The main hero suit actor during the Showa "Kamen Rider" series.
Showing posts with label Toei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toei. Show all posts
Monday, June 5, 2017
HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY, TETSUYA NAKAYASHIKI "Mr. Kamen Rider" Was Born on June 5, 1948
お誕生日おめでとう「ミスター仮面ライダー」中屋敷哲也！
The main hero suit actor during the Showa "Kamen Rider" series.
The main hero suit actor during the Showa "Kamen Rider" series.
Friday, May 20, 2016
RAGONE HOSTS "SUPER SENTAI SPECTACULAR" 2!
Shout Factory Marathon Streaming on May 21st
DISCOVER THE SECRET ORIGIN OF THE "POWER RANGERS"!
Dynamic ad for Shout! Facotry TV's new Super Sentai Spectacular!
For our fourth marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be back hosting a three-hour streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER (1993), which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web this Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV — for free!
This new marathon will feature the first seven episodes from one the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers", in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", immediately following, all 50 episodes of DAIRANGER will become available on Shout! Factory TV.
As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of Super Sentai, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the one that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on Sacramento's KMUV-31, San Francisco's KEMO-20 and Honolulu's KIKU-13. So, I'm a real OF (Original Fan).
As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Dairanger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.
So, what's FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER about?
The three Tribes of the Daos Empire — Shura, Dai and Gorma — were peaceful until the Gorma set out to conquer the planet, launching a magical war between the Gorma and Dai Tribes that lasted for 5,000 years. In the end, both civilizations were lost… until now. The evil Gorma have returned. Now, it’s up to Master Kaku to assemble a team of kids with high levels of Qi to become the protectors of the Earth known as the Dairangers!
Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – L-e-e-et’s Tenshin!!!
09:30 am – I-i-i-it’s Qi-Power!!!
10:00 am – Your Souls, Please!
10:25 am – We’re Naïve!
10:55 am – The Jewels Have Come!
11:25 am – Wind, Cut Through!
11:50 am – Traito-o-or!
*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.
Charge up your Aura Changers, prepare to Qi Power Changeover, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, May 21st!
Dynamic ad for Shout! Facotry TV's new Super Sentai Spectacular!
For our fourth marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be back hosting a three-hour streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER (1993), which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web this Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV — for free!
This new marathon will feature the first seven episodes from one the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers", in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", immediately following, all 50 episodes of DAIRANGER will become available on Shout! Factory TV.
As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of Super Sentai, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the one that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on Sacramento's KMUV-31, San Francisco's KEMO-20 and Honolulu's KIKU-13. So, I'm a real OF (Original Fan).
As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Dairanger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.
So, what's FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER about?
The three Tribes of the Daos Empire — Shura, Dai and Gorma — were peaceful until the Gorma set out to conquer the planet, launching a magical war between the Gorma and Dai Tribes that lasted for 5,000 years. In the end, both civilizations were lost… until now. The evil Gorma have returned. Now, it’s up to Master Kaku to assemble a team of kids with high levels of Qi to become the protectors of the Earth known as the Dairangers!
Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – L-e-e-et’s Tenshin!!!
09:30 am – I-i-i-it’s Qi-Power!!!
10:00 am – Your Souls, Please!
10:25 am – We’re Naïve!
10:55 am – The Jewels Have Come!
11:25 am – Wind, Cut Through!
11:50 am – Traito-o-or!
*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.
Charge up your Aura Changers, prepare to Qi Power Changeover, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, May 21st!
Friday, January 22, 2016
RAGONE HOSTS "SUPER SENTAI SPECTACULAR"!
New Marathon Streaming Live on January 23rd
DISCOVER THE ORIGIN OF THE "POWER RANGERS"!
Dynamic poster for Shout! Facotry TV's Super Sentai Spectacular!
For our third marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be hosting a three-hour live streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER (1992) which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV!
This new marathon will feature seven episodes of the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers" franchise, presented in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", all 50 episodes of ZYURANGER will be available on Shout! Factory TV for free streaming.
As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of the franchise, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the first show that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on KMUV-31 (Sacramento), KEMO-20 (San Francisco) and KIKU-13 (Honolulu). So, I'm an OF (Original Fan).
As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Zyuranger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.
So, what's DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER about?
When the sinister witch Bandora is released from her prison after 170 million years, five ancient warriors are woken from suspended animation to once again defend Earth from Bandora and her evil horde. Armed with enchanted weapons and giant mechanical deities known as the Guardian Beasts, it’s up to these warriors to defeat Bandora and her monsters before she can exact revenge upon the Earth for the death of her son.
Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – The Birth
09:30 am – The Revival
10:00 am – Fight in the Land of Despair
10:25 am – Reawaken, Legendary Weapons
10:55 am – Scary Riddles
11:25 am – Arise, Daizyuzin
11:50 am – I Can See! I Can See!
*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.
Grab your Dino Bucklers, fire up the Guardian Beasts, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, January 23rd!
Dynamic poster for Shout! Facotry TV's Super Sentai Spectacular!
For our third marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be hosting a three-hour live streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER (1992) which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV!
This new marathon will feature seven episodes of the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers" franchise, presented in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", all 50 episodes of ZYURANGER will be available on Shout! Factory TV for free streaming.
As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of the franchise, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the first show that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on KMUV-31 (Sacramento), KEMO-20 (San Francisco) and KIKU-13 (Honolulu). So, I'm an OF (Original Fan).
As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Zyuranger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.
So, what's DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER about?
When the sinister witch Bandora is released from her prison after 170 million years, five ancient warriors are woken from suspended animation to once again defend Earth from Bandora and her evil horde. Armed with enchanted weapons and giant mechanical deities known as the Guardian Beasts, it’s up to these warriors to defeat Bandora and her monsters before she can exact revenge upon the Earth for the death of her son.
Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – The Birth
09:30 am – The Revival
10:00 am – Fight in the Land of Despair
10:25 am – Reawaken, Legendary Weapons
10:55 am – Scary Riddles
11:25 am – Arise, Daizyuzin
11:50 am – I Can See! I Can See!
*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.
Grab your Dino Bucklers, fire up the Guardian Beasts, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, January 23rd!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
RIDDLE OF "YONGARY, THE GREAT MONSTER"!
Could Toei Possess Original Korean Elements?
韓国の怪獣映画『大怪獣ヨンガリ』東映の外海配給ポスター !
Toei's international sales poster for the South Korean monster movie.
Conceived during Japan's "Monster Boom" of the mid-'60s, the South Korean production of YONGGARY, THE GIANT MONSTER (promoted as "The Great Monster Yongary") was made by the Seoul-based Keukdong Entertainment Company and directed by Kim Ki-duk in 1967, but also employed veterans of Japan's home-grown kaiju eiga, including key members of the effects staff from Daiei Motion Picture Company's Gamera films to helm the miniature effects, as well as Masao Yagi and the staff of Equis Productions to create the monster.
American International Pictures picked up the film and released it directly to Stateside television in 1969 as YONGARY, MONSTER OF THE DEEP. While it was readily assumed that YONGARY's worldwide distribution was handled by Keukdong, several sources have listed the involvement of Tokyo-based Toei Company Ltd. in connection with the film. While Toei served as an investor and broker on YONGARY, the foreign sales poster (courtesy of Akira Takiguchi) provides some proof that Toei also handled the international distribution.
All things considered, more research should be taken up to unearth as much as possible on the Japanese involvement in this South Korean imitation of the kaiju eiga, as there may be a chance that some of the film's original language elements (woefully incomplete in the Korean Film Archive) may be sleeping deep within some Tokyo film vault... Or did Toei ship everything to American International? Sure, it's not the legendary "bloodier" Japanese version of Hammer's DRACULA (1958), but doesn't YONGARY deserve some love, too?
Postscript: While the film was issued last July on R2 DVD in Japan, it was the English-dubbed version, licensed by Run Corporation through MGM as "Daikaiju Yongari." MGM contacted Toei in 2002, and were told that they had no extant materials for YONGARY. Unless Toei turned all of their materials over to AIP, perhaps they are elsewhere (such as the National Film Archive), if not discarded...
Toei's international sales poster for the South Korean monster movie.
Conceived during Japan's "Monster Boom" of the mid-'60s, the South Korean production of YONGGARY, THE GIANT MONSTER (promoted as "The Great Monster Yongary") was made by the Seoul-based Keukdong Entertainment Company and directed by Kim Ki-duk in 1967, but also employed veterans of Japan's home-grown kaiju eiga, including key members of the effects staff from Daiei Motion Picture Company's Gamera films to helm the miniature effects, as well as Masao Yagi and the staff of Equis Productions to create the monster.
American International Pictures picked up the film and released it directly to Stateside television in 1969 as YONGARY, MONSTER OF THE DEEP. While it was readily assumed that YONGARY's worldwide distribution was handled by Keukdong, several sources have listed the involvement of Tokyo-based Toei Company Ltd. in connection with the film. While Toei served as an investor and broker on YONGARY, the foreign sales poster (courtesy of Akira Takiguchi) provides some proof that Toei also handled the international distribution.
All things considered, more research should be taken up to unearth as much as possible on the Japanese involvement in this South Korean imitation of the kaiju eiga, as there may be a chance that some of the film's original language elements (woefully incomplete in the Korean Film Archive) may be sleeping deep within some Tokyo film vault... Or did Toei ship everything to American International? Sure, it's not the legendary "bloodier" Japanese version of Hammer's DRACULA (1958), but doesn't YONGARY deserve some love, too?
Postscript: While the film was issued last July on R2 DVD in Japan, it was the English-dubbed version, licensed by Run Corporation through MGM as "Daikaiju Yongari." MGM contacted Toei in 2002, and were told that they had no extant materials for YONGARY. Unless Toei turned all of their materials over to AIP, perhaps they are elsewhere (such as the National Film Archive), if not discarded...
Friday, January 16, 2015
FRIEND OR FOE? ENTER "KAMEN RIDER NO. 3"!
Discarded Rider of the '70s Revived for Today
幻の仮面ライダー3号が登場 !
New teaser art for the upcoming film introducing Rider No. 3!
Fans all know Kamen Rider V3 is the third cybernetic hero, created by Riders No. 1 & No. 2 in his own series in 1973, but the initial concept was very much different. Originally, KAMEN RIDER (1971-1973) would continue, with the 100th episode introducing a new Rider: No. 3! The character was to be an android conceived by the Double Riders to help combat the latest enemy organization, Ghost Shocker! Rider No. 3 only appearred in pages of the October 1972 issue of Tanoshii Yochien (Shogakukan Publishing) in the manga story, "No. 3 Rider vs. Black Shogun" (illustrated by Norihiko Ishikawa), where the character was created by Black Shogun to defeat the Double Riders.
Former pro-wrestler Nobuhiko Takada plays the new Black Shogun.
Ultimately, this character was scrapped and KAMEN RIDER V3 was created instead. Now, the discarded hero comes to life in Toei's upcoming feature directed by Takayuki Shibasaki, SUPERHERO WAR GRAND PRIX: KAMEN RIDER NO. 3 (Supahiro Taisen GP: Kamen Rider San-go), opening on March 21, 2015! Noting the broken manacle chains on his wrists, it seems that No. 3 may have the same origin as the '70s manga. While the Kamen Riders have traditionally mounted motorcycles, Rider No. 3 has been granted a car, to tie in with the currently-running series KAMEN RIDER DRIVE (2014) and the "Grand Prix" theme of the film.
Kamen Rider No. 3 production design. Note manacles and chains.
Meanwhile, the design and execution of the costume recalls the re-imagined titular characters featured in the theatrical films KAMEN RIDER: THE FIRST (2005) and KAMEN RIDER: THE NEXT (2007). Any direct tie-in or crossover with the previous pair of stories is unknown at present, but Toei has already produced a number of movies and series in which the "alternate realities" of the Kamen Rider Universes bleed through. Now, Kamen Rider No. 3 comes to life and becomes canon. And in spite of the wildly uneven nature of Toei's seasonal superhero movies, there's no guarantee it will be any better (or worse). Hopefully, if nothing else, the film will be entertaining.
Click to jump to the official website to see the first teaser trailer!
New teaser art for the upcoming film introducing Rider No. 3!
Fans all know Kamen Rider V3 is the third cybernetic hero, created by Riders No. 1 & No. 2 in his own series in 1973, but the initial concept was very much different. Originally, KAMEN RIDER (1971-1973) would continue, with the 100th episode introducing a new Rider: No. 3! The character was to be an android conceived by the Double Riders to help combat the latest enemy organization, Ghost Shocker! Rider No. 3 only appearred in pages of the October 1972 issue of Tanoshii Yochien (Shogakukan Publishing) in the manga story, "No. 3 Rider vs. Black Shogun" (illustrated by Norihiko Ishikawa), where the character was created by Black Shogun to defeat the Double Riders.
Former pro-wrestler Nobuhiko Takada plays the new Black Shogun.
Ultimately, this character was scrapped and KAMEN RIDER V3 was created instead. Now, the discarded hero comes to life in Toei's upcoming feature directed by Takayuki Shibasaki, SUPERHERO WAR GRAND PRIX: KAMEN RIDER NO. 3 (Supahiro Taisen GP: Kamen Rider San-go), opening on March 21, 2015! Noting the broken manacle chains on his wrists, it seems that No. 3 may have the same origin as the '70s manga. While the Kamen Riders have traditionally mounted motorcycles, Rider No. 3 has been granted a car, to tie in with the currently-running series KAMEN RIDER DRIVE (2014) and the "Grand Prix" theme of the film.
Kamen Rider No. 3 production design. Note manacles and chains.
Meanwhile, the design and execution of the costume recalls the re-imagined titular characters featured in the theatrical films KAMEN RIDER: THE FIRST (2005) and KAMEN RIDER: THE NEXT (2007). Any direct tie-in or crossover with the previous pair of stories is unknown at present, but Toei has already produced a number of movies and series in which the "alternate realities" of the Kamen Rider Universes bleed through. Now, Kamen Rider No. 3 comes to life and becomes canon. And in spite of the wildly uneven nature of Toei's seasonal superhero movies, there's no guarantee it will be any better (or worse). Hopefully, if nothing else, the film will be entertaining.
Click to jump to the official website to see the first teaser trailer!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
"KIKAIDER: REBOOT" TEASER & TRAILER ONLINE
Remake of 1972 Series Bows in Japan May 24th!
5.24公開 『キカイダーREBOOT』映像初公開！
Headshot of the all-new, updated Kikaida: your mileage may vary.
UPDATED MARCH 29th: Calling all members of Generation Kikaida! Check out this six-second blink-and-you'll-miss-it teaser trailer for the upcoming KIKAIDER: REBOOT feature film hitting Japanese cinema screens May 24th, below (and check out my report on the film from this past January). Despite the fact that Kadokawa Pictures has teamed up with Toei to bring the character back to life (even casting the original KIKAIDA star, Daisuke Ban, in a supporting role) most of Toei's recent reboots, such as SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE (2012), have been critical and financial failures — universally panned by a majority of fans for looking like made-for-television movies. So, the real question is will this be a hit or another miss for Toei?
The exciting, 90-second trailer was uploaded on March 29th.
The original six-second teaser trailer which broke on March 19th.
Stay tuned for more updates as the information becomes available!
Official KIKAIDER: REBOOT Website
Headshot of the all-new, updated Kikaida: your mileage may vary.
UPDATED MARCH 29th: Calling all members of Generation Kikaida! Check out this six-second blink-and-you'll-miss-it teaser trailer for the upcoming KIKAIDER: REBOOT feature film hitting Japanese cinema screens May 24th, below (and check out my report on the film from this past January). Despite the fact that Kadokawa Pictures has teamed up with Toei to bring the character back to life (even casting the original KIKAIDA star, Daisuke Ban, in a supporting role) most of Toei's recent reboots, such as SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE (2012), have been critical and financial failures — universally panned by a majority of fans for looking like made-for-television movies. So, the real question is will this be a hit or another miss for Toei?
The exciting, 90-second trailer was uploaded on March 29th.
The original six-second teaser trailer which broke on March 19th.
Stay tuned for more updates as the information becomes available!
Official KIKAIDER: REBOOT Website
Friday, March 28, 2014
KIKAIDA KNOWS THE WAY TO SAN JOSE!
Actor Daisuke Ban at Big Wow!: May 17 & 18
キカイダー＝伴大介がサンノゼに登場！5月17・18日 !
Beloved KIKAIDA star Daisuke "Jiro" Ban returns to California!
This spring, Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine brings Kikaida to San Jose's Big Wow! Comic Fest on May 17th & 18th! Actor DAISUKE BAN will be joining Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma and Ultraman suit actor Satoshi Furuya at this year's Famous Monsters Pavilion! Mr. Ban, who played the lead role of "Jiro" in Toei's benchmark 1972 superhero series, KIKAIDA: THE ANDROID OF JUSTICE, will be meeting with fans and signing autographs all weekend! Back in 1975, KIKAIDA captured the imaginations of San Francisco Bay Area kids every Sunday night on KEMO-20 (now KOFY-20) — and we never forgot it!
Medicom backing card art for their Toei Retro Sofubi Collection!
Daisuke Ban also played the lead characters in other Henshin Hero television series for Toei Studios, such as INAZUMAN (1973), NINJA CAPTOR (1976), and BATTLE FEVER J (1979). He also had a recurring role in the RING films and is appearing in the upcoming feature film KIKAIDER: REBOOT (2014)! I will be moderating and hosting the presentations of our Japanese guests (to be announced), as well as signing the new paperback edition of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books) at the San Jose Convention Center! Please come down and welcome Mr. Ban back to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in over ten years — don't miss this event or it will be the Denji End!
Read more about Mr. Ban's career, here!
Stay tuned for more details on the show, guests, and more by checking out their website: Big Wow! Comics Fest!
Beloved KIKAIDA star Daisuke "Jiro" Ban returns to California!
This spring, Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine brings Kikaida to San Jose's Big Wow! Comic Fest on May 17th & 18th! Actor DAISUKE BAN will be joining Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma and Ultraman suit actor Satoshi Furuya at this year's Famous Monsters Pavilion! Mr. Ban, who played the lead role of "Jiro" in Toei's benchmark 1972 superhero series, KIKAIDA: THE ANDROID OF JUSTICE, will be meeting with fans and signing autographs all weekend! Back in 1975, KIKAIDA captured the imaginations of San Francisco Bay Area kids every Sunday night on KEMO-20 (now KOFY-20) — and we never forgot it!
Medicom backing card art for their Toei Retro Sofubi Collection!
Daisuke Ban also played the lead characters in other Henshin Hero television series for Toei Studios, such as INAZUMAN (1973), NINJA CAPTOR (1976), and BATTLE FEVER J (1979). He also had a recurring role in the RING films and is appearing in the upcoming feature film KIKAIDER: REBOOT (2014)! I will be moderating and hosting the presentations of our Japanese guests (to be announced), as well as signing the new paperback edition of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books) at the San Jose Convention Center! Please come down and welcome Mr. Ban back to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in over ten years — don't miss this event or it will be the Denji End!
Read more about Mr. Ban's career, here!
Stay tuned for more details on the show, guests, and more by checking out their website: Big Wow! Comics Fest!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
KIKAIDA: THE ANDROID OF JUSTICE RETURNS
Jiro is Born Again in KIKAIDER: REBOOT!
『キカイダー REBOOT』、40年を経て新作映画で復活！
Teaser image of the new Kikaider! ©Kikaider Production Committee
At a press conference on January 30th at Toei Studios in Tokyo, announcements were made for their 2014 line up, including the return of the 1970s TV series, KIKAIDER (which became a hit in Hawaii under the title "Kikaida"), created by the legendary mangaka Shotaro Ishimori. The final title for this remake was declared to be KIKAIDER: REBOOT.
The English version of Ishimori's original manga is available, here.
The original live action series was broadcast on NET (now TV Asahi) between 1972 and 1973 and was a hit, spawning a spin-off, KIKAIDER 01. The android Kikaider (whose human form is called Jiro), was created by Dr. Komyoji, a world authority on robotics, wages a fierce battle with a secret society led by the mad scientist, Professor Gill. During its initial television broadcast, Ishimori also produced a serialized manga in the pages of Shonen Sunday magazine.
Things to come? Keisuke Matsuoka's novel (Kadokawa, 2013).
Separating Kikaider from the other henshin heroes of the time, was his unusual red and blue/left and right asymmetrical color scheme. Another unique aspect was that within Jiro's mechanical body was an incomplete "Conscience Circuit," which could sway the android to become dangerous through the cataleptic effect of Professor Gill's flute. This image of a hero with a "heart" embedded with a capacity for evil and justice, became extremely popular.
20-year old actor Jingi Irie plays Jiro, the human form of Kikaider.
While the series was a success at the time, along with KAMEN RIDER, the first return of the character was in an animated mini-series based on Ishimori's original manga, but there has yet to be a live action remake of the original series. Until now. Toei producer Shinichiro Shirakura explained, "Not only was the basic premise very difficult [to recreate in a new live action version], but the themes presented by Ishimori Sensei were very deep, and could not be easily produced. This is why, over the years, a number of remakes were rejected during their planning stages. Despite Toei's limited resources, the revival of Ishimori's masterpiece was finally realized through the cooperation of Kadokawa Pictures.
Aimi Satsukawa plays Mitsuko Komyoji, who falls in love with Jiro.
The setting of the new film is a near-future Japan. Kikaider (also known as Jiro) was created by robotics authority Nobuhiko Komyoji for the "Ark Project," an organization central to resolving the problems of building automatons to tackle tasks too dangerous for humans (in the original series, the antagonists were an organization known as "Dark"). After the mysterious death of Komoyoji, his rivals Dr. Kanzaki and Defense Minister Tsubakitani accuse Jiro, who becomes a fugitive challenged by the robotic terrors of the Ark Project. Only Dr. Komyoji's daughter, Mitsuko, believes in him.
Will former Baseball star Kazuhige Nagashima play Dr. Komyoji?
Picking up the mantle from actor Daisuke Ban who originated the role of Jiro, the "ideal son," is Jingi Irie (Werewolf Game). The heroine of the story is Komoyoji's daughter, Mitsuko, who falls in love with Jiro, played by Aimi Satsukawa (Karate-Robo Zaborgar). The supporting cast includes Kazushige Nagashima (The Men of the Yamato), Hirotaro Honda (Gamera: Guardian of the Universe), and Ryuji Harada (Partners). Directed by Ten Shimoyama, who helmed SHINOBI, the screenplay for KIKAIDER: REBOOT was in development for over two years before production began, "In the time it's taken to bring this to the screen, we've done four PRETTY CURE and six KAMEN RIDER films."
KIKAIDER: REBOOT will be open nationwide in Japan on May 24th.
(Sections excerpted from a Cinema Today article by Koichi Irikura)
Teaser image of the new Kikaider! ©Kikaider Production Committee
At a press conference on January 30th at Toei Studios in Tokyo, announcements were made for their 2014 line up, including the return of the 1970s TV series, KIKAIDER (which became a hit in Hawaii under the title "Kikaida"), created by the legendary mangaka Shotaro Ishimori. The final title for this remake was declared to be KIKAIDER: REBOOT.
The English version of Ishimori's original manga is available, here.
The original live action series was broadcast on NET (now TV Asahi) between 1972 and 1973 and was a hit, spawning a spin-off, KIKAIDER 01. The android Kikaider (whose human form is called Jiro), was created by Dr. Komyoji, a world authority on robotics, wages a fierce battle with a secret society led by the mad scientist, Professor Gill. During its initial television broadcast, Ishimori also produced a serialized manga in the pages of Shonen Sunday magazine.
Things to come? Keisuke Matsuoka's novel (Kadokawa, 2013).
Separating Kikaider from the other henshin heroes of the time, was his unusual red and blue/left and right asymmetrical color scheme. Another unique aspect was that within Jiro's mechanical body was an incomplete "Conscience Circuit," which could sway the android to become dangerous through the cataleptic effect of Professor Gill's flute. This image of a hero with a "heart" embedded with a capacity for evil and justice, became extremely popular.
20-year old actor Jingi Irie plays Jiro, the human form of Kikaider.
While the series was a success at the time, along with KAMEN RIDER, the first return of the character was in an animated mini-series based on Ishimori's original manga, but there has yet to be a live action remake of the original series. Until now. Toei producer Shinichiro Shirakura explained, "Not only was the basic premise very difficult [to recreate in a new live action version], but the themes presented by Ishimori Sensei were very deep, and could not be easily produced. This is why, over the years, a number of remakes were rejected during their planning stages. Despite Toei's limited resources, the revival of Ishimori's masterpiece was finally realized through the cooperation of Kadokawa Pictures.
Aimi Satsukawa plays Mitsuko Komyoji, who falls in love with Jiro.
The setting of the new film is a near-future Japan. Kikaider (also known as Jiro) was created by robotics authority Nobuhiko Komyoji for the "Ark Project," an organization central to resolving the problems of building automatons to tackle tasks too dangerous for humans (in the original series, the antagonists were an organization known as "Dark"). After the mysterious death of Komoyoji, his rivals Dr. Kanzaki and Defense Minister Tsubakitani accuse Jiro, who becomes a fugitive challenged by the robotic terrors of the Ark Project. Only Dr. Komyoji's daughter, Mitsuko, believes in him.
Will former Baseball star Kazuhige Nagashima play Dr. Komyoji?
Picking up the mantle from actor Daisuke Ban who originated the role of Jiro, the "ideal son," is Jingi Irie (Werewolf Game). The heroine of the story is Komoyoji's daughter, Mitsuko, who falls in love with Jiro, played by Aimi Satsukawa (Karate-Robo Zaborgar). The supporting cast includes Kazushige Nagashima (The Men of the Yamato), Hirotaro Honda (Gamera: Guardian of the Universe), and Ryuji Harada (Partners). Directed by Ten Shimoyama, who helmed SHINOBI, the screenplay for KIKAIDER: REBOOT was in development for over two years before production began, "In the time it's taken to bring this to the screen, we've done four PRETTY CURE and six KAMEN RIDER films."
KIKAIDER: REBOOT will be open nationwide in Japan on May 24th.
(Sections excerpted from a Cinema Today article by Koichi Irikura)
Thursday, January 23, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHINICHI "SONNY" CHIBA!
Cracking Skulls Since January 23, 1939!
お誕生日おめでとう、千葉真一様!
Publicity shot for WOLFGUY: THE ENRAGED LYCANTHROPE (1975)!
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
Publicity shot for WOLFGUY: THE ENRAGED LYCANTHROPE (1975)!
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
2013 IS 1973: "KAMEN RIDER V3"
February 17, 1973 - February 9, 1974
へ〜んしん、V３ゃ!
Jacket for Toei Video's current DVD release. ©Toei/Ishimori Pro
The second and the highest-rated Kamen Rider series of the 1970s, KAMEN RIDER V3 was especially memorable for its non-stop action, dynamic mutant designs, exciting music score, and a solid cast led by the legendary Hiroshi Miyauchi. A Japanese university student, Shiro Kazami (Miyauchi), vows to avenge the murder of his family by taking on the sinister Destron organization. After being mortally wounded, Shiro is revived as the mighty fighting cyborg, Kamen Rider V3, to take on the ruthless Destron syndicate. An updated Kamen Rider V3 appeared in the feature, KAMEN RIDER: THE NEXT (2007).
OWN IT TODAY: All 52 English-subtitled episodes of KAMEN RIDER V3 are available on DVD from JN Productions/Generation Kikaida in one six-disc box set fully-loaded with special features, and digitally remastered sound and picture. Click here to order your copy of arguably the best Henshin Hero series of the '70s!
Jacket for Toei Video's current DVD release. ©Toei/Ishimori Pro
The second and the highest-rated Kamen Rider series of the 1970s, KAMEN RIDER V3 was especially memorable for its non-stop action, dynamic mutant designs, exciting music score, and a solid cast led by the legendary Hiroshi Miyauchi. A Japanese university student, Shiro Kazami (Miyauchi), vows to avenge the murder of his family by taking on the sinister Destron organization. After being mortally wounded, Shiro is revived as the mighty fighting cyborg, Kamen Rider V3, to take on the ruthless Destron syndicate. An updated Kamen Rider V3 appeared in the feature, KAMEN RIDER: THE NEXT (2007).
OWN IT TODAY: All 52 English-subtitled episodes of KAMEN RIDER V3 are available on DVD from JN Productions/Generation Kikaida in one six-disc box set fully-loaded with special features, and digitally remastered sound and picture. Click here to order your copy of arguably the best Henshin Hero series of the '70s!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHINICHI "SONNY" CHIBA!
Cracking Skulls Since January 23, 1939!
お誕生日おめでとう、千葉真一様!
Late '60s-early '70s portrait of a real mean bastard: Sonny Chiba!
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
Late '60s-early '70s portrait of a real mean bastard: Sonny Chiba!
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT!
Shout! Factory's Complete Series DVD Box Set
Official cover art for Shout! Factory's newest tokusatsu acquisition!
Shout! Factory does it again! Hot on the heels of their recent ULTRA SEVEN release, comes the eagerly-awaited and long overdue home video debut of Toei TV Productions' 1967 tokusatsu series, GIANT ROBO, adapted by American International Television as JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT, on March 26, 2013!
Back in the days when ULTRAMAN and THE SPACE GIANTS were all the rage on syndicated television, JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT struck a special cord with kids. Why? Because it's tells of the adventures of a youngster and his giant robot in their fight to save the world — the ultimate boy's wish-fulfilling fantasy.
And even after 45 years, JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT has not lost any of it's outre, mondo-offbeat style nor it's earnest, tongue-in-cheek charm — accompanied by a swingin' jazz spy soundtrack — which set the stage for the pantheon of Toei Superheroes to come, such as the Kamen Rider and Super Sentai series.
Follow the far-out exploits of Johnny Sokko, a young secret agent with the Unicorn Peace Organization, as he battles the evil forces of the extraterrestrial dictator Emperor Guillotine, and his nefarious Gargoyle Gang! Joining the fight to save the world is an atomic-powered giant flying robot — armed with a fantastic array of super weapons — which only Johnny can command with a special remote-control watch!
Take JAMES BOND, JOHNNY QUEST, and stir in ULTRAMAN, and you get JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT! Created by the makers of GIGANTOR and KAMEN RIDER, all 26 action-packed episodes of outlandish adventure, colorful special effects, wild plots, outrageous villains, and even weirder monsters, Shout! Factory brings back this mind-bending classic in one complete, 4-disc box set — in all it’s uncut and unedited, English-dubbed glory — for only $39.97 MSRP.
As with ULTRA SEVEN, Shout! Factory's release of JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT will include a detailed liner notes booklet on the series written by Yours Truly!
"Giant Robot, use your Megaton Punch!"
Saturday, August 18, 2012
PREVIEW: "SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE"!
Toei Studios Unveils First Full-Length Trailer
映画『宇宙刑事ギャバン THE MOVIE』予告編
As I reported in my August 14th update, SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE: There's a New Sheriff in Town on October 20th, hot on the heels of the success of GOKAIGER VS. GAVAN, which opened this past January, Toei is producing a follow-up feature film to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the "Space Sheriff" series: GAVAN, SHARIVAN, and SHAIDER (which became popular throughout the world, and are still beloved today). This is the first full-length trailer, featuring a decidedly more straight-jawed style, compared to those of the current — and more light-hearted — Super Sentai and Kamen Rider films and television shows. The trailer also reveals the characters, villains, and the return of Gavan's compatriots, Sharivan and Shaider (now played by younger actors). The Osamu Kaneda-directed film will open in Japanese cinemas on October 20th.
"Goodbye tears, hello courage! Space Sheriff Gavan!"
As I reported in my August 14th update, SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE: There's a New Sheriff in Town on October 20th, hot on the heels of the success of GOKAIGER VS. GAVAN, which opened this past January, Toei is producing a follow-up feature film to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the "Space Sheriff" series: GAVAN, SHARIVAN, and SHAIDER (which became popular throughout the world, and are still beloved today). This is the first full-length trailer, featuring a decidedly more straight-jawed style, compared to those of the current — and more light-hearted — Super Sentai and Kamen Rider films and television shows. The trailer also reveals the characters, villains, and the return of Gavan's compatriots, Sharivan and Shaider (now played by younger actors). The Osamu Kaneda-directed film will open in Japanese cinemas on October 20th.
"Goodbye tears, hello courage! Space Sheriff Gavan!"
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
"SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE"
There's a New Sheriff in Town on October 20th!
『宇宙刑事ギャバンTHE MOVIE』にシャリバンとシャイダー参戦決定!
Toei's latest poster featuring Space Sheriffs Sharivan and Shaider!
When it comes to currents in Japanese Superhero productions, I’m usually just a little let down, as I’m far more accustomed to the productions of the ‘60s-’80s, which was — as far as I’m concerned — the best period in the history of the genre, due to the high-level of writing, sheer imagination, unparalleled music, rugged leads, break-neck fight choreography, stupefying stunts, and unbridiled violence. It was a Golden Age. For over a decade, Toei has been trying to revive their “Space Sheriff” franchise (the first of which was simply redressed as KAMEN RIDER RYUKI), and with the upcoming second appearance of the original Gavan, this is a production that just might be worth anticipating.
There's a new Space Sheriff in town: Yuma Ishigaki is Gavan Type-G!
With 2012 heralding the 30th Anniversary of the original SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN, it came as no surprise that Toei Studios announced a new movie featuring the character, especially after his hit return in GOKAIGER VS. GAVAN: THE MOVIE, back in January. In the new film, SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE, Kenji Ohba (Kill Bill Vol. 1) returns to Earth as “Ichijoji Retsu”, to stop a new threat from original nemeses of the Makku Cosmic Crime Syndicate. While on Earth, Retsu will hand over his mantle as “Space Sheriff Gavan” to his young replacement, “Geki Jumonji”, played by Yuma Ishigaki (13 Assassins) — this Gavan II (designated "Type G") features blue eyes, as the original has red. While story of this film has been circulating for several weeks, even bigger news broke just hours ago in Japan: Gavan will be joined by his fellow Space Sheriffs, Sharivan and Shaider, from their respective series — and I've got some of the first detailed information in English, right here — long time fans are sure to be awaiting this new adventure.
With 2012 heralding the 30th Anniversary of the original SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN, it came as no surprise that Toei Studios announced a new movie featuring the character, especially after his hit return in GOKAIGER VS. GAVAN: THE MOVIE, back in January. In the new film, SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE, Kenji Ohba (Kill Bill Vol. 1) returns to Earth as “Ichijoji Retsu”, to stop a new threat from original nemeses of the Makku Cosmic Crime Syndicate. While on Earth, Retsu will hand over his mantle as “Space Sheriff Gavan” to his young replacement, “Geki Jumonji”, played by Yuma Ishigaki (13 Assassins) — this Gavan II (designated "Type G") features blue eyes, as the original has red. While story of this film has been circulating for several weeks, even bigger news broke just hours ago in Japan: Gavan will be joined by his fellow Space Sheriffs, Sharivan and Shaider, from their respective series — and I've got some of the first detailed information in English, right here — long time fans are sure to be awaiting this new adventure.
The inspiration for Robocop: Space Sheriff Gavan!
During the original 1982-85 run of “Metal Hero” series, tokusatsu (visual effects) productions were enjoying renewed popularity in the despite the Anime Boom, and fueling that popularity were the mind-blowing stunt scenes by Sonny Chiba’s Japan Action Club; JAC also being at the height of their fame as well with protégés such as Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai), one of Japan’s biggest stars at the time. Another JAC alumni, Hiroshi Watari (Zebraman) went on to appear as “Den Iga” in the follow-up to GAVAN, SPACE SHERIFF SHARIVAN (1983-84), and appeared in several other series, including DIMENSION WARRIOR: SPEILBAN (1986-87). Hiroshi Tsuburaya (Ultraman Gaia), the grandson of the legendary effects wizard, was cast as “Dai Sawamura”, aka SPACE SHERIFF SHAIDER (1984-85). While the “Metal Hero” genre continued with MONSTER HUNTER: JUSPION (1985-86), the “Space Sheriff” series came to an end. Interestingly, Gavan influenced Rob Bottin’s design of the original ROBOCOP. I kid you not (but that's another story for another time).
Yukari Taki plays the new Gavan's love interest, Itsuki Kawai.
Yukari Taki plays the new Gavan's love interest, Itsuki Kawai.
In this new production, younger actors, complimenting Ishigaki’s new Gavan, will wield the Laser Blades of Sharivan and Shaider. And Toei’s casting seems to be “deliberate”, according to the Japanese website, Cinema Today: Donning Sharivan’s crimson armor as “Kai Hyoga” will be Riki Miura, better known as Go Fukami/Geki Violet in GEKIRANGER (2007-08), while the blue armor of Shaider will be worn by “Shu Karasuma”, played by Hiroaki Iwanaga, who appeared as Akira Date/Kamen Rider Birth in KAMEN RIDER OOO (2010-11). Also joining the cast: Takuya Nagaoka (Brass Knuckle Boys) as "Toya Okuma", Jumonji’s childhood friend. Yukari Taki (Norwegian Wood) plays another childhood friend, and love interest, "Itsuki Kawai", a member of the Space Astrophysics Research and Development organization (SARD).
Ex-AV actress, Honoka, plays Commander Com's Secretary, Elena.
Former AV actress, Honoka (Akibaranger) is playing “Secretary Elena”, while Suzuka Morita (Shinkenger) plays the new Gavan’s partner, “Sherry”. One of the new members of Makku will be the witch, “Kiru”, played by Japan Action Enterprises’ star stunt actress, Sanae Hitomi (Wild 7). Obligatory comic relief will be provided by funnyman, Ijiri Okada (The World Sinks Except Japan) as "Iwamoto", Section Chief of SARD. Surprisingly, one of the roles being reprised from the original GAVAN series will be that of “Commander Kom”, played by Toshiaki Nishizawa — better known to American fans as “Secretary-General Kubota” from GODZILLA VS. GIGAN (1972). While I’m sure that there will be some other familiar faces popping up in this new film, it’s unknown at this time whether Hiroshi Watari will appear — we can only hope — or if they’re will be any tribute to the late Hiroshi Tsuburaya.
Suzuka Morita as the new female Space Sheriff, Sherry!
Helming SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE will be long time stunt actor and stunt choreographer, Osamu Kaneda (KIKAIDA), who began directing with the 1993 series, SPECIAL INVESTIGATION ROBO: JANPERSON. Kaneda has been responsible for all of the recent KAMEN RIDER movies, including KAMEN RIDER X SUPER SENTAI: SUPERHERO WARS (2012). Author and writer, Yuji Kobayashi, whose credits include GARO (2005-06) and ULTRAMAN MOEBIUS (2006-07), is providing the screenplay. Composer Kosuke Yamashita (Linda, Linda, Linda), whose tokusatsu credits include MAGIRANGER (2004-05) and GOKAIGER (2011-12), is penning the score, which will feature signature GAVAN music from the legendary Michiaki “Chumei” Watanabe. Rumor has it that the famed vocalist, Akira Kushida, will be recording a new version of the original theme song — that should be amazing.
Sanae Hitomi of Japan Action Enterprises plays the evil Kiru!
Hiroshi Butsuda (The Men of the Yamato) will be handling the Visual Effects, which bodes well for this production. And last, but not least, action choreography is being supervised by Toshihiro Okura, a former suit actor with a resume a mile long, that not only includes Super Sentai and Kamen Rider credits, but playing Anguirus, Ebirah, and Keizer Ghidorah in GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004). This is Okura's first film as an Action Director. There is also another rumor is brewing that, if successful, this may launch a whole new series of "Space Sheriff" movies and television series. SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE opens in Japanese cinemas nationwide on October 20, 2012 — I’m crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath. To quote the new poster's tagline: "When danger threatens the galaxy, a Space Sheriff shall rise!"
C’mon, Gavan! Don’t let us down!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
JIRO STILL CHANGING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
The 40th Anniversary of KIKAIDA: July 8, 1972
『人造人間キカイダー』放送開始40周年！
Original poster for the KIKAIDA 3D MOVIE! (1972) ©Toei Co., Ltd.
Riding astride his sidecar superbike, Jiro (Daisuke Ban), a young man clad in blue denim, with a guitar slung across his back, swings his arms and transforms into a red and blue combat android known as Kikaida. The yin-yang patterned android, with exposed circuitry flashing under his glass-domed head, smashes through hordes of monstrous automatons in order to save Mitsuko (Jun Mizunoe) and Masaru (Masahiro Kamiya), the children of the scientist who created him, Dr. Komyoji (Hajime Izu).
Kikaida's mission: to reunite Mitsuko and Masaru with their fugitive father, and bring down the sinister secret group known as the "Dark." This underground organization composed of monster androids, is masterminded by the evil Professor Gill (Mitsuo Ando), who plots to take over the world through subversion and violence. Only Kikaida stands in his way. But, like all legendary heroes, Kikaida has a flaw: an incomplete "Conscience Circuit," which keeps him from being the "perfect android" — a flaw that Professor Gill can exploit...
Conceived by the minds of Toei Creative Producer Tohru Hirayama and cartoonist Shotaro Ishimori, JINZONINGEN KIKAIDA (roughly translating as "Android Kikaider") debuted on the Nippon Educational Television network on July 8, 1972. This colorful, exciting and outlandish superhero series was produced by Toei Television Productions on the heels of the ratings successes of KAMEN RIDER (1971), SUPERHUMAN BAROM-1 (1972) and HENSHIN NINJA ARASHI (1972), during the "Henshin Boom" on Japanese television in the early 1970s — which spawned over 60 primetime superhero shows in less than a decade. Out of this wild cacophony, KIKAIDA still stands near the top of the heap today.
To Ishimori, this series gave him the opportunity to explore areas of the cybernetic/artifical superhero, which were rejected for the original KAMEN RIDER series. It also gave the great artist a chance to infuse the story with elements of his favorite story: "Pinocchio." The end result is a series that is a satisfying and more humanistic bookend to KAMEN RIDER. In the background of the series, Dr. Komyoji was kidnapped by Professor Gill, and forced to build legions of Dark Destructoids, before he disappears in a lab explosion, after completing his work on Jiro. His creation, made in the moral image of his deceased son, escapes with Mitsuko and rescues Masaru, and KIKAIDA's story begins in earnest. But, like many other series at this time, most of the episodes are, more or less, formulaic.
The majority of episodes generally follow the same pattern, with the amnestic Dr. Komyoji wandering in search of himself from town to town, with his children in close pursuit — aided by their comedy-relief sidekick, Ace Detective Hanpei (a descendent of the famous Iga ninja, Hanzo Hattori). Meanwhile, Professor Gill hatches another diabolical plot, schemes to recapture Dr. Komyoji, or tries to destroy Kikaida, by unleashing a new Dark Android in order to do his dirty work. Just when it seems that all is lost, the sound of a melancholy guitar announces the entrance of Jiro, who comes to thwart the Dark Destructoids' devious plans. Professor Gill counters by playing his cataleptic flute, which paralyzes Jiro, as his incomplete Conscience Circuit tries to resist the command to cross over to the Dark side. Jiro must resist the evil impulses to make the transformation to Kikaida and emerge victorious.
Interestingly, KIKAIDA changed radically with the introduction of Jiro's "brother," Saburo in Episode 36. Created by Professor Gill's greatest scientists, this knife-weilding, black leather-clad cyborg transformed into Kikaida's greatest foe: Hakaida. Stronger and more powerful than his older brother, Hakaida's "Evil Circuit" was programmed with but one mission: "Destroy Kikaida!" But, no one ever realizes the truth behind Hakaida's supremacy over his fellow Dark Destructoids: his cybernetic body is operated by a living, human brain — Dr. Komyoji's brain! It is in this last story arc of the series where the stories became more grim and less formulaic, as KIKAIDA reached its powerful and emotional crescendo.
While KIKAIDA wasn't allowed the budget to realize the ambitions of Ishimori's Dark Destructoid designs, as was achieved with KAMEN RIDER, KIKAIDA still had as much action, spirit and kinetic energy as its sister series. KIKAIDA also had something more important: a plot full of heart and soul, well-defined characters (whom you cared about), engaging subplots, and an amazing score by Michiaki "Chumei" Watanabe. To those who saw the series growing up, KIKAIDA left a great impression on its viewers and was successful enough to spawn a sequel: KIKAIDA-01 (1973-1974), both of which are still beloved today.
In the mid-'70s, KIKAIDA was aired on Japanese-language stations in Hawaii and California, and created a legion of fans who still love the show. I am Legion. Four decades later, we are still switching on to KIKAIDA!
The entire 43 episodes of KIKAIDA (plus the 3D Movie) are available on DVD, with English Subtitles, from Generation Kikaida!
Original poster for the KIKAIDA 3D MOVIE! (1972) ©Toei Co., Ltd.
Riding astride his sidecar superbike, Jiro (Daisuke Ban), a young man clad in blue denim, with a guitar slung across his back, swings his arms and transforms into a red and blue combat android known as Kikaida. The yin-yang patterned android, with exposed circuitry flashing under his glass-domed head, smashes through hordes of monstrous automatons in order to save Mitsuko (Jun Mizunoe) and Masaru (Masahiro Kamiya), the children of the scientist who created him, Dr. Komyoji (Hajime Izu).
Kikaida's mission: to reunite Mitsuko and Masaru with their fugitive father, and bring down the sinister secret group known as the "Dark." This underground organization composed of monster androids, is masterminded by the evil Professor Gill (Mitsuo Ando), who plots to take over the world through subversion and violence. Only Kikaida stands in his way. But, like all legendary heroes, Kikaida has a flaw: an incomplete "Conscience Circuit," which keeps him from being the "perfect android" — a flaw that Professor Gill can exploit...
Conceived by the minds of Toei Creative Producer Tohru Hirayama and cartoonist Shotaro Ishimori, JINZONINGEN KIKAIDA (roughly translating as "Android Kikaider") debuted on the Nippon Educational Television network on July 8, 1972. This colorful, exciting and outlandish superhero series was produced by Toei Television Productions on the heels of the ratings successes of KAMEN RIDER (1971), SUPERHUMAN BAROM-1 (1972) and HENSHIN NINJA ARASHI (1972), during the "Henshin Boom" on Japanese television in the early 1970s — which spawned over 60 primetime superhero shows in less than a decade. Out of this wild cacophony, KIKAIDA still stands near the top of the heap today.
To Ishimori, this series gave him the opportunity to explore areas of the cybernetic/artifical superhero, which were rejected for the original KAMEN RIDER series. It also gave the great artist a chance to infuse the story with elements of his favorite story: "Pinocchio." The end result is a series that is a satisfying and more humanistic bookend to KAMEN RIDER. In the background of the series, Dr. Komyoji was kidnapped by Professor Gill, and forced to build legions of Dark Destructoids, before he disappears in a lab explosion, after completing his work on Jiro. His creation, made in the moral image of his deceased son, escapes with Mitsuko and rescues Masaru, and KIKAIDA's story begins in earnest. But, like many other series at this time, most of the episodes are, more or less, formulaic.
The majority of episodes generally follow the same pattern, with the amnestic Dr. Komyoji wandering in search of himself from town to town, with his children in close pursuit — aided by their comedy-relief sidekick, Ace Detective Hanpei (a descendent of the famous Iga ninja, Hanzo Hattori). Meanwhile, Professor Gill hatches another diabolical plot, schemes to recapture Dr. Komyoji, or tries to destroy Kikaida, by unleashing a new Dark Android in order to do his dirty work. Just when it seems that all is lost, the sound of a melancholy guitar announces the entrance of Jiro, who comes to thwart the Dark Destructoids' devious plans. Professor Gill counters by playing his cataleptic flute, which paralyzes Jiro, as his incomplete Conscience Circuit tries to resist the command to cross over to the Dark side. Jiro must resist the evil impulses to make the transformation to Kikaida and emerge victorious.
Interestingly, KIKAIDA changed radically with the introduction of Jiro's "brother," Saburo in Episode 36. Created by Professor Gill's greatest scientists, this knife-weilding, black leather-clad cyborg transformed into Kikaida's greatest foe: Hakaida. Stronger and more powerful than his older brother, Hakaida's "Evil Circuit" was programmed with but one mission: "Destroy Kikaida!" But, no one ever realizes the truth behind Hakaida's supremacy over his fellow Dark Destructoids: his cybernetic body is operated by a living, human brain — Dr. Komyoji's brain! It is in this last story arc of the series where the stories became more grim and less formulaic, as KIKAIDA reached its powerful and emotional crescendo.
While KIKAIDA wasn't allowed the budget to realize the ambitions of Ishimori's Dark Destructoid designs, as was achieved with KAMEN RIDER, KIKAIDA still had as much action, spirit and kinetic energy as its sister series. KIKAIDA also had something more important: a plot full of heart and soul, well-defined characters (whom you cared about), engaging subplots, and an amazing score by Michiaki "Chumei" Watanabe. To those who saw the series growing up, KIKAIDA left a great impression on its viewers and was successful enough to spawn a sequel: KIKAIDA-01 (1973-1974), both of which are still beloved today.
In the mid-'70s, KIKAIDA was aired on Japanese-language stations in Hawaii and California, and created a legion of fans who still love the show. I am Legion. Four decades later, we are still switching on to KIKAIDA!
The entire 43 episodes of KIKAIDA (plus the 3D Movie) are available on DVD, with English Subtitles, from Generation Kikaida!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HIDEYO AMAMOTO!
January 2, 1927 - March 23, 2003
お誕生日おめでとう 死神博士、天本英世！
As Miss Oishi's Husband in Kinoshita's TWENTY-FOUR EYES (1954).
As Miss Oishi's Husband in Kinoshita's TWENTY-FOUR EYES (1954).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
"THE HARDEST MEN IN TOWN" BUSTS INTO NYC!
Yakuza Chronicles of Sin, Sex & Violence
THEATER OF LIFE: HISSHAKAKU (1963) ©Toei Co., Ltd.
From March 9th-19th at the Japan Society of New York, the Globus Film Series presents the Japanese gangster movie genre through its various avatars, transformations and contradictions, from 1960s productions featuring chivalrous kimono-clad, sword-wielding gangsters and gamblers to today's ruthless gun-toting villains dealing in debt, hustling hardcore porn and scheming and scamming in dark trades and deeds. Over the past 50 years, they've remained snarling, swaggering, tattooed and inexplicably sexy.
The violent romantic world of the yakuza (the Japanese mafia) steeped in cryptic ritual and customs involving full-body tattoos and missing digits, has long excited the imagination, decades before viewers started existing on a diet of The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire melodrama, and has been one of the mainstays of the Japanese film industry since the 1960s. Harking back to the days when samurai still embodied traditionalist values of honor, selfless duty (giri) and the noble warrior spirit (ninkyo) on the silver screen, the shadowy demimonde of organized crime (which included wandering gamblers and lowly peddlers) rivaled with the noble swordsmen as the representatives of honor and heroism, in the context of a rapidly changing society trying to come to terms with a shameful defeat. In the darkness of movie theaters, they became the very picture of superhuman macho cool and reptilian menace.
In the line-up, there will be blood and broken bones, hookers and hopheads, and plenty of juicy political blackmail… in 15 films that rack up the stiffs like Jacobean tragedies and show grand visions of manly amity and betrayal: classics and lesser known titles by Kinji Fukasaku, Takashi Miike (Dead or Alive), Hideo Gosha (The Wolves), Takeshi Kitano (Outrage), Rokuro Mochizuki (A Yakuza In Love, Onibi: The Fire Within) and Sydney Pollack (The Yakuza), among other offerings you can't refuse.
My personal recommendations for this festival, lays squarely on the shoulders of the pre-1980s films, produced during the prolific Golden Age of Japanese Cinema. These include Hideo Gosha's THE WOLVES (1971), Teruo Ishii's THE WALLS OF ABASHIRI PRISON 3: LONGING FOR HOME (1965), Kiyoshi Saeki's BRUTAL TALES OF CHIVALRY (1965), Tadashi Sawashima's THEATER OF LIFE: HISHAKAKU (1963), Tai Kato's BLOOD OF REVENGE (1965), Kinji Fukasaku's COPS VS. THUGS (1975), Fukasaku's THE YAKUZA PAPERS 3: PROXY WAR (1973), Seijun Suzuki's YOUTH OF THE BEAST (1963) — even Sydney Pollack's THE YAKUZA (1975), which teams up Ken Takakura and Robert Mitchum, is a must-see!
For more information on this film series, showtimes, and how to purchase tickets, please visit the Japan Society's official page at THE HARDEST MEN IN TOWN!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHINICHI "SONNY" CHIBA!
Cracking Skulls Since January 23, 1939!
お誕生日おめでとう、千葉真一様!
Poster for Yukio Noda's YAKUZA COP (Toei, 1970)
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
Poster for Yukio Noda's YAKUZA COP (Toei, 1970)
¡VIVA CHIBA! Read more about his life and career, here!
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