This Banpresto figurine depicts Inspector Zenigata in the dark, realistic style of *LUPIN THE IIIRD*. Standing approximately 27 cm tall, it is part of a series of large figurines dedicated to the main characters of this *Lupin III* spin-off.
Zenigata is depicted standing in a calm yet vigilant pose. His left hand is tucked into his trouser pocket, whilst his right hand grips the brim of his hat, as if he were about to resume his pursuit of Lupin at any moment. His elongated face, pronounced eyebrows and stern gaze are in keeping with the more mature artistic style developed for LUPIN THE IIIRD.
His outfit reflects the classic look of a police officer: a long beige trench coat verging on khaki, a dark suit, a white shirt and an orange-red tie. His brown fedora with a black band completes the look, whilst his black shoes and the very straight cut of his trousers reinforce his 1960s–1970s-style inspector’s appearance. The contrast between the light-coloured coat, the almost black suit and the bright tie ensures the character remains instantly recognisable.
Technical specifications
• Manufacturer: Banpresto / Bandai Spirits
• Collection / Universe: LUPIN THE IIIRD
• Licence: Lupin III
• Character: Inspector Zenigata
• Full name: Koichi Zenigata
• Type: pre-painted collectable figure
• Height: approx. 27 cm
• Material: PVC
• Pose: standing, one hand in his pocket and the other holding the brim of his hat
• Outfit: beige/khaki trench coat, dark suit, white shirt, red tie and brown fedora
• EAN: 4573102718532
Character background and lore
Inspector Zenigata is Lupin III’s long-standing adversary and one of the key characters in the series created by Monkey Punch. An extremely tenacious police officer, he has devoted much of his career to pursuing Lupin across the globe. Productions within the franchise regularly portray him as one of Interpol’s leading agents hot on the heels of the famous thief. This ongoing pursuit is one of the longest-running storylines in Lupin III.
Despite his sometimes comical portrayal in certain adaptations, Zenigata is far from being an incompetent police officer. His tenacity, instinct and exceptional knowledge of Lupin’s methods often enable him to track him down where other investigators fail. Indeed, their relationship gradually transcends the simple dichotomy between policeman and thief: Zenigata recognises Lupin’s talent, whilst Lupin is well aware of just how dangerous the inspector can be when he is truly on the verge of arresting him. Several adventures even force them to work together when their interests align in the face of a common threat.
The character plays a particularly important role in LUPIN THE IIIRD: Zenigata and the Two Lupins. This production makes Zenigata its protagonist and adopts a more serious, hard-hitting action style. When a terrorist attack strikes an airport in the Loviet Federation, Zenigata spots a suspect with Lupin’s face. He then encounters a second Lupin and begins to doubt the guilt of the thief he has been pursuing for so long.
