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Browse / TV Special / Lupin III Episode 0: The First Contact
Lupin III Episode 0: The First Contact
Finished Airing TV Special R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

Lupin III Episode 0: The First Contact

Lupin III: Episode 0 "First Contact" · ルパン三世ＥＰＩＳＯＤＥ：０（ゼロ） 『ファーストコンタクト』 · 2002

A nostalgic recount reveals how the legendary criminal partners first crossed paths.

#Action #Adult Cast #Adventure #Comedy #Mystery #Seinen
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StatusFinished Airing SeasonSummer 2002 StudioTMS Entertainment SourceManga
Story

Synopsis

Relaxing in his hideout, Arsene Lupin III recounts the untold story of how his famous criminal partnership originally formed in New York City. Years earlier, rookie thief Lupin pursued the Clam of Hermes, an ancient artifact made of unbreakable metal. His heist collided with cynical underworld bodyguard Daisuke Jigen, who was hired by the ruthless mobster Galvez to protect the vault. As deceptive thief Fujiko Mine pursued her own agenda and young Japanese police inspector Koichi Zenigata launched an international hunt, Lupin also crossed blades with traditional samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, forging an unbreakable bond.

⚠ Background — may contain spoilers
Premiering in July 2002 on Nippon TV Friday Roadshow, *Lupin III: Episode 0 'First Contact'* was produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and directed by Minoru Ohashi. Celebrated as one of the most beloved television specials in the entire franchise, the film offers a stylized, noir-infused prequel narrative depicting the formative encounters among Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Zenigata. With a sultry, moody jazz soundtrack composed by Yuji Ohno and stylish Manhattan cityscape visuals, the special earned widespread critical acclaim and remains an enduring fan favorite.
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