
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
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
7-Eleven Japan releases new “mix-and-drink” matcha latte… that comes with a risk of choking
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Starbucks Japan releases special limited-edition summer drinks… at only 30 stores
Lawson transforms convenience store food with massive katsu burger and an insane curry bread
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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