In this Guide we will see everything about the Japanese Heroes from Tokusatsu series. You will learn 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 a movie, series or character of the Tokusatsu genre. In the past, the genre involved any type of film production that made use of a lot of special effects.
But, it is currently more recognized through the superhero movies and series produced in Japan. Always with a lot of special effects, martial arts, super powers, armor, giant robots and much more. Series like Godzilla and Super Sentai are considered Tokusatsu.
Table of Contents
The History of Tokusatsu
Everything started in 1954, when the first production of the genre was produced, 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 subsequent productions followed the popularity of the film and imitated the model of giant monsters, known as Kaijus.
The first real superhero came only in 1958, called Guekkou Kame, which also became a big hit at the time. This work opened the door to other series of heroes such as 1959's 7-Color Mask and 1960's National Kid.
It was after these that the most striking features such as heroes or groups of heroes, weapons, machinery, costumes became Tokusatsu's trademarks. It is believed that all this was a response to the increase in disclosures of foreign heroes such as Superman, Captain America and others in Japanese territory.
The Rise of Ultraman and the Giant Heroes
In 1995, a Japanese director named Eiji Tsuburaya founded his own production company, Tusuburaya Procuctions, and launched his first TV series, Utra Q. In the following year, he created one of the best-known characters of 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 appeared, Ultraseven, which had better effects than its predecessor and a more adult and well-made plot.
But the competitor TOEI, launched in the same year the series Giant Robo, which also became very popular. The first TV series of its kind in color, Masked Ninja Red Shadow, is also produced. This series provoked a revolution in pyrotechnic effects and CG effect, having a high investment. This contributed to the creation of the Kyoday Heroes genre, or Giant Heroes.
But in 1970 Eiji Tsuburaya, creator of Ultraman dies. Becoming a great loss not only for the tokusatsu genre but also for world cinema. However, that same year, another strong name appeared, the talented artist Shotaro Ichinomori. He presented to TOEI his story called Skullman, created and designed by him. But the character of the story was far from the standards of the time, leading to the project not being very well accepted. Therefore, after some changes, the first series of a new genre of tokusatsu, Kamen Rider, appeared.
Kamen Rider and the Supersentais
The new story created by Shotaro told the adventures of a man, half human, half grasshopper, who fought against an evil organization, mounted on his motorcycle. Even with a simple plot, the series worked very well, having a total of 98 episodes for TV, with great audiences.
Shortly after 1973, another series of 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 hit Spectreman from 1971, which still followed the standards of the giant robot genre. In 1972, the series Kaiketsu Lionmaru appeared, another great success, which resulted in two other series created in the same model as the first.
In 1975, TOEI and Shotaro revolutionized the genre again with the release of Himistsu Sentai Goranger, which told the adventures of five colorful warriors. Goranger had 84 episodes and from that series came another genre, Sentai.
The next Sentai series appeared in 1978's Battle Fever J. It grew out of 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 feature became a trademark, and from there, the genre became known as Super Sentai.
Another series was produced by the partnership between Toei and Marvel, this was the Japanese Spider-Man series, called Supaidâ-Man. The reception and performance of the series was not expected, ending this partnership.
Metal Heroes are born
In the 80s, many other series premiered with Ultraman 80, continuing the Ultraman saga. Other super sentais are also produced such as Kamen Rider Super 1 and Tayou Sentai Sulvuncan. But again, TOEI in 1982 started another Tokusatsu genre: the Metal Hero, with the first series Uchuu Keiji Gyaban. Innovations like metallic 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 is 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 appeared 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 series regained fame such as 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 achieving 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 those known in Brazil
Many other successes and subgenres have emerged over time, it is not possible to mention them all. Proof of such popularity is that even today many new series of the genre are being launched and produced. More current 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 Power Rangers series, well known to us, clearly came from super sentai series. But that topic is for another article.
Here are some Tokusatsu that were broadcast in Brazil:
- Lightning Squadron Changeman;
- Giant Warriors Goggle Five;
- Flashman Star Command;
- Defenders of Light Maskman;
- The Incredible Ninja Jiraiya;
- Metaller;
- Patrine;
- Solbrain;
- Kamen Rider Black RX;
- Ultraman;
- Ryukendo - Madan Warriors and many others;
Where to Watch Tokusatsu Online?
Since these series are not common on television nowadays, where can we watch these classics? Fortunately, they are available on various streaming sites in Brazil, mainly on Amazon Prime. You can also watch some of these series on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and others.
Almost all 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 through 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 the episodes on YouTube or make them available illegally on series websites. But I still believe that the best alternative is subscribe to Amazon Prime.
The Best Tokusatsu on Amazon Prime
As mentioned, Amazon Prime was invaded by the Tokusatsu, there are thousands of them available on the Great Prime Video. In fact, Amazon has its own Tokusatsu called Amazon Riders, but unfortunately, it is not yet available in Portuguese.
Tokusatsu Classics on Amazon Prime
Jiraiya: The Incredible Ninja [1988] – Toha Yamashi is a 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 stop 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.
Jiban Steel Police [1989] – Police officer Naoto Tamura sacrificed his life to defeat one of the Biolon organization's monsters, but was reborn as the Steel Policeman Jiban, going on to fight the evil group led by Doctor Jean Marie.
Clip: National Kid Season [1960] – Stronger than current scientific weapons, overcome the impossible, dominate the world of the Fourth Dimension and fight for world peace and justice, the National Kid arises 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 spark 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 – Fourth installment in the Kamen Rider series, it 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 that I will list below are from Super Sentai, that is, a group of heroes usually separated by colors that have abilities and can evolve into giant meka. Hope you like these squads below:
Star Command Flashman – Five children are kidnapped but they are saved by the people of Planet Flash and, for 20 years, they were raised and trained among them. When the group discovers the ruthless leader threatens to invade Earth, Jin, Dan, Go, Sara and Lou team up to stop him, forming the Flashman Star Command.
Changeman Lightning Squadron – Five of the Defenders of Earth army are bathed in Earth Force and each acquire the powers of a densetsu-ju, which is a legendary animal: Dragon, Griffin, Pegasus, Mermaid and Phoenix.
Crunchyroll's Best Tokusatsu
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 2009 movie “Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy”. It is the story of a young Ultra Warrior who, carrying the DNA of an infamous father, struggles to become a hero of justice.
Ultraman X – When the Ultra Flashes of the sun cover the land, Sparkdolls that were hiding 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 Xio Defense Team.
Ultraman Orb - Naomi Yumeno (Miyabi Matsuura) has the same recurring dream since she was little: visions of a giant of light facing a giant monster. Her dreams spark 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.
Netflix's Best Tokusatsu
Netflix is another streaming service that has some Tokusatsu and Japanese series, not to mention countless anime and dramas. Unfortunately, those looking for classic Japanese tokusatsu will be disappointed with Netflix, where we have more anime and movies.
We have some anime of Ultraman and Godzilla, classics and faithful tokusatsu, but it is a different format from the usual fans. You can find other anime that fit the genre or mode of tokusatsu, but that is just it.
On Netflix we don't find so many Japanese tokusatsu, but a lot of American Super Sentai and 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 Wild Force;
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers;
- Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers
Toei Company's Tokusatsu
If you like anime or tokusatsu, you have certainly watched some production from Toei Company. It is considered and treated as one of the pioneers in cinematic and Japanese animation productions. 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 began to showcase their works at this studio. Other famous studios such as 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 copyrighted material and in sales, which turned into bestsellers.
A little 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 at 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 doing well with animated films, which sparked the interest of the Japanese studio.
The first feature-length animation from Toei was in 1958. It was called The Legend of the White Snake, which was inspired by a Chinese legend. The film received positive reviews and praise, and was 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, and these achieved 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 ended up becoming the focus of the company, sidelining even films in production. It was then that in 1968, using monsters from Japanese folklore, the famous anime Gegege no Kitarô. emerged.
The Japanese went crazy with the giant robots from the anime Majinga Z in 1972, which basically founded the Mecha genre. Toei took advantage of the success of Star Wars in 1978 and released films in the "space" genre, such as Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Harlock. The golden age began in 1980, with Dragon Ball, One Piece, Digimon, Goldorak, and Sailor Moon. Many of these have been and continue to be a success internationally. Today, Toei is one of the largest, most famous, and richest companies in the industry, currently producing and generating a lot of revenue.
Works by Toei Company
Throughout its life Toei has produced thousands of tokusatsu, TV series, movies and anime. Nothing better than ending the article by showing a list of some of his works:
The list below has tokustasu series and movies or similar:
- 1958 - Gekko Kamen
- 1959 - Nana Iro Kamen - Toei Company's first tokusatsu
- Yusei Oji
- 1960 - National Kid
- 1961 - Space Pirate Ship
- 1967 - Kamen no Ninja Aka Kage - Toei Company's first colored tokusatsu
- Captain Ultra
- Giant Robo (Giant Robot)
- 1971- Kamen Rider
- I like you! I like you! Mahou Sensei
- Superman Barom 1
- Henshin Ninja Arashi
- Jinzo Ningen 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 (Jiraiya)
- Super Beast Squadron Liveman (Bioman 3)
- Kidou Keiji Jiban (Steel Police Officer Jiban)
- Kousoku Sentai Turboranger
- Bishoujo Kamen Poitrine (Patrine)
- Dino Ranger Squad - (Power Rangers)
- Janperson
- Gosei Sentai Dairanger
- Ninja Sentai Kakuranger
- Choriki Sentai Ohranger
- Choukou Senshi Changerion
- Seijuu Sentai Gingaman
- Tetsuwan Tantei Robotack
- Moero! Robocon
- Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
- Mahou Sentai
