Lupin III has a simple job description: steal valuable things and avoid getting caught. In Lupin the 3rd Part 2, that formula stretches across 155 episodes, taking the world’s most famous gentleman thief from one elaborate scheme to the next.

First broadcast in Japan in 1977, Lupin the 3rd Part 2 ran for three years and became one of the most recognizable entries in the franchise. It is also known as the Red Jacket series, thanks to Lupin’s signature outfit. The series follows Lupin, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and Fujiko Mine as they travel the world chasing treasures, pulling off heists, and getting into trouble with Inspector Zenigata.

And with all 155 episodes available to watch on Amasian TV, there is plenty of Lupin to explore.

Meet Lupin and His Crew

Lupin’s biggest advantage is that he rarely works alone.

Daisuke Jigen is the group’s expert marksman and one of Lupin’s most trusted partners. Goemon Ishikawa XIII brings his swordsmanship to the team, while Fujiko Mine has a complicated relationship with Lupin that can change from episode to episode.

Then there is Inspector Zenigata, the Interpol detective who has spent years trying to arrest Lupin.

Their personalities give the series much of its energy. Lupin comes up with the plan, Jigen usually handles the shooting, Goemon can cut through almost anything, and Fujiko has a habit of pursuing her own interests. Zenigata is never far behind.

155 Episodes, 155 Chances for a New Heist

One of the reasons Part 2 works so well as a long-running series is its episodic format.

The story can take Lupin and his crew somewhere completely different from one episode to the next. The series sends them around the world for robberies involving paintings, gold, jewels, ancient treasures, money, and plenty of unusual targets.

Even the episode titles give an idea of the variety. Early episodes include “The Return of Lupin the 3rd,” “Buns, Guns, and Fun in the Sun,” “Shaky Pisa,” “Tutankhamen’s 3,000 Year-Old Curse,” and “Disorient Express.”

There are also episodes built around specific members of the crew, including stories involving Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko, and Zenigata.

That makes Part 2 easy to dip into. You can follow the series from the beginning or pick an episode based on whatever kind of Lupin adventure sounds fun.

Why It’s Called the Red Jacket Series

Lupin has worn several different looks throughout the franchise, but his red jacket became particularly associated with Part 2.

Among English-speaking fans, the series is commonly called the “Red Jacket” series because of Lupin’s outfit.

The series also has a lighter tone than the first Lupin television series. Comedy, absurd situations, elaborate disguises, car chases, and impossible escapes are all part of the experience.

That gives Part 2 a distinctive rhythm. A serious-looking heist can turn into a ridiculous chase, while a seemingly simple robbery can involve an elaborate scheme that only Lupin could pull off.

The Music Is a Big Part of Lupin’s Style

The Lupin franchise is closely associated with jazz, and Part 2 helped establish that musical identity.

Yuji Ohno composed the music for the series, including several versions of the iconic Lupin theme used during its 155-episode run. The opening themes changed throughout the series, including Lupin the 3rd Theme ’78, Lupin the 3rd ’79, and Lupin the 3rd ’80.

The music fits the show’s world perfectly: stylish enough for a sophisticated heist, energetic enough for a car chase, and playful enough for one of Lupin’s many comedic situations.

Two Episodes Stand Out for Anime Fans

If you’re familiar with Japanese animation, there are two episodes of Part 2 that are especially worth knowing about.

Episode 145, “Albatross: Wings of Death,” and Episode 155, “Farewell, My Beloved Lupin,” were directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Both episodes come near the end of the series, with Episode 155 serving as the finale. Their connection to Miyazaki makes them particularly interesting for fans who know his later work.

They also offer a chance to see a different side of Lupin the 3rd, especially in the way the characters, action, and visual storytelling are handled.

A Classic Anime With a Lot to Explore

Lupin the 3rd Part 2 originally aired from October 3, 1977, through October 6, 1980, with all 155 episodes produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha.

Nearly five decades later, the appeal is easy to understand. The series has a simple setup, a memorable group of characters, constantly changing locations, and enough individual adventures to keep the formula from getting old.

Whether you’re already familiar with Lupin III or are looking for a classic anime with heists, comedy, action, and international adventures, Part 2 gives you a lot to work with.

And with all 155 episodes available on Amasian TV, you can start with Episode 1 and follow Lupin’s adventures all the way to the finale.

Watch Lupin the 3rd Part 2 on Amasian TV