Walther-P38 TV special re-run pulls in the viewers!
If you ever wondered if the Lupin III series was still popular in Japan, this recent survey from the Kanto region has the answer!
The 1997 television special Lupin III: In Memory of Walther P-38 (also known as Island of Assassins) received a re-run on NTV, after ranking highly in a recent poll for the “most requested” Lupin III television specials.
On average, 7.5% of all television viewers in the Kanto region tuned in to watch the film as it aired on Friday night, on October 24th. The figure does not include recordings, and only considers those watching live at time of broadcast.
The number sounds low at first glance, but it is actually impressive, considering how many programmes air on television in Japan at any given time. The special is approaching fifteen years of age, and clearly there is still an audience for the “classics”.
This is no doubt in part thanks to the original show’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations, and also as the special comes off the back of a separate Lupin III television marathon in Japan. The previous marathon saw four classic episodes from Part 1, Part 2 and Part 5 airing during prime time on NTV. All will be released as part of “The Best Selection” Blu-ray set, which comes to Japan this December.
It is fantastic to see our favourite thief still pulling in the viewing figures across Japan, and it can only mean good things for both Part 6 and the future of the franchise. Happy days!
