Goemon Ishikawa Crowned Japan's Coolest Anime Swordsman in Recent Survey

Japan's 'Coolest' Swordsman Revealed

Japan is known for its deep appreciation of both traditional warriors and their modern animated counterparts, and its anime community recently voiced its opinion on the 'coolest' swordsman character in the genre. Despite the competition from globally renowned figures like Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro Kamado and One Piece’s Roronoa Zoro, it was Goemon Ishikawa from Lupin III who clinched the top spot in a survey conducted by NEXER Inc. and Eirakudo.

The Unexpected Champion: Goemon Ishikawa

Goemon Ishikawa, part of the Lupin III saga, topped the poll convincingly with 172 votes out of 500 participants. Known for his exceptional martial arts skills and the ability to slice through anything with his legendary Zantetsuken sword, Goemon has a devoted following. His character is not only admired for his combat prowess but also for his stoic nature and unwavering loyalty, traits that resonated strongly with the voters. One young male voter cited Goemon's strong-willed demeanor as a key reason for his preference, while a female fan in her 40s appreciated his quiet and mysterious presence.

A Brief Look at the Competition

Notably, the second, third, and fourth places were locked in a three-way tie, each receiving 47 votes. This stalemate featured Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer), Roronoa Zoro (One Piece), and Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin). Tanjiro’s empathetic yet fierce nature, Zoro’s undying ambition to become the world’s strongest swordsman, and Kenshin’s legendary past as an assassin with a vow never to kill again make them all formidable figures in anime lore.

Following closely were notable characters like the flame-hearted Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer) with 45 votes and Gintoki Sakata (Gintama), reflecting the diverse tastes of anime fans in swordsmanship.

The Legendary Zantetsuken

The Zantetsuken, Goemon's weapon of choice, holds an iconic status. Fans have praised it for its incredible cutting capabilities, reportedly being able to slice cleanly through stones, bullets, and even airplanes. This aspect not only contributes to Goemon’s mystique but also underscores his capability and agility as a swordsman that surpass the ordinary limits of animation and reality.

Lupin III: A Legacy in Animation

Originating from Monkey Punch's manga initiated in 1967, Lupin III has grown into a venerable franchise. With its anime debut in 1971, the series has spanned numerous adaptations including over 20 TV specials and six feature films. Esteemed director Hayao Miyazaki's contribution to the franchise further underscores its cultural importance.

The enduring popularity of Lupin III can be partially attributed to its eclectic characters like Goemon, whose timeless appeal captures the essence of the swordsman archetype.

For those keen on exploring the series, Lupin The Third Parts 1-3 are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, offering a hearty introduction to Goemon’s charms.

Conclusion

Goemon Ishikawa’s landslide victory in this polling highlights a fascinating preference amongst Japanese fans for a character who embodies both formidable martial prowess and deep-seated loyalty. In a realm where new anime heroes continuously emerge, Goemon stands reminiscent of a traditional warrior—a testament to his enduring allure in the hearts of fans.