Super Sentai’s future uncertain as Toei producer explains hiatus in new interview

After half a century of continuous broadcasting the legendary Super Sentai franchise—the source material for the global phenomenon Power Rangers—is preparing to end its historic television run. In an interview with the Asahi Shimbun, Shinichiro Shirakura, Toei’s senior executive director, confirmed that the studio believes the series has reached its limits in its current format. Shirakura explained that despite the production staff’s constant efforts to introduce new ideas, the core formula has become too restrictive. While the franchise is not disappearing forever, Shirakura suggests that a ten-year hiatus is necessary to fundamentally rethink the concept for a new era.

The “Black Ships” of modern entertainment

The first major challenge is the revolution brought by streaming services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, viewers only had access to the current season on TV. Today, streaming libraries offer immediate access to the entire 50-year catalog of Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and other tokusatsu works. This accessibility created an unintentional rivalry: new shows are now forced to compete with their own highly acclaimed predecessors. Because the different entries in the series rarely connect, new viewers often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

The second challenge is the massive influence of Western comic book heroes, specifically the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shirakura noted that franchises like The Avengers have captivated Japanese audiences by offering a unified package where its characters coexist and develop over time. In contrast, Super Sentai traditionally hits a “reset button” every year with a new cast and story. This annual turnover impedes long-term character development, making it difficult to retain an audience that now craves deeper, interconnected storytelling.

A reset for future quality

For the audience, this hiatus promises a significant long-term benefit: the end of “run-of-the-mill” content. Shirakura admitted that while the colored suits are iconic, the show has become “comfort viewing” rather than “must-see TV.” By stepping away for a decade, Toei aims to break the cycle of familiarity that breeds disinterest. This strategy mirrors the creative desperation that birthed the franchise’s global success. Shirakura recalled that in the early 1990s, the staff believed Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger would be the final entry. That fear drove them to innovate, introducing the first “sixth ranger” to the team. That specific series was then adapted into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, extending the franchise’s life by another 30 years.

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By pausing production now, Shirakura believes a new generation of creators—unburdened by the habits of the past—can conceive a fresh version of Super Sentai that creates a new standard for action entertainment, rather than just repeating a 50-year-old formula.

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