Lupin III: Elusive Fog - A thorough analysis of the fascinating adventures and ultimate tricks

"Lupin III: Elusive Fog": An adventure that transcends time and space and the charm of Lupin

■Overview of the work

Lupin III: Elusive Mist is a TV special that aired on Nippon Television on July 27, 2007. It is an anime based on the original manga by Monkey Punch. Directed by Masuda Toshihiko and produced by TMS Entertainment, it is a single 92-minute episode. This work is one of the most highly acclaimed in the Lupin III series, packed with adventures that transcend time and space and the charm of Lupin.

■ Story

Lupin III and Daisuke Jigen were diving to the bottom of the sea off Cape Kiritappu in Hokkaido in search of clues to the "time-traveling vehicle" for Fujiko Mine. However, Inspector Zenigata appears with the Hokkaido Prefectural Police, forcing Lupin and his friends to flee. During their escape, Lupin and his friends witness mysterious phenomena, such as drivers of cars disappearing on the road and bridges disappearing. Guided by the lighthouse, Lupin and his friends meet a strange man named Kyosuke Mago, but are immediately enveloped in light and transported to a world 500 years in the past, where bows and arrows fly everywhere.

In this world 500 years in the past, Lupin and his friends face off against the mysterious beings known as the Elusives as they struggle to unravel the secrets of the vehicles that transcend time and space. The story depicts Lupin and his friends' wisdom, courage, and friendship, while providing viewers with the thrills and excitement of an adventure that transcends time and space.

■ Characters

Lupin III (voiced by Kanichi Kurita): The protagonist of the series, he is the world's greatest thief. He is quick-witted and has the courage to face any challenge.
Inspector Zenigata (voice: Goro Naya): A detective who is constantly pursuing Lupin. He has a strong obsession with Lupin, but also has a strong sense of justice.
Daisuke Jigen (voiced by Kiyoshi Kobayashi): Lupin's partner and an expert sniper. He has a calm and collected personality and is an important figure who supports Lupin.
Goemon Ishikawa (voiced by Makio Inoue): A friend of Lupin and an expert swordsman. He is very loyal and will risk his life to protect Lupin.
Fujiko Mine (voice: Eiko Masuyama): A beautiful woman who toyed with Lupin. Using her attractive appearance and wisdom, she sometimes helps Lupin and his friends, but sometimes betrays them.
Mago Kyosuke (voice: Nakamura Shido): A mysterious man who Lupin and his friends meet in the world 500 years ago. He is an important character who knows the secret of Elusive.

■ Staff

Planning: Seiji Okuda, Suzuko Fujimoto Producers: Toshio Nakatani, Yasumichi Ozaki, Koji Takeuchi Screenplay: Yukinori Fukushima, Yuka Yamada Music: Yuji Ohno Sound Director: Satoshi Kato Music Director: Seiji Suzuki Character Design: Satoshi Hirayama Animation Directors: Satoshi Hirayama, Kenji Yazaki, Hiroaki Imaki, Noboru Furuse, Ichiro Ogawa Art Director: Seiji Sugawara Color Design: Tomoko Yamamoto Director of Photography: Atsuko Miyagawa Editing: Yoshihiro Kasahara Storyboards: Nobuo Tomizawa, Toshihiko Masuda, Yutaka Mayuzuki, Yuzo Sato Director: Takahiro Ikezoe Prop Design/CG Animation: Hisao Yokobori Special Participation (Eye-Catch): Yasuo Otsuka

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: Lupin the Third Theme '78 (2002 version) / Composer: Yuji Ohno / Arranger: Yuji Ohno [ED] Song title: Lupin the Third Love Theme / Singer: Miki Imai / Lyricist: Kazuya Chika / Composer: Yuji Ohno / Arranger: Yuji Ohno

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Lupin III: Elusive Fog" is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the Lupin III series. The reason is that it has a new setting of an adventure that transcends time and space, and the characters of Lupin and his friends are portrayed in an appealing way. In particular, the adventure in the world 500 years ago provides viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. Also, the way the characters Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Inspector Zenigata progress through the story while making use of their individual personalities is very satisfying for fans of the series.

The story is an exquisite blend of mystery elements, such as uncovering the secrets of a vehicle that transcends time and space, and human drama depicting the friendship and wisdom of Lupin and his friends. In particular, the appearance of a new character, Kyosuke Mago, adds new depth to the story. The relationship between Lupin and Fujiko is also one of the most fascinating in the series, capturing the hearts of viewers.

The visuals also show the skill of animation directors such as Hirayama Satoshi. The depiction of the world 500 years ago has a historical atmosphere, but also has the beauty and movement that can only be achieved in anime. Ohno Yuji's music is also an important element that enhances the atmosphere of the Lupin III series. In particular, the opening theme "Lupin III Theme '78 (2002 version)" and the ending theme "Lupin III Love Theme" will be deeply engraved in the hearts of viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Lupin III: Elusive Fog" is recommended not only for fans of the Lupin III series, but also for those who like anime, mysteries, and adventures. In particular, the setting of transcending time and space provides viewers with new surprises and excitement. In addition, the characters of Lupin and his friends are portrayed in an appealing way, so even those who are new to the series can enjoy it.

Furthermore, this work is one of the most highly rated in the Lupin III series, so it is a must-see for fans of the series. The way the characters Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Inspector Zenigata progress through the story while making use of their individual personalities is very satisfying for fans of the series. In addition, the introduction of a new character, Kyosuke Mago, adds new depth to the story.

The visuals also show the skill of animation directors such as Hirayama Satoshi. The depiction of the world 500 years ago has a historical atmosphere, but also has the beauty and movement that can only be achieved in anime. Ohno Yuji's music is also an important element that enhances the atmosphere of the Lupin III series. In particular, the opening theme "Lupin III Theme '78 (2002 version)" and the ending theme "Lupin III Love Theme" will be deeply engraved in the hearts of viewers.

■ Related works

There are many other works in the Lupin III series. In particular, the following works are highly related to "Lupin III: Elusive Fog" and are recommended for viewing.

• "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro": This work can be considered the pinnacle of the Lupin III series. The relationship between Lupin and Fujiko and Lupin's charm are particularly well depicted.
• "Lupin III: Lupin vs. the Clone": This is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the Lupin III series. The characters of Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Inspector Zenigata are portrayed in an appealing way.
• "Lupin the Third: Green vs. Red": One of the most highly acclaimed works in the Lupin the Third series. The characters of Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Inspector Zenigata are portrayed in an appealing way.

■ Summary

"Lupin III: Elusive Fog" is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the Lupin III series. With a new setting of an adventure that transcends time and space, and with Lupin and his friends' characters portrayed in an appealing way, this work is recommended not only for fans of the series, but also for those who like anime, mysteries, and adventure stories. Visually, the skills of animation directors such as Hirayama Satoshi shine, and Ohno Yuji's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the Lupin III series. Be sure to watch this work and rediscover the charm of Lupin III.