Why I Love Tokusatsu

THEY HAVE HOPE AS THE BASIS TO THEIR STORIES


Unlike a lot of Hollywood media that is grim and dark, tokusatsu tends to keep that light shining at the end of the tunnel that gives the viewer hope. Both for the show itself and just life in general.

THE BIG SERIES HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR AGES WITH NO SIGNS OF STOPPING


While you also have the random, one-off shows, the major tokusatsu properties have become staples of their culture and stopping them at this point would feel wrong.
In America, Power Rangers has been going consistently since 1993, causing it to just recently reach this milestone. But when you look at Japan, Super Sentai has been running since 1975, Kamen Rider since 1971, and Ultraman since 1966.

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE OF ANY AGE RANGE


There are shows for the kids (or kids are heart), family friendly movies, and also adult only properties so that everyone in the family can have something for them.

THERE IS A THEME/MOTIF FOR EVERYONE


Like trains? There is a toku for you. Like ninja? There is a toku for you. Like music? There is a toku for you.
Just don't ask for pro wrestling because I've been asking for ages and still haven't gotten it.

THE ACTION IS AMAZING


The stunt performers on tokusatsu programs are some of the most talented individuals that ever existed. I have a hard time believing people when they tell me that the recent blockbuster has awesome fight scenes because, more often than not, I have definitely seen better in a tokusatsu show.

THE GENRE IS UNAPOLOGETICALLY INSANE


A man riding a vending machine? A giant paintbrush being used as a magic wand? A purple monster that eats her husband whole upon marriage? All prominent things in various shows.
And those are just some of the more recent things from the 2010s. Don't even get me started on the older stuff.

THE SHOWS STILL USE PRACTICAL EFFECTS

While CGI has become fairly common, even in the tokusatsu world, these properties still put heavy emphasis on practical effects. Heck, it's literally in the name tokusatsu!
You just can't beat great model work or a monster that's right there in front of the actors.

SEEING FAMILIAR FACES POP UP IN NEW ROLES


While this is still prominent in general media, there are a bunch of actors that are staples in tokusatsu. You could see someone be a hero in one show, a villain in another, reprise their first role, play an eccentric character in yet another show, and then show up as someone's parent ten years later.

THE MUSIC IS AMAZING


Tokusatsu music is so good. Whether that be opening themes, insert songs, or even character songs by the actors, you're generally in for a good, kick butt, time.
In fact, the big three series all have their own bands created just for that show. Ultraman has Project DMM, Kamen Rider has both Rider Chips and Kamen Rider Girls, and Super Sentai has Project.R as the newest - but also biggest - of the three. (Not newer than KR Girls, just Rider Chips.)

FANSERVICE IS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY


Unlike a lot of other media where you have girls in skimpy outfits with the men portrayed as a male fantasy, tokusatsu is generally an exception that is not a full-on reversal. You'll have girls running around, kicking things in short skirts/shorts, but then the director will also film a minute long close up of a dude's ass in tight pants.
In fact, tokusatsu originated the "Odagiri Effect", which gets its name from the fact that older women were watching Kamen Rider because of the attractive lead actor.

NEVER COUNT OUT A REUNION/ROLE REPRISAL


While a tokusatsu show is generally an introductory series for an actor, many of them have no issues returning to said role - whether that be appreciation for their beginnings, or legitimate love for the genre. Not even retirement can keep some of them out. Generally the only things stopping these people are either their agents or actual, physical issues.