Tokusatsu Fan's Guide: 6 Fun Ways to Get Started

Tokusatsu, a genre of Japanese films and television series known for its incredible special effects, iconic hero costumes, and action-packed, drama-filled stories, has captivated Tokusatsu fans around the world for decades. If you’re interested in diving into this colorful and energetic world, this article will help you begin your journey as a Tokusatsu fan. Here’s a complete and detailed guide to getting started.

Getting to Know the Various Tokusatsu Subgenres

The world of Tokusatsu is vast and diverse. It’s not just about superheroes in action, there are various subgenres that might interest you as a Tokusatsu fan. Here are some of the most popular tokusatsu subgenres:

Super Sentai: The most internationally recognized subgenre. Focusing on a team of heroes with colorful costumes, unique vehicles, and giant robots. Every year there is a new series with different stories, teams, and enemies. Power Rangers is an adaptation of the Super Sentai series. However, for an authentic Tokusatsu experience, watch the original version.

Kamen Rider: Unlike Super Sentai which focuses on teams, Kamen Riders generally feature single heroes who often have unique and tragic backstories. They are often equipped with motorcycles and sophisticated weapons. Each Kamen Rider series has a different theme and design, offering great variety.

Ultra Series: Created by Eiji Tsuburaya, the creator of Godzilla, the Ultra Series features giant heroes from another planet battling monsters to protect the earth. The series is renowned for its special effects, which while sometimes may look “old school,” are still captivating.

Metal Hero Series: Focusing on heroes who often use advanced technology and robots to fight crime. Usually this genre has a more mature theme compared to the Super Sentai genre.

Understanding the differences between these subgenres will help you determine the right starting point as a Tokusatsu fan for your interests. Do you prefer colorful team action or more serious lone hero stories?

Searching and Watching Tokusatsu

After choosing a subgenre that interests you, the next step is to find a series that you want to watch. Here are some sources you can try:

Streaming Platforms: Some streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Crunchyroll offer several Tokusatsu series, although the selection may be limited.

Online Video Sharing Platforms: Many YouTube channels upload videos of Tokusatsu content. Some YouTube channels also upload Tokusatsu episodes. Make sure to support officially licensed channels to prevent copyright infringement.

Buy DVD/Blu-ray: For the best quality and complete viewing experience, you can buy the original DVD or Blu-ray. However, these can be quite expensive and are limited in availability. You can find them on several shopping platforms such as Amazon.

Fansubs: If you have trouble finding the series you want through official platforms, fansubs (fans who translate and upload subtitles) can be an alternative. However, be sure to support official sites or platforms whenever possible.

Getting Started with the Right Series

For beginners of Tokusatsu fans, it is recommended to start with popular and easily accessible series. Here are some recommended Tokusatsu series:

Super Sentai: Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters, or Samurai Sentai Shinkenger are often recommended for their interesting stories and exciting action.

Kamen Rider: Kamen Rider Kuuga, Kamen Rider Decade, or Kamen Rider Build are good starting points as they are relatively well-known and exciting series.

Ultra Series: Ultraman Tiga or Ultraman Gaia is a great choice for beginners because of its cool design and interesting story.

Find Information and Join the Tokusatsu Fan Community

Once you start watching, you'll find a lot of things you'll want to know more about. Here's how to get more information:

Tokusatsu Wiki: Various Tokusatsu wikis, both in Indonesian and English, provide detailed information about Tokusatsu characters, monsters, and history.

Online Forums and Groups: Join online forums and groups that discuss Tokusatsu. You can discuss, share information, and find recommendations for new series with fellow Tokusatsu fans. Facebook, Reddit, and Discord are great places to start.

Tokusatsu Blogs and Websites: There are many blogs and websites that discuss Tokusatsu in depth, from series reviews to character analysis, one of which is The Setokusatsu.

Understanding Tokusatsu Culture and Context

Tokusatsu is more than just action and special effects. Understanding the culture and context will enhance your viewing experience as a Tokusatsu fan. Keep the following in mind:

Theme and Moral Message: Tokusatsu often presents universal themes such as friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Pay attention to the moral messages conveyed in each story.

Music and Soundtrack: Music plays a vital role in Tokusatsu, helping to build atmosphere and heighten tension in battles. Notice how music is used to enhance the emotions in each scene.

Special Effects: Although special effects technology has developed nowadays, the uniqueness of “old school” special effects also has its own charm. Appreciate every special effects technique used in creating Tokusatsu visuals.

Explore Further

Once you become more familiar with Tokusatsu genre series, you can explore deeper aspects, such as:

Merchandise Collection: From action figures to giant robot models, Tokusatsu merchandise offers a fun way to show your love for the genre.

Manga and Novels: Some Tokusatsu series also have manga and novel adaptations that expand on the story and characters of the Tokusatsu series.

Tokusatsu Movies: Apart from television series, there are also many Tokusatsu films that are worth watching.

Becoming a Tokusatsu fan is an exciting and surprising journey. By following this guide, you will be ready to begin your adventure in a colorful and heroic world. Happy watching and enjoy!