In this Guide, we will see everything about the Japanese Heroes from Tokusatsu series. You will learn about the origin and history of the genre, the main movies, series, and curiosities. We will also recommend where to watch tokusatsu online and which are the best in the genre.
It is likely that you have already watched or know some movie, series, or character from the Tokusatsu genre. In the past, the genre involved any type of film production that made use of many special effects.
But currently, it is more recognized through superhero movies and series produced in Japan. Always with a lot of special effects, martial arts, superpowers, armors, giant robots, and much more. Series like Godzilla and Super Sentai are considered Tokusatsu.
Table of Contents
The History of Tokusatsu
It all started in 1954 when the first production of the genre was made, the film Gojira, known worldwide as Godzilla. The film became one of the biggest successes of the time and a global symbol to this day. The following productions followed the popularity of the film and imitated the model of giant monsters, known as Kaijus.
The first superhero actually came only in 1958, called Guekkou Kame, which also became a great success of the time. This work opened the doors for other hero series like 7-Color Mask from 1959 and National Kid from 1960.
It was after these that the most striking characteristics like heroes or groups of heroes, weaponry, machinery, costumes became trademarks of Tokusatsu. It is believed that all of this was a response to the increase in the promotion of foreign heroes like Superman, Captain America, among others, in Japanese territory.
The Rise of Ultraman and Giant Heroes
In 1995, a Japanese director named Eiji Tsuburaya founded his own production company, Tsuburaya Productions, and launched his first TV series, Ultra Q. And soon the following year, he created one of the most recognized characters in the genre, Ultraman. The series of this character had 39 episodes and ended up becoming a symbol of tokusatsu and Japan. In 1967, another great success emerged, Ultraseven, which featured better effects than its predecessor and a more adult and well-made plot.
But the competitor TOEI launched the series Giant Robo in the same year, which also became very popular. The first color TV series of the genre, Masked Ninja Red Shadow, was also produced. This series sparked a revolution in pyrotechnic effects and CG effects, having a high investment. This contributed to the creation of the Kyoday Heroes genre, or Giant Heroes.
However, in 1970, Eiji Tsuburaya, the creator of Ultraman, died. This was a great loss not only for the tokusatsu genre but also for world cinema. However, in the same year, another heavyweight emerged, the talented designer Shotaro Ichinomori. He presented his story called Skullman to TOEI, created and drawn by him. But the character in the story deviated too much from the standards of the time, leading the project to not be very well received. Thus, after some changes, the first series of a new tokusatsu genre, Kamen Rider, emerged.
Kamen Rider and the Super Sentais
The new story created by Shotaro told the adventures of a man, half human, half grasshopper, who fought against an evil organization, riding his motorcycle. Even with a simple plot, the series worked very well, having a total of 98 episodes for TV, achieving great audiences.
Soon in 1973, another series from the franchise was created, Kamen Rider V3, repeating the success of the previous series. Shotaro also worked on new series like Jinzou Ningen Kikaider and Akumaizer, two other great classics.
It is also worth mentioning the series produced by P-Productions, such as Magma Taishi from 1966 and its biggest success Spectreman from 1971, which still followed the standards of the giant robots genre. In 1972, the series Kaiketsu Lionmaru emerged, another great success, which led to two other series created in the same model as the first.
In 1975, TOEI along with Shotaro revolutionized the genre again with the launch of Himitsu Sentai Goranger, which told the adventures of five colorful warriors. Goranger had 84 episodes, and from this series, another genre emerged, Sentai.
The next Sentai series appeared in 1978, Battle Fever J. This emerged from a partnership between TOEI and Marvel Comics. In Battle Fever J, there was the first appearance of a giant robot that was used to defeat enemies. This characteristic became a trademark, and from then on, the genre became known as Super Sentai.
Another series was produced by the partnership between Toei and Marvel, this was the series of the Japanese Spider-Man, called Supaidâ-Man. The reception and performance of the series were not as expected, leading to the end of that partnership.
The Birth of the Metal Heroes
In the 80s, many other series premiered, including Ultraman 80, continuing the Ultraman saga. Other super sentais were also produced, such as Kamen Rider Super 1 and Taiyou Sentai Sulvuncan. But again, TOEI in 1982 initiated another Tokusatsu genre: Metal Hero, with the first series Uchuu Keiji Gyaban. Innovations such as metal armors, gigantic spaceships, swords, and laser weapons were part of the new characteristics of the metal hero franchise.
The following year, the success Uchuu Keiji Sharivan emerged, and in 1984 it was the turn of Uchuu Keiji Shaider. These were very successful among the audience of the time. Also in 1984, another series from the Kamen Rider franchise called KAMEN RIDER ZX. But taking advantage of the fame of the Metal Heroes, Shotaro launched Seiun Kamen Machineman and Kyodai Ken Bycrossers. In 1986, other super sentai regained fame with Dengeki Sentai Changeman and in 1986, the famous Choushinsei Flashman.
The Metal Hero genre continued strong with the premiere in 1985 of our beloved series KYOJO TOKUSOU JUSPION, or Jaspion. Even not reaching the success expected by TOEI, Jaspion became world-famous, including here in Brazil. Another company in 1988 called Toho Company created the metal hero series Dennou Keysatsu Cybercops.
Tokusatsu Today and the Known Ones in Brazil
Many other successes and subgenres have emerged over time; it is impossible to mention them all. Proof of such popularity is that even today, many new series of the genre are being launched and produced. More recent series like Ultraman Zero, Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, Hurricane Polymar continue the legacy of tokusatsu. It is also worth noting that the series Power Rangers, well known to us, clearly came from the super sentai series. But that topic will be for another article.
Now, here are some Tokusatsu that were broadcast in Brazil:
- Thunder Squad Changeman;
- Giant Warriors Goggle Five;
- Star Command Flashman;
- Defenders of Light Maskman;
- The Incredible Ninja Jiraiya;
- Metalder;
- Patrine;
- Solbrain;
- Kamen Rider Black RX;
- Ultraman;
- Ryukendo – Madan Warriors and many others;
Where to Watch Tokusatsu Online?
As these series are not common on television nowadays, where can we watch these classics? Fortunately, they are available on various streaming sites in Brazil, especially on Amazon Prime. You can also watch some of these series on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and others.
Practically every classic Tokusatsu is available on Amazon Prime. If you want to subscribe to Amazon Prime, use our link by clicking here. In addition to TV shows, you also have a music app, books, and free shipping on Amazon Brazil.
You can also watch Tokusatsu for free on YouTube on the official channel Toie Tokusatsu World Official. Another alternative is the official channel of Sato Company called Tokusatsu TV.
Of course, besides these alternatives, you can simply look for people who upload episodes on YouTube or make them available illegally on series sites. But I still believe that the best alternative is to subscribe to Amazon Prime.
The Best Tokusatsu on Amazon Prime
As mentioned, Amazon Prime has been invaded by Tokusatsu, there are thousands of them available on Grand Prime Video. In fact, Amazon has its own Tokusatsu called Amazon Riders, but unfortunately, it is not yet available in Portuguese.
Classic Tokusatsu on Amazon Prime
Jiraiya: The Incredible Ninja [1988] – Toha Yamashi is the disciple and adopted son of Tetsuzan, representative of the Togakure ninja clan. To defend the location of Pako, a gift from the heavens considered the treasure of the century, Toha must face ninjas from all over the world and prevent them from using this great power for evil.
The Fantastic Jaspion Season [1985] – Jaspion is an orphan raised in the universe by the prophet Edin. When the galactic prophecy announces that the demon Satan Goss intends to conquer all planets, he recruits the boy to face the threat and protect peace in the Milky Way.
Steel Cop Jiban [1989] – Police officer Naoto Tamura sacrificed his life to defeat one of the monsters from the Biolon organization, but was reborn as Steel Cop Jiban, fighting against the evil group led by Doctor Jean Marie.
Clip: National Kid Season [1960] – Stronger than current scientific weapons, surpassing the impossible, dominating the world of the Fourth Dimension and fighting for world peace and justice, National Kid emerges to defend everyone from any threat.
Ultraman Orb Season [2019] – Naomi Yumeno (Miyabi Matsuura) has had the same recurring dream since she was little: visions of a giant of light facing a giant monster. Her dreams awaken an interest in paranormal phenomena, and she starts a website on the subject called “Something Search People” with her friends Jetta Hayami (Naoto Takahashi) and Shin Matsudo (Hiroaki Nerio).
Amazon Riders – The fourth production of the Kamen Rider series focuses on Haruka and Jin: one domesticated, the other wild. The show introduces us to these contrasting Amazon Riders. The mindsets of various characters inevitably draw the viewer deeper into the mystery of this dramatic story.
Super Sentai Tokusatsu on Amazon Prime
The series I will list below are from Super Sentai, that is, a group of heroes usually separated by colors who have abilities and can evolve into giant mechas. I hope you enjoy these squads below:
Star Command Flashman – Five children are kidnapped but are saved by the people of Planet Flash and, for 20 years, were raised and trained among them. When the group discovers that the cruel leader threatens to invade Earth, Jin, Dan, Go, Sara, and Lou unite to stop him, forming the Star Command Flashman.
Thunder Squad Changeman – Five members of the Earth Defenders army are bathed by the Earth Force and each acquires the powers of a densetsu-ju, which is a legendary animal: Dragon, Griffin, Pegasus, Mermaid, and Phoenix.
The Best Tokusatsu on Crunchyroll
On Crunchyroll, you can find some Tokusatsu from the Ultraman series.
Ultraman Geed – Geed is the son of Ultraman Belial, the first evil Ultra Warrior who debuted in the movie “Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy,” from 2009. It is the story of a young Ultra Warrior who, carrying the DNA of an infamous father, fights to become a hero of justice.
Ultraman X – When the Ultra Flashes from the sun cover the earth, Sparkdolls that were hidden underground and in the sea are transformed into monsters. To deal with the sudden emergence of alien invaders, humanity arms itself with super-science machines and creates the defense team Xio.
Ultraman Orb – Naomi Yumeno (Miyabi Matsuura) has had the same recurring dream since she was little: visions of a giant of light facing a giant monster. Her dreams awaken an interest in paranormal phenomena, and she starts a website on the subject called “Something Search People.”
In addition to these, we have Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Nexus, Ultraman the Next – Movie, Ultraman Max Library, and Ultraman Meblus.
The Best Tokusatsu on Netflix
Netflix is another streaming service that has some Tokusatsu and Japanese series, not to mention countless animes and doramas. Unfortunately, those looking for classic Japanese tokusatsu will be disappointed with Netflix, where we have more animes and movies.
We have some animes of Ultraman and Godzilla, classic and faithful tokusatsu, but it is a different format from the usual fans. You can find other animes that fit into the genre or mode of tokusatsu, but that’s about it.
On Netflix, we do not find many Japanese tokusatsu, but many Super Sentai and American Tokusatsu. Those famous Japanese copies made by Americans like the famous Power Rangers. We will list these series below:
- Vr Troopers;
- Beetle Borgs;
- Power Rangers – Ninja Steel;
- Power Rangers – Time Force;
- Power Rangers – Samurai;
- Power Rangers – Super Samurai;
- Power Rangers – Dino Thunder;
- Power Rangers – Megaforce;
- Power Rangers – Ninja Storm;
- Power Rangers – Jungle Fury;
- Power Rangers – Wild Force;
- Power Rangers – Super Mega Force;
- Power Rangers – Mystic Force;
- Power Rangers – Dino Charge;
- Power Rangers – Dino Supercharge;
- Power Rangers – Zeo;
- Power Rangers – Turbo;
- Power Rangers – Rescue;
- Power Rangers – Galaxy;
- Power Rangers – RPM;
- Power Rangers Fierce Morphing;
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers;
- Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers;
The Tokusatsu of Toei Company
If you like animes or tokusatsu, you have certainly watched some production from Toei Company. It is considered and treated as one of the pioneers in film and animation productions in Japan. The studio was founded in 1957. And many of its productions have become popular worldwide. Sailor Moon, One Piece, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, and Kamen Rider are all produced by Toei.
Famous names like Osamu Tezuka, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata started to showcase their works at this studio. Other famous studios like Topcraft, Studio Ghibli, Mushi, and Doga Kobo emerged from the great Toei studio. The Japanese studio was responsible for boosting some genres, such as Kamen Rider, Mecha, and Mahou Shoujo. Soon these works became copyright material and in sales, which became bestsellers.
A Bit of the History and Success of Toei Company
The studio was originally founded in 1948, under the name Japan Animated Films. But nothing produced during that time became popular or successful. In 1956, the company Toei bought the studio and gave it the name we know today. In the beginning, the studio mainly made TV commercials. This boosted the company, and in 1957, Toei built its own studio in Ochanomizu, Tokyo. At that time, Disney was on the rise with animated films, which sparked the interest of the Japanese studio.
The first animated feature film from Toei was in 1958. It was called The Legend of the White Snake, inspired by a Chinese legend. The film received good reviews and praise, being even widely exported. Soon in 1959, another film was produced, Magic Boy, based on the story of a ninja legend from Japan. But even so, Disney was still Toei’s biggest competitor.
In 1963, there was an explosion of imported cartoons, which had considerable success on Japanese TV. Taking advantage of this, Toei produced its first animated series that same year, called Wolf Boy Ken. This anime achieved great success in Japan. Therefore, the production of animations became the focus of the company, even sidelining film production. It was then that in 1968, using monsters from Japanese folklore, the famous anime Gegege no Kitarô.
The Japanese went crazy for the giant robots of the anime Majinga Z in 1972, which basically founded the Mecha genre. Toei, in 1978, took advantage of the success of Star Wars and released films in the “space” genre, such as Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Albator. The golden age began from 1980, with Dragon Ball, One Piece, Digimon, Goldorak, and Sailor Moon. Many of these have made and continue to make international success today. Today Toei is one of the largest, most famous, and richest companies in the industry, producing and profiting greatly.
Works of Toei Company
Throughout its life, Toei has produced thousands of tokusatsu, TV series, movies, and animes. There is no better way to end the article than by showing a list of some of its works:
The list below contains the series and movies of tokusatsu or similar:
- 1958 – Gekko Kamen
- 1959 – Nana Iro Kamen – First tokusatsu from Toei Company
- Yusei Oji
- 1960 – National Kid
- 1961 – Uchuu Kaisoku-sen
- 1967 – Kamen no Ninja Aka Kage – First colored tokusatsu from Toei Company
- Captain Ultra
- Giant Robo (Giant Robot)
- 1971- Kamen Rider
- Suki! Suki! Mahou Sensei
- Chojin Barom 1
- Henshin Ninja Arashi
- Jinzo Ninguen Kikaider
- Kikaider 01
- Robotto Keiji
- Inazuman
- Himitsu Sentai Goranger – First Sentai
- Akumaizer 3
- Uchuu Tetsujin Kyodyne
- The Kagestar
- Ninja Captor
- 1978 – Spiderman
- Battle Fever J – First Super Sentai
- Denshi Sentai Denjiman
- Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan
- Dengeki Sentai Changeman
- Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion (Jaspion)
- Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya (Jiraya)
- Choujuu Sentai Liveman (Bioman 3)
- Kidou Keiji Jiban (Steel Cop Jiban)
- Kousoku Sentai Turboranger
- Bishoujo Kamen Poitrine (Patrine)
- Kyouryuu Sentai Zyuranger – (Power Rangers)
- Janperson
- Gosei Sentai Dairanger
- Ninja Sentai Kakuranger
- Chouriki Sentai Ohranger
- Choukou Senshi Changerion
- Seijuu Sentai Gingaman
- Tetsuwan Tantei Robotack
- Moero! Robocon
- Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
- Mahou Sentai
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