Monkey Punch's long-sought 3DCG animation! The latest theatrical work, "Lupin the Third: The First," opens in theaters on December 6 (Friday)!

The latest theatrical version of "Lupin III" will be released on Friday, December 6, 2019, for the first time in 23 years as an animated feature film.

Lupin the Third" began as a serial in "Manga Action" in 1967, was adapted into an animated TV series in 1971, and even now, more than 50 years after its birth, the series boasts enormous popularity among men and women of all ages in various media, including movies, games, and spin-offs.
Lupin III, the grandson of Arsène Lupin, also known as Lupin I, is the central character, along with Daisuke Dimension, a genius gunfighter with extraordinary skills, Gomon Ishikawa, a master of iaido and a wielder of the Zantetsu Sword, which can cut anything, Fujiko Mine, a mysterious beautiful woman with exceptional beauty and outstanding proportions, and Interpol The latest theatrical version of the national character "Lupin III," which has gained popularity for its unique and attractive characters such as Inspector Zenigata, a full-time investigator for Lupin III of ICPO (Interpol), and its stylish and stylish worldview with action, comedy and love elements, will be released on December 6 (Friday) for the first time in 23 years as an animated feature-length film. The film will be directed and written by VFX.

The film will be directed and written by Takashi Yamazaki, a leading VFX artist ("ALWAYS: Sunset on Third Street" series, "Eternal 0," "STAND BY ME Doraemon," "Archimedes' War," "Dragon Quest: Your Story" director and screenwriter, etc.).

This will be the first 3DCG animation in the history of "Lupin the Third," and will be the birth of the "Lupin gang in full 3DCG," which was the long-cherished wish of the original creator Monkey Punch, who passed away recently.
Before his death, Monkey Punch had been looking forward to the completion of the "new Lupin the Third," commenting that "I'm excited just to imagine what kind of work it will be, because it's going to be a Lupin filled with new sensations. The movie is titled "Lupin the Third" and is scheduled to hit the screens this winter.

The movie will be titled "Lupin the Third: The First.
It is said that whoever solves the mystery will gain enormous wealth, and the Bresson Diary is the only treasure that Lupin I failed to steal. The film depicts the activities of the Lupin gang as they take on the legendary treasure, which was even pursued by the Nazis during World War II, using 3DCG animation for the first time in the series, and is truly a memorable first film that marks the entry into a new era of "Lupin the Third".

A 60-second trailer and teaser visual have also been released.
The trailer begins with a picture of "Lupin the Third" drawn by Monkey Punch, followed by an opening sequence showing the history of the series with all the previous Lupins in one place, and a 3DCG scene of the Lupin gang and Inspector Zenigata moving vividly.
In addition to the film's original characters, the video also features a striking image of Lupin's shocking line, "Something that will surely change the world.

The teaser visual also depicts Lupin III wearing a scarred hat and holding a walking stick, smiling fearlessly.

It has been 40 years since the birth of the immortal masterpiece "Lupin III: Cagliostro's Castle" (1979, directed by Hayao Miyazaki), and expectations are high for the 3DCG animation version of Lupin III, which can only be created now.

Here are some comments from those involved.

Comments】 ※Titles omitted
Original story: Monkey Punch (*October 2018)

This is the 3DCG Lupin III that I have been waiting for a long time.
I've seen the characters and the story, and itlooks like it will be a Lupin filled with new sensations. I'm excited just imagining what kind of work it will be.

■Director/Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki

When I was a child, I first encountered the images of Lupin when I went to visit my relatives in Yokohama.
I was like, "What a mature animation. I was impressed by the mature animation and thought to myself, "Wow, this is a great city!
I believe that the work Lupin the Third, which has produced various masterpieces since then, was born from the overwhelming strength of character and depth of nostalgia of Mr. Monkey Punch's original characters.
I am very happy to be able to join the edge of this lineage with the new format of 3DCG.
It is a pity that Mr. Monkey Punch, the pioneer who brought the digital environment into the world of manga, did not get to see the finished product.

■Producer: Naoaki Kitajima (NTV)
Japan's 3DCG animation technology is by no means inferior to the rest of the world!　It is because we sincerely believe so that, in order to compete in the world, we produced a 3DCG animation film of the most famous Japanese character [Lupin the Third] created by Mr. Monkey Punch and directed by Takashi Yamazaki.
The subtitle of "THE FIRST" is a reference to "the first appearance of 3DCG Lupin," "the wish to be the best in the world," and "the desire to be the best in the world! and "a story about Lupin I." We decided on this subtitle after discussions among the staff.
I would be happy if you realize that Japanese people are not only the best in the world of sports, but also the best in the world of movies! I would be happy if you could realize that Japanese people are world-class not only in the world of sports, but also in the world of film.

Producer: Takeshi Ito (Marza Animation Planet)
This work was completed after a long time, supported by Mr. Monkey's words, "3DCG Lupin is my dream.
It was a very happy job to express the "Lupin" that everyone knows in 3DCG in a new way, which was difficult but exciting. I believe that the high technical skills of the production team and their deep love for Lupin, especially in terms of the unique movements and facial expressions, have created a charm that rivals that of major works overseas.
I would be more than happy if, after watching the film, not only the fans but also those who have not been exposed to his works before will feel "I like Lupin even more".
I sincerely hope that "THE FIRST" will serve as a bridge to bring more Japanese stories to the world.

Film Information
Lupin the Third: THE FIRST" Animated Feature Film
<Release Date>
December 6 (Friday)


<Story> <Date of release> December 6 (Fri.)
The greatest mystery of the 20th century, the Bresson Diaries, was left behind by the greatest archaeologist of the 20th century, Bresson.
It is said that whoever solves this mystery will gain enormous wealth. During World War II, the Nazis pursued its whereabouts, and even the legendary Lupin I was said to have failed to steal it.
The legendary Lupin III, the greatest thief of all time, takes on this legendary target!
What is the secret hidden in the Bresson Diary?
Lupin and his gang return to the screen in a brand new 3DCG version!

<Staff> Director/Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki
Director/Screenplay : Takashi Yamazaki
Original Story : Monkey Punch
Music : Yuji Ohno

Production : TMS ENTERTAINMENT/MARZA ANIMATION PLANET
Production：2019 Lupin the Third Movie Production Committee
Distributor: Toho

＜Cast
Kanichi Kurita, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Daisuke Namikawa, Miyuki Sawashiro, Koichi Yamadera

(c)Monkey Punch/2019 "Lupin the Third" Film Partners