Commercial spotlight: Bike King

Back in 2014, fans of the Lupin III franchise were hungry for new content.

While not quite the answer to everyone’s prayers, during the early months of 2013, TMS teamed up with Japanese motorcycle brand Bike King / Bike-O. The Lupin gang featured in a selection of commercials promoting the brand, which ran on TV in Japan during the Spring.

While there have been plenty of commercials featuring the crew over the years, but the Bike King / Bike-O campaign feels perhaps the most relevant.

The Lupin series has featured real world vehicles and brands since the original TV show aired way back in 1971. In the 70’s, it was easier for the animators to base their drawings off their own vehicles, since they would see and use them daily. As such, Lupin and Jigen often drive a Fiat 500, with Fujiko frequently saddling up on a Harley-Davidson.

As part of the promotional campaign, lucky customers could be in with a chance of winning Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, Fujiko and Zenigata themed QUO cards.

One extra lucky winner, however, was in with the chance of winning a grand prize - a life size Fujiko Mine statue. The humongous statue of the femme fatale featured Fujiko sitting atop a bright pink 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHT (where on earth would you put that)?!

In addition to the prizes, customers calling the companies automated hotline were greeted by the familiar voice of Fujiko Mine and on rarer occasions, Inspector Zenigata. TMS supported the campaign and the official Japanese voice cast provided lines to be used as part of the service.

In mid-2013, the original set of Bike King / Bike-O commercials finished their run. Fans were then “treated” to the rather lacklustre TV special Princess of the Breeze, which aired in Japan during September 2013. Everyone was anxious to find out what was next for Lupin and pals.

Once again, while it was perhaps not the answer to everyone’s prayers, Bike King / Bike-O came bouncing back with a new pair of TV commercials.

At the time, these two short TV spots were perhaps some of the nicest animation the Lupin series had seen in years. The bright but soft colours, the lovely flowing animation – in hindsight, it sort of looks almost like a prototype style for 2015’s Part IV TV series, but at the time, fans had no idea about what was to come that following year.

Unfortunately, there is little else to say regarding the commercials other than - they look good. There is no doubt that Studio Telecom were involved with the commercials in some capacity, warming up ready to tackle Part IV in the year that followed. Even by today’s standards, both commercials still look excellent.

Be sure to check them both out, and if you ever have motorcycle problems in Japan - you know who to call!

Our thanks to Juan for reminding us of the existence of this advertising campaign!