Tokusatsu

This week, I wanted to post about a guilty pleasure of mine, the Japanese film and television genre known as tokusatsu. Tokusatsu has a focus in science fiction or fantasy, and usually involves a good deal of special effects (hence the name literally meaning “special filming.”)

Godzilla, perhaps the most iconic Tokusatsu series

Shotaro Ishinomori has arguably had the most impact on the genre; he is the creator of the famous tokusatsu programs Space Ironmen, Akumaizer 3 and my personal favorite, Kamen Rider. 

Shotaro Ishinomori

Kamen Rider, which literally means Masked Rider, has a basic formula: a masked hero fights against evil monsters to keep the world safe. The original Kamen Rider television show set the standard for the series with its high action and well-developed characters. Additionally, the main hero of the original series, Kamen Rider 1 (known in Japan as Ichigo), set multiple trends for the franchise; Ichigo’s successors all own a motorcycle, transform by using a special belt and by saying the word “Henshin,” and use their own signature Rider Kick to finish off a monster.

Kamen Rider 1 on his motorcycle, the Cyclone

The franchise is divided between two distinct eras; the Showa era and the Heisei era. Showa Rider series were all produced during Ishinomori’s lifetime and are considered more traditional with poorer special effects, while Heisei Rider series are considered to be more modern and edgy with better special effects, and posthumously credit Ishinomori as the creator of each new entry to the series. 

Another difference between the two eras is that Heisei series have the intent to sell toys and other merchandise; in fact, Heisei Rider series first begin production by coming up with the toy designs and then follow by creating characters and writing the story. Furthermore, newer Riders follow a trend of having multiple forms they can assume. For example, Kamen Rider OOO, who receives his powers from ancient medals, can mix and match medals to assume one of an unprecedented 125 forms.

A scan showing Kamen Rider Beast's four known forms

The latest Rider series, is Kamen Rider Wizard, whose titular character fights villains known as Phantoms using magic rings. Wizard is a refreshing entry in the series, as the story is much darker, the fight choreography is greatly improved and the characters are some of the most developed ones in the entire franchise.

The logo for Kamen Rider Wizard

Most people see tokusatsu as a monster movie with bad acting, bad CGI and too many explosions. But to me, watching tokusatsu movies and TV shows is a fun way to unwind, get some laughs, and marvel at some unique costume designs and special effects.