Lupin III Anime 55th Anniversary: Fan-Selected Episodes Air
To mark 55 years since its debut, the Lupin III anime series is airing a special selection of fan-voted episodes starting October 3, 2026.
Quick facts
- The 55th anniversary celebration begins on October 3, 2026, on Nippon TV.
- A total of 13 fan-voted episodes from various series are scheduled for broadcast.
- The original Lupin III anime premiered in 1971.
Why it matters
The 55th anniversary of Lupin III underscores the enduring cultural impact of the franchise in Japan, where it has maintained popularity across multiple generations. The fan-voting format serves as both a retrospective of the series' stylistic evolution and a promotional event for the current iteration of the show. This broadcast strategy is common in the Japanese animation industry to maintain viewer engagement with established long-running intellectual properties.
The Lupin III anime series is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a special broadcast event. Starting October 3, 2026, Nippon TV will air a selection of episodes chosen by fans, highlighting the legacy of the long-running action series.
What episodes are airing?
The broadcast features 13 episodes selected through a fan poll. These include the top two episodes from Lupin III PART1 through PART6, plus the top-ranked episode from the spin-off LUPIN the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine.
- PART1: "Is Lupin Burning...?"
- PART2: "Farewell, My Beloved Lupin"
- PART3: "The Gold Bullion Calls Lupin"
- PART4: "Lupin III's Wedding"
- PART5: "Lupin III is Forever"
- PART6: "EPISODE 0 -Era-"
- Spin-off: "The Great Thief vs. The Female Thief"
Why is it trending?
The series remains a staple of Japanese animation. Created by Monkey Punch, the franchise centers on the world-renowned thief Lupin III, his partners Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa, and Fujiko Mine, and their constant foil, Inspector Zenigata. The 55th-anniversary milestone has prompted renewed interest in the history of the characters and the evolution of the series since the first episode aired in 1971.
What happens next?
The selected episodes will air every Saturday late at night on Nippon TV. The current main cast members have recorded special narrations to accompany these broadcasts, providing fans with a unique perspective on the selected stories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lupin III 55th anniversary event?
It is a commemorative broadcast on Nippon TV starting October 3, 2026, featuring 13 episodes of the Lupin III anime. These episodes were selected by fans through a voting process to celebrate 55 years since the series' initial 1971 debut.
When does the Lupin III special broadcast start?
The broadcast begins on October 3, 2026. Episodes are scheduled to air every Saturday late at night on Nippon TV.
How were the episodes for the broadcast chosen?
Episodes were determined by a fan poll. The selection includes the two highest-voted episodes from each of the six main parts of the series, plus the top-rated episode from the spin-off series, LUPIN the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine.
Who are the main characters in Lupin III?
The central characters are the master thief Lupin III, his associates Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa, and Fujiko Mine, and his primary antagonist, Inspector Zenigata. The series is based on the original manga by Monkey Punch.
Are there new narrations for this broadcast?
Yes, the current main cast members of the Lupin III series have recorded special narrations that will accompany the broadcasts of the fan-voted episodes.
Where can I watch the Lupin III 55th anniversary broadcast?
The episodes are broadcast on Nippon TV. The series airs weekly on Saturday nights.
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Last checked Oct 3, 2026 at 7:45 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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