Kosei, who performed the opening and ending themes for the first Lupin III TV series, appeared on the soundtrack to the PS2 game "Katamari Damacy." He was the vocalist in the song "Que Sera Sera."

Originally cancelled due to weak ratings, it gained popularity through re-runs.

Lupin does not wear his pink Jacket in any of the specials after Kanichi KURITA took over the voice of Lupin III. Lupin wears the green jacket only in "The return of Pycal" and the red jacket in all the other specials. 

This was originally intended to be a 26 episode TV series.

The first Lupin III TV series to be released entirely on DVD in America.

Clips of the Pilot Film from 1969 were recycled for the opening of the TV series.

Yasuo Ohtsuka & Ohsumi were the only staff members from the 1969 Pilot Film to be involved with the TV series.

Several color manga episode conversions were made of this entire TV series. Each book contain two episodes and because this TV series was only 23 episodes long, one episode had to be excluded. Which was episode 22.

This was originally the only Lupin III TV anime to not feature Kenichi Ogata as the voice of any of the characters up until the release of Lupin III Part 4 TV anime.

Yasuo Yamada's & Goro Naya's debut as the voices of Lupin & Zenigata respectively.

Chikao Ohtsuka, Eiko Masuyama, Goro Naya, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, & Osamu KOBAYASHI are the only voice actors who have originated from the 1969 pilot film.

The car that Zenigata used in episodes 11, 16-19, & 21-23 as well as the third opening is a Bluebird.

The car Lupin, Jigen, Goemon & Fujiko used in the third opening is an Alfa Romeo Giulia.

The vehicles featured in the first & second opening are a Mercedes-Benz SSk & a Cadillac Eldorado. While a Piper PA-22-135 appears in the second opening.

At age 43, Chikao Ohtsuka was the oldest actor to have voice Goemon.

The only Lupin III TV series to take place entirely in the country of Japan.

Wasn’t dub in English until 50 years after its premiere in Japan.

In episode 1 marks the only time in any Lupin III related anime where Lupin tried to fool Zenigata by pretending that Jigen is a stranger(without a disguise).

The Hida Speedway in episode 1 is possibly modeled after the Fuji Speedway. It was built during the 1960's but didn't host a proper F1 race until the year 1976.

In episode 1, the original manga story that inspired the plot featured typical F1 race cars of the era. By the time this episode got made inverted airfoils designed to increase downward force & improve traction had become a standard in F1 vehicles.

In episode 1 Lupin targetted the Scorpion gang for his heist, in the original manga it was a bank.

In episode 1, the vehicle shown are a Ferrari 312B, TS7, Tyrrell Ford, McLaren, Matra Simca, Lotus 72, Brabham BT34, Mercedes Benz, & a Renault Alpine A110.

In episode 1, Scorpion uses a Schmeisser MP40.

In episode 2, when Lupin commits that Pycal's name sounded like something to get drunk from. He is making a reference to Baiju a Chinese Liquor where it's regional name is Paikaru which is how Pycal's name is spelled in Japanese.

In episode 2, the plot that was inspired by the manga story differs with these key elements. Instead of Fujiko it was an un-named woman whose brother was killed by Pycal and serves as a damsel for the story. Instead of the waterfall climax, Pycal is ablazed and lurkes out of the house into a distance.

In episode 2, the machine gun Lupin introduces to Pycal is a Browning Model 1917 not a Stoner 63 HM6 as he addressed it. Lupin also uses a M20 Super Bazooka which he incorrectly called it a Redeye.

In episode 2, the vehicles shown are a Cessna, Messerschmitt, & a Cadillac Eldorado.

In episode 2, Pycal's weapon is a Beretta M1934.

In episode 3, when Lupin thinks he smells Pink Bed, he might be refering to a brand of perfume or the bed of flowers that Linda was sitting by.

In episode 3, the vehicles shown are a M38, Aero Subaru(FA-200), VW Buggy, & a Cessna 172.

In episode 3, the bazooka used by Stern's men is a Red Eye.

Goof: In episode 4, Fujiko could of just drilled the lock on the treasure chest rather than going through all of the trouble in obtaining the key.

In episode 4, Lupin kills the cops by hanging them by piano wire in the original manga story. In this episode however they are "alive" when Lupin says "rest for awhile".

In episode 4, the way Lupin evades the firing bullets while wearing a black stealth suit originated from the 1969 pilot film.

In episode 4, the vehicles the Priest drives are a Fuji Heavy Industries Rabbit Hi Super, a Datsun, & an Alfa Romeo Spider.

In episode 5, the car Fujiko drives is a Renault Alpine A110.

The only Lupin III related anime where Kiyoshi Kobayashi did the voice of another character along with Daisuke Jigen. In episode 5 he was the voice of the news caster.

In episode 6, Okosama Ranchi's name means Child Lunch in Japanese.

The plot in episode 6 was inspired by chapters 18 & 19 of the manga. The episode differs from the manga with the following changes: The assassin sent to pick up Lupin was not named. The surgeon was alive, present, & female. Both the crime boss & Dr. Ochanomizu took an amnesia-inducing serum, not a machine as it was probably an idea to discourage the impression of encouraging drug use. The crime boss was killed before his memory recovered. Dragon Mandala who appeared in the manga is no where to be found in the episode. The password scene has a different line up in the manga which are Jigen, Fujiko, Rock-Iron Hammer, Sandayu, and Lupin. Even with Dragon Mandala absent the password scene is almost identical to the manga version. Finally there's no last minute double-cross by Fujiko. The episode simply ends with a diagram of how the heist was pulled off.

In episode 6, the following vehicles shown are a Renault 4CV, Jaguar Mk. X, Shelby Cobra, Jaguar XJ6, Le Citroen Type H, Citroen DS, & a Mercedes Benz SSK.

In episode 6, the following weapons that are featured are a M19, Browning, Schmeisser MP40, & a Walther P38.

The end credits in episode 7 was the only episode to not have a director credited. This was due to the transition of Ohsumi's direction on the series to Miyazaki & Takahata's direction.

In episode 7, the Hidensho scrolls literal translate to Book of Secrets. The "Den" in Hidensho is from densetsu or legend as it's translated.

In episode 7, Mt. Kurotori means Blackbird Mountain. In Izumi City of Osaka Preference there is a Mt. Kurotori but there's a lack of evidence to suggest that it's the same mountain.

In episode 7, the weapon Fujiko uses is a Schmeisser MP40. While Pug uses a Shishamo.

The hearse in episode 8 is a Toyopet Crown which was manufactured from 1955-1971. Toyopet was Toyota's original commercial branding in Japan. The name Toyota was only used for international brandings until the late 70's when Toyopet's name phased out.

In episode 8, the vehicles that are shown are a Toyopet Crown, Kaman HH43, Kensworth W900, BMW 2000C, Alfa Romeo Giulia, & a Land Rover.

In episode 8, the Riot Suad uses New Nambus for weapons. While the False Doctor, Technical Team, & Mr. Gold's Police use Schmeisser MP40s.

Ohsumi's last full control on the series was in episode 9.

The following vehicles used in episode 9 are a Boeing 747A - Poon, Jaguar Mk. II - Poon, Captain, Triumph TR4 - Lupin & Fujiko, MBSSK - Lupin & Jigen, Morgan Plus 8 - Fujiko & Poon, & an Aston Martin DB4 - Poon's target.

In episode 9, the following weapons shown are a Walther P38, Mauser M1896, Stengun Mk II, Luger P08, Schmeisser MP40, M19, & a Browning.

The plot in episode 10 was used as the basis for the plot of "Castle of Cagliostro".

In episode 10, Fujiko uses a Type 100 SMG which was made by the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2.

The following vehicles used in episode 10 are a Sikorsky - Baron & Flinch, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - Silver Fox, Land Rover - Lupin & Jigen, Alfa Romeo Giulia - Baron's Men, Sunbeam Rapier - Flinch, & a BMW 2000C - Fujiko.

In episode 10, the following weapons shown are a Walther P38, Luger P08, Stengun Mk II, & a Thompson M1A1.

In episode 11, Volvo's name was never mentioned. The only way the public knows about his name is from a character design sheet that provides the info.

The ending in episode 11 would later inspire the ending of Castle of Cagliostro.

In episode 11, Volvo's weapon is a M1 Garand.

The village elder in episode 12 appears to be intended to be an Ainu, a tribe of the Hokkaido region of Japan.

The helicopter Hayate's support team used in episode 12 is a Kaman.

In episode 13, Lupin was betting on a Horse called Homare. This is a common name for Japanese race horses. Some have won the Yushun Himba or Japanese Oaks horse races. Hoshi Homare was a winning horse in 1939, while Jitsu Homare was champion in 1953. There have been other horses barring the name Homare that have won various races since then.

In episode 13, When Mamoh askes a peasent what year it is, he replies the third year of Kaei. The Kaei era was from February 1848 to November 1854. So if it's the third year of Kaei, then it's the year 1850.

As Jigen & Goemon look for data on Mamoh in episode 13, there is a book titled "Madness" by K.H. Koch. While the book doesn't exsist in reality, the K.H. Koch listed as the author is referring to Karl Heinz Koch. Koch was a German chemist who specialized in the field of analytrical chemistry & has published numberous reports and findings as early as the late 60's.

In episode 13, Kyou in Kyousuke Mamoh's name means crazy or mad.

In the original manga story that inspired the plot in episode 13, Mamoh seek revenge for the death of his father by the Lupin family.

The car Lupin & Jigen used in episode 13 is a Lamborghini Espada.

The dance in episode 14 between Zenigata and Fujiko(disguised as Margaret) was personally animated by Hayao Miyazaki.

In episode 14, the guestbook Zenigata checks at the desk has: Saori Minami, a singer of Okinawan descent whose first hit was released in Japan in 1971. Junko Fuji, real name Sumiko Fuji is the daughter of a Toei executive who got casted as a female lead in various yakuza films in the late 60's. Ken Takakura was a tough guy actor who is often paired with Sumiko Fuji. Ruriko Asaoka is another Japanese actress. Shouta Ouhara from the "Obake no Q-taroh" series which Ohsumi directed. Monkey Punch, the creator himself. And finally Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is listed on the guestbook.

Fujiko got her hair cut short in episode 14 which remain that way for the rest of this TV series.

In episode 14 marks the first time Lupin calls Zenigata "old man". In the manga he always refer to him as "Zeni-san".

In episode 15, there is one passenger on the plane seen reading MAD Magazine, the magazine that Monkey Punch is a huge fan of and drew most of his inspiration from the art style of the MAD comics.

In episode 15, Yasuo Ohtsuka makes a cameo on the plane Zenigata is on board towards the end.

The plane Lupin & Fujiko used in episode 15 is a Cessna.

Fujiko's seaplane in episode 16 is not an exsisting model but a completely original model thought up by Miyazaki.

The Shohoku coast that Fujiko takes off in episode 16 doesn't exsist in real life. There is however a Shouhoku Junior College, but wasn't established till 1974.

The necklace designer Mr. Beaver mentions in episode 16, is "Karushisshi" which is similar to the word Italian word "Calcici" meaning "pertaining to or of calcium or lime".

The following vehicles used in episode 16 are a Fiat 500 - Lupin, Jigen, & Fujiko & a Isuzu EH Truck - Lupin & Jigen.

In episode 16, the following weapons shown are a M3A1, Mauser HSC, Webley & Scott MKII, Enfield rifle, MP18, Winchester M73 & a SMP40.

According to the raw script used for the plot in episode 17, Lupin calls the mint the Ministry of Economy Printing Bureau, Daito(or Big Eastern) Factory. The factory itself doesn't exsist in real life. Back in the 70s actual bank bills used to be printed by the Ministry of Fiance's Minting Bureau at an unspecified factory possibly to avoid being a target for criminals. The ministries were probably renamed for this episode just to make it sound legitimate. Today bank bills are issued by the Incorporated Administrative Agency, Japan Mint.

In episode 17 the vehicles shown are an Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo 1750, & a Mercedes Benz SSK.

In episode 18, the concept of the camera crew recording a major event was recycled in The Castle of Cagliostro.

The beauty pageant in episode 18 inspires the beauty pageant in The Gold of Babylon.

An unnamed buyer in episode 18 resembles Mr. Gold from episode 8. Despite the similarities, he's not voiced by the same actor.

In episode 18, the vehicles shown are a Boeing 747A & a Citroen 2CV.

Ganimard III in episode 19, is the decendent of Ganimard from the Arsene Lupin novels. He's the rival of the thief who shares the same ambitions as Zenigata does.

The concepts in episode 19 consisting of the laser guarding system & Jigen wishing for a tank were recycled for The Castle of Cagliostro.

In episode 19, the trick of a dozen people wearing Lupin masks would later be reused in the 2000 TV special: "Missed By a Dollar".

In episode 19, the vehicles shown are a Fiat 500, Boeing 747A, Citroen DS, Bedford, Aero Subara, and a Honda Dream CB.

In episode 19, Jigen's grenade launcher is a M79.

Wakamatsu Island in episode 20, is one of the five Goto Islands in the Nagasaki prefecture. In olden time many Christians moved to the islands to hide from persecution & many Christian churches have been built on the islands.

The Discover Japan tour Lupin mentions in episode 20 is a personal travel service started by Japan Railways in 1970. It was made to accommodate an increase in solo travelers. It's slogan was "Beautiful Japan & Me". It was reported to be quite successful.

In episode 20, Gimpoudoh means "Silver Treasure Hall" while "Gimpo" is a Japanese word for gunnel an elongated fish. There is a real Gimpoudoh in Japan, but instead of jewelry they deal in the resale of gold bullion.

In episode 20, normally a police officer would cut a rope with a blade rather than shooting the rope with a gun. As there's no law in Japan that prevents an officer to carry a knife around.

In episode 20, the vehicles shown are a Citroen DS, Toyota Hi Ace, & a Bluebird.

In episode 21, the chase scene and Jigen blowing up the tires of a pursuing car was recycled in The Castle of Cagliostro.

In episode 21, the vehicles shown are a Fiat 500, Bedford, Alouette III, & a M4A3E8.

In episode 21, Sabo & Jiro use a SMP40 for a weapon.

Gordon & Zenigata use a Citroen DS in episode 22.

In episode 23, Hayao Miyazaki makes a cameo as the poor Citroen 2CV driver whose car gets destroyed in the car chase scene early in the episode. The Citroen 2CV was in fact the actual car Miyazaki own at the time which was in poor condition and had to be repaired a lot. The idea of the car being destroyed in this episode is a tribute to how Miyazaki loathe the car for it's liability.

In episode 23, Yasuo Ohtsuka can be seen driving a Jeep on the highway.

In episode 23, the following vehicles used are a Mini Cooper, Ford Mustang 429CJ, Fiat 500, Citroen 2CV, Nissan Prince Clipper, & a Kawasaki Hughes OH-6J.

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