Sukeban Deka      (By Jmaruyama)
For more information on this awesome series, please go to Verne Innhel’s comprehensive overview site, which was invaluable in this research: http://www.idollica.com/sukebanintro/SukebanDekaIntro.html

Japanese Title:

Sukeban Deka (Juvenile Cop )

 


Air Dates:

Season 1
4/11/1985 – 10/31/1985; Thursdays, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Season 2
11/7/1985 – 10/23/1986; Thursdays, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Season 3
10/30/1986 -10/29/1987; Thursdays, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

 

Number of Episodes:

Season 1 – 25 Episodes; Season 2 – 42 Episodes; Season 3 – 42 Episodes

 

Broadcast:

Fuji TV

 

Produced by

Toei

 


Series Staff

Series Director(s): Sakamoto Taro, Tanaka Hideo, Oi Toshio, Maejima Morio
Series Screenwriter(s): Sugimura Noboru, Tsuchiya Tokio, Unno Akira, Yamanaka Ichiro, Hashimoto Izo, Toda Hiroshi, Murakami Junki, Kanbe Kazuhiko, Azuma Masayoshi

 


Theme Songs


Season One
“Shiroi Hono” (White Flame)
Song: Moriyukino Jo
Lyrics: Tamaki Koji
Music: Takabe Satoshi
Vocals: Saito Yuki

Season Two
“Sayonara No Memai” (Goodbye’s Dizziness)
Song: Kisugi Etsuko
Lyrics: Kisugi Takao
Music: Hagita Mitsuo
Vocals: Minamino Yoko

“Kanashimi No Monument” (Monument of Sadness)
Song: Kisugi Etsuko
Lyrics: Suzuki Kisaburo
Music: Shinkawa Hiroshi
Vocals: Minamino Yoko

“Kaze No Madorika” (The Wind’s Madrigal)
Song: Yugawa Reiko
Lyrics: Inoe Daisuke
Music: Hagita Mitsuo
Vocals: Minamino Yoko

“Rakuen No Door” - Movie Theme Song
Song: Ogura Megumi
Lyrics: Kisugi Takeo
Music: Hagita Mitsuo
Vocals: Minamino Yoko

Season Three
“Star”
Song: Arakawa Masako
Lyrics: Takakawa Yukihide
Music: Sagisu Shiro
Vocals: Asuka Yui

“Hitomi Ni Storm” (Eye Of The Storm)
Song: Yugawa Reiko
Lyrics: Inoe Daisuke
Music: Shinkawa Hiroshi
Vocals: Asuka Yui

“Believe Again” – Movie Theme Song
Song: Aso Keiko
Lyrics: Nakazaki Hideya
Music: Hagita Mitsuo
Vocals: Asuka Yui

 

Season 1
- Saito Yuki (Asamiya Saki)
- Naka Koji (Jin Kyoichiro)
- Masuda Yasuharu (Nowaki Sanpei)
- Watanabe Chiaki (Yumekoji Miyako)
- Kaneko Mika (Tomiko)
- Hiraizumi Sei (Hanako)
- Shimizu Mayumi (Asamiya Natsu)
- Takahashi Hitomi (Mizuchi Remi)
- Endoh Yasuko (Mizuchi Ayumi)
- Asano Natsumi (Mizuchi Hisami)
- Koyama Shigeru (Mizuchi Gozo)
- Nagato Hiroyuki (Kurayami Shirei AKA Dark Director)

Season 2
- Minamino Yoko (Godai Yoko AKA Saotome Shiori AKA   Asamiya Saki No. 2)
- Yoshizawa Akie (Yajima Yukino)
- Sagara Haruko (Nakamura Kyoko AKA Okyo)
- Kanie Keizou (Nishiwaki)
- Moritsuka Bin (Shiraku Rou)
- Nakajima Naotou (Shiraku Kyoshiro AKA “Kage No Souto”   Shadow Leader])
- Izumi Masako (Godai Michiko)
- Miyauchi Hiroshi (Saotome Shichiro)
- Nagato Hiroyuki (Kurayami Shirei AKA Dark Director)

Season 3
- Asuka Yui (Kazama Yui AKA Asamiya Saki No. 3)
- Onishi Yuka (Kazama Yuka)
- Nakamura Yuma (Kazama Yuma)
- Hagiwara Nagare (Yoda Kazuya/Hanya)
- Hayashi Miho (Sho)
- Sagawa Jiro (Kashinyoshi AKA The Emperor)
- Hotta Shinzou (Kazama Kogenta AKA Mahara)
- Fukuyama Satomi (Leia)
- Yashiki Kaori (Kurayami Shirei AKA Dark Director)


   
 

Asamiya Saki was the ruling Sukeban (Female Gang Leader) of Takanoha Gakuen High School where she caused no end of trouble (got into fights, skipped classes and damaged property). Frustrated, her teachers soon had her arrested and incarcerated in Juvenile Detention. Ironically, her mother Natsu was also incarcerated on death row, charged with the murder of her husband, Asamiya Junya.

Learning of her exploits, Saki was approached by mysterious Kurayami Shirei (Dark Director) with a unique deal. If she would use her skills and talents and work for "The Cabinet" as an undercover juvenile agent, she would be pardoned of all her past crimes. She would also win her mother’s freedom.

Given no real choice, Saki grudgingly accepts the offer, albeit she doesn’t fully trust Kurayami Shirei.

Assigned a handler by the name of Jin Kyoichiro, who would relay her assignments to her and assist her in dire events, Saki would become the first recruit for the government’s "Sukeban Deka Project".

Her only weapon against the various juvenile gangs, Yakuza criminals and government subversives that she was assigned to stop, was a specially designed steel compound “Yo-Yo” which she would use as a throwing and grappling weapon.

Second Season begins a year later and focuses on a totally different girl, the reclusive Godai Yoko. Her tragic childhood began with the loss of her mother (she does not know who her father is). Since childhood, she was forced to wear an “Iron Mask” which made her life in the Kansai region of Japan, a veritable nightmare.

A severely troubled student, she was constantly involved in fights at school and caused no end of trouble for her teachers.

She was soon rescued by Nishiwaki, Assistant Director of the “Sukeban Deka Project”. He released Godai Yoko from her Iron Mask and offered her the opportunity to become the next “Sukeban Deka”. She refuses at first but is given an offer she can’t refuse. Nishiwaki will help her find her father in exchange for her services. In tribute to the first “Sukeban Deka”, Godai would soon be given the alias “Asamiya Saki”.

Armed with Asamiya Saki’s trademark steel “Yo-Yo”, Godai Yoko begins her role as “Sukeban Deka” No. 2 Along the way Godai would meet and recruit two additional agents, the street-wise Osaka born Nakamura Kyoko AKA “Okyo" and the refined Kyoto socialite Yajima Yukino.

Together they would battle an assortment of subversives, youth gangs and costumed criminals.

After the retirement of the Godai Yoko and her teammates, a new threat arose in the form of a self-declared mystical tyrant known only as “The Emperor". Once again Kurayami Shirei needed an agent to assume the role of Asamiya Saki.

This time his search led him to Kazama Yui, a tiny Kyushu country girl who was causing all sorts of mischief in her hometown. Her foster father Taian, a priest at the village temple reveals to Yui that she has been recruited into the “Sukeban Deka” Program and is to go to Tokyo for assignment. He also reveals to her that she is not an orphan but has family there as well. Curious to discover her long lost sisters, Yuma and Yuka, Yui decides to go to Tokyo to meet them.

Along the way, Yui is met up by Kurayami Shirei’s Associate, Leia who is assigned to be her handler.

When Yui arrives in Tokyo and meets up with her sisters, it is not a tearful reunion. Both Yuma and Yuka want nothing to do with her and refuse to accept her.

Kurayami Shirei next sends another agent (Yoda Kazuya AKA Hanya) to reveal to the three girls that they are indeed sister of the Kazama Family and that they all bear the body emblem (Bon-Ji) of their Family Line. He reveals that they are pre-destined to battle the emerging evil of “The Emperor” and his “Kage” (Ninja Army).

Ironically, their main enemies were their father and Yui's twin sister who was abducted as a toddler
and whose psychic powers were nurtured by “The Emperor”.

 

Season 1 - Sukeban Deka (Juvenile Cop)
#1 – “Nazo No Tenko Shojo Saki” (The Mysterious Transfer Student – Saki)
#2 – “Kaete Kita Furyo Shojo Saki” (Return of the Girl Juvenile Saki)
#3 – “Bakuha Ma O Oitsumero” (Chase After The Demolition Demon)
#4 – “Shiroi Hono Ni Jikoku O Mita” (A View Of Hell Through The White Flame)
#5 – “Kuroi Misa Wa Gozen Niji Ni” (Black Mass At 2 A.M.)
#6 – “Idol O Nerau” (After The Idol)
#7 – “Ai To Nikushimi No Archery” (Archery’s Love and Hate)
#8 – “Onna Kosei Model Satsujin Jiken” (Death of A High School Model)
#9 – “Ijime No Ne O Kotowaru” (Stop The Bullying)
#10 – “Nerawareta Attacker” (The Targeted [Volleyball] Attacker)
#11 – “Dai Ni Bu – Akuma No San Shimai Hen -Jyosho” (Second Act – The Sinister Three Sisters Chapter –              Prologue)
#12 – “Saki! Omae Wa Mo Shindeiru” (Saki! You’re Already Dead)
#13 – “Koroshi No Melody O Hiku” (Play The Melody Of Death)
#14 – “Chi Nurareta Kenban” (The Bloody Piano Keyboard)
#15 – “Saki! Wana Ni Hamaru” (Saki! Caught In A Trap)
#16 – “Ketshi No Datshu! Kyofu No Jikogu Sho” (Daring Escape! The Deadly Hell’s Castle)
#17 – “Takanoha Gakuen Wa Moette Iru Ka” (Is Takanoha Academy Burning?) *Takanoha = Eagle’s Feather
#18 – “Toujyo! Mo Hitori No Tokumei Keiji” (Introducing Another Elite Detective)
#19 – “Abakareta Saki Shushou No Himitsu” (Saki’s Birth Secret Revealed)
#20 – “Nowareta Chi Chi To Musume” (The Cursed Father and Daughter)
#21 – “Tosan O Koroshita No Wa Omae Da!” (You’re The One Who Killed My Father)
#22 – “Jikoku In Ochiro! Akuma No Ichizoku (Go To Hell! Family of Evil)
#23 – “Osorubeki Shi No Bakudan Ningyo” (The Fearsome Exploding Doll)
#24 – “Akuma No San Shimai Hen – Saishukai – Saki Yo Eien Ni” (The Sinister Three Sisters Chapter – Final Chapter             – For Forever Saki)
#25 - “Bangai Hen – Sayonara Saito Yuki” (Compilation Special - Farewell Saito Yuki)

Season 2: Sukeban Deka 2 – Shojyo Takkamen Densetsu (Juvenile Cop: 2 – Legend of The Female Iron Mask)

#1 –“Toujou! Nazo No Sukeban Tekkamen” (Enter The Mysterious Juvenile ‘Iron Mask’)
#2 – “Kung Fu Gakuen O Haaku” (Smash The Kung Fu Academy)
#3 – “Sanjou! Be-Dama No Okyo” (Introducing – ‘Marbles’ Okyo)
#4 – “Tatakae No Kane Wa Jyuniji Ni Naru” (The Fight Begins At The Strike of Twelve)
#5 – “Shiyosai Draft Kaigi O Tsubuse” (Disrupt The Prodigy Recruitment Draft)
#6 – “Naze ? No Arashi! Tekkamen No Nazo” (Pandemonium! Secret of The ‘Iron Mask’)
#7 – “Ni Dai Me No Saki Wa Christian?” (The Second ‘Saki’ Is A Christian?)
#8 – “Oniyan Ko Vs. Nazo No DJ” (The Oniyan Ko Club Vs. The Mysterious DJ)
#9 – “Oniyan Ko Club Zenen Shugou” (Oniyan Ko Club Members United)
#10 – “Yukino, Namida No Shunai Monogatari” (Yukino, Tears of A True Romance)
#11 – “Veil O Nuida Kage No Soutou” (The Shadow Leader Is Unveiled)
#12 – “Be-Dama Okyo No Koumori Uta (‘Marbles’ Okyo’s Lullaby)
#13 – “Shiragane No Kettou! Ski Jyo Wa Dai Panic” (White Battle! Panic At The Ski Resort)
#14 – “Ayaushi Saki! Kyofu No Shikaku Shichinin Shu” (Saki In Danger! The Terrifying Seven Assassins)
#15 – “Yukino Sushou! Saki Ikkari No Gyakushu” (Yukino Is Injured! An Angry Saki’s Revenge)
#16 – “Kanashimi No Dangan! Saki Utareru” (Bullet Of Sorrow! Saki Is Shot)
#17 – “Mei Sou! Ansatsu Car! Kage No Shoutou O Kesu” (Alarming! The Killer Car! Eliminate The Shadow Leader)
#18 – “Saki, Danshi Ko Niyugaku? Tsupari High School” (Saki Enters An All Boy’s School? Crazy High School)
#19 – “Kai Be No Kettou! Saki Tai Surfer Gundan” (Battle On The Shore – Saki Vs. The Surfer Army)
#20 – “Ai To Kanashime No Be-Dama Shobu” (A Marble Battle of Love and Sadness)
#21 – “Onyan Ko Club Kiki Ippatsu” (The Onyan Ko Club Is In Danger)
#22 – “ Ah! Kairiki Saki No Hana No Ouen Dancho” (Oh No! Saki’s Cheerleader Flower Power)
#23 – “Saki Inochi Desu! Tsupari Conbi No Dai Netsuai” (Saki’s My Life! The Crazy Duo’s Grand Love Obsession)
#24 – “Giwaku No Saki! Omae Wa Hito O Koroshita Ka” (Saki Under Suspicion? Did You Kill A Man)
#25 – “Kyofu Kara Datshu! Saki Wa Nido Shine” (Escape From Fear! Saki Dies Again)
#26 – “Okyo Tai Okyo!? Yami Ni Shupatsu – Nazo No Kamen Onna” (Okyo Vs. Okyo! Enter The Darkness – The             Mysterious Masked Woman)
#27 – “Yukino Fukkatsu! Kuraku Narumade Matenai” (Yukino Reborn! I Can’t Wait Until The Dark)
#28 – “Tado Saki! Jyoshi Chugaku Sei Tsupari Gumi” (Saki Is Defeated! The Crazy Junior High Girl Gang)
#29 – “Sukeban Deka II – Tokubetsu Hen – Tatakai No Hinichi Ni Ai O Mita” (Juvenile Detective II – Special – On              The Eve of Battle I Saw Love)
#30 – “Dai Ni Bu Gekitou Hen! Kaete Kita Kage No Shoutou” (Act 2 – Shocking Chapter! Return of The Shadow             Leader)
#31 – “Saki Shushin! Hiko O Tsukareru” (Saki Passes Out! The Weak Spot Is Exposed)
#32 – “Keshi No Tattakai! Urahiko O Tsuke” (Battle To The Death! Hit Urahiko)
#33 – “Henshin! Saiaku No Shojyo Saki” (Change! The Sinister Saki)
#34 – “Kiba Shojyo Saki! – Yukino, Kyoko O Osou” (The Fanged Saki –Yukino and Kyoko Attacked)
#35 – “Kyo Akasareru! Osorubeki Tekkamen No Himitsu” (Revealed! The Secret of the Iron Mask)
#36 – “Ubawareta Tekkamen! Saki Ni Ashita Aruka” (The Iron Mask Is Stolen! Will There Be A Tomorrow For Saki)
#37 – “Kuro Bara Yakata No Otoko – Chi Chi Ue Ga Ikite Ita!?” (The Man From Black Rose Castle – Father Is Still              Alive?)
#38 – “Ubawareta Saki To Shoutou No Shusei No Himitsu” (Saki Is Kidnapped And Secret Of The Shadow Leader’s             Origin)
#39 – “Ten To Chi Ga Nariau Toki – Tekkamen Ga Ugoki Dasu” (When Heaven & Earth Meet – Iron Mask Is On The             Move)
#40 – “Kanashimi No Saki – Soutou, Ai No Tame Ni Korosu” (Saki Is Devastated – In The Name of Love I Kill The             Shadow Leader)
#41 – “Souretsu! Saki, Ukino, OKyo Saigo No Tatakai” (Heroic! Saki, Ukino and Okyo’s Final Battle)
#42 – “Shojyo Tekkamen Densetsu – Kan – Saraba Nidai Me Saki” (Legend of The Female Iron Mask – Final Chapter              – Farewell Saki No. 2)

Season 3: Sukeban Deka 3 – Shoujyo Ninpochou Denki (Juvenile Cop 3 – Romance of The Ninja Girls)

#1 – “Tojou! Nazo No San Shimai” (Enter! The Three Mysterious Sisters)
#2 – “Shinobi No Chi Koso Shimai No Akashi Da” (Proof of The Three Sister’s Ninja Heritage)
#3 – “Ugoki Hajime Ta Kage! San Dai Me No Ichiban Tegara” (The Shadow Starts To Move! No. 3’s First Victory)
#4 – “Kettou! Yui Vs. Yuma – Wachiwa Yowamushi Ja Naka” (Decisive Battle! Yui Vs. Yuma – I’m No Weakling)
#5 – “Uchiyabure! Ma No Kenbou Satsuho” (Big Hit! The Evil Boy’s Killer Instinct)
#6 – “Suzu No Oto Wa Jikoku No Shisha Ka!? (The Bell Signals Armageddon?)
#7 – “Mizu No Naka Ni Mae! Sailor Fuku No Shitou (Water Battle! Struggle Of The Sailor Uniforms)
#8 – “Hono No Shugyo! Kore Ga Kyuko No Yo-Yo Waza Ja” (Training Amid Flames! This Is The Ultimate Yo-Yo            Special Attack)
#9 – “Nerawareta Hiden Okugi! Commando Vs. Yui” (After The Secret Mystery! Commando Vs. Yui)
#10 – “Yo-Yo To Kuchibeni – San Dai Me No Hatsukoi” (Yo-Yo & Lipstick – No. 3’s First Love)
#11 – “Tsuchi Gumo Ichizoku No Tou – Tsuchi Oni Kenzai” (Head Of The Spider Family – Enter Tsuchi Oni)
#12 – “Akasareta Kazama Ichizoku No Shukumei” (The Fate of the Kazama Family Is Revealed)
#13 – “Ugoki Dashita Dai Majin, Fudoh!” (The Great Demon Fudoh Is On The Move)
#14 – “Chouaku No Yuka – San Shimai Taiketsu No Hi” (Sinister Yuka – Showdown With The Three Sisters)
#15 – “Hitomi Wa Wasurenai! Skate Rink No Shitou” (The Eyes Do Not Forget – Death Battle On The Skate Rink)
#16 – “Lilianne Bou Ayaushi! Yuma No Ichiban Nagai Hi” (Strike At The Lilianne Group! Yuma’s Longest Day)
#17 – “Shikakerareta Shi No Wana – Yui No Abunai Kyujitsu” (Death Trap – Yui’s Dangerous Vacation)
#18 – “Kage No Karate Kid – San Shimai Saidai No Pinch” (Kage’s Karate Kid – The Three Sisters’ Big Trouble”
#19 – “Taiketsu No Hioushi! Kage No Hime – Shou O Ou! (The Day of Reckoning Approaches! Shou Pursues The             Shadow Princess)
#20 – “Yui, Zetkyo! Leia Souretsu No Hi” (Yui Screams! Leia’s Heroic Sacrifice)
#21 – “San Shima Shikaku! Yui Ga Yo-Yo O Kaesu Hi” (The Three Sisters Disband! Yui Relinquishes Her Yo-Yo)
#22 – “San Shimai No Mirai Wa Shi!? Nazou No Onna Uranaishi Toujou” (The Three Sisters’ Future Demise!? Enter             The Mysterious Fortune Teller)
#23 – “Wedding March Wa Yami No Shirabe – Sando Me No Kekkon!?” (The Wedding March Announces The              Darkness – No. 3’s Wedding)
#24 – “Wachi Wa Sandou Me O Taosu! Mohitori No Saki O Tojou Su” (I Will Defeat No. 3! Another ‘Saki’ Makes              Her Appearance)
#25 – “Tachitsukusu San Shimai! Ikiteita Chi Chi!?” (Stand Firm Three Sisters! Father Is Still Alive!?)
#26 – “Nagerou Yui! Gyakuten No Shin Hissatsu Yo-Yo” (Throw It Yui! The New Killer Yo-Yo)
#27 – “Uragirimono Yoda! Sono Hitou Wa Onna Kiyoshi” (The Treacherous Yoda! She Is A Female Teacher)
#28 – “Koukan Satsujin! Nerawareta Yuma!” (The Murderous Exchange! Yuma Is Targeted)
#29 – “Chisanna Satsujinsha – Yui Akira Ni Korosu” (The Littlest Killer – I Will Kill You Yui)
#30 – “Dai Ichibu Kanketsu – Yui Vs. Shou – Unmei No Tatakae” (Act One – Conclusion – Yui Vs. Shou – Battle of             Destiny)
#31 – “Tokubetsu Hen – Shukumei No Sanshimai – Seishun No Hikari To Kage” (Special Chapter – The Three Sisters             of Destiny – The Light and Shadow of My Youth)
#32 – “Arawareta Densetsu No Satsujin Machine – Mahara” (The Legendary Killer Machine – Mahara)
#33 – “Hikisakareta Sanshimai – Yui Wa Imotou Ja Nai” (The Three Sisters Are No More – Yui Is Not My Sister)
#34 – “Shitou No Hatte! Ima Unmei No Hashi O Wataru” (The Struggle Is Over! Crossing Destiny’s Bridge)
#35 – “Kagami No Kuni No Yui” (Yui In The Land Of Mirrors)
#36 – “Izu No Hitou Ni Kakusareta Himitsu” (The Secret That Is Hidden Within The Hot Springs of Izu)
#37 – “Isoge Yui! Akuma No Sumu Mori No Gekitou” (Run Yui! Battle In The Forest Of Demons)
#38 – “Yamete Yui! Otousan O Korosenaide” (Stop It Yui! Don’t Kill Father)
#39 – “Nagai Owakare – Mohitori No Yui No Shi” (The Long Goodbye – The Death Of The Other ‘Yui’”
#40 – “Dai Kozui! Fuma Saikyo Saigou No Jutsu” (Big Flood! Fuma’s Greatest and Final Attack)
#41 – “Yuka – Fuma No Saigo” (Yuka – Fuma’s Final Days)
#42 – “Asamiya Saki Yo Eien Ni – Yomigaere! Kiseki No Yo-Yo” (Be Forever Asamiya Saki – Reborn! The Marvelous             Yo-Yo)

 

Asamiya Saki
The original Asamiya Saki was once a ruling “Female Gang Leader” or Sukeban of her High School (Takanoha Gakuen). Tiring of her disobedience, her teachers had her committed to a Juvenile Detention Center for her actions. The mysterious Government Official known only as Kurayami Shirei (Dark Director) gave Saki one last chance for freedom. If she would agree to join his “Sukeban Deka” Project, she would not only win her freedom but also the freedom of her mother who was on Death Row. It was an offer she couldn't refuse.

After the apparent death of Asamiya Saki, two other girls assumed the “Asamiya Saki” alias. Both girls had no physical ties with the first Asamiya Saki and in fact were from completely different backgrounds.

What they all shared however was that they were juvenile delinquents who had troubled pasts.

Only Godai Yoko (No. 2) and Kazama Yui (No. 3) have met each other on assignment.

Akin to the series “Sailor Moon”, all three “Saki’s” used the same catch phrase when confronting their opponents:

“Omaera, Yurusansezore!” (You Won’t Be Forgiven!)



   

Secrets of The “Yo-Yo” Sisterhood (Spoilers)
One of Asamiya Saki’s most formidable opponents during the first season were the Mizuchi Sisters (Remi, Ayumi and Hisami). Not only were they spoiled rich, but they also commanded a great criminal network and were also Saki’s equals in combat.

It is later revealed that Saki’s mother did not kill her father at all but was framed by her employer Mizuchi Gozo, father of the three Mizuchi Sisters. In fact Mizuchi Gozo was the one who arranged for the death of Asamiya Junya. Asamiy Junya had learned about Mizuchi Gozo’s illegal business activities and was threatening to go to the press with this. After having Asamiya Junya killed, Gozo went one step further and raped Asamiya Natsu. The resulting rape resulted in the birth of Saki. Saki was the illegitimate daughter of Gozo.

The Mizuchi Clan’s crimes were later exposed by Saki. Tarnished and publicly shamed Gozo cowardly commits suicide. Sisters Ayumi and Hisami are arrested. Faking her suicide, elder sister Remi escapes however and plots her revenge against Saki.

Saki’s mother is freed from prison and Kurayami Shirei reveals himself to be one of the Judges at Saki’s Mother’s Trial (the only one who believed in her innocence).

In the final episode, Remi kidnaps one of Saki’s friends and hold him hostage. Remi wants to fight Saki one last time. Fearing a trap Saki’s handler Jin goes in her place to rescue the friend. Jin is fatally shot in his attempt and Saki faces off with Remi.

In the ensuing battle, Remi’s factory hideout explodes in a fiery inferno. Remi is consumed in the resultant explosion. Saki never emerges from the rubble and is presumed dead as well but her friends hope otherwise and wait for the time she returns back to their school.

Godai Yoko is revealed to be Saotome Shiori, daughter of the famed archeologist Saotome Shichiro. Saotome Shichiro had discovered the location of the “Treasure of Kinura” which consisted of a fabled “Sake Cup” which can grant its holder immortality (i.e. The Holy Grail).

A sinister and ancient tyrant know as the “Old Man From Kamakura” AKA Shiraku Rou has been searching for its location for ages. Rou had wanted to obtain the “Grail” so as to grant himself immortality. He sends one of his agents Godai Michiko to retrieve its location from Saotome Shiori.

Godai Michiko eventually falls in love with the man she was sent to deceive and kill. They eventually marry and produce a daughter, Shiori.

Godai Michiko, fearful that Shiraku Rou would kill all those who knew the secret of the “Grail”, she hides its location in an Iron Mask (Tekkamen).

Nishiwaki reveals that he was a faithful servant and protector of the Saotome Family (he was also in love with Michiko) and it was he who placed the “Tekkamen” on Godai Yoko when she was child on instruction from Saotome Shichiro so that she could protect the secret.

Shiraku Rou send one of his agents “Kage No Soutou” (Shadow Leader) to form an organization comprised of Juvenile Gangmembers called the “Seirokai” to seek out and find the “Grail”.

The mysterious Seirokai Leader “Kage No Soutou” is revealed to be Shiraku Kyoshiro, illegitimate son of Godai Michiko and brother to Godai Yoko.

He later dies while trying to save Godai Yoko from assassins sent by his father.

The musical pendant that he wears is identical to one that Godai Yoko received from her mother. When combined they are the “key” which unlocks the secret of the location of the “Grail” hidden in the Tekkamen.

In Season Two’s final episode Shiraku Rou obtains the “Grail” and is close to obtaining immortality. His troops have defeated the three Sukebans and Nishiwaki and all seems lost.

Just as Shiraku Rou is about to drink from the “Grail”, Godai Yoko places one last well positioned “Yo-Yo” shot and shatters the cup. Shiraku Rou is then shot dead by Kurayami Shirei. Godai Yoko has won and the three girls retire back into society.

The Kazama Sisters (Yui, Yuma and Yuma) all bear the mark or the “Bon-Ji” Clan of the Kazama Family. They were pre-destined to be the protectors of the Family and that they had an obligation to battle evil. Legend told of a “red star” that would appear in the skies when it came time for them to serve the call.

The Emperor believed his destiny was to rule the world. He formed the Kage (Shadow Ninja) forces as a means to battle all those who opposed him, especially the Kazama Sisters. He even turns Yui's own twin sister against her. He is told to have great mystical and supernatural powers.

Kazama Kogenta is Yuka and Yuma's father. He was abducted while walking through the forest. The Emperor and his “Kage” Army manipulated his mind and turned him into dark warrior "Mahara." He was then returned to the Kazama home where he acted as a spy for the Emperor.

Yui discovers that she is the twin Sister of Sho, an underling of the Emperor. Sho was abduced from her mother by the Emperor when she was a baby and kept eternally young in order to keep her powers at their highest level. She is guarded by two personal bodyguards (Otohi and Miyozu).



    

Weaponry
All three used the same type of weapon - A steel-compound “Yo-Yo”. This specially designed “Yo-Yo” was made of a unique steel alloy. The “Yo-Yo” was mainly used as a throwing weapon and could be flung with great accuracy by all three girls. Being extremely heavy and solid, the “Yo-Yo” can strike with great impact (it has been known to knock out opponents with one hit). The “Yo-Yo” string was composed of a linked chain that could also be used to bind, ensnare and subdue her opponents.

The face of the “Yo-Yo” can be opened to reveal the “Sakura No Diamon”, the emblem of the Japanese Police Force. This was Asamiya Saki’s calling card when arresting her suspects.

Various other specialized “Yo-Yo”s were also used by the girls in some of their missions.

Godai Yoko (No. 2) utilized a more powerful “Yo-Yo” when she went up against a “bionic” despot who was immune to the impact of her standard “Yo-Yo”. This special “Yo-Yo” was extremely heavy and when thrown could hit with an impact strong enough to bend steel. Godai Yoko could not use the “Yo-Yo” for great periods of time as it had the potential to rip her arm off. Yoko also wore a protective shoulder armor (Shock Pad) that protected her from the “recoil” of the new “Yo-Yo”.

Kazama Yui (No. 3) in addition to using her “Yo-Yo” was also given lightweight body armor, which she wore along her arm, under her School Uniform and as a headband. This would protect her to some extent from conventional weapon such as guns and knives.



    

 


Based on the 1976 manga series by Shinji Wada which was serialized in the girl’s magazine “Hana To Yume”.

Shares some similarities with the movie “Zero Ka No Onna: Akai Techou [Wappa]” (Woman Of Zero Division: Red Handcuffs AKA Zero Woman; Toei, 1974). In the story Rei (Sugimoto Miki) is a Sukeban who is recruited by a clandestine Police Department Division that is charged with stopping radicals and foreign criminals, with “whatever means necessary”. Tetsuro Tanba played Rei’s direct supervisor and handler. Like Asamiya Saki, Rei was also equipped with specialized weaponry (in this case “red handcuffs” which were connected with a long chain). She would use these handcuffs to strangle her opponents and ensnare them. Being one of Toei’s more rougher 70’s “sexploitation” films, “Zero Woman” would also include Rei using her body to seduce criminals. It was directed by Noda Yukio (a mentor to Miike Takahashi).

Former 80’s J_Pop Idol, Saito Yuki had a string of hits during the 80’s including “Soutsugyo” [Graduation] (1985), “Hatsukoi” [First Love] (1985), “Aozora No Kakera” [Piece of Blue Sky] (1986), “Oracion – Inori” [Oracion – Prayer] (1988), and “Yume No Naka E” [In Your Dreams] (1989).

Her catchy single “Kanashimi O Konichiwa” [Hello Sadness] (1986) was used as the title song for the popular Anime series “Maison Ikkoku” (Kitty/Fuji TV; 1986).

In addition to her singing career, Saito also starred in a string of dramas and movies including “Hachidai Shogun Yoshimune” (The Eighth Shogun – Yoshimune; NHK, 1995), “Dousoukai” (Reunion; NTV, 1989), “Koisuru Onna Tachi” (Women In Love; Toho, 1987), “Yushun – Orashion” (Toho, 1988), “Hong Kong Paradise” (Toho, 1990), and “Ah Haru” (Ah, Spring; Shochiku, 1998). She was most recently seen in the movie “Inochi” (Life; 2002).

Saito’s single the haunting “Shiroi Hono” [White Flame] was used as the theme song for Season One of “Sukeban Deka”. The lyrics were written for her by another 80’s J-Pop icon, singer-song writer Tamaki Koji, lead member of the then popular group Anzenchitai.

With her cute face and trademark mole, J-Pop Idol Minamino Yoko AKA “Nanno” was a huge idol music star during the mid 80’s. Beginning with her debut single “Hazukashisugite” [Too Shy] (1985), she has a sting of hits including “Rakuen No Door” [Door To Heaven] (1987), “Aki No Indication” [Indication of Fall] (1987), “Hai Kara San Ga Toru” (1987), “Toiki De Netto” (1988), and “Aki Kara Mo Soba Ni Itte” [Stay With Me Even In The Fall] (1988).

She was seen in a number of Japanese Commercials (“CM”) including those for Glico Candies, Fuji Color Film, Kirin Beverages (Kirin Lemon 2101), Kanebo Cosmetics, Fujitsu Electronics and “House” Commodities.

In addition, like Saito Yuki before her, see branched out into films with a number of projects including “Shiroi Te“ (White Hands; Toei, 1990), “Kantsubaki” (Toei, 1992), “Watashi O Daite Soshite Kiss O Shite” (Hold Me and Kiss Me; Toei, 1992), “San Tabi No Kaikyo” (Three Travel Along The Japan Channel; Toei, 1995), “June Bride” (1998), “Hashire! Ichiro” (Run! Ichiro; 2001), “Sennen No Koi – Hikaru Genji Monogatari” (A Thousand Year Love – The Story of Genji; 2001), and “Shin Yuki Guni” (New Snow Country; 2002).

Minamino also continued working on TV projects, starring in such series as “Takeda Shingen” (NHK, 1988), “Aitsu Wa Trouble” (He’s In Trouble; CX, 1989), “Manuke Sensei” (The Absent Minded Teacher; TBS, 1998), “Big Wing” (TBS, 2001) and “Ikkakusenkin Ai Kazoku” (The “Get Rich Quick” Family; TBS, 2002).

Yoshizawa Akie was a member of the all-girl idol super group “Onyanko Club” (AKA “Nyan Nyan” or the Kitty Cat Club). They were the precursor to day’s “Morning Musume” group.

With over 25 members in its ranks, Onyanko Club was one of the biggest girl groups and produced a veritable who’s who of future singing stars including Sayuri Kokusho, Sayuri, Watanabe Marina, Kudo Shizuka, Ikuina Akiko, Saito Makiko, Watanabe Minayo, Takai Mamiko, Fukunaga Satomi, Kawai Sonoko, Nitta Eri, Iwai Yukiko (AKA Yuyuu).

The Onyanko Club had their own variety TV show called “Yuyake Nyan Nyan” (means "Sunset Meow Meow") where they would showcase their latest songs and interview other idols similar to MTV’s “Top Ten” Show.

While her career never reached the success of Saito Yuki or Minamino Yoko, Asuka Yui was none-the-less a popular idol of the 80’s (mostly due in part to her casting in Sukeban Deka). She had a string of moderately successful singles among which “C-Girl” (1988) was her best known. She didn’t star in as many movies as her successors but played the lead role of Ikuma Yawara in the movie “Yawara!” (Toho/My CAL Group; 1989).

While their singing talents left much to be desired, they none-the-less produced a string of smash hits during the 80’s including “Sailor Fuku O Nuganaide” [Don’t Take Off Your Sailor Uniform] (1985), “Oyoshi Ni Natte Yo Teacher” [Please Teach Me Teacher] (1985), “Otto Chikan” [Oh No, A Pervert] (1986), “Katatsumuri No Samba” [Snail Samba] (1987) and “No More Rei Ai Gokko” [No More Love Games] (1986).

As with “Morning Musume”, additional sub-groups also emerged (Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi and Ushirogami Hikaretai). Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi’s hit song “Banana No Namida” [Banana Tears] (1986) was used as the OP Theme Song for the animation “High School Kimengumi”.

The Onyanko Club disbanded in September 1987 so that its various members could pursue their own individual projects.

Tokusatsu Fans should remember Naka Koji better as Master Kaku in the Sentai Series “Go Sei Sentai Dai Ranger” (Toei; 1993).

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).

Miyauchi Hiroshi is probably one of the most recognized faces in Tokusastu TV happening appeared and starred in a number of Tokusatsu shows. Among the characters he’s portrayed are Kazami Shiro/Kamen Rider V3 (Kamen Rider V3 – Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1973), Shimei Akira/Ao Ranger (Himitsu Sentai Go-Ranger – Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1975), Banba Sokichi/Big One (JAKQ Dengeki Tai – Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1977), Hayakawa Ken/Zubat (Kaiketsu! Zubat – Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1977), Commander Masaki Shunsuke (Tokkei WindSpector <Special Command WindSpector> Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1989); (Tokushu Shirei Soulbain <Special Directive Soul Bain> – Toei/Ishinomori Pro, 1991) and Captain Miura (Choriki Sentai OhRanger - Ishinomori Pro, 1995)

Sakamoto Taro is no stranger to the Japanese Tokusatsu genre, having directed episode installments for such series as “Go Sei Sentai Dai Ranger” (Toei; 1993), “Cho Kou B-Fighter” (Toei, 1995), “Bi Shojo Powatoreen” (Toei, 1990), “Ninja Sentai Kaku Ranger” (Toei, 1994) and Hyakujyu Sentai Gao Ranger” (Toei, 2001) among others.

Writer Tsuchiya Tokio also provided the script for the live-action adaptation of the Anime “Cat’s Eye” (Toho, 1997).

Director Tanaka Hideo has also directed many episodes for such Tokusatsu shows as “Uchu Keiji Gavan” (Toei, 1982), “Uchu Keiji Shariban” (Toei, 1983), “Uchu Keiji Shader” (Toei, 1984), and “Kaiketsu Zubat” (Toei, 1977).

Writer Hashimoto Izo is best known for his work on the Otomo Katsuhiro project “Akira” (Toho, 1988). He also wrote and directed the sequel to the chilling cult firm “Shiro No Wana AKA Evil Dead Trap” film “Shiro No Wana 2 – Hideki” (Japan Home Video, 1992). He also the screenplay for the films “Hyoryu Kiyoshitsu AKA The Drifting Classroom” (Toho, 1987) and “Kujaku Oh AKA The Peacock King” (Toho, 1988).

Director Oi Toshio has also directed episodes of the Sentai series “Ninpu Sentai HurriCangers” (Toei, 2002).

Toda Hiroshi has also penned stories for such Anime series as “Tatakae! Otokojuku” (1988), “Hokutou No Ken 2” (1987), “Majou No Tenshi – Creamy Mami” (1983) and Ranma ½ (1989).

Writer Azuma Masayoshi also penned the scripts for such projects as “Toriko” (Image Factory/IM; 1995) and its subsequent sequels. He also is the screenwriter behind such “direct-to-video” films as “Koroshi No Gundan” (Cinema Paradise; 2001).