This is a translation of an interview that was included in the booklet that came with vol. 2 of the Japanese Part 5 DVD/BD release. The interview is with Kenjiro Tsuda, Albert’s voice actor, and he talks about his work on Part 5, Albert, and his views on Lupin III in general. It was conducted by Mai Takano.
The interview was translated by @sotetag. You can contact her about translation commissions if you’ve got Japanese material you’d like to see translated.
LUPIN THE THIRD PART 5
INTERVIEW SERIES PROJECT [PART 2]
KENJIRO TSUDA
Albert d’Andrésy
An interview series project in which the staff and the cast that worked on the show tell us their thoughts about the production of “PART 5”, anecdotes, etc. Part 2 is with Kenjiro Tsuda, who voiced Albert. He passionately tells us how happy he was to be able to participate in “Lupin III”, which he has liked since he was a kid, and how he feels about Lupin!
– Mr. Tsuda, you have claimed to be a “Lupin III” fan. What was it like to voice Albert d’Andrésy, a new character?
Tsuda I was just happy to be in the world of a show that I’ve loved since I was a kid. Actually, I also participated in PART 4, but playing a regular character really is completely different.
– PART 5 takes place in France, Arsène Lupin’s country. It depicts a modern, “digital” society. What was your first impression of such a setting and the character called Albert?
Tsuda The setting itself was very new. Regarding the digital aspect, I was surprised by Okouchi and the rest of the staff’s skills, because it didn’t feel out of place at all in relation to earlier Lupin installments. As for Albert, my first impression was that he was a bit of a cold, bitter character. But that changed as each episode progressed. I realized that his cold, sarcastic attitude was just a façade, and he became more and more fun.
– Albert was created from original author Monkey Punch’s wish for “a character that will keep on living and become involved with Lupin and other characters for a long time”. At first glance, he’s gentlemanly and mysterious. He also likes Leblanc’s “Arsène Lupin” series, so the fact that his surname is “d’Andrésy” made him exciting.
Tsuda People who like him will get the reference. According to producer Kiyozono, that surname indicates that he might be related by blood to Lupin. They also look alike a little.
– PART 5 is innovative and delves more deeply into the characters, but Albert’s existence is what gets closest to Lupin’s past and roots. How did you prepare to play such an important role?
Tsuda I have the impression that I got started right from the first episode. At the recording for episode 1, I didn’t know about earlier developments, so I had just prepared for the role of a bad guy. Then, I got instructions from sound director Kiyomizu to be “a little more casual”. He explained, “Albert is not a bad guy. He looks like it, but he just has a bond with Lupin,” and we made adjustments little by little. Albert is part of the elite in the higher ranks of the Judicial Police. He may look like a cold wire-puller, but in reality, there was a time when he was a professional thief along with Lupin. Albert the Elite is a façade. He created his current personality for the sake of the big job of “stealing France” and to run the path to success – that’s how I understood it when I voiced him. On a base level, he’s a thief. He hasn’t changed at all since he teamed up with Lupin.
– He has a strangely antagonistic relationship with those around Lupin, such as Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko, the so-called Lupin Family, and Zenigata. How do you perceive his unique relationship with Lupin?
Tsuda They’re rivals, I guess. Story-wise, that’s what they became. At first, there’s a strong nuance to them deceiving each other, but once they fight alongside each other, they get closer. Then, they grow apart again. The fact that the sense of distance between them keeps changing is because they’re rivals, I think.
– The scene in which Albert has a nightmare after Lupin told him, “You’re not cut out to be a thief,” and then he wakes up was impressive.
Tsuda He must have been so frustrated. But there’s also a scene in which Albert throws Lupin’s words back at him. He gives as good as he gets. In that sense, they really are equals.
– What was it like to work with Kanichi Kurita, Lupin’s voice actor?
Tsuda I think Lupin’s dialogues, to put it simply, have a lot of ad-lib. Albert’s dialogues are similar, but they’re definitely not the same. So, when I was going to perform, I had to remind myself, “Don’t let [Kurita] pull you into it.”
Even in Lupin’s dialogues, there are scenes in which Kurita has to restrain himself and be more serious, and there are scenes in which he can be more extravagant, so it varies a lot from scene to scene. That feeling is what made it so much fun to interact with him. I pretty much only talked to Lupin (laughs). Every other interaction was political or with a subordinate.
– Lupin was your partner in all scenes that had emotion. By the way, is there a character that you would have liked to talk to, or any scene you particularly liked?
Tsuda I like Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko, and I definitely like Lupin, so I’m very satisfied in that sense. The story focused on Lupin, after all. There was also the appearance of a very modern girl called Ami. She’s a girl that also carries the elements of a “digital society”, which is one of the themes in PART 5. When she started to smile, to feel awkward, to open up and show emotions, she became very charming. As for my favorite scenes, I would say it’s the ones in which the whole Lupin Family gets together and smart-talk each other. I just love that kind of interaction. Of course, there were also many serious, exciting scenes that made me go, “Ooh!” and, “I see!” but it’s the silly interactions that make me happy. Same thing with the scenes I recorded. Albert barely appears in the scenes where the whole Lupin Family is together, so I got to watch from the sidelines (laughs). The silly parts, including the atmosphere when we were recording, really moved me. That’s why, if you ask me what episodes and what scenes I liked, I’ll say it was the unassuming ones. Especially in the last episode, when things get hectic, and yet the Lupin Family keeps on going lightheartedly as usual. That’s the kind of interaction between them that I really enjoyed.
– I can tell how much you love it.
Tsuda “Mr. Kurita, I’m so glad you’re Lupin,” I told him earnestly. He replied, “Oh, really?” like he was pleased with himself (laughs).
– So, what fascinates you about “Lupin III” is the Lupin Family.
Tsuda I think they’re multifaceted. They are connected by several bonds, but they’re not dependent on one another. Each one of them has a role that they carry out professionally. It’s that kind of rich relationship. Of course, the story itself is also fascinating. Most of the current main staff wasn’t involved in the earlier Lupin series, but... Out of the original cast, there was just Kiyoshi Kobayashi, but it’s amazing how the younger generation that replaced them is enthusiastically “creating a new Lupin”. We’re frantically trying to turn the Lupin franchise, which has existed for 50 years, into something new without ruining it in any way. PART 5 is also a return to origin, after all.
– You’re right; even though PART 5 depicts modern era, it feels surprisingly old-fashioned.
Tsuda Before we started recording, Kiyozono told me, “Mr. Tsuda, it’s in France this time. France is Lupin’s origin,” and he sounded really excited. Well, I guess it also put a lot of pressure on me, though. It’s like he was telling me to do my best (laughs). I felt encouraged to protect the franchise without hesitation. People will actually die. It’s a representation that takes courage. I was also moved by how that place was thoroughly depicted.
– This might be unrelated, but the second act, in which Albert plays a more active role, has an atmosphere reminiscent of French movies from the ‘50s to ‘70s (film noir). Do you think it was a result of themes like “friendship and betrayal between men” and Yuji Ohno’s music?
Tsuda Indeed. He was very particular about setting the mood, too. I think he worked hard to set the mood while explaining as little as possible. For example, there were quite a lot of scenes that made me wonder, “Is this scene really necessary to the story?” while I was performing. I realize that’s where the mood comes from. Albert lives with a man. Even though it’s a modern setting, I wondered, is that necessary story-wise?
– That’s true. His story with Lupin could have been told without including that.
Tsuda Yeah, it’s deliberately depicted. He lets him smoke his cigarette, and that portrayal gently sets the mood... There are scenes like that all the time. I think those sweet moments just pile up to create that atmosphere and draw you in. “Lupin III” has always done that kind of thing. The Lupin Family doesn’t put into words what’s important. I guess showing relationships and moods in the whole scene is an adult representation. Anime nowadays often explain too much. We would still have an adventure even if those parts had been left out, but in the end, Lupin is an adult show. At first glance, it looks like it’s just kicks and giggles. It’s really cool.
– Even when it’s kicks and giggles, there’s some leeway for adults.
Tsuda That’s what’s fascinating about “Lupin III”.
– Has your way of life been influenced by “Lupin III” in any way?
Tsuda I always feel like living a rich life. Everyone in the Lupin Family lives a rich life. They do exactly what they have to do. But I think there’s this underlying idea that life is supposed to be fun. I guess it’s what we call freedom. This way of life that values freedom, where you’re not tied down to anything, resonates with me. If you really read into it, they all protect their freedom very stoically. They strive to be free and are willing to take risks. They don’t actually talk about it, though. But I can tell from their behavior that they’re strongly determined to “protect their freedom”. That’s probably why so many people like “Lupin III”. It inspires them.
– “Protect their freedom stoically.” I feel like that is also true for you, Mr. Tsuda. You’ve played a lot of remarkable villains in recent years, but how do you feel about that?
Tsuda Villains are interesting. I have enjoyed the moments when cool villains stole the spotlight. I’ve rooted for villains from a villain’s point of view. Even on the stage, I’ve had many chances to play the role of the bad guy since I was young... Well, I guess I’m suited for it.
– Maybe it’s a good match with your mysterious voice.
Tsuda Maybe you’re right. However, it’s been reversed recently. Like, “He seems like a good guy, but he’s voiced by Tsuda, so he must definitely have an ulterior motive” (laughs).
– Evil follows you everywhere (laughs). About Albert, maybe it’s because he’s a wire-puller at the beginning, but as we start seeing who he really is, he becomes more and more endearing.
Tsuda He went in exactly the opposite direction. I’m glad. Actually, the animation team worked hard on Albert, too. Of course, several people drew Albert’s face, but his face looks strangely cool sometimes. His face makes me do a double take and wonder, “Was he always this handsome?” Kiyozono told me that it’s because the animators worked really hard on it and you can’t miss Albert’s attractiveness from their point of view... He actually said this for the package.
– (Everyone laughs)
Tsuda I definitely want you to watch Albert’s expressions over and over. It’s good commentary, isn’t it?
– It’s great. I want to check it out now.
Tsuda Check it out as often as possible (laughs). When he’s looking down and then he raises his head, he looks incredibly handsome. Albert as a government official, and the wild Albert from the past. That’s how some parts drew me into the animation. If he looks this cool, I have to make him cool, too.
– There’s a lot of Lupin merch with those images, right?
Tsuda Well, I’m really grateful for it. I worked hard to do them justice.
– What I find fascinating about Albert is how he works to make good on his words; he claims he will “steal France” and so he makes his way up to the higher ranks of the Judicial Police.
Tsuda Albert really is an overachiever. Lupin is the same way. For example, whether he starts working in a normal business or becomes a government official, he will really excel at it. He’s a genius, a strategist, amazingly brave, determined, and a man of action. He’s got it all. Albert is on the same level, so he has the ability to succeed in his career all on his own, even if he led a normal life. Being “the greatest thief in the world” is on the same level.
– I agree. Without spoiling the PART 5 finale, what does Albert hope to gain by taking over France?
Tsuda Oh, that hasn’t been shown yet. Albert has already gotten high up enough that he can attend meetings in the presence of the President of France. I hope it’ll be revealed in PART 6, 7, 8... for instance (laughs). This is just a supposition on my part, but I think Albert might be a thrill-seeker. If there’s something more thrilling than being a thief, it’s being a thief that “steals France”, or at least that’s how I see it. I mean, it’s just a hunch that it’s more interesting. Maybe he has an even bigger ambition and having France under his control is just one step toward that goal.
– He’s such an interesting character, isn’t he?
Tsuda I’m also glad to have met him. It was a big responsibility, but it was a fun job. It allowed me to have pleasant interactions with Kurita and everyone else. “Come here! Let’s go grab a bite,” stuff like that. They were considerate of me so I wouldn’t have to be anxious.
– That is also an adult environment. Do you think it has something to do with the way Lupin and Albert get closer when they work together?
Tsuda In the sense that they work together to reach a goal, yes, maybe. In our line of work, we have to work closely together for a certain period and then we just say bye and go on our merry way. In order to make a good show, we treat one another respectfully at our workplace even if we feel competitive, and when we think, “That person is interesting,” we just go and talk to them to close that distance.
– It’s really a team work. That is also the kind of relationship that “Lupin III” teaches us about.
Tsuda Lupin’s stories have always been that way; even when things get hectic, it’s always very invigorating at the end. This is my personal opinion, but PART 5 also ended on a invigorating note. Lupin can be different depending on whether it’s a TV series or a movie, but this finale was definitely positive. That’s Lupin for you. Even when Lupin is worn-out and driven into a corner, he’s always in good spirits. Even when we were recording PART 5, you would often hear, “Lupin is really strong!” He was even shot by Albert. He goes through so much, and yet he always recovers (laughs). Since he’s always in good spirits, maybe it’s some sort of dream that such a person would be the protagonist. Goemon, Jigen, and Fujiko have some sort of dark past, too. However, Lupin is the one who shines on everything. He is an overwhelming sun.
– Albert is also compared to Lupin in terms of “sun and moon”, isn’t he?
Tsuda Yes. Under the overwhelming sun, even a child like Ami will grow fast. That’s why I find the ending invigorating. It’s probably one of the reasons why the Lupin franchise gets so much support.
– Incidentally, what is your favorite movie or series?
Tsuda In the sense that I remember watching it every year, “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro” is definitely eternal. I also love the second series, with Red Jacket Lupin, whose reruns I would watch when I came home from school.
– Red Jacket Lupin also got a reference in episode 11 (“Get Pablo's Collection”) of PART 5, right?
Tsuda That was so touching. I feel like PART 5 was some sort of compilation of everything that is good.
– I look forward to Albert’s return in the finale and the invigorating ending. Finally, what is your message to all the other fans who love “Lupin III”?
Tsuda “Lupin III” is a show that is supposed to be connected to the future. While it introduces such modern elements in PART 5 and changes with the times, it never loses its aesthetics and remains a broad-minded series that will live on. That’s why I definitely want it to last for a long time. PART 6, 7, and 8... Of course, I want Albert to have an active role, too. I really hope I can help build a relationship that brings out a new side of Lupin that no one ever saw before. And I hope that everyone who bought this package will continue to love “Lupin III” and fully support it. Don’t forget to watch Albert’s expressions over and over! (laughs)
