Lupin the Third Takes the Kabuki Stage Again: Kyoto Poster Visual for “Ryuhakurozansei” Unveiled
On June 21, the latest poster visual for the kabuki production Ryuhakurozansei, based on Lupin the Third by Monkey Punch, was unveiled in anticipation of its Kyoto run at Minamiza Theater from September 2 to 26, 2024.
Kyoto-exclusive visual for kabuki play Ryuhakurozansei, featuring Lupin and his gang in kabuki-style attire, illustrated by a kabuki stage painter. (C) Monkey Punch / TMS・NTV Poster for Ryuhakurozansei at Minamiza, showcasing the dramatic group reveal scene. (C) Monkey Punch / TMS・NTV
Originally performed at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za in December 2023, Ryuhakurozansei is an original kabuki adaptation of the beloved Lupin the Third series. The previous performance received widespread acclaim, and fans can now look forward to its long-awaited return, this time in Kyoto.
The newly released illustrations depict Lupin and his gang in traditional kabuki attire inspired by the famous play Benten Kozo (Shiranami Gonin Otoko), reimagined for this original story. The poster recreates the dramatic climactic scene “Genkaidana Soroizumi no Ba,” where the five characters announce themselves on stage in full kabuki flair.
Poster for Ryuhakurozansei at Minamiza, showcasing the dramatic group reveal scene. (C) Monkey Punch / TMS・NTV
Meanwhile, the flyer visual features an elaborate background illustration created by a professional kabuki stage painter. It highlights local Kyoto landmarks such as the gate of Nanzen-ji Temple and the Minamiza Theater facade, building excitement for this regional performance set in the heart of Kyoto.
The story unfolds with the world-famous thief Ryuhakurozansei (Lupin III) and his gang, including Daisuke Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa, squaring off in a kabuki adaptation filled with action, intrigue, and Edo-period flair.
Adding to the excitement, a brand-new 2D theatrical anime, LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE: The Immortal Bloodline, will premiere on June 27.
Backside flyer visual of Minamiza’s Ryuhakurozansei performance. (C) Monkey Punch / TMS・NTV
Synopsis
Set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the kabuki play follows Ryuhakurozansei (Lupin III) and Daisuke Jigen as they attempt to steal a legendary treasure: Himiko’s Golden Seal. To unlock the seal, they must obtain two mythical swords—Ouryumaru and Meryumaru. However, Meryumaru is already in the possession of the infamous thief Goemon Ishikawa, who also seeks the seal.
Meanwhile, the seductive Fujiko Mine knows more than she lets on, and the powerful daimyo Hisayoshi Mashiba is also after the treasure. As the tension builds, Ryuhakurozansei’s longtime rival Inspector Zenigata appears on the scene, pursuing both Lupin and Goemon in a battle for the ultimate prize.
Teaser poster for the new movie LUPIN THE IIIRD THE MOVIE: The Immortal Bloodline, based on Monkey Punch’s original manga. (C) TMS
Cast
Ryuhakurozansei (Lupin III): Ainosuke Kataoka
Goemon Ishikawa: Ukon Onoe
Daisuke Jigen: Emisaburo Ichikawa
Fujiko Mine: Emiya Ichikawa
Inspector Zenigata (Zenigata Gyobu): Nakamura Chusha
Source : ORICON NEWS