"Fujiko showing some skin is nothing new, but why would this particular
set of figures make the news? Is it simply because a woman designed
them? Doesn't seem too likely; From following dannychoo.com and his
dealings with various figure companies, this doesn't seem like an
unusual occurrence."

Perhaps, but is Banpresto really known for such risque figures? And do women in
the industry have much involvement in the Lupin franchise at all, other than in
the voice acting?

"Now, I'm wondering if Banpresto specifically paid for this piece of
publicity. Is this a sign that Lupin's nostalgic value and subsequent
merchandising potential is waning? What do you guys think?"

I think that the moe killed [more like murdered] the market for merchandise
based on full-grown female characters, and thus extra exposure (no pun intended)
of them is needed to sell more units in general. Plus, you have to take into
account that the Lupin anime has generally strayed from the more explicit
aspects of the manga, and that people's association with it (even in Japan) is
more likely through the former medium than the latter one. [Remember that
Azumanga Fujiko clip linked on youtube a while back...?] So, if you look at it
that way, it might be unusual for an "innocent" character they've grown up with
all these years to dress so provocatively. I find it more interesting that women
in their 30s in Japan like the series, since I thought they were into Jump yaoi
doujinshi. [Or is that the current generation...?] Also, this could be to honor
the series 40th anniversary, not necessarily to boost
sagging toy sales. How many times is Lupin likely to get mentioned outside of tv
ads, unless there's a special occasion, right?