After five decades of captivating audiences, the iconic Japanese superhero series Super Sentai is set to conclude, marking the end of a cultural phenomenon that inspired the globally renowned Power Rangers franchise. Reports indicate that declining merchandise and event revenues have rendered the production unsustainable, prompting its broadcaster, TV Asahi, to halt the series. The Asahi newspaper confirmed the broadcaster’s reluctance to comment on future programming decisions. Since its debut in 1975, Super Sentai introduced a groundbreaking formula featuring five teenagers who transform into color-coded, masked fighters to combat alien threats. This blueprint not only shaped Power Rangers but also influenced numerous superhero shows across Asia. Beyond its television success, Super Sentai served as a marketing powerhouse, driving sales of toys, costumes, and collectibles. It also launched the careers of many Japanese actors and introduced international audiences to Japan’s vibrant superhero and comic culture. Shows like Choudenshi Bioman and Hikari Sentai Maskman, dubbed in English, garnered cult followings in countries like the Philippines. The series’ signature elements—martial arts, swordfights, and epic robot battles—remained consistent throughout its run, appealing to fans with its unique live-action animation style. The original Power Rangers, adapted from Super Sentai by producer Haim Saban, aired in the U.S. from 1993 to 1996 and spawned multiple spin-offs. Saban recalled the initial skepticism he faced, stating in a 2017 interview with the LA Times that networks initially dismissed the concept as ‘crazy.’ News of Super Sentai’s cancellation has sparked an outpouring of nostalgia and sadness among fans and celebrities. Actress Keiko Kitagawa expressed ‘despair’ in a widely viewed post on X, while actor Yasuhisa Furuhara, who starred in the series, reflected on its historical significance. Fans lamented the end of an era, with one noting the generational impact of the show. ‘Super Sentai is coming to an end, so what should boys watch from now on?’ another fan pondered. As the curtain falls on this legendary series, its legacy as a cultural and entertainment milestone remains indelible.
Japanese series that inspired Power Rangers to end after 50 years – reports
