Ep. 40: Lupin intercepts a missile carrying Costa Rican diamonds while Inspector Zenigata is mistaken for the stolen suitcase contents.
Aired on July 10, 1978

Lupin and his accomplices successfully steal a suitcase they believe contains valuable diamonds from Costa Rica. However, the contents are revealed to be Inspector Zenigata instead. The actual diamonds are being transported to Puerto Rico inside a missile. Lupin must determine the exact launch time to intercept the shipment. He aims to secure the diamonds and protect his reputation as a master thief. The story follows his efforts to outsmart authorities and retrieve the stolen goods before the missile launches. This high-stakes heist involves quick thinking and precise timing to succeed against formidable odds.
Episodes
- Ep. 36 · Lupin and his gang attempt to decode the treasure hidden within Tsukikage Castle.
- Ep. 37 · Lupin and Goemon search for buried treasures in Mongolia
- Ep. 38 · Lupin faces capture as Fujiko trades his arrest for a clean criminal record.
- Ep. 39 · Lupin infiltrates a Hong Kong smuggling operation involving thousands of chickens and missing diamonds.
- Ep. 40 · Lupin intercepts a missile carrying Costa Rican diamonds while Inspector Zenigata is mistaken for the stolen suitcase contents.
- Ep. 41 · Kaguya tasks Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon with retrieving rare items for a secret potion.
- Ep. 42 · Lupin infiltrates a wealthy shipping magnate's extravagant final voyage disguised as a woman.
- Ep. 43 · Lupin seeks a woman in Hong Kong while evading Zenigata and pursuing Peking Man bones.
- Ep. 44 · Lupin steals a gold statue and Inspector Zenigata during Australia's 50th anniversary transport.