Tokusatsu series which means “special effects” is a popular genre of fiction in Japan that includes elements of superheroes, science fiction and giant robot fights. They are often known for their use of special effects such as models, costumes and live visual effects to create dramatic action scenes. Tokusatsu series have also had a huge impact on popular culture in many countries around the world.
Tokusatsu series can be categorized into several subgenres based on their theme and style:
Kamen Rider: This subgenre features a masked hero who uses combat techniques to take on criminals and alien threats.
Super Sentai: This subgenre features a team of heroes who work together to fight criminals and evil forces.
Ultraman: This subgenre features an alien hero who uses his powers to protect Earth from alien threats.
Godzilla: This subgenre features a giant monster called Godzilla who battles other monsters and threats to protect the Earth.
Metal Hero: This subgenre features heroes in metal armor who fight crime and alien threats.
Henshin Hero: This subgenre features heroes who use transformations to take on criminals and alien threats.
Mecha: This subgenre features giant robots and mecha combat that often involves dramatic action scenes.
San Ku Kai is a 27-episode, 25-minute Japanese science fiction television series. It was made in 1979 by Minoru Yamada, based on an original idea by mangaka Shōtarō Ishinomori. The series was broadcast for the first time in France on Antenne 2 in September 1979, and later on the program Récré A2. Prior to the series, a film titled “Space Escapees”, directed by Kinji Fukasaku, was produced. The space combat scenes in San Ku Kai are directly inspired by this film. One can also notice similarities with Star Wars, such as similar characters and commonalities in the action scenes. The stunts are also provided by Kenji Ōba, who later became the hero of the Gavan series, X-OR in France.
The very original and dynamic disco credits (composed by Éric Charden) of the series were a popular hit in France and helped to keep the series in the memory.
