Lupin III Kabuki Returns to Kyoto

An Illustrated Visual Unveiled for “Ryuu Shiranami Sansei” Kabuki Show at Kyoto’s Minami-za in September

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An illustrated visual for the upcoming kabuki performance “Ryuu Shiranami Sansei,” scheduled to run at Kyoto’s Minami-za Theatre from September 2nd to 26th, was officially unveiled on April 21st.

Minamiza “Ryuu Shiranami Sansei” original visual and flyer (C) Monkey Punch/TMS・NTV

“Ryuu Shiranami Sansei” Returns to Kyoto’s Minami-za — Featuring Lupin and His Gang in Kabuki Style

Based on the iconic Lupin the Third series by Monkey Punch, the kabuki play Ryuu Shiranami Sansei made its debut at the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo in December 2023, where it was met with critical acclaim. Now, this highly anticipated production returns for a limited run at the historic Minami-za Theatre in Kyoto this September.

A newly illustrated visual of Lupin and his companions—wearing the same kabuki costumes seen on stage—has been revealed. These kimono designs are inspired by the classic kabuki play Shiranami Gonin Otoko, known for its legendary five thieves. The poster dramatically recreates the climactic “Genkai Sea Assembly Scene,” where the characters boldly announce their names.

The flyer visual, created by an artist known for crafting kabuki props, features vivid depictions of Nanzenji Temple’s gate and the exterior of Minami-za, both of which appear in the production. This detail builds excitement for the Kyoto staging.

Expectations are high for this bold reinterpretation of Lupin the Third in kabuki form, with the mysterious global thief Ryuhakuranbo Sansei (Lupin III) joined by the legendary Ishikawa Goemon and other familiar faces.

In addition, fans can look forward to the upcoming 2D animated film Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline, set for release on June 27th.

Original illustration visual poster for Minamiza’s “Ryuu Shiranami Sansei” (C) Monkey Punch/TMS・NTV

Synopsis

Set in the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Ryuu Shiranami Sansei (Lupin III) and his trusted companion Daisuke Jigen set their sights on a legendary national treasure—Himiko’s Golden Seal. To break the seal and unlock its mysterious power, two sacred swords, Yuryumaru and Meryumaru, are required. Legend has it that whoever possesses the seal and the swords will gain the power to rule the world.

However, one of the swords, Meryumaru, is already in the hands of the renowned thief Ishikawa Goemon, who is also pursuing the Golden Seal. Meanwhile, Fujiko Mine—whom Lupin has fallen for—seems to hold key knowledge about the treasure’s secrets.

To complicate matters, the warlord Mashiba Hisayoshi, ruler of the land, is also after the Golden Seal. And hot on their heels is Zenigata Gyobu, a fierce inspector determined to capture both Lupin and Goemon.

What fate awaits them in this dramatic battle for a single treasure?