Aug 8

Aug 8 Rest in peace, Kiyoshi Kobayashi (1933 - 2022)

It is with immense sadness this morning that I must report the passing of Kiyoshi Kobayashi, long time voice talent of Jigen Daisuke from Lupin III.

He passed away at the age of 89 on July 30th due to pneumonia. Kobayashi's family held a private funeral, and talent management company Haikyo added that it will announce more details on a public service at a later date.

Kobayashi has leant his talents to many other characters during his career, including Crystal Boy / Bowie from Space Adventure COBRA, Watari in Death Note, James Moriarty from Case Closed, and more. He has most recently starred as the narrator in a live-action TV drama about voice actors come detectives, named Seiyū Tantei.

Japanese sport and entertainment magazine Sponichi Annex broke the news that Kobayashi was to retire in the autumn of last year, ahead of the release of Lupin III: Part 6. The veteran actor, who had played the character of Jigen for over fifty years, was sent off in style through the show’s prequel episode The Times. He was later succeeded by Akio Ōtsuka, who, at the time, spoke humbly of his affection and admiration for the work Kobayashi had provided prior to his hiring.

Tributes have been flooding in for the beloved actor, with various comments from his friends and colleagues being compiled by the official Japanese Twitter account for Lupin III. You can view the thread by clicking here, and find a rough translation of each later on in this post.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this time.

Kanichi Kurita (Lupin III) pays his respects in this short statement, posted to Twitter.

In short, he mentions how Kobayashi always helped him to feel comfortable in his role. He thanks him, and asks Kobayashi to continue following him, as his partner in crime.

Akio Otsuka pays his respects.

The current voice talent for Jigen says that he appreciates the “baton he was passed”, and that he will protect the role for a new generation. He'll be having a drink while watching Part 6’s prequel episode, The Times, tonight, and he invites Kobayashi to come and watch it alongside him.

Daisuke Namikawa (Goemon Ishikawa) pays his respects.

He thanks Kobayashi for being a fantastic teacher, and comments on his fun smile / expression. He will always remember him.

Miyuki Sawashiro (Fujiko Mine) pays her respects.

Sawashiro remembers seeing Kobayashi standing intently in front of the microphone, always in competition with himself, aiming to do the best he can. She expresses that she will miss him dearly.

Kōichi Yamadera (Zenigata) provides a lengthy statement.

Yamadera says that worked with Kobayashi as part of the same company long ago, and thanks him for his teachings. He was always so kind and polite. Yamadera felt accepted “warmly” by Kobayashi when he joined the cast in 2011.

He regrets not being able to hold a “farewell party” for Kobayashi after the announcement of his retirement, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Finally, he thanks him for all of his hard work.

A young Kiyoshi Kobayashi, from a television interview around the year 1980

This is devastating news to fans of Lupin III.

Despite the work of Kiyoshi Kobayashi spanning many corners of television and film, his consistent performance as Jigen has been a pillar of the Lupin franchise since its animated inception.

Even at the age of 88, Kobayashi was still giving it his all. His incredible finale in Part 6’s prequel episode, “The Times”, is something I will continue to admire.

This prequel episode, in terms of its story and tone, felt like a conclusion in one respect, and the start of something new in another. I am extremely happy that Kobayashi was able to use this episode to give his work on the show the proper send-off it so deserved.

Kiyoshi Kobayashi at the premiere of 2014’s *Lupin the IIIRD:* *Jigen’s Gravestone*

Alongside The Times, Kobayashi has also starred in many other episodes, films, and specials over the past few years.

He brought classic Jigen sass to new 3D visuals in 2019’s The First, as well as starring in the animated TV special Prison of the Past that same year. He put on a fantastic show throughout both Part 4 and Part 5, the latter of which had some incredible character moments between both Lupin and Jigen.

Episode eight of Lupin III: Part 4, “Welcome to the Haunted Hotel / ホーンテッドホテルへようこそ!” stands out in my mind as one of the most impressive performances from Kobayashi during the last decade. Here, Jigen is more animated than usual, jumping at ghosts and having plenty of banter with his partner, Lupin. At the time, this episode taught me that there was still, over forty years on, no better person to play the character than Kobayashi.

Kobayashi also starred as the main role in 2014’s Lupin the IIIRD: Jigen’s Gravestone. This film is a fantastic fit for the character, and as usual, his voice actor knocked it out of the park. During the premiere event for the film, Kobayashi joked that he was an old timer surrounded by youngsters (when referring to the rest of the voice cast), but expressed his desire to continue playing Jigen well into the future. “I will continue to give it my all”, and he did, for the many years that followed.

Kobayashi (right) speaks on his work as Jigen with Kanichi Kurita (voice of Lupin III) at the opening night of The First

I have no shortage of respect for new talent Akio Ōtsuka, the current voice actor for Daisuke Jigen.

This news will no doubt be difficult for him. Ōtsuka, who is himself the son of the late voice actor of Goemon Ishikawa, Chikao Ōtsuka, has paid many tributes to Kiyoshi Kobayashi over the past six months. Although he will certainly play an admirable Jigen, it is a tough act to follow.

Perhaps Ōtsuka does not need to replace his predecessor, though. Kobayashi will, and has always been, Jigen, in my eyes, but I am still excited to hear what Ōtsuka brings to the table.

Kobayashi (second from right) stands with fellow cast members at the opening night of The First

The character of Jigen has always fit Kobayashi like a glove. It has been a pleasure to hear him help shape that character into the lovable right-hand gunman we have all come to know over the years.

As with the passing of many other members of the Lupin family in recent years, we must move forward remembering their work, and all the joy they have brought us through it. We may march on with heavier hearts, but will never forget how much this franchise means to us, and how much we appreciate the people behind it.

We will never forget you, Jigen-chan.💗