What Is Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie About?
The premise of Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the glittering sprawl of Tokyo, a city that never sleeps and always watches, two legends are set on a collision course. The brilliant teen detective Conan Edogawa moves through the streets with razor‑sharp wits, turning every clue into a step toward truth. Opposite him, the charismatic cat‑burglar Lupin the Third glides through the same neon‑washed alleys, his confidence as smooth as the shadows he manipulates. Their worlds—one of meticulous deduction, the other of daring improvisation—brush against each other, promising a dance of minds that feels as much a game as it is a pursuit.
Conan carries the weight of a genius trapped in a child’s body, his keen observation turning ordinary moments into puzzles waiting to be solved. Backed by a small but steadfast circle, he approaches every mystery with a mix of methodical precision and an unyielding curiosity that keeps the city’s secrets humming just out of reach. The tone around him is a blend of clever banter and quiet tension, where each revelation feels like a crack in the facade of a tightly wound case.
Lupin embodies the archetype of the master thief: suave, inventive, and always one step ahead of the law. He moves with a carefree flair that masks the deeper motives that drive his heists, and his charismatic crew adds a layer of playful camaraderie to his pursuits. The allure of a coveted jewel—the Cherry Sapphire—hangs like a whispered promise, hinting at a prize that could tip the balance of more than just personal glory.
When these two forces meet, the city itself becomes a character, its bustling markets, towering skyscrapers, and hidden passageways turning into a sprawling chessboard. The mood oscillates between light‑hearted intrigue and high‑stakes suspense, inviting the audience to wonder how a tiny genius will match wits with a legendary thief, and what hidden truths might surface when their paths finally intersect.
What Happens in Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie?
The complete story of Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie, from the first scene to the last, in 816 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 12 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a dazzling Tokyo caper, Kaito Kid steals a fabulous diamond, but his methods signal a break from his usual playbook. Conan Edogawa hot on the trail seems close to catching him, yet a shadowy swordsman disrupts the pursuit by slicing Conan’s skateboard in half. Only after this sudden clash does Conan piece together a larger truth: the real architect of the evening’s chaos is Lupin the Third, a thief who is not acting freely but is coerced. Lupin’s predicament is tied to his beloved Fujiko Mine, who has been taken hostage with a dangerous collar around her neck that will detonate if Lupin fails to cooperate. The staged diamond heist, which Lupin quickly abandons, was never about the gem itself; it was a test of his abilities, aimed at something far more valuable: a legendary gemstone called the Cherry Sapphire, pursued by a shadowy employer who calls himself Alan Smithee.
As the puzzle widens, the police step in. The Tokyo Police, led by Inspector Megure, turn to Lupin’s would-be nemesis Koichi Zenigata for insight, enlisting the help of Lupin’s allies, including the capable Miwako Sato and the quick-thinking Wataru Takagi. Despite Zenigata’s precautions, Lupin—who has shown himself capable of outsmarting even the sharpest pursuers—disguises himself as Takagi and engineers a bold theft of the gemstone, slipping away with it as the night air hums around Tokyo’s skyline.
Meanwhile, a new player arrives in town: Italian pop sensation Emilio Baretti, whose arrival in Japan is meant to be simple publicity. But Conan notices something hidden in Baretti’s entourage—Daisuke Jigen, the famed marksman, among the group. In parallel, Ran Mouri’s friend Sonoko Suzuki arranges a pre-concert meeting with Baretti in his hotel, only to stumble upon Megure, his team, and Baretti’s manager, Claudia Belucci, along with his producer, Luciano Carnevale. A threatening letter has already warned Baretti to cancel the concert, yet Carnevale pushes ahead, insisting the show go on. Baretti’s perilous world becomes clearer when it’s revealed that Carnevale, affiliated with the Italian Mafia, uses the event as a cover for illicit dealings. As tensions rise, the concert becomes a backdrop for a much larger scheme.
The plot thickens as Conan and Lupin’s paths converge again during a clandestine tour of the Tokyo Skytree. Baretti, once more under pressure, pushes to end the arrangement, believing the danger stems from a plan to sabotage the show. A windstorm pushes them into peril, but Conan, Jigen, and Sonoko intervene just in time to save Baretti. The musician finally concedes that Carnevale orchestrated the threat to force the Japan tour into a high-stakes deal, and that the real objective is not the diamond but a powerful ore. The middleman behind the operation and the true owner of the Cherry Sapphire are revealed to be Daisuke Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa XIII—Lupin’s partners in the larger hunt. Lupin has been hired by the Vespanian government to retrieve a rare ore that makes stealth technology possible, a discovery that could shift the balance of power in a tense international landscape. The enigmatic Alan Smithee aims to use the ore to offset a neighboring nation’s military strength, a scheme that even Queen Sakura and her daughter Mira would not endorse.
As the chase ramps up, Smithee is caught in the crossfire of loyalties and betrayals. He attempts to flee with Conan as a hostage, but Lupin—together with Conan—races to thwart him. Carnevale, trying to escape, fires a minigun at the heroes and damages the flight controls, prompting a perilous sequence of decompression and a desperate struggle for survival. In the end, Lupin reveals that the Cherry Sapphire is crafted in part from Vespanian ore, a crucial detail that allows Conan and Lupin to turn the tables on the attackers. They bail out from the malfunctioning plane with parachutes and are rescued by a submarine crew, with Fujiko Mine and Ai Haibara lending their aid from the sidelines. A post-credits moment shows Baretti safely departing Japan, while Lupin encounters a familiar rival—Kaito Kid—who beats him to another Kansai temple treasure as payback for Lupin dressing as him, keeping the cycle of rivalry alive.
Throughout the film, the threads of deception, loyalty, and risk intertwine, painting a portrait of two legendary factions—Lupin’s roguish ingenuity and Conan’s relentless problem-solving—each chasing a prize that is not just a gemstone but a key to a much larger power struggle. The story moves through crowded streets, high towers, and moving convoys, never losing its core: a tension between freedom and coercion, between personal loyalty and the larger political stage, and between the thrill of the heist and the danger that follows when lives are put at stake. The cast of characters—ranging from the quick-witted Conan Edogawa and the suave Lupin the Third to the calculating Fujiko Mine and the roguish Kaito Kid—weaves a complex, cinematic tapestry that keeps the stakes high and the surprises coming until the final moments.
Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Kaito Kid steals the diamond; Lupin revealed” to “Post-credits tease: Baretti departs; Kid foils Lupin”. 10 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Kaito Kid steals the diamond; Lupin revealed
Kaito Kid executes a bold theft of a fabulous diamond, employing uncharacteristic techniques that surprise the heist world. Conan Edogawa pursues him across Tokyo, but a shadowy swordsman slices his skateboard in two, foiling the chase. It is only then that Conan realizes Lupin III is behind the caper.
When:opening scene Where:Tokyo
- 2
Coercion and Fujiko's hostage
Lupin is coerced into cooperation as Fujiko Mine is held hostage with an explosive collar that will detonate if he disobeys. The arrangement reveals a personal stake behind the theft and pushes Lupin into a reluctant alliance. The stakes rise as Lupin weighs Fujiko's safety against his own objectives.
When:early
- 3
Cherry Sapphire target revealed
The initial diamond theft is revealed as a setup; Lupin discards the diamond and reveals the Cherry Sapphire as the real target. The theft is framed as a test of Lupin's abilities under orders from a mysterious employer named Alan Smithee. The true objective is tied to a larger geopolitical scheme rather than simple treasure.
When:midpoint
- 4
Lupin steals Cherry Sapphire in plain sight
In a bold move, Lupin disguises himself as Inspector Takagi and steals the Cherry Sapphire, slipping away amid the police shock. The trick showcases Lupin's skills and his talent for weaving deception into high-stakes heists. The gem's theft reignites the nationwide chase.
When:midpoint Where:Tokyo
- 5
Baretti arrives in Japan
Italian pop singer Emilio Baretti lands in Japan for a concert tour, drawing attention from Conan and the local authorities. Daisuke Jigen is spotted among Baretti's entourage, hinting at deeper ties to Lupin’s interwoven schemes. The arrival sets the stage for parallel strands that will converge later.
When:before concert Where:Tokyo
- 6
Ran and Sonoko encounter the crime web
Ran Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki arrange a secret meeting with Baretti, only to stumble into Megure and the police in Baretti's suite. A threatening letter orders cancellation of the concert, while Carnevale presses to proceed with the show. Conan stays behind to search for Jigen, signaling the convergence of multiple factions.
When:before concert Where:Tokyo
- 7
Skytree climb and rescue
Ran and Sonoko accompany Baretti on a clandestine tour of Tokyo Skytree, where he climbs in a desperate bid to pressure a cancellation. A fierce wind nearly throws them off the tower, but Conan, Jigen, and Sonoko pull them to safety. Baretti confesses that Carnevale's threats were a ruse to secure the Japan leg of his deal.
When:evening Where:Tokyo Skytree
- 8
Concert plans unfold; Smithee's design revealed
Baretti's concert starts as scheduled, but Carnevale evades surveillance to meet with Alan Smithee at Haneda Airport. It’s revealed that the middleman and the Cherry Sapphire's owner are Jigen and Goemon Ishikawa, with Lupin secretly hired by the Vespanian government to retrieve a rare ore for stealth tech. The geopolitical objective behind the scheme begins to surface.
When:evening Where:Haneda Airport
- 9
High-stakes pursuit in the air
Smithee brings heavily armed reinforcements and Conan is taken hostage during the tense flight. Lupin boards the craft to confront Smithee, trading blows as the operation spirals toward disaster. Carnevale fires a minigun, damaging the flight controls and forcing a dangerous confrontation in the skies.
When:climax Where:in the air over Japan
- 10
The Vespanian ore and the missile counter
Lupin reveals the Cherry Sapphire is made from Vespanian ore and uses it to counter missile strikes, saving the craft from destruction. Conan and Lupin coordinate to stabilize the plane and prevent a crash, reframing Lupin's mission as a matter of international security. The ore's power reshapes the stakes of the chase.
When:climax Where:in flight over Japan
- 11
Parachute escape and submarine rescue
With the plane in jeopardy, Lupin and Conan bail out and deploy parachutes. They are rescued by a submarine crew temporarily commandeered by Fujiko and Ai Haibara, ensuring their escape from immediate danger. Authorities secure the Vespanian ore sample as the crisis subsides.
When:aftermath Where:over the sea near Japan
- 12
Post-credits tease: Baretti departs; Kid foils Lupin
In a post-credits scene, Conan, Ran, and Haibara bid Baretti farewell as he leaves Japan. Lupin's attempt to steal a Kansai temple treasure is already upstaged by Kaito Kid, who beats him to the prize and alerts the police. The ending leaves Lupin and Kid locked in their signature rivalry.
When:post-credits Where:Japan
Who Are the Main Characters in Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie?
9 characters, among them Lupin the Third (Kanichi Kurita), Conan Edogawa (Minami Takayama) and Fujiko Mine (Miyuki Sawashiro): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- LT
Lupin the Third (Kanichi Kurita)
Played by Kanichi Kurita
A legendary thief whose charm and audacity mask a calculating mind. In this story, he is coerced into a dangerous test of his abilities by a shadowy employer, revealing his code of loyalty, risk-taking temperament, and flair for dramatic gambits.
- 🧠 Clever
- 🎩 Debonair
- 🗡️ Bold
-
Conan Edogawa (Minami Takayama)
Played by Minami Takayama
A brilliant, razor-sharp young detective who threads between Lupin’s schemes and law enforcement. His deductive prowess and persistence drive crucial discoveries, while his loyalty to friends keeps the team grounded amid chaos.
- 🧠 Smart
- 🕵️♂️ Determined
- 💡 Observant
-
Fujiko Mine (Miyuki Sawashiro)
Played by Miyuki Sawashiro
A enigmatic and resourceful femme fatale whose actions are key to the plot’s twists. She navigates danger with a calm poise, using her wits and beauty to influence outcomes while staying one step ahead of every player.
- 💃 Femme Fatale
- 🧭 Mysterious
- 🗝️ Cunning
- DJ
Daisuke Jigen (Kiyoshi Kobayashi)
Played by Kiyoshi Kobayashi
Lupin’s loyal, cool-headed sharpshooter who provides precision and protection. He moves through the action with steady nerves, often pulling off critical rescues and counter-moves that tilt the chase in their favor.
- 🎯 Sharpshooter
- 🤝 Loyal
- 🧊 Calm
-
Goemon Ishikawa XIII (Daisuke Namikawa)
Played by Daisuke Namikawa
A stoic swordsman whose sense of honor and quick swordsman instincts shape the exits and entrances of the team. He embodies a traditional code amid the modern, high-stakes caper.
- ⚔️ Samurai
- 🧭 Principled
- 🌀 Calm
- RM
Ran Mouri (Wakana Yamazaki)
Played by Wakana Yamazaki
Conan’s ally and a steady center in chaotic moments. She contributes practical insight during the investigation and remains a supportive friend to Conan as the action moves from city to city.
- 🧭 Loyal
- 🗺️ Observant
- 💬 Supportive
-
Emilio Baretti (Miyu Irino)
Played by Miyu Irino
An Italian pop star whose Tokyo visit triggers a web of threats and surveillance. His concert becomes the cover for criminal dealings, and his presence intertwines glamour with danger.
- 🎤 Performer
- 🤝 Red-carpet
- 🛡️ Protected
- AS
Alan Smithee (Seiyo Uchino)
Played by Seiyo Uchino
The mysterious middleman pulling strings behind the scenes. His calculated manipulations drive the central conspiracy and push Lupin toward a critical moral decision.
- 🕴️ Mastermind
- 🧭 Secretive
- 🗝️ Hidden agenda
- LC
Luciano Carnevale (Tetsuo Kanao)
Played by Tetsuo Kanao
A Mafia-connected producer using concerts as a cover for illegal deals. He embodies a dangerous blend of charisma and ruthlessness that fuels the showdown.
- 💼 Boss
- 💣 Dangerous
- 🌓 Manipulative
Where and When Is Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie Set?
Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie is set in Japan and Tokyo (Present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day
The events take place in the modern era, using current technologies, media coverage, and international crime networks. The timeline is brisk, spanning a single concert tour and a chase that moves rapidly between public appearances and covert operations. The story relies on real-time tension and spectacle rather than historical context.
Where
Japan, Tokyo
The story is set in contemporary Japan, centered on Tokyo's bustling urban landscape and its high-tech landmarks. Scenes unfold from crowded streets to the height of Tokyo Skytree and the corridors of hotels, airports, and concert venues. The plot even crosses into Kansai for a temple setting and ends with a submarine rescue, giving the cityscape a globe-trotting crime-thriller feel.
- 🌆 Urban
- 🕵️ Mystery
- 💎 Gem-centered
What Are the Themes of Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception, Alliance & Rivalry and Power & Heist.
-
01
Deception
The plot hinges on misdirection, disguises, and double-crosses, with Lupin, Conan, and others repeatedly misreading each other’s motives. Hostage dynamics and staged threats push characters into risky choices, highlighting how appearances can be used to manipulate outcomes. The movie uses clever ruses to test loyalty and skill.
-
02
Alliance & Rivalry
Alliances form and fracture across rival gangs, detectives, and thieves, driving the momentum of the caper. Conan and Lupin, natural enemies, occasionally operate in the same circle to outmaneuver a common foe. The tension comes from balancing personal loyalties with the larger goal of stopping a dangerous plan.
-
03
Power & Heist
The Cherry Sapphire and Vespanian ore symbolize political leverage and technological advancement. The pursuit of the jewel drives the plot through high-stakes thefts, international intrigue, and a battle over who controls powerful resources. Coercion and calculated risk push characters toward dramatic decisions.
What Kind of Film Is Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan: The Movie?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, high-stakes caper film that crackles with the intellectual tension of a master thief forced into a dangerous conspiracy, pitting clever rivals against a backdrop of international intrigue.
- suspenseful
- calculated
- adventurous
- clever
- high-stakes
- playful rivalry
- heist
- coercion
- international conspiracy
- crime investigation
Content notes: hostage situation, bomb threat, minigun violence.
Quiz
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