Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Anime series Lupin III’s website confirmed that long-time veteran voice actor Kiyoshi Kobayashi is retiring from his role as Daisuke Jigen.

 The anime’s “Episode 0,” titled ‘Jidai’ or ‘Historical Period,’ features his last appearance as the character.

Kobayashi is the only remaining original first-generation cast member in the Lupin III franchise, and had been voicing Daisuke Jigen since 1969.

In a special message, Kobayashi said: “For me, Lupin was the job of a lifetime as I devoted my life to it. I wanted to continue the role until I was 90 years old, but the fact is I’m too old to be able to do it anymore.”

“I was hearing from some people that the voice of Jigen is getting old and is not clear to hear. Of course, I’m 88 years old. It’s the result of my hard work.”

“I would like to humbly offer my gratitude to everyone who has supported me, Thank you. Lupin, I’m about to leave, goodbye,” he added.

The succeeding voice actor Otsuka Akio said that he didn’t want to hear the Daisuke Jigen to played by someone other than Kobayashi, but now that he has officially taken over, he will work hard to interpret Daisuke Jigen. “The attitude of Edo, people of Edo, and the feeling of jazz, I will keep it in my heart,” Otsuka said.

Lupin the 3rd part 6 will center around two keywords, with “mystery” being the keyword of the “first cours” (quarter of a year). The thief Lupin is after a treasure hidden by The Raven, a mysterious organization that manipulates the British government in the shadows. However, the detective Sherlock Holmes appears before Lupin. Sentai Filmworks describes the story of the new anime:

Gentleman thief Lupin III is back and ready for his next caper— unless legendary sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, has anything to say about it! When Holmes’ longtime partner, Dr. Watson, is murdered, none other than Lupin tops the suspects list. With Holmes fast closing in, Lupin must prove his innocence and bring a shadowy organization called The Raven to heel if he wants to live to steal another day.