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Himitsu Sentai Goranger
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, translated into English as Secret Squadron Five Rangers, is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. Goranger was the first in the long-running Super Sentai series of tokusatsu programming (although the series wouldn't be called by that specific name until the release of Battle Fever J; Goranger and its sucessor Jakq are not yet part of the Super Sentai Series, as seen on episode 0 of Turboranger, Honoring the past 10 sentai series in which the Battle Fever J was the first series to be introduced, followed by Denjiman, Sun Vulcan, Goggle V, Dynaman, Bioman, Changeman, Flashman, Maskman and Liveman, which would continue up to the airing of Turboranger's succeding series, Fiveman, Jetman, Zyuranger, Dairanger and Kakuranger.
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Encyclopedia
, translated into English as Secret Squadron Five Rangers, is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. Goranger was the first in the long-running Super Sentai series of tokusatsu programming (although the series wouldn't be called by that specific name until the release of Battle Fever J; Goranger and its sucessor Jakq are not yet part of the Super Sentai Series, as seen on episode 0 of Turboranger, Honoring the past 10 sentai series in which the Battle Fever J was the first series to be introduced, followed by Denjiman, Sun Vulcan, Goggle V, Dynaman, Bioman, Changeman, Flashman, Maskman and Liveman, which would continue up to the airing of Turboranger's succeding series, Fiveman, Jetman, Zyuranger, Dairanger and Kakuranger. It was During the Run of Ohranger that Goranger and Jakq are included to be parts of the Super Sentai Series). Himitsu Sentai Goranger was created by Shotaro Ishinomori, and was broadcast on NET (now TV Asahi) from April 5, 1975 to March 26, 1977, with a total of 84 episodes.
Storyline
When world peace is threatened by the emergence of an international secret society of evil called the "Kuro Juujigun" (Black Cross Army/Black Crusaders), the United Nations sets up an "EAGLE" (EArth Guard LEague) (Kokusaiteki Heiwa Soushiki Iiguru) to combat the threat. This special army is distributed to various parts of the world (designated as "Blocks"). One of the largest "Blocks" is Japan.
The "Kuro Juujigun", fearful of this united threat against them, decides to launch a surprise attack against the Japan EAGLE Block and sends five of its most dangerous cyborg operatives to attack Japan's various EAGLE branches.
Across Japan the Kuro Juujigun decimates its targets, killing all those who oppose them.
Yet from the ashes of these destroyed bases, five young recruits miraculously survive and vow vengeance. Given a special interlocking "key", the various survivors are summoned to snackshop "Gon", secret gateway to EAGLE Japan's main command center by Japan's EAGLE Commander Edogawa Kenpachi. There they are given special formfitting electronic battlesuits, which empower its wearer with various superhuman abilities. Edogawa tells them that they are the Secret Squadron "Goranger", the world's best chance against the forces of the Kuro Juujigun.
Armed with these battlesuits and other special weapons created by EAGLE scientists, they extract their revenge upon the Kuro Juujigun operatives who killed their comrades and dedicate themselves to crushing the remaining forces of the Kuro Juujigun and its sinister leader Kuro Juuji Soutou (Black Cross Fuhrer/Generalissimo).
Cast of Characters
The Gorangers
The Gorangers each have removable rockets ("Birdies") on the side of their belts (for flying), and can pull out their visor, which turns into their respective weapon.
- / - The younger brother of the Kanto EAGLE base captain, Tsuyoshi was undergoing special training in combat planning and strategy. He is a natural born leader and tactician. While still young and brash at times, he showed a maturity level well beyond his years. Was also the "Ace Striker" for the EAGLE Japan Soccer Team. He was a master of disguise and an expert sharpshooter. His brother died in the Kuro Jujigun's attack on their base. As Aka Ranger, he was team leader of the group and often helped coordinate the group attacks such as the "Goranger Storm" or "Goranger Hurricane". Carried a number of special weapons such as a blaster (Silver Shot) and a multi-purpose whip (Red Vute) whose end could transform into a number of different weapons such as a drill or claw (Red Hunter). It can also stiffen into a fighting pole. He rides the supercharged motorcycle "Red Machine" which can race at high speeds and was later replaced by the "Red Star" super cycle. He is considered to be the face of the entire franchise and is one of the most recognisable characters in Japanese entertainment. He also appeared in his costumed form in Gaoranger Vs Super Sentai as one of the former Red Rangers along with his fellow succeeding Red Rangers from Spade Ace to Time Red led by his Liveman Successor Red Falcon
- Age: 24 years old
- Weapons: , , , , ,
- / - Akira was training in the snow draped Touhoku when the Kuro Jujigun attacked. He is the oldest member of the Goranger team who fancied American cowboy outfits. He was a marksmanship instructor skilled in archery and mecha piloting. He had aspirations of being a racecar driver. As Ao Ranger he is the designated second-in-command. He pilots most of the Goranger sky vehicles such as "Varibloom" and "Varidreen". He is armed with the super bow "Blue Cherry" and "Ultra Blue Cherry" which can fire specially designed arrows (Blue Arrows and Blue Arrow Rockets). He also drove the super motorcycle "Blue Machine" and later the "Blue Star."
- Age: 25 years old
- Weapons: (used in episodes 1-42), (used in episodes 43-84)
- / (1-54, 68-84) - Daita is a jovial engineering recruit at EAGLE's Kyushu branch. While adapt in mechanics and mathematics, he had a very hard time solving simple word puzzles and riddles. Being a Judo Champion, Ooiwa was very strong and tough. He had a voracious appetite and often ordered "Omori" (big portions) of everything especially curry rice which was his favorite. He is said to have ten siblings. As Ki Ranger, he was armed with the "Ki Sticker" (Yellow Sticker) which was a fighting pole whose head can be outfitted with various attachments such as a punching fist. He also utilized the "YTC" radio which could jam electronic circuitry. Ooiwa was later promoted to Chief of the Kyushu EAGLE branch. Daigorou Kumano was recruited from among EAGLE's other trainees to fill his position. Daigorou, however fell in battle while battling a Kuro Jujigun operative. Daita soon returned to active duty again with the Goranger team. He rode in the "Blue Machine/Blue Star" sidecar. He also copiloted the "Varibloom" and "Varidreen" sky vehicles.
- Age: 23 years old
- Weapons: , (with 3 attachments: Rock, Paper, Scissors)
- / (55-67) - After Daita became the commander of the Kyushu branch for a time, Daigorou replaced him. He was only a member for 13 episodes.
- / - Peggy is a Eurasian beauty (her father was a Swiss national and her mother was Japanese). She was assigned to EAGLE's Hokkaido branch as a chemical analyst and special weapons engineer specializing in explosives. She also had equestrian training. Fashionable, she often wore go-go boots and short hip-hugging "hot pants". As Momo Ranger, she was armed with an assortment of uniquely "feminine" weapons. Her heart-shaped earrings doubled as high impact bombs which she would hurl with a curt taunt -- . She also carried heart-shaped "Momo Card" throwing shurikens, and a "Momo Mirror" jamming device which would confuse and confound her opponents. She also had the "Momo Ceceli" which could be used to track down and spy on opponents. And ultimately, she carried the "Ranger Ball", the Gorangers' ultimate finisher weapon that would destroy the Masked Monster of the day, which the team members would pass around to each other like a soccer ball before Aka Ranger would deliver the finishing kick to the Masked Monster causing it to explode. She rides in the "Green Machine/Green Star" sidecar.
- Age: 18 years old
- Weapons: , ,
- / - Kenji is the youngest member of the team who was training at EAGLE's Kansai branch. He is a happy-go-lucky teen, who can sometimes be a bit brash and temperamental. As Mido Ranger, he was armed with a number of unique weapons. His signature weapon was the razor-sharp "Midomerang" (Green-boomerang) which can be flung at enemies. He could also use it as a handheld weapon to cut and slash his opponents. His "Midomerang" was later upgraded to the "New Midomerang" which was a bit bigger. He also carried the "Mido Puncher" which was an updated slingshot weapon which can be used to fire "pachinko-ball" pellets and sometimes explosives. Asuka drove the super motorcycle "Green Machine" and later the "Green Star."
- Age: 17 years old
- Weapons: , ,
Mecha
- Red, Blue, and Green Machines (1-54) - The motorcycles driven by the Red, Blue, and Green Rangers. The Yellow and Pink Rangers ride in the sidecars of the Blue and Green Machines; the Red Machine has no sidecar. Armed with explosives and sent to the Navarone Fortress, which exploded, taking them (but not the Gorangers) with it.
- Red, Blue, and Green Stars (55-84) - The replacements for the Red, Blue, and Green Machines.
- Variblune (1-42) - An early flying fortress, propelled by helicopter blades under the craft. It blew up with Iron Man Mask Temujin aboard (but not the Gorangers, fortunately).
- Varidreen (43-84) - A birdlike replacement for the Varibloon.
- Varitank (43-84) - A six-wheeled tank with claw arms that rolls out of the 'beak' of the Varidreen.
- Variccune (69-84) - A passenger-carrying balloon for the Gorangers.
Allies
EAGLE (Earth Guard League) is an international peacekeeping organization, devoted to protecting the world from the secret terrorist society calling itself Kuro Jujigun (Black Cross Army).
EAGLE was organized by the United Nations and was assigned to protect various parts of the world designated as "Blocks" (there are ten world "blocks"). Japan's EAGLE scientists developed the unique technology incorporated by the Secret Squadron "Gorangers". They developed the suits as a means of countering Kuro Jujigun's super cyborg technology
- Played by Toshio Takahara - The commander of the Japan "Block" is Commander Edogawa Gonpachi. Within Japan there are various smaller branches of EAGLE spread across the island (Kanto, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Kansai and Tohoku). When operating in the public, Commander Edogawa Gonpachi disguises himself as the cook at Snack Shop "Gon", which was the secret entrance to the Goranger headquarters. The shop later became the "Fruit Parlor".
- Commander Edogawa was assisted by a trio of beautiful secretary/agents: Katou Yuko (AKA Agent 007), Hayashi Tomoko (AKA Agent 008) and Nakamura Haruko (AKA Agent 009). They usually acted behind the scenes but occasionally helped the Goranger team in some of their missions.
The Black Cross Army/Black Crusaders
The are the primary villains of the series. An international terrorist society led by the supernatural entity known as the Black Cross Führer, their goals are the total eradication of the human race and the absolute domination of the world. They utilized advanced technology and cybernetics to create an army of superhuman operatives to attack EAGLE and Goranger. The also used "supernatural magic" on occasion to empower its agents. Most of the Black Cross operatives are "remodeled" humans who have been enhanced through surgery. They had various secret bases across the globe, the main headquarters being the flying Black Cross Castle which orbited high above the Earth.
- Black Cross' supreme leader, he was often referred to as the "Machine Monster" for his seeming invincible nature. He could not be easily killed by any conventional weapon. He had numerous supernatural powers and was incredibly intelligent. He kept his identity a secret even among his generals but revealed his true form later on. In reality he was not even humanoid but rather a sentient alien machine construct who was part of the Black Cross Castle. He could also disguise himself as human (both male and female). He was finally defeated when the Goranger team combined their powers and launched their "Cassiopeia" Five Star attack.
(15-20) - The so-called "Star/Sun of Africa". A ruthless tyrant who was renowned for his successive victories in Africa. He was called to Japan by Kuro Jujigun Soutou to help battle Goranger. He often used whatever means necessary to win. Often let his cowardly nature get in the way of his operations. He frequently battled one-on-one with Aka Ranger. Defeated in his last duel with Aka Ranger through the Spear Whip and destroyed by the Goranger Storm. He could manipulate and generate intense fire at will (often focused through his staff).
(21-42) - The so-called "Mongol Demon", he was recruited from Kuro Jujigun's Gobi Desert operations. A cold and sadistic operative, he was a brilliant tactician and also formed his own army called the "Steel Brigade" (Tetsu Gundan). Vain and prideful, he often let his ego get in the way of his operations. He was virtually indestructible thanks to his steel armor, but ultimately, he was killed when Aoranger controlled the Variblune remotely and the Goranger Storm balls that Temujin placed on his shoulders exploded in the Variblune cockpit, taking both Temujin and the Variblune with them. He carried a battle staff which ended in a sickle-like blade.
(42-54) - He was recruited from the volcanic Eldgja region in Iceland. He is the leader of the ruthless "Funkan Gundan" (Eruption Battalion). A cruel and calculating despot, he commanded his own mobile battle fortress dubbed "Navarone" (named after the Nazi Cannons off the Greek Aegean Islands in World War II). He had the ability to fire napalm missiles from the top of his "volcano" Mask. He was impervious to Gorangers' weapons and was a master combatant. He died when the Goranger Machines were made to crash inside Navarone, which exploded from within. His main attack was his "Volcano Mask Rage Eruption" (Hi No Yama Kamen Ikkari No Dai Funkan).
(54-84) - Kuro Jujigun's top general. A supernatural entity that was mystically awoken through Black Magic and Kuro Jujigun Soutou's powers. Took command of Kuro Jujigun's elite African/Egyptian Troopers. He is versed in sorcery and keenly interested in astrology. He could repel most of Gorangers' attacks and was near invincible. He was so fiercely loyal to Kuro Jujigun Soutou that he sacrificed his own life to reveal the location of Goranger headquarters, turning himself into a rainbow of gold dust.
(Movie) - A renegade Kuro Juujigun operative who was imprisoned by Kuro Juujigun Soutou for his recklessness and rebelliousness. He was later freed by Kuro Juujigun Soutou in exchange for his help in destroying Goranger. He was an incredibly strong fighter and was impervious to harm. He could easily repel the "Goranger Hurricane" attack, but the Gorangers managed to kill him with the "Goranger Bomb Hurricane". Wielded the mighty "Sen Ryuu Tou" (Imperial Dragon Sword) which could cut and destroy almost any object.
- Kuro Juujigun's faceless foot soldiers and henchmen. Dressed from head to toe in black leather, these soldiers have been altered with enhanced strength and speed. They have also been brainwashed to be absolutely loyal. They carry a variety of weapons including machine guns, bazookas and iron swords. Specialized divisions have also been created such as the who specialize in subversion and infiltration and the "Africa Gundan" who are the elite soldiers who serve Golden Kamen Dai Shogun. There is also a squad of mystics who serve Kuro Juujigun Soutou and are adapt at the Black Arts. The Zolders commanded a number of bird-like vehicles including the small air fighters called "Condolers" and the much larger and powerful "Battlers". They can be heard shouting "Hoi" often when attacking their victims.
Masked Monsters
Selected from the most vicious and evil of Kuro Juujigun's ranks, the have been surgically enhanced with a variety of weapons and abilities. Most sport hideous "masks" that are the source of their powers. Others carry elaborate weaponry that they can use against the Goranger team. All were cyborgs with some having been further empowered with supernatural abilities.
- Golden Mask (height 173 cm (5'8"), weight 70kg (154lbs)), Samurai Mask, Bronze Mask, Jade Mask, Poison Gas Mask
- Samurai Mask (height 184 cm (6'0"), weight 94 kg (205 lb))
- Bronze Mask (height 179 cm (5'10"), weight 73 kg (161 lb))
- Jade Mask (height 174 cm, weight 68 kg))
- Poison Gas Mask (height 172 cm, weight 62 kg)
- Metal Hoop Mask (height 185 cm, weight 73 kg)
- Crescent Moon Mask (height 175 cm, weight 78 kg)
- Poison Fang Mask (height 176 cm, weight 98 kg)
- Witch Mask (height 168 cm, weight 62 kg)
- Wing Mask (height 189 cm, weight 88 kg)
- Boat Ear Mask (height 195 cm, weight 107 kg)
- Silver Heat Mask (height 181 cm, weight 133 kg)
- Horn Mask (height 200 cm, weight 140 kg)
- Skull Mask (height 193 cm, weight 51 kg)
- Rainbow Mask (height 185 cm, weight 120 kg)
- Mirror Mask (height 196 cm, weight 150 kg) & Black Hair Mask
- Black Hair Mask (height 177 cm, weight 82 kg)
- Cyclops Mask (height 180 cm, weight 135 kg)
- Sword Mask (height 189 cm, weight 165 kg)
- Sunring Mask (height 195 cm, weight 160 kg)
- Cannoball Mask & Gear Mask (height 201 cm, weight 190 kg)
- Gear Mask (height 174 cm, weight 135 kg) & Wire Mask
- Wire Mask (height 192 cm, weight 161 kg) & Razor Mask
- Razor Mask (height 179 cm, weight 189 kg) & Eight-Eyed Mask
- Eight-Eyed Mask (height 215 cm, weight 132 kg)
- Blue Muscle Mask (height 180 cm, weight 70 kg (154 lb))
- Iron Nail Mask (height 179 cm, weight 97 kg)
- Iron Comb Mask (height 206 cm, weight 100 kg)
- Door Mask (height 182 cm, weight 103 kg)
- Mine Mask (height 189 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Iron Tube Mask (height 180 cm, weight 100 kg)
- Large Hatchet Mask (height 182 cm, weight 85 kg)
- Iron Princess Mask (height 190 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Blushing Mask (height 180 cm, weight 110 kg)
- Steel Mask (height 181 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Warship Mask (height 194 cm, weight 130 kg) & Cyborg Q
- Fork Mask (height 178 cm, weight 93 kg)
- Pirate Mask (height 175 cm, weight 70 kg (154 lb))
- Rock Surface Mask (height 179 cm, weight 99 kg)
- Iron Basket Mask (height 190 cm, weight 103 kg)
- Iron Lion Mask (height 185 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Iron Mask Temujin (height 210 cm, weight 220 kg)
- Diamond Mask (height 189 cm, weight 89 kg)
- Electricity Mask (height 180 cm, weight 110 kg)
- Sword Shark Mask (height 204 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Locomotive Mask (height 210 cm, weight 130 kg)
- Bird Talon Mask (height 187 cm, weight 76 kg)
- Camera Mask (height 186 cm, weight 84 kg)
- Horn Bone Mask (height 188 cm, weight 50 kg)
- Iron Trap Mask (height 188 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Gunman Mask (height 240 cm, weight 140 kg)
- Telephone Mask (height 183 cm, weight 84 kg)
- Baseball Mask (height 191 cm, weight 86 kg)
- Volcano Mask Magman (height 198 cm, weight 97 kg)
- Big Ear Mask (height 186 cm, weight 99 kg)
- Faucet Mask (height 188 cm, weight 76 kg)
- Coxcomb Mask (height 196 cm, weight 84 kg)
- Parabolic Mask (height 188 cm, weight 89 kg)
- Deathbird Mask (height 185 cm, weight 88 kg)
- Shellfish Mask (height 192 cm, weight 84 kg)
- Cowshoe Mask (height 178 cm, weight 85 kg)
- Rib Mask (height 180 cm, weight 86 kg)
- Television Mask (height 188 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Clock Mask (height 183 cm, weight 88 kg)
- Fallen Leaves Mask (height 178 cm, weight 65 kg)
- Pinwheel Mask (height 184 cm (6'0"), weight 96 kg)
- Can Opener Mask (height 190 cm, weight 100 kg)
- Injection Mask (height 210 cm, weight 98 kg)
- Pineapple Mask (height 187 cm, weight 80 kg)
- Tire Mask (height 188 cm, weight 85 kg)
- Piano Mask (height 186 cm, weight 73 kg)
- Anchor Mask (height 196 cm, weight 96 kg)
- Kendo Mask (height 186 cm, weight 104 kg)
- Glasses Mask (height 182 cm, weight 78 kg)
- Stove Mask (height 195 cm, weight 83 kg)
- Iron Spider Mask (height 195 cm, weight 90 kg)
- Iron Snake Mask (height 183 cm, weight 65 kg)
- Mammoth Mask (height 187 cm, weight 99 kg)
- Skate Mask (height 185 cm, weight 89 kg)
- Iron Tiger Mask (height 194 cm, weight 110 kg)
- Kettle Mask (height 189 cm, weight 99 kg)
- Yo-Yo Mask (height 190 cm, weight 89 kg)
- Tiger Mask (height 190 cm, weight 130 kg)
- Golden Mask (height 196 cm, weight 86 kg)
Episodes
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Movies
(Movie Version of Episode 6)
(Movie Version of Episode 15)
(Movie Version of Episode 36)
(Movie Version of Episode 54)
Cast
Main cast
- Tsuyoshi Kaijou/Aka Ranger - Naoya Makoto
- Akira Shinmei/Ao Ranger - Hiroshi Miyauchi
- Daita Ooiwa/Ki Ranger I - Baku Hatakeyama
- Daigoro Kumano/Ki Ranger II - Jiro Daruma
- Peggy Matsuyama/Momo Ranger - Lisa Komaki
- Kenji Asuka/Mido Ranger - Yukio Ito
- Commander Kenpachi Edogawa - Toshio Takahara
- Zero Zero Seven/Yoko Kato - Eri Kanuma
- Yuuko Hayashi - Megumi Shiragawa
- Haruko Nakamura - Miki Honda
- Taro Kato - Hiroyuki Konuma
- Black Cross Führer I - Mitsuo Ando (Episodes 1-55)
- Black Cross Führer II - Nobuo Yana (Episodes 56-84)
- Gon - Saiko Kogawa (voice)
- Sunring Mask - Hiroshi Masuoka (voice)
- General Iron Mask Temujin - Shozo Iizuka (voice)
- General Fire Mountain Mask Magman - Eisuke Yoda [voice (Episodes 42-45)] - Shozo Iizuka [voice (Episodes 46-54)]
- Great General Golden Mask - Shozo Iizuka (voice)
- Narrator - Nobuo Tanaka (Episodes 1-14) - Toru Ohira (Episodes 15-84)
Stunt Actors
- Aka Ranger - Kazuo Niibori (episodes 1-60), Kenji Ohba (episodes 61-84)
- Ao Ranger - Hiro Karawazaki, Bunya Nakamura, Tetsuya Nakayashiki, Hiroyuki Yuasa (Episodes 1-60), Yoshinori Okamoto (episodes 61-84)
- Ki Ranger - Naotaka Maeda, Kosaburo Tanaka, Masato Amano, Koji Ueda (Episodes 1-60), Yutaka Takebe (Episodes 61-84)
- Momo Ranger - Midori Naito, Koji Ueda, Ryoji Kurihara, Shoji Ozawa, Maki Kiyoda (Episodes 1-60), Minoru Yokohama (episodes 61-84)
- Mido Ranger - Bunya Nakamura, Yasuo Yukawa, Haruhiko Yashimoto (episodes 1-60) , Jun Murakami (episodes 61-84)
Songs
Opening Theme** Lyrics: Shotaro Ishinomori
- Composition and Arrangement: Michiaki Watanabe
- Artists: Isao Sasaki and Mitsuko Horie with Columbia Yurikago-kai on (chorus)
Ending Themes** Lyrics: Saburo Yatsude
- Composition and Arrangement: Michiaki Watanabe
- Artist: Isao Sasaki with Korogi '73 (chorus)
- Episodes: 1-63** Lyrics: Shotaro Ishinomori
- Composition and Arrangement: Michiaki Watanabe
- Artists: Isao Sasaki and Mitsuko Horie with Columbia Yurikago-kai (chorus)
- Episodes: 64-84
In Other Countries
In the Philippines, Goranger was released as Star Rangers between 1978 and 1979 on Saturday afternoon on RPN-9. In this version, aside from their color designations, the Gorangers also had numeric designations, in order of their introduction to the enemy prior to battle: Aka Ranger = Star 1, Ao Ranger = Star 2, KiRanger = Star 3, Momo Ranger = Star 4, and Mido Ranger = Star 5.
External links
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