| |
Following the
precedent set forth by the hugely popular police drama “Tokubetsu
Kidou Sousa Tai” (Special Mobile Investigation Squad;
NET, 1961-1977), TV Asahi set forth to create a similar show
but focusing more on the “human” drama surrounding
the usual police procedural elements. Originally drafted as
“Keshicho Tokumei Sousa Ka” (Metropolitan Police
Investigation Unit), the story would revolve around “reality”
based stories with human interest perspectives. It would be
more about the “people” involved in the criminal
cases and investigation rather than the crime itself. At the
time (1970’s) a “police drama” boom was
unfolding. Ishihara Yujiro’s “Taiyo Ni Hoero”
(1972) and TBS’ “G-Men ’75” were the
top detective shows at the time and both focused on “hard
boiled” action in the spirit of American shows such
as “Mannix” and “Kojak”.
“Tokusou” was developed as the ultimate counter
programming to these other shows. The casting of veteran actor
Nitani Hideaki ran opposite to the younger and more rugged
actors selected for “Taiyo Ni Hoero”. During the
course of the series, several unconventional actors were recruited
to join the main cast, including several actors who had primarily
been known only as “Tokusatsu” hero actors.
Even the air time of “Tokusou” (Wednesday at
10 PM) distinguished this series as being a more “mature
drama” and catered more to older audiences and not the
same audiences that would turn into “G-Men ‘75”
or “Taiyo Ni Hoero”.
This was Nakazaka Hideka’s debut as a screenwriter
and he soon became head writer for the series, scripting almost
1/5 of the series episodes. Nakazaka went on to write for
other TV series. Nakazaka also was the screenwriter for the
unique Tokusatsu series “Kaiketsu! Zubat” (Resolved!
Zubat; TV Tokyo, 1977) which aired at around the same time.
Producer Abe Seiji has also produced such Tokusatsu series
as “Dai Sentai Goggle Five” (1982) and “Kamen
Rider Super One” (1981). Abe also did the Planning on
such projects as “The Kage Star” (1976), “Kagaku
Sentai DynaMan” (1983), “Kamen Rider Stronger”
(1975), “Kamen Rider Amazon” (1975) and “Kamen
Rider X”.
Veteran film actor Nitani Hideaki has appeared in a number
of Gangster/Yakuza films including, “Nihon Kyo Kyaku
Den – Hana To Ryu” (Legend Japanese Chivalry –
Flowers and Dragon; Toei, 1969), “Arashi No Yuusha Tachi”
(Heroes of the Storm; Nikkatsu, 1969), “Sakareba Jingi”
(Underworld Humanity and Honor; Nikkatsu, 1970), Gang vs.
Gang – Aka To Kuro No Blues” (Gang vs. Gang –
Red and Black Blues; Toei, 1972) and “Don Matsugoro
No Dai Bo Ken” (The Grand Adventures of Don Matsugoro;
Toho, 1987). He also appeared in such movies as “Hajimete
No Tabi” (First-time Traveler; Toho, 1971), “San-Nin
No Onna – Yoru No Cho” (Tale of Three Women –
Butterflies of the Night; Nikkatsu, 1971), and “Kata
Tsubasa Dake No Tenshi” (The Broken Winged Angel; Herald
Ace, 1986). Tokusatsu and Godzilla fans may also recognize
Nitani in movies such as “Nihon Chimbotsu” (Submersion
of Japan; Toho, 1973) and the TV series “Might Jack”
(Tsuburaya, 1969) where he portrayed Commander Masa Hachiro.
He also appeared in the TBS Comedy/Drama series “Natsu
Ni Kita Musume” (1972). Has the unflattering nickname
of “Dump Guy”.
Popular comedian and Singer, Nishida Toshiyuki is another
familiar face on Japanese TV and film. As a singer he garnered
some respectable hits, one of the biggest being the melancholy
"Moshimo Piano Ga Hiketanara (If I Could Play Piano)".
Nishida’s film credits include "Gakko I"
and "Gakko II" ("A Class To Remember"
and "A Class To Remember II") as well as the very
popular "Tsuri Baka Nisshi" series of films ("A
Fishing Fool's Diary"). Tokusatsu fans may recognize
Nishida as the character of Chohakkai/Pigsy in the fantasy
series “Saiyuki” (Way of the West AKA Monkey;
Nihon TV, 1978).
Nishida suffered a heart attack in 2003 and was hospitalized
for three days.
Veteran actor Otaki Hideji’s long list of credits include
“Noroi No Yakata: Chi O Su Me” (AKA Bloodthirsty
Eyes; Toho, 1971), “Kozure Okami: Meifumando”
(Baby Cart in the Land of Demons; Toho, 1973), “Yami
no karyudo” (Hunter In The Dark; Shochiku, 1979), “Tanpopo”
(1985), and “Marusa No Onna (A Taxing Woman, 1987).
He was recently seen in the moody Sci-Fi hero movie “Casshern”
(2004).
Hongo Kojiro is another veteran actor who has starred in
a number of Judai Geki and Yakuza films including “Daibosatsu
Toge” (Daiei, 1960), “Onna Tobakushi” (Female
Gambler; Daiei, 1967), “Botan Doro” (Tale of Peonies
and Lanterns; Daiei, 1968), “Hiken Yaburi” (Broken
Swords; Daiei, 1969), and “Tokyo Mafia” (Taki
Corporation, 1995). Tokusatsu Fans may recognize Hongo in
a number of Gamera films including “Dai Kaiju Kuuchusen:
Gamera Tai Gaos” (Return of the Giant Monsters; Daiei,
1967), “Gamera Tai Uchu Kaiju Bairasu” (Destroy
All Planets; Daiei, 1968) and Gamera Dai Kaiju Kuuchu Kessen
(Gamera:Guardian of the Universe; Daiei, 1995).
Makoto Naoya has starred in a number of Toei Yakuza films
including “Gendai Yakuza – Chi Zakura San Kyodai”
(Three Brothers of the Blood Cherry Blossoms; Toei, 197),
“Furyo Bancho – Nora Inu Kidotai” (Juvenile
Boss – Stray Dog Riot Squad; Toei, 1972), “Furyo
Bancho – Ichimodaijin” (Juvenile Boss –
The Big Haul; Toei, 1972), “Ban Koku Rock” (Juvenile
Rock; Toei, 1973), “Shin Jingi Naki Tatakai” (New
- Fight Without Honor or Humanity; Toei, 1974), “Jingi
Naki Tatakai – Kanketsu Hen” (Fight Without Honor
or Humanity – The Final Chapter; Toei, 1974), “Ando
Gumi Gaiden – Hitokiri Shatei (The Legend of the Noburo
Ando Group/Gang – Internal Assassination; Toei, 1974),
“Truck Yarou – Gyoken Miyo” (The Wild Trucker
– For Your Viewing Pleasure; Toei, 1975), and “Truck
Yarou – Otoko Ippiki Momojiro” (The Wild Trucker
– A Man By The Name of Momojiro; Toei, 1977). Tokusatsu
Fans may be more familiar with Makoto as Daisuke Misaki AKA
Fireman in “Fireman” (Tsuburaya, 1973) and as
Kaijou Tsuyoshi AKA Aka Ranger in the classic Sentai series
“Himitsu Sentai Go-Ranger” (Toei, 1975).
Araki Shigeru is more familiar to Tokusatsu fans as Jou Shigeru
AKA Kamen Rider Stronger in “Kamen Rider Stronger”
(Toei, 1975) and Tsukimura Kei AKA Bibuyun in “Chojin
Bibuyun” (Superman Bibuyun; Toei, 1976). He also portrayed
TCP (Terrestrial Peaceable Consortium Official Yanase Omi
in the series “Ultraman Tiga” (Tsuburaya, 1996).
Araki has also starred in a few direct-to-video movies such
as “Gekido No 1750 Nichi” (The 1750 Terrible Days;
Toei, 1990), “The Shuryo – Hi No Tama Densetsu”
(The Leader – Legend of the Fire Ball; KSS, 1993), and
“Terrorist Emi” (Line Communications, 2003). Araki
also starred in such TV series as “Oyuki” (TBS),
“Abarenbo Shogun” (The Wild Shogun; TV Asahi,
1983), and “Tokugawa Eiyasu” (NHK).
Yokomitsu Katsuhiko has since left the field of acting entered
Japanese Politics. He served as a Senate Member representing
the Kyushu area and is currently a senior politician with
the Social Democratic Party (SDP) of the Lower House of the
Japanese Parliament (Diet). Yokomitsu also serves as Vice-President
of the SDP and Chairs several National Committees. Yokomitsu
has also starred in the NHK drama series “Chugakusei
Nikki” (Diary of a Junior High Student; NHK, 1972).
Natsu Yusuke has appeared in several movies including “Noraneko
Rock – Wild Jumbo” (Alley Cats – Wild Jumbo;
Nikkatsu, 1970), “Noraneko Rock - Boushou Shudan ‘71”
(Alley Cats – Running Wild ’71), “Truck
Yarou – Goiken Muryo” (Wild Trucker – For
Your Viewing Pleasure; Toei, 1975), “Shin Jyoshu Sasori
701 Go” (New Female Convict Scorpion No. 701; Toei,
1976), “Ame No Meguri Ai” (Interlude In The Rain;
Shochiku, 1977), “Gyakudo No Tsuma Tachi II” (Women
of The Yakuza II; Toei, 1987), “Hana No Furu Gogo”
(Flowers Fall In The Afternoon; Office Kadokawa; 1989), and
“Shuryo E No Michi” (Way To Leadership; Museum,
2001). Tokusatsu Fans best remember Natsu as Hayama Joji AKA
Skyzer, older brother and one half of the Robot Duo “Kyodain”
in “Uchu Tetsujin Kyodain” (Space Ironman Kyodain;
Toei, 1976) Incidentally, Sasaki Takeshi of Kamen Rider fame
played the other half of the duo – Hayama Ryuji/Grandzer.
Sakuragi Kenichi has appeared in such films as “Judo
Ichicokusen” (The Straight Line of Judo; 1970), “Jingi
Naki Tatakai – Kanketsu Hen” (Fight Without Honor
or Humanity – The Final Chapter; Toei, 1974), “Shin
Jingi Naki Tatakai – Kumicho Saigo No Hi” (Fight
Without Honor or Humanity –The Yakuza Boss’ Final
Day, Toei, 1976), “Jingi To Kousou” (Honor and
Resistance; Toei, 1977) and “Hiroshima No Tatakai –
Hadashi No Gen – Part III” (Barefoot Gen –
Part III – Battle In Hiroshima, 1980). Before “Tokusou
Saizensen”, Sakuragi’s most famous role was as
the first “Keiji Kun” (Junior Detective; Toei,
1971).
Watanabe Atsushi has appeared in a number of movies including
“Bakumatsu” (End of Edo Era; Nakamura Pro; 1970),
“San Oku Yen O Tsukamaro” (Go After The Three
Million Yen; Shochiku, 1971), “Tanjou” (Birth;
Toei, 1984), “Burma No Tategoto” (Harp of Burma;
Fuji TV, 1985), and “The Hyper Detective” (Vap,
1996).
Mitsuki Kiyotaka is another Tokusatsu alumni having portrayed
the kid hero Higashi Hikaru AKA “Kousoku Esper”
(Light Speed Esper; Toshiba\Nihon TV, 1967). He also appeared
briefly in “Ultraman Taro” (Tsuburaya, 1973) as
ZAT Member, Nishida Jiro. Mitsuki’s other credits include
“Hana No Tokotai – Ah, Senyuu Yo” (The Flower
Suicide Squad; Nikkatsu, 1970), “Pants No Ana –
Hanagara Hatake De Input” (Panty Hole – Sex In
The Orchard, 1985) and “Manji Mai 2 – Yoen Sanjo
Nureru Emaki” (Dance of the Manji 2 – The Captivating
Trio’ s Wet Scroll; V-Cinema, 1995).
Rugged and Multi-Talented actor Fujioka Hiroshi will always
be known as Hongo Takashi/Kamen Rider Ichi-Go [Number One]
(Kamen Rider – TV Asahi,1971). He was also
Tamura Yoshio in the Toho Action film “Espy” (ESpy
– Toho, 1974). Fujioka’s film credits also include:
“Nippon Chinbotsu” (AKA Submersion of Japan;Toho,
1973), “Yajyu Shin Shubeshi: Fukushu No Mekkaniku”
(Beast Must Die– The Mechanics of Revenge;Toho, 1974),
“Shiroi Kiba” (White Fang; Daiei TV/Nihon TV,
1974), “Tokyo Wan Enjo” (Tokyo Bay Inferno AKA
Conflagration; Toho, 1975), “Ghost Warrior” (AKA
SwordKill; Albert Band Int. Pictures/Empire/Harkham/MGM, 1986),
“In The Line of Duty 3” (D & B Films, 1988),
and “Yamato Takeru” (Toho, 1994).
Fujioka is a SAG (Screen Actors Guild of American) Member.
Has several Martial Arts degrees: Karate (Sho Dan –
First Degree), Judo (San Dan –Third Degree), Bato-Dou
(Japanese Sword Arts – Yon Dan –Forth Degree),
Tou Dou (Japanese Sword Arts – Teacher, Seventh Degree),
Ko Gatana Koshin Dou (Small Sword Arts – Forth Degree),
Yari (Spear Arts – First Degree), Shuriken (Throwing
Star Arts – First Degree) and Ko Ai Do (Japanese Long
Sword Arts – First Degree). Also claims to be an accomplished
equestrian and marksman.
Has released several books on Japanese Bushido and manuals
on his own “Samurai-Do” Martial Arts Teachings
which he promotes through his own website: http://www.samurai-hiroshi.com/
Fujioka sang the opening title song “Let’s Go
Rider Kick” for the original “Kamen Rider”
show for the first few episodes (Eps. 1-13) before Fuji Koichi
(AKA Simon Masatou) took over.
Often performed most of his own stunts on “Kamen Rider”.
Broke his leg during a motorcycle stunt accident. This resulted
in the casting of Sasaki Takeshi as Kamen Rider No. 2, Ichimonji
Hayato to fill in while Fujioka recuperated.
Lent his voice and image for the SEGA Video Fighting Game,
“Shenmue”. He portrayed the character of Iwao
Hazuki.
Fujioka also appeared in a number of hilarious Sega Game
commercials playing the character of “Segata Sanshiro”
a bastardization of the Japanese cinema hero “Sugata
Sanshiro” (samples of these commercials can be viewed
at the following website: http://zanyvg.overclocked.org/segata.html).
Seikya Masumi appeared in the Tsuburaya/Rankin-Bass co-production
“Saigo No Kyoryu/Kyokutei Tanken Sen Pora Bora (The
Polar Explorer Ship – Poler Boarer AKA The Last Dinosaur;
Tsuburaya/Rankin-Bass; 1976).
Early in his long career, gruff veteran Actor Nagato Hiroyuki
had been a child actor. After he graduated from Ritsumeikan
University, he was made a contract player with Nikkatsu studios
where he stared in a number of Imamura Shouhei films, "Nusumareta
Yokujou" (1958), "Hateshinaki Yokubou" (1958),
"Nianchan" (1959) and "Buta To Gunkan"
(1960). He has since been seen in numerous movies and TV series
among which include “Ningen No Shomei” (AKA Proof
of Man; Kadokawa/Toei, 1977) and the recent Miike Takashi
horror-fest “Gokudo Kyofu Dai-Gekijo: Gozu” (Klock
Worx Co., 2003). J-Drama fans may recognize Nagato as the
mysterious Kurayami Shirei AKA Dark Director in the “Sukeban
Deka” TV Series (Juvenile Cop; Toei, 1985-1987).
Godai Takayuki has also starred in the popular detective
series “Seibu Keisatsu” (Western Police; Ishihara
Pro, 1979) where he portrayed detective Kaneko Jin. Godai
has also appeared in such films as “Shiosai” (Toho,
1985) and “Karuizawa Fujin” (Karuizawa Wife; Nikkatsu,
1982). Tokusatsu fans will most recognize Godai as Hibane
Takeshi/Vul-Eagle in the Sentai series “Taiyo Sentai
Sun Vulcan” (Toei, 1981).
Tokusatsu fans will recognize Watanabe Hiroyuki as GUARD/XIG
Commander Ishimuro Akio in “Ultraman Gaia” (Tsuburaya,
1998). Watanabe also appeared in such films as “On The
Road” (Joy Back Film, 1982), “The Samurai”
(Ajaxx, 1986), “Budou Hajinki” (Image Factory
I.M., 1993), “Gamera – Dai Kaijyu Kuchu Kessen”
(Gamera – Guardian of the Universe; Daiei, 1995), “Makai
Tensei” (Evil Reborn; Gaga Communications, 1996), “Gamera
3 – Iris Kakusei (Gamera 3 – Revenge or Iris,
Daiei, 1999), “Godzilla – Mothra – King
Ghidora Dai Kaiju Shoshingeki” (Godzilla-Mothra-King
Ghidora: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack; Toho, 2001), “Oitsumeru”
(The Chase; Toei Video, 1992), and “Codename: Tomoko
– Mottomo Kiken Na Otoko” (Codename: Tomoko –
Lethal Lady; Urban, 2000). |
