Ganbare Goemon is the name of a longstanding series of video games created by Konami. The series follows the adventures of "The Great Thief of Edo," Ishikawa Goemon. In the setting of a mystical feudal Japan, Goemon lives in a magical world where the myths and folklores of ancient Japan are all very much real. Being a man of the people, Goemon has made it his job in life to protect the people of Japan against all that will do them harm, and the list of would-be villains can circle the block. Over the years, Goemon will gain many allies on his march of justice, most noteworthy of which being his longstanding “partner in crime,” Ebisumaru.

The concept behind Goemon as a video game hero originated from the staff at Konami, who figured players would have an entertaining time interacting with a mystical Japan. For a character to be able to truly "take on Japan," though, he or she would need to be one who sits outside Feudal Japan's social norms. Fortunately, Japanese folklore had a fellow who fit this bill pefectly, Ishikawa Goemon. Best related to Westerners as the "Robin Hood" of the East, the Goemon of lore was a hero of the masses, stealing from the corupt rich and giving to the poor. The wild, yet good and honest, nature of this figure served Konami as the basis for a hero well suited to venture through Japan.

Since his first introduction in 1986, Goemon has been featured in over 20 Konami video game titles. Along with making numerous cameo appearances in other games, Goemon has spurred his own animation series, an animated movie, various comic book series (also known as manga), and numerous assorted merchandise. With such popularity, it is easy to see why Konami has made Goemon its flagship Mascot Character.

Unlike the Rockman video game series, the Goemon series of games has made its name on difference and variety. Game play on Goemon games have included: Exploration, 2D action, 3D action, First person maze, First person Mech battler, Shooter, Puzzle, Button Masher, Quick Time Reaction, Monster Catching and Board Game.