Trivia

This is generally considered the first anime TV series to have adult sensibility theme.

While its initial broadcast run was a disaster, the series experienced an explosive surge in popularity through numerous reruns.

Lupin prominently wears a green jacket throughout the show. Thus this series is known as the "Green Jacket" series to fans.

Masaaki Ôsumi was hired to direct the show, having previously directed Rupan sansei: Pilot Film (1969). However, he wanted to directly maintain the adult, hard-boiled film-noirish feel from Monkey Punch's manga comic, which the studio felt was causing the show's ratings to drop. He was replaced halfway through the show by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, who gave the show a softer, goofier and more fun feel, and portrayed Lupin as being a suave, chivalrous gentleman. Despite this, the show came to an end after a run of 23 episodes.

This was Yasuo Yamada's first "Lupin III" series. It went on to become his most favourite role, which he would reprise throughout his life.