Tokyo Crisis to air on YouTube in the U.S. for a limited time!
It’s that time again - the next classic Lupin III television special is coming to YouTube in the United States, for free, for a limited time!
From August 2nd through to September 5th, 2024, Memories of Flame: Tokyo Crisis will be available to watch for those living within the United States. First released in July 1998, the tenth television special will replace The Secret of Twilight Gemini, which has been streaming on the service since July 5th, 2024.
The upload will only be available with English dubbed audio, which stars the mid-2000s Funimation cast (Sonny Strait as Lupin, Christopher Sabat as Jigen, Mike McFarland as Goemon, Meredith McCoy as Fujiko, and Phillip Wilburn as Inspector Zenigata).
When Lupin and his bandit buddies attempt to steal a set of historically significant photographic plates, it turns out they’re not the only ones with eyes on the prize in this thievish tale of mayhem and millionaires. Directed by Toshiya Shinohara, known for all four InuYasha films.
While it has been some time since I last watched it, Tokyo Crisis is one of the more memorable Lupin specials. From the silly rollercoaster car chase of death to the incredibly stereotypical rich villain Michael Suzuki, Tokyo Crisis has a superb balance of humour and action. It is also one of the best for Inspector Zenigata screen-time, with some brilliant gags featuring our favourite bumbling but competent cop as he’s tailed by budding reporter Mariya Isshiki, who is looking for her first big break.
Often sweet and rooting for our heroes, Isshiki is one of my favourite female protagonist characters from the 2000s era specials. Both her and Zenigata become close over the course of the film - and it’s an enjoyable relationship to watch develop. Definitely one to watch!
Watch The Secret of the Twilight Gemini by clicking here, and Tokyo Crisis here.
