Big news is brewing in the world of Japanese entertainment! According to the Sankei Shimbun and Kyodo news agency, the long-standing tokusatsu series Super Sentai, which ultimately gave rise to the ’90s Power Rangers phenomenon in the West, may be drawing to a close after an incredible 50 years.
Both sources indicate that Toei, the series’ owner, may conclude the franchise with the finale of the currently airing No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger, which kicked off its broadcasts this year. This decision appears to stem from budgetary issues, as merchandise sales and events like movies and live tours have not sufficiently counterbalanced the production costs associated with Super Sentai.
Gozyuger marks the 49th series since the franchise debuted in 1975 with Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. The franchise has aired annually, barring a solitary year in 1978 when Toei’s Spider-Man series stepped in, due to a collaboration with Marvel Comics. This partnership subsequently influenced several other Super Sentai series, including Battle Fever J, Denshi Sentai Denjiman, and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan. While Gozyuger is technically the 50th team, it follows the unique structure of the 2018 series, Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger, which featured rival teams to celebrate the franchise’s major milestone.
Currently, neither Toei nor TV Asahi, the network airing Super Sentai, has commented on these reports. However, there are whispers of a possible soft reboot and rebranding for the franchise, which might allow a Super Sentai-like show to take over after Gozyuger. Typically, new titles for subsequent series emerge through trademark registrations in November, so we might witness a significant shift in branding soon. In an interview earlier this year, series producer Shinichirô Shirakura hinted at the development of a new series.
Shirakura stated, “I think Gozyuger is a program that retells the history of Super Sentai, including redefining the warriors of the past. That’s why the 51st series can’t just be an extension of that. I believe the program itself has to move on to the next stage… and we’re currently in the midst of building it!”
Alongside Kamen Rider, which has been captivating audiences since 1971, Super Sentai stands as a beloved staple of Japanese children’s television. It also serves as a launching pad for young actors eager to break into film and television. Globally, Super Sentai remains intrinsically tied to the Power Rangers franchise, particularly since 1992’s Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger provided the costumes, creatures, and mecha designs that would shape Power Rangers for decades.
However, the relationship between the two franchises may soon evolve. Hasbro, the current owner of Power Rangers, has yet to release any series since Power Rangers Cosmic Fury in 2023. A reboot is on the horizon for Disney+, but its connection to Super Sentai remains uncertain. Conversely, should Super Sentai wrap up with Gozyuger and rebrand, Toei could branch out from the well-known Power Rangers branding and market the series in a broader context, similar to how Kamen Rider began offering U.S. simulcasts of its recent series, Kamen Rider Zeztz, for the first time this year.
What does the future hold for Super Sentai fans? Will the series pivot toward a new identity? Only time will tell, and it’s bound to be an interesting journey.
Why is Super Sentai important to Japanese pop culture? Super Sentai has shaped children’s television for decades, influencing numerous adaptations and creating a legacy that transcends borders.
What impact did Super Sentai have on the Power Rangers? The original Power Rangers series was directly based on Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, using costume designs and footage that formed the backbone of early episodes.
Is there any chance that Super Sentai will continue beyond Gozyuger? Speculation suggests a soft reboot could be in the works, but official confirmation from Toei is still pending.
How have viewers responded to Gozyuger? Initial reactions have been mixed, with some praising its homage to the franchise’s history while others are cautious about potential changes ahead.
Can Kamen Rider and Super Sentai coexist in the modern streaming landscape? Both series have their unique appeal and fanbase, making it likely they will continue to thrive, albeit with possible shifts in content distribution strategies.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story. For more fascinating insights and updates on related topics, continue exploring content on Moyens I/O.