
Since I am in no way a gentleman thief, I can only guess as to what that lifestyle must be like. I imagine though, that staying one step ahead of the law means a lot of meals on the run, so it makes sense that Japan Railway stations are rolling out a new batch of baked goods endorsed by anime’s most roguish criminal mastermind, Lupin III.
The timing no doubt has something to do with the upcoming release of the live-action Lupin III movie. Even purists who scoff at the shift away from animation might want to check out the Lupin breads though, as their packages feature redone anime designs for the cast based on the actors portraying them in the new film.
Lupin III started out as a comic drawn by Money Punch, one of the few manga artists with a more outlandish name than his best-known character. For many in Japan, though, their mental image of Lupin’s gang is based off their appearance in the Lupin III television series from the 1970s and ‘80s, or its follow-up theatrical features.
For the new live-action version, star Shun Oguri is a pretty good match for Lupin’s lanky build and rakish smile. His co-stars don’t look too far off either.
Now, things have come full circle, as on the packaging for the Lupin breads the cast reverts from flesh and blood back to ink and paint.
As for the bread itself, each character gets his or her own variety, since really, you can’t expect world-class thieves to share anything, can you? Perhaps as a nod to his French roots (the character is supposed to be a descendent of author Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin), Lupin’s mug adorns the package for the French toast with egg. Sidekick Jigen, always ready to follow his boss’ lead, does so with a steamed French toast cake, while femme fatale Fujiko gets the appropriately femininely-named Berry Berry pastry.
Meanwhile, Goemon’s long sausage cutlet bread seems to be inspired by the shape of the katana he wields, and the two discs of deep-fried chicken in Inspector Zenigata’s chicken namban dog are an even more subtle reference to his trusty handcuffs.
Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko’s breads are on sale now, with Goemon’s hitting store shelves on September 2 and Zenigata’s on September 9. All are being sold through JR’s in-station Kiosk and New Days convenience stores, and with prices ranging from 123 to 149 yen (US $1.22 to $1.48), they’re reasonable enough that there’s no need to steal them.
Sources: Comic Natalie, Jin
Top image: Comic Natalie
Insert images: Behind the Voice Actors, Jin, Comic Natalie




Cast photos released from live-action Lupin III movie
Lupin III springs into action in trailer for live-action movie 【Video】
Dress like your favourite Lupin III character with suits and kimono designed by Japanese tailors
If anime silhouette capsule toys look this awesome, they need to be more of a thing ASAP【Photos】
Lupin III anime attractions with original stories coming to Universal Studios Japan theme park
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japan may finally abolish law that bans women only from remarrying soon after divorce
Mars Japan releases first-ever Japanese-themed M&Ms with princess and samurai characters
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
Japanese cats join couple every night for beautiful meals, cute photos【Pics】
Naked Run takes a confused grasp of streaking, puts it in a video game【Review】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 ways to get rid of the annoying door-to-door NHK guy 【Weird Top Five】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Lupin III manga/anime creator Monkey Punch passes away
Trailer released for live-action version of street gang anime Tokyo Tribe 【Video】
Attack on Titan gets live-action streaming miniseries with new character taking turn as lead
Leave a Reply