American Tokusatsu Emerges With A New Hero In FUJIYAMA ICHIBAN, Now Filming!
Tokusatsu fanfare still runs high in its vast community of admirers, around the world, particularly over in Los Angeles, California where a new hero has been created in the form of Fujiyama Ichiban. The character is an original serialized work of author and creator, veteran actor, martial artist, stunt coordinator and suit actor Michi Yamato, whose credits include suit acting for the American TV iteration of Kamen Rider, as well as shows such as Robot 8-Chan and Bioman.
Coverage over at the Tokusatsu Network provides new set photos, as well as details on the plot synopsis as follows:
The story revolves around a young college student named Sun Taiyo, who was born in Japan and raised in Los Angeles. The alien organization known as the Dark Matter Empire has captured Sun’s father, an environmental scientist developing technology to harvest and utilize natural energy, and is now targeting Sun. With the help of his mentor Tsurugi Sensei, he is able to transform into Fujiyama Ichiban using the solar-powered suit of armor developed by his college instructor, Professor Sebastian. Sun fights side by side with his girlfriend Sakura Sugiyama, who can transform into Sakura Ichiban. In times of need, new weapons and gadgets are delivered to our heroes with the help of the bird-robot Emerald.
H/T: Keith Hayward
Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.
April 25, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
Isn't bad enough that the U.S. has ruined the JAPANESE sentai series into Power Rangers? Now this??? Uggghhh….not even an Asian American actor to play the lead too? I mean if they replaced Japanese actors with non-Asian Actors for Power Rangers, how come they can't put and Asian American lead for this show?
April 25, 2014 @ 9:08 pm
I don't remember there being any complaints when David Hayter was chosen for the role of Guyver in Steve Wang's Dark Hero sequel. That film is a cult hit to this day.
Tokusatsu may have originated in Japan. But not every Toku actor has to be Asian. What matters is the final product.