A recent survey conducted by NEXER Inc. in collaboration with the high-end Japanese sword company Eirakudo has revealed Goemon Ishikawa, the skilled swordsman from Lupin III, as the “coolest” swordsman in anime. The poll, which garnered participation from 500 anime fans, saw Goemon securing a commanding lead, surpassing popular swordsmen from other iconic anime series, including Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro Kamado and One Piece’s Roronoa Zoro.
According to the results published by PR Times, Goemon earned a total of 172 votes, making him the undisputed top choice. In a surprising turn, the second, third, and fourth place positions were all tied, with 47 votes each. The rankings, however, highlight the widespread appeal and recognition of these characters within the anime community.
Japan’s Top 10 Coolest Anime Swordsmen
- Goemon Ishikawa (Lupin III) – 172 votes
- Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer) – 47 votes
- Roronoa Zoro (One Piece) – 47 votes
- Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) – 47 votes
- Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer) – 45 votes
- Gintoki Sakata (Gintama) – 23 votes
- Red-Haired Shanks (One Piece) – 21 votes
- Saito Hajime (Rurouni Kenshin) – 19 votes
- Inuyasha (Inuyasha) – 16 votes
- Giyu Tomioka (Demon Slayer) – 15 votes
Goemon Ishikawa, a prominent character in Lupin III, is known for his exceptional swordsmanship, specifically his mastery of Iaido—a traditional Japanese sword technique. Armed with his Zantetsuken blade, Goemon is capable of slicing through almost anything, including rocks and bullets, earning him admiration from fans. Many voters praised his remarkable fighting abilities as well as his stoic nature and unwavering loyalty.
“Goemon is not just a master of the Zantetsuken; his commitment to never betray his comrades, even at the cost of his own life, is what truly makes him ‘cool’,” one male participant in his 20s remarked. A female respondent in her 40s added that Goemon’s “quiet demeanor” is what stands out, describing him as a character who embodies strength in silence.
Goemon’s Ongoing Popularity
This recent win is not Goemon’s first victory in an anime-related poll. Earlier this year, Goemon triumphed in NEXER’s “Strongest Swordsman” poll, defeating Roronoa Zoro and Himura Kenshin. In that survey, Goemon garnered 177 votes, while Zoro and Kenshin secured 72 and 68 votes, respectively. Voters who supported Goemon often highlighted the Zantetsuken’s extraordinary capabilities, with some even noting that it can slice through airplanes mid-flight.
The Legacy of Lupin III
Created by Monkey Punch, Lupin III made its debut as a manga series in Futabasha’s Weekly Manga Action in 1967 and was later adapted into an anime by TMS Entertainment in 1971. The series follows the escapades of Arsène Lupin III, the grandson of the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Goemon, as part of the Lupin gang, plays a crucial role with his distinctive swordsmanship and strong sense of honor.
The Lupin III franchise continues to enjoy success, with multiple seasons, TV specials, and feature-length films, including a notable work directed by Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki. The latest season, Lupin The Third Part 6, aired between October 2021 and March 2022. Fans can currently stream the first three seasons on Crunchyroll.
Goemon’s strong performance in these polls reflects his enduring appeal and significance in the anime world, cementing his place as one of the most beloved swordsmen in the medium.
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