In a recent interview with Asahi Shimbun, Toei senior executive director and head producer of character business Shinichiro Shirakura explained why the Super Sentai Series will end after 50 years.
The producer also noted that the rise of streaming spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic might caused it as viewers can choose from the entire catalog of both new and old shows from multiple tokusatsu franchises. Because of this, the new entries found themselves competing with their own predecessors for viewership as viewers don't know where to start watching as different entries have few ties between them.
Another factor is the popularity of American superheroes based on comic book properties. Shirakura noted that Marvel's The Avengers are popular in Japan, and the way Marvel presents their characters from different works in one united package. By contrast, aside from the occasional spin-offs and crossover movies, Super Sentai would reset every year, which impeded character development.
Another factor is the popularity of American superheroes based on comic book properties. Shirakura noted that Marvel's The Avengers are popular in Japan, and the way Marvel presents their characters from different works in one united package. By contrast, aside from the occasional spin-offs and crossover movies, Super Sentai would reset every year, which impeded character development.
Asahi noted the paradox that everyone in Japan knows Sentai, even though they are mostly unfamiliar with the stories from year to year. Shirakura responded that the franchise's fundamental problem is that it lasting for 50 years, it has become run-of-the-mill. He observed that if you mention the word "Sentai", an image of five heroes in colored suits would come to mind. On one hand, generations have treated the franchise as comfort viewing that does not change. But on the other hand, due to the perception that it does not change, it lead to people thinking that it's not "must-see TV". This leads to people to stop watching new episodes every week or watch the old shows for nostalgic reasons.
Shirakura explained that the limits of the franchise had become apparent, even though the staff incorporated various ideas in attempts to go beyond said limits. After reaching the half-century mark, it has become clear to the staff that they need to rethink the franchise. That said, Shirakura thinks that Super Sentai will return in the future, but thinks that a decade-long hiatus would benefit the franchise.
Shirakura, who joined Toei in 1990 observed when the company was planning for Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger, the staff back then thought that it might be the final Sentai entry. Because of this, the younger staffers want to try something different, which lead to the introduction of a sixth member mid story for the first time in the franchise. He mused that Zyuranger becoming the loose basis for Power Rangers was divine intervention that led to Super Sentai lasting another three decades.
Shirakura explained that the limits of the franchise had become apparent, even though the staff incorporated various ideas in attempts to go beyond said limits. After reaching the half-century mark, it has become clear to the staff that they need to rethink the franchise. That said, Shirakura thinks that Super Sentai will return in the future, but thinks that a decade-long hiatus would benefit the franchise.
Shirakura, who joined Toei in 1990 observed when the company was planning for Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger, the staff back then thought that it might be the final Sentai entry. Because of this, the younger staffers want to try something different, which lead to the introduction of a sixth member mid story for the first time in the franchise. He mused that Zyuranger becoming the loose basis for Power Rangers was divine intervention that led to Super Sentai lasting another three decades.
He also noted that Super Sentai's success defied reason as its origin was a fluke, born from a failed attempt to make a project with five Kamen Riders teaming up. This failure led to Kamen Rider creator Shotaro Ishinomori to create Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, the first entry of the franchise. It added giant robots once the popular giant robot anime shows ended its continuous broadcast run in the 1970s. As the third entry of the franchise, Battle Fever J, not only introduced a giant robot, but took over Tosho Daimos' timeslot after it was cut short.
Shirakura concluded the interview stating that it's time for a change in hero shows, specifically with the upcoming Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity.
[Source: Anime News Network]
Shirakura concluded the interview stating that it's time for a change in hero shows, specifically with the upcoming Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity.
[Source: Anime News Network]
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