For the first time ever, Japanese entertainment company Toei will be launching its very own YouTube channel featuring all of its original tokusatsu (live-action with special effects) series such as the Super Sentai and Space Sheriff series from the 1960s and 1970s. These will be complete with English subtitles to introduce new fans to the iconic genre. And the best part is that they’re all free!
The channel will launch on 6 April, according to Toei’s recent announcement. Considering the fact that the list of shows is a long one (there are a whopping 70 in total!), Toei will be releasing the first two episodes of every show at launch, followed by later episodes in batches over the next few days and weeks to get new fans up to speed gradually.
Here are the list of shows that will be released over the next few days after the launch of the YouTube channel:
- April 6, 2020: Episodes 1 and 2 of all 70 shows (with English subtitles)
- April 13, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of NATIONAL KID (to be updated on Mondays)
- April 14, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of SUKI SUKI MAJO SENSEI (to be updated on Tuesdays)
- April 15, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of ROBOT 8-CHAN (to be updated on Wednesdays)
- April 16, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of SPACE COP GAVAN (to be updated on Thursdays)
- April 17, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of JASPION (to be updated on Fridays), Episode 3 and 4 of HARD GUMI (to be updated on Fridays)
- April 18, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of MAGICAL GIRL CHUKANA PAIPAI (to be updated on Saturdays), Episode 3 and 4 of WINSPECTOR (to be updated on Saturdays)
- April 19, 2020: Episode 3 and 4 of COMBATTLER V (to be updated on Sundays), Episode 3 and 4 of GORENGER (to be updated on Sundays)
While the full list wasn’t mentioned, we’re hoping that it would include the original Japanese Spider-Man beloved by so many.
Toei’s announcement of its tokusatsu YouTube channel comes not long after its Shout Factory distributor launched the TokuSHOUTsu TV streaming service to let fans catch up on all its iconic Kamen Rider franchise.
The new YouTube channel will no doubt be the definitive way in which fans can appreciate one of the most iconic pieces of Japanese live-action entertainment of the past century. After all, it famously influenced the Power Rangers franchise, which is a Western icon in and of itself.
The tokusatsu genre has certainly seen tons of love in the West in recent years, especially with Ultraman getting a Netflix series, DVD and Blu-ray collections of its original Japanese TV shows, as well as a new Marvel comic book series.
Marion has a serious RPG addiction. Sometimes it bleeds into real life; he forgets to sleep because he thinks he has a Witcher’s body clock. Forgive him in advance if he suddenly blurts out terms such as “Mind Flayer” and “Magic Missile”, because never once does he stop thinking about his next Dungeons & Dragons game.
Yonk
Trinity Sun
Edwin Teo
