Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya
Encyclopedia
is a Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

ese television series that aired on TV Asahi
TV Asahi
, also known as EX and , is a Japanese television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company writes its name in lower-case letters, tv asahi, in its logo and public-image materials. The company also owns All-Nippon News Network....

 and its affiliates from January 25, 1988 to January 23, 1989, lasting 50 episodes. It was the seventh installment in Toei
Toei Company
is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution corporation. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan, a modest vertically-integrated studio system by the standards of the 1930s United States; operates studios at Tokyo and Kyoto; and is a...

's Metal Hero Series franchise of live-action superhero shows. The series centers around a young ninja master named Toha Yamaji, who must face against numerous ninja masters from different parts of the world by donning a special armor to become his alter-ego Jiraiya.

The English title given by Toei's international sales department was Ninja Olympiad, a reference to the Seoul Olympics
1988 Summer Olympics
The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...

 & the Calgary Olympics
1988 Winter Olympics
The 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...

 that was held at the time the series was airing.

Story

The Sorcerers Clan, led by the centuries-old Org Ninja Dokusai, has make its move to retrieve the treasured map of Pako that has been in possession by the Yamaji family for generations. Tetsuzan Yamaji, the 34th grandmaster of the Togakure Ryū Ninpō, entrust his son and daughter, Toha and Mei, to protect the Pako from the forces of the Sorcerers Clan. By donning the Jiraiya Suit inherited from his father, Toha becomes Jiraya, Master of the Togakure School, who must face against the evil Sorcerers Clan, as well as numerous ninjas from different parts of the world.

Yamaji Family

The are the main characters of the series, descendants of , an ancient ninja order whose duty is to protect the Inscription, a piece of stone that points the location of Pako, a capsule that fell from space somewhere in Japan over 300 B.C., said to be the most valuable treasure in the world./: The protagonist. The 19-year-old adoptive son of Tetsuzan Yamaji. He has been given the task of protecting the Yamaji's half of the clay tablet showing the location of the Secret Treasure Pako. To become Jiraiya, he wears the Jiraiya Suit and wields the deadly to defeat evildoers. He later gains the ability to upgrade his Jiraiya Suit by equipping over it the Jiraiya Power Protector. He works several part-time jobs to support his family. Toha is actually a descendant of the alien that brought the Pako to Earth 2300 years before the start of the series. He was adopted by Tetsuzan when he was an infant after his true parents, and , were killed. Actor Takumi Tsutsui filmed his stunts for scenes where Toha wore the first form of the Jiraiya Suit./: Tetsuzan's daughter, a 16-years-old high school freshman. She often teases her adoptive brother Toha, leaving most of the housework and chores to him, but cares deeply about him. When she dresses as Emiha to assist Jiraiya, she wears a white ninja armor similar to Jiraiya's. Her special technique, the , allows her to put enemies to sleep with a rain of white cherry blossoms. Her other technique, the , allows her to create face masks of other people to disguise herself.: Tetsuzan's young son, a 9-years-old third grade student. He becomes dissatisfied with himself after feeling that his older siblings and father treat him as being only half-capable as they are. He eventually creates a homemade battle armor as he becomes more involved in the war against the Sorcerers Clan, while using pachinko
Pachinko
is a type of game originating in Japan, and used as both a form of recreational arcade game and much more frequently as a gambling device, filling a niche in gambling in Japan comparable to that of the slot machine in Western gambling. A pachinko machine resembles a vertical pinball machine, but...

 balls as his weapons. He is also a talented artist when it comes to drawing portraits. Manabu makes a guest appearance in Episode 31 of Kidou Keiji Jiban
Kidou Keiji Jiban
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series; part of the Metal Hero Series produced by Toei, aired by TV Asahi in Japan from January 30, 1989 to January 29, 1990 with 52 episodes and a feature movie aired on July 17, 1989....

.: The 34th Grandmaster of the Togakure-ryū Ninpō school. The adoptive father of Toha and biological father to Kei and Manabu. His wife was the daughter of Tetsuzan's master, but she was killed during a crossfire between Tetsuzan and the Sorcerers Clan eight years prior to the start of the series (when Manabu was an infant). He opened the ninpo dojo at his own apartment complex, but has received very few students outside his own children. He raises Bonsai
Bonsai
is a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers. Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese tradition of penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ...

 trees at his spare time and owns two pets: , a carrier pigeon; and , a ninja-trained canine. One of his most notable characteristics is his great knowledge
Knowledge
Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something unknown, which can include information, facts, descriptions, or skills acquired through experience or education. It can refer to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject...

 of the World Ninjas.

International Secret Police

The Yamaji family are assisted by a pair of secret agents from the , who are assigned to apprehend various criminals from around the world.
/ - A mysterious kunoichi descended from the Shadow Yagyu clan who has been entrusted to protect Toha. She holds a secret power which she releases when her pupils glow green. Like Toha, she is descended from the alien that brought Pako to Earth, thus she is the only person whose blood type is compatible with Toha's. In Episode 11 she overuses her power and suffers a memory loss as a result, but she eventually recovers by Episode 24. She specializes in swimming and gymnastics due to her high physical strength and flexibility./ - A young spear-wielding ninja who works together with Rei. At the end of Episode 24, he leaves Japan for a new assignment. He was Played by Issei Hirota who Previously Played Akira/Blue Mask in the 1987 Sentai Series Hikari Sentai Maskman
Hikari Sentai Maskman
is Toei's eleventh entry of the Super Sentai Series. It aired on TV Asahi from February 28, 1987 to February 20, 1988, with a total of 51 episodes. Its international English title as listed by Toei is simply Maskman.-Plot:...


The Sorcerers Clan

The are the main antagonists of the series led by the patriarch Dokusai. They possess half of the Inscription which contains the location of Pako (with the other half being with the Yamaji).: The leader of the Sorcerers Clan, whose true face is concealed with an Oni mask. Formerly a ninja from the Togakure school who trained alongside Tetsuzan, he attempted to steal the clay map leading to the Pako due to his personal greed, but ended up escaping with only half of the map before he revived the Sorcerers Clan. He begins to demonstrate his true powers from Episode 37 and onward, as he shows various skills such as shooting ray of lights from his arms or confusing Jiraiya by changing his face to that of Tetsuzan's. He was revealed to be entirely faceless during the final episode.: Dokusai's daughter. A master of disguises who can assume the shape of any person, from a young schoolgirl to Toha himself. Her special technique is the . She surrenders and escapes during the final battle. The name "Benikiba" translates to "crimson fang".: A young ninja from the Sorcerers Clan who takes charge of the clan's frontline activities. He can shoot rays of light from the cross-shaped shuriken on his mask, as well as produce fire through sorcery. He is also a skilled archer. Just like Benikiba, he surrenders and escapes alive in the end. The name "Retsukiba" means "Violent Fang".
: The underlings of the Sorcerers Clan. While there are numerous of them working for the Sorcerers Clan, they were work primarily as a group of three. They take their appearances from the mythical creatures
Tengu
are a class of supernatural creatures found in Japanese folklore, art, theater, and literature. They are one of the best known yōkai and are sometimes worshipped as Shinto kami...

 of the same name and are able to fly at will. Their weapons include calthrop bombs and dart-shooting blowguns. They're easily defeated in battle due to being incredible weak. They fly by making a breaststroke-like gesture. They always end their phrases with the onomatopoeia "yansu".: A female ninja closely acquainted with Dokusai who can change between two different human forms (a "front" form and a "rear" form) or into a spider. She first appears in Episode 37. She uses weapons such as spider-shaped bombs and electric discharging spider-web and even has the magic powers to summon the souls of deceased World Ninjas into the living world. Her regular human form is known as her "front form", while the one she uses as a public disguise is her "rear form". She has a flirtatious, but respectful relationship with Dokusai.: An elite group of five ninjas chosen by the Sorcerers Clan in Episode 16. Each member is named after a different element: , , , and . Each member has a skill which utilizes the elements they're named after: Hi can engulfed his whole body in flames and throw fireballs; Mizu can swim in high speed in water and use high water pressure in his attacks; Ki can turn himself into wood and ram himself into the enemy; Tsuchi can launch attacks from underground; and Kaze can rush attack in high-speed by surrounding his body in a tornado, as well control the wind itself. Kaze is afraid of the sound of raging winds due to the fact that he lost his parents on a night with strong winds. He studied his art with the hopes of overcoming his fear, which proves unsuccessful when the group fought Jiraiya.: After the Special Ninja Team was defeated, the Sorcerers Clan revived Kaze by turning him into a cyborg ninja. Mafuuba has all abilities from his deceased Special Ninja Team comrades in addition to his own, while fully overcoming his phobia of strong winds. He wields a pistol and sword cane and rides an enhanced motorcycle known as the , which rivals the performance rate of Jiraiya's Black Saber. Although an enemy of Jiraiya at first, he was unable to tolerate the injustices committed by the Sorcerers and departed from the group to become Jiraiya's ally. The name "Mafūba" translates "Destroying Wind Horse". and : Two mercenaries employed by the Sorcerers Clan during Episodes 34 and 35. Killer wields a kusarigama
Kusarigama
The is a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of a kama on a metal chain with a heavy iron weight at the end. The kusarigama is said to have developed during the Muromachi period...

, while Commando uses a shotgun
Shotgun
A shotgun is a firearm that is usually designed to be fired from the shoulder, which uses the energy of a fixed shell to fire a number of small spherical pellets called shot, or a solid projectile called a slug...

 and a long spear.: A giant beast that Dokusai managed to revive using a wicked magical skull in Episodes 34 and 35. He brandishes a spear and fires out flames from his mouth when angry.

World Ninjas

The are the worldwide ninja warriors who are searching to find Pako, as well as the Yamaji family and the Sorcerers Clan. All of them represent a single country, and having their own special abilities and fight techniques. Some of them are enemies and want Pako for evil goals, but there are also allies that wish to protect the world treasure. Each one represents a different country and possess a variety of unique abilities.
A British ninja descended from a Crusader
Crusades
The Crusades were a series of religious wars, blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the main goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem...

 who resembles a knight. Rides white horse named . He wields a broadsword called the , as well as crucifix-shaped shurikens. He challenges Jiraiya for the possession of his clay board in order to obtain the Pako and use it for peaceful purposes as a sent-off to martyrs that had die for noble causes, but later becomes his ally. Most of his dialogue consists of a mixture of Japanese and English.: Turkish
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...

 ninja tasked with the protection of the Green Flame, a precious emerald from the Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapı Palace is a large palace in Istanbul, Turkey, that was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years of their 624-year reign....

. Wields a large knife and sword, as well as long chain. In Episode 3, he is tricked into fighting Jiraiya by the Sorcerers Clan, but reconciles with him by the end of the episode. In Episode 15, he inadvertently releases Manin Sylvia from her prison and returns to Japan to seek Jiraiya's assistance. He is a devout Muslim who never misses a prayer.: A sword collecting ninja who wanders the world in search for the most valuable ones. A wanderer who has traveled the world in order to master every sort of sword fighting and ninja techniques, he is a skilled warrior feared by even Dokusai himself. He wields lizard-shaped throwing stars and bombs, as well as a hand cannon, while having the ability to transform into a large lizard. In Episode 5, he attempts to challenge Jiraiya for the Optical-magnetized Light Vacuum Sword, but fails. He becomes Jiraiya's ally and in Episode 31, he discovers the Nobutora Sword that was stolen from a museum in Paris, but is forced to return it to authorities. In Episode 41, he becomes possessed when he wields the Dark Sword that originally belonged to Demost.: An American ninja who specializes in explosives and gunpowder. Wields a rocket launcher, which he usually carries on his back. However, he is not adept at close-quarters combat. A Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...

 veteran, he decided to flee from the conflict after he encountered a young girl named whose parents were killed. He faked his death and adopted Tao as his own daughter. In Episode 14, he goes to Japan for the first time in order to clear his name after the Sorcerers Clan framed for a bombing and kidnapping he didn't commit. In Episode 44, he is forced to fight Jiraiya against his will when Tao is kidnapped by the Sorcerers Clan. After Tao is rescued, he returns alongside Mafuuba and Wild in order to assist Jiraiya in the final battle against the Sorcerers.: An American ninja from the West descended from Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid
William H. Bonney William H. Bonney William H. Bonney (born William Henry McCarty, Jr. est. November 23, 1859 – c. July 14, 1881, better known as Billy the Kid but also known as Henry Antrim, was a 19th-century American gunman who participated in the Lincoln County War and became a frontier...

. He works as a bounty hunter and calls himself the "Ninja Sheriff from the North Army". His ninja outfit is made of blue denim. Wields a Magnum
Magnum
Magnum may refer to several things:* Moses Magnum, a Marvel Comics villain*Magnum, P.I., a television series** Thomas Magnum, the lead character...

 revolver along with a knife. In Episode 20, he hunts down Jiraiya in order to collect the bounty offered by the Sorcerers Clan, but joins forces with Jiraiya in the end when the Sorcerers betrays him. Afterward, he begins working for a public entertaining company in order to collect money to pay for his trip back to America and ends up challenging Jiraiya again in Episode 33 to duel. From that point onward, he becomes one of Jiraiya's recurring ally in the battle again the Sorcerers Clan.: A member of the Holy Ninja Clan, a religious clan that inhabit the desert lands. Wields a large katana and a knife. He has several Ninpo skills such as creating a Sand Blizzard that seals his enemies' weapons in sand, throwing stars that feeds from certain energy sources, the ability to levitate giant objects, and so on. The red stone on his head is the source of his powers. He is ignorant of modern society due to his upbringing. In Episode 21, he is tricked by the Sorcerers Clan into stealing all of the gasoline in Tokyo, but he is taught the errors of his way by Jiraiya and becomes his ally. In Episode 47, he is brainwashed by Madam Spider into destroying Jiraishin, but he comes to his senses before he could accomplish such a task.: A fortune-telling half-Japanese female ninja from Canada who seeks to help her poor hometown. She can shoot a Diamond Shower from her chest. Demost uses her good intentions against her by forcing her to lead Jiraiya to a trap, but ended up saving him instead by giving up her own life.: A 90-years-old ninja from Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...

 who can control fire. In Episode 4, he cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan in order to obtain the Pako for the purposes achieving eternal youth and immortality. His weapons include a ninja blade, a chain and sickle, a nunchaku, and a three-sectioned staff. He wrap his opponents with his chain and sickle, as well as attack them with his illusionary flames. He also has a special skill called the , which causes his opponent to take him lightly, over-analyze the situation and then fill the opponent with fear. After Chang Kung-Fu is defeated, he son seeks revenge on Jiraiya to avenge his death in Episodes 10 and 11. The son, in addition to having the same outfit and abilities as his father, uses a specially prepared type of Ramen noodles from Hong Kong that ties the mobility of his opponents.: A member of a drug cartel from Hong Kong who cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan in Episodes 10 and 11. He has a grudge against Toppa for interfering in his deals in the past. He is a master of the Drunken Fist who wields a Green Dragon Blade and a nunchaku. He can distract his adversaries with his illusions while striking continuously with his nunchaku, as well as create "flame dragon" that attacks with its claws and illusionary flames. He defeated Jiraiya with the help of Chang Kung-Fu's son during their first battle, but both are defeated during the second battle. Voiced by Eisuke Yoda with stunt acting by Tsutomu Kitagawa
Tsutomu Kitagawa
is a Japanese actor and Stuntman.He is mostly known for playing Godzilla for the Millennium series.He also played King Ghidorah for Rebirth of Mothra III...

. The name Lu-Long means "Green Dragon". Ninja Makumba
Macumba
Macumba is a word of African origins. Various explanations of its meaning include "a musical instrument", the name of a Central African deity, and simply "magic". It was the name used for all Bantu religious practices mainly in Bahia Afro-Brazilian in the 19th Century...

|獣忍 マクンバ|Jūnin Makunba}}: A ninja employed by an African guerrilla group. In Episode 7, he becomes involved a smuggling operation with Japan's Miyamura Commercial Affairs, trading the furs of animals he has poached for weapons. He was responsible for the death of Jou, a beloved student of Tetsuzan who was also the chief of the African Wildlife Poaching Control. When the Yamaji family receives news of Jou's death, Jiraiya decides to challenge Makumba, becoming involved with the Miyamura corporation as well. After being defeated by Jiraiya, Makumba's older brother appears in Episode 25 to seek revenge. With the help of the Sorcerers Clan, Makumba's brother captures several animals and causes them to shriek loudly in front of the statue of the evil African god Dada. This causes Makumba's spirit to be brought back to life and challenge Jiraiya.: A ninja from the fictional Democratic Republic of Amel who appears in Episode 8. He is uncle of a young girl named Maira, who was chosen to serve peace ambassador on behalf of Amel. He plots the assassination of his niece in order to turn Amel back into a dictatorial monarchy. Not wanting to kill his elder brother's daughter with his own hands, he hires the Sorcerers Clan to do the deed by paying them with 100 carats (20 g) diamond. His weapons includes a dagger and a double-barreled handgun. He also uses a ninpo technique that allows him to cause large explosions with a mysterious type of powder. His ninja mask is a turban that wraps his entire face.: First appears in Episode 43. He once challenge Tetsuzan for the title of world's best ninja, but lost his right arm in the ensuing battle. After the battle, he replaced his missing arm with a prosthetic one and began to train to seek revenge on Tetsuzan. He decides to do so by targeting Toha. His causes his opponents to become blind by shooting them with one million volts of flashing lights from the chest of his golden armor. After Jiraiya becomes blind from his technique, the only thing that can cure him is the root of a red Yamayuri flower that grows only in Mount Kumotori.: A ninja master of disguises who cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan in Episodes 19 and 22. In Episode 31, he steals the treasured Nobutora Sword from a museum in Paris in cooperation with a group of international thieves, but his plot is foiled by Jiraiya. He cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan again in Episodes 40 and 48 before he is defeated for good.: A surviving member of the cruel Sound Ninja Clan who dresses like a Komusō
Komuso
A was a Japanese mendicant monk of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism, during the Edo period of 1600-1868. Komusō were characterised by the straw basket worn on the head, manifesting the absence of specific ego. They are also known for playing solo pieces on the shakuhachi...

. He cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan to seek revenge on the Togakure school for destroying his clan. When he plays his shakuhachi
Shakuhachi
The is a Japanese end-blown flute. It is traditionally made of bamboo, but versions now exist in ABS and hardwoods. It was used by the monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism in the practice of...

, he can control his adversary with his , as well as cause an illusionary group of ninjas to appear within a fog with his . Although he is defeated by Jiraiya, he is brought back to life by Dokusai in Episode 32 and begins summoning ghosts at the beach dormitory of the Saint Mariana Girl School in order to lure out a powerful psychic girl and bring her under his control.: The boss of the Metallic Ninja Clan, a gang which plots to rule the world by using science for crime. His weapons includes two swords, a sickle and chain that channels electricity, and a boomerang knife which he stores inside his right eyepatch. His causes him to shoot a red laser from his armor and cause a magnetic storm, while his allows him to hide in the shadow of his opponent. In Episode 23, he kidnaps three scientists (Dr. Smith, Dr. Brown, and Dr. Schmidt) with the help of the Sorcerers Clan, but his plot is foiled as a result of a quarrel with the Sorcerers Clan and he is ultimately defeated by Jiraiya. In Episode 40, he is rebuilt as "Gamesh 002" and cooperates with Demost to hunt down Jiraiya, but ends up being defeated by Mafuuba.: An assassin descended from a Caribbean pirate who swims the seas in search of riches. He specializes in underwater combat and wields a harpoon gun. In Episode 24, he cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan in search of Captain Cook's treasure. He returns in Episode 40 to cooperate with the Sorcerers Clan alongside Parchis, but is caught in one of Gamesh 002's traps. He returns again in Episode 48, where he is defeated for good.: An international jewel thief who lives a civilian as the fortune teller . He is very proud of his work and hates being called a petty thief. He wields a variety of weapons and has a ninja art which allows him to produce tarot cards. In Episode 36, he is arrested after being defeated and unmasked by Jiraiya and Reiha. He escapes from jail and in Episode 48, he fights Jiraiya again alongside Parchis and Silver Shark. Ninja Gyuma|祭忍 ギュウマ|Sainin Gyūma}}: A ninja from Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...

 who seeks to defeat Jiraiya in order to become the world's best ninja and obtain the Pako board. He can shoot an electric shock from his horn. He can create underlings from his own cloth. The original Gyuma is defeated by Jiraiya in Episode 13, but his identity is later assumed by a successor. In Episode 42, Gyuma's successor sends a female ninja named , a dead-ringer of Tetsuzan's late wife, to spy on the Yamaji family. However, Akiko betrays the second Gyuma after befriending the Yamaji family, particularly Manabu.: An alien who came to Earth from the faraway planet of the sometime during the 4th century B.C. He was imprisoned underground at Mount Kongō by Jiraiya's ancestor, but escapes from his prison as a result of the change in the Earth's crust caused by Jiraishin's resurrection in Episode 37. He begins to plot against Jiraiya in order to use the Pako's powers to obtain all of Earth's resources and return to his home planet. In Episode 41, he obtains the , a laser blade equivalent to Jiraiya in terms of strength. His head can detach itself from the rest of his body and float in the air, as well as be restored after being destroyed once. He can attack and bind his enemies with electric shocks, as well as read his opponent's mind.

Other characters

: A comical fortune teller who gets himself involved with the activities of Toha and co. Although he was trained to become a ninja, he gave up and ran away from his master's place. Has a one-sided crush on Mei.: An American scientist who was also Tetsuzan's first disciple. He defected to Japan with the help of Tetsuzan, fearing the way his research was being used for the "Star Wars Project
Strategic Defense Initiative
The Strategic Defense Initiative was proposed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan on March 23, 1983 to use ground and space-based systems to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. The initiative focused on strategic defense rather than the prior strategic...

". He dreams of combining his scientific technology with the ways of Ninpō to help protect the world. In his first appearance in Episode 11, he repairs and improves the Jiraiya Suit after it was damaged in battle by Chang Kung-Fu Jr. and Green Dragon, building the Power Protector upgrade parts as well. In Episode 16, he takes Toha's beloved car and rebuilds it into the Black Saber. When he was kidnapped by Gamesh alongside his colleagues Dr. Brown and Dr. Schmidt in Episode 23, he managed to escape using a Ninpō trick taught to him by Tetsuzan. He also wielded a fountain pen equipped with a laser gun that alters an enemy's brainwaves.: A ninja who can manipulate paper, he is employed by his own clan to hunt down deserters. He first appears in Episode 12, where he is assigned to hunt down a deserter named . However, he is reluctant to finish job, having had a romantic relationship in the past with Mimura's daughter . After Mimura is killed, Oruha abandons the clan to elope with Kasumi. He retires and moves to Yamanakako with Kasumi, but is brought back into action in Episode 26 after becoming involved in a plot by the Sorcerers Clan. He has ability to create paper doll minions and uses dismantled scissors as throwing knives. In Episode 45, he and Kasumi are both killed by his former clan leader, but they are both brought back to life by the powers of Jiraishin.: A female ninja apprentice from the Flower Ninja Clan, a clan from Lake Hamana
Lake Hamana
in Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's tenth largest lake . It spans the boundaries of the cities of Hamamatsu and Kosai.-Data:The lake has an area of 65.0 km² and holds 0.35 km³ of water. Its circumference is 114 km. At its deepest point, the water is 16.6 m deep...

 which branched off from the Togakure school. She was raised by the clan's leader as his own after being abandoned by her birth parents when she was an infant. She was given the task of preventing the cursed armor of the Devil King from falling into the wrong hands. She has the ability to use falling flower petals as weapons, as well as the small branches from cherry blossom trees. She is assisted by Jiraiya in Episodes 17 and 18, and returns in Episode 32 to team up with Emiha and Reiha.: Appears in Episode 16. A sorceress who once terrorized Europe during the Middle Ages, she was magically sealed inside the , but was released from her confinement after the sword is dug out by Haburamu from underneath a palace in Istanbul. She has the power to hypnotize people she comes in contact with and bring them under her control, as the ability to shoot lightning bolts from her Devil Sword. She is shown to be powerful enough to take on the entire Sorcerers Clan by herself.: Appears in Episodes 17 and 18. A member of the Flower Ninja Clan, he was raised by the clan's master after being orphaned as a child similarly to Yumeha. However, he became corrupt and conspired with half of the clan to conquer the world, assassinating his former master in the process. He seeks the Devil King armor to achieve his ambition, but becomes possessed after wearing it and ends up fighting Jiraiya.: A cursed armor said to turn its wearer into a warrior demon. It is invulnerable to arrows and bullets and can use its opponent's feelings against themselves. When Jiraiya approached the Devil King by lowering his fighting spirit, the Devil King's sword proved to be of no use at that moment. After Kurozaru is defeated, the Devil King is sealed away from the rest of the world once again.: Appears in Episode 27 played by Metal Hero veteran Kenji Ōba. A skilled warrior formerly from the Togakure school who seeks to challenge the best, he is known for his unpredictable behavior. He lives in the city of Matsuyama at Shikoku
Shikoku
is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū. Its ancient names include Iyo-no-futana-shima , Iyo-shima , and Futana-shima...

, but is asked by Tetsuzan to visit Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...

 in order to discourage Toha from becoming too arrogant. He does so by challenging Toha to an unarmed match for the ownership of the Jiraiya Suit and the Optical-magnetized Light Vacuum Sword. After being defeated by Yajiro, Toha goes through an intensive training program in order to defeat him. Toha learns a new skill that allows to blank out his mind and augment his entire body's senses in order to better predict attacks. Toha defeats Yajiro in the rematch and reclaims his armor and sword.: Appears in Episodes 29, 31 and 40. A French policewoman and ninja who travels to Japan undercover as a tourist in order to recover the Nobutora Sword, which was stolen by Parchis from a museum in Paris.: Appears in Episode 28. A master of the and skilled spear wielder, he was the man responsible for the deaths of Toha's birth parents. He kept himself hidden for 17 years in a hideout within the Togakure mountain range alongside his army of minions. When Sugitani decides to come out of hiding to attack the Togakure village, he is challenged by Jiraiya, who sought to avenge his parents.: Appears in Episode 30. A young shinobi who was raised and trained by the ancient ninja master . Despite being trained by Koshimura to be a champion of justice, being the one who gave Black Thorn his name, Black Thorn rejected his master's values after his mother's death and turned to a life of crime by becoming a bank robber, believing that he could've saved his mother's life if he had money. Presumed dead after a fight with his former master, he returns four years later to plot revenge on Koshimura by framing him for various bombing and blackmailing incidents against the Government. He uses rose thorns as weapons.: Appears in Episode 45. The cold-blooded leader of Oruha's ninja clan. He cooperates with the Sorcerers Clan to seize Oruha for deserting the clan. Has the ability to transform himself into a dragon using a whirlwind technique.

Equipment

: A suit of armor passed throughout the Togakure school, it is the suit wore by Toha when he becomes Jiraiya. When not in used, it is usually kept hidden inside the ceiling of the Bujinkan school. It was originally the suit wore by the alien that brought the Pako to Earth.: A sword passed throughout the Togakure school, it is Jiraiya's primary weapon. When Jiraiya yells the name of the sword, it becomes a shining laser blade. Any enemy defeated by a special technique performed with the blade will be wrapped around seven differently colored lights before vanishing. Only Toha, who is descended from the space alien that brought the sword, can use it to its full powers. Like the Jiraiya Suit, it was created from a meteorite that arrived from 300 light years away from Earth and fell into a glacier at the North Pole. When not in used, it is usually kept hidden inside a mirror within the Bujinkan school. It has its own fill as well. With this sword, Jiraiya can perform the following special techniques:
}: A technique which cuts the enemy in half vertically, which is followed by a horizontal slice. It is Jiraiya's most commonly used finishing move.
}: A finishing move in which the enemy is cult in half horizontally. A variation of the technique is also used which can take down up to three adversaries at the same time, which is used in Episodes 14 and 48.
}: A technique in which the sword gathers lightning and when it radiates, it can attack numerous enemies at the same time. It is used in Episode 8 to break through Abdad's sorcery and again in Episode 18 to destroy the Devil King armor.
}: Technique used during Jiraiya's second transformation. The technique slices enemy diagonally and then horizontally. It is first used during Episode 12 at the middle of a border several times.
}: Technique used during Jiraiya's second transformation. While curving, Jiraiya slices the enemy in an x-like pattern. It is the technique uses in Episode 20 to destroy the Sorcerers Clan's "Buffalo" tank.
}: Technique used during Jiraiya's second transformation. It is performed while Jiraiya is somersaulting in the air. Jiraiya uses in Episode 29 to destroy the Sorcerers Clan's "Giant Cannon" weapon.
}: An enhanced version of the Front Bisection used during Jiraiya's second transformation, which finishes the enemy off faster than the regular version. Jiraiya uses in Episode 29 against Dokusai, wounding his left arm, as well as in Episode 45 to finish off the Paper Ninja Clan Leader.
}: Technique used during Jiraiya's second transformation. The enemy is cut after Jiraiya rotates his sword. Used in Episode 44.
}: The most essential technique of the Togakure school, which Jiraiya learns from Tetsuzan in Episode 49. Jiraiya turns his mind blank and transform his body into an antenna with the to predict his enemy's movements and then slices as he turns around. The technique is capable of cutting the user itself when applied to a mirror. The technique managed to wound Demost, as well as destroy Dokusai's mask during the final episode.: A set of upgrade parts created by Dr. Smith that can be added to the Jiraiya Suit, they are introduced in Episode 11. It consists of a pair of shoulder pads and knee pads, a collar, and a special visor called the that allows the wearer to analyze and see-through surroundings. They are equipped over the Jiraiya Suit during battle as part of a secondary transformation.: Jiraiya's raygun introduced in Episode 13, it appears to be a weapon handed down to the Yamaji family. It uses three different types of ammunition: a medical cartridge that shoots anesthetic rounds, a signal cartridge that shoots signal rounds, and a material destroying cartridge that can destroy rocks. The Jiraibuster is mainly used as a defensive weapon, since it is not capable of firing lethal shots.

Vehicles

: A modified sports car driven by Jiraiya. It is originally an ordinary black Nissan Fairlady Z
Nissan 300ZX
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 Nissan/Datsun 300ZX in the US only. The 300ZX, as its predecessors, was known as a Nissan in other parts of the world. This continued in the US until 1985 model year when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide and dropped...

 that belonged to Toha until Dr. Smith decides to modify it, inspired by Tetsuzan's idea of combining science with ninjutsu. While it still resembles an ordinary car on the outside, it is equipped numerous special devices such as a state-of-the-art radar, pop-up-style machine guns inside the retractable light units, a missile and anchor launchers inside the hood, and spikes behind the rear wheels. Its body has also been reinforced to make it durable enough to withstand any explosion. Its top speed is 310 km (approximately 190 mph).: The giant statue of a war god that was kept within the depths of Mount Kongō. Stands approximately 20 meters (or 66 feet) tall, it serves as the guardian deity of the Pako against the greatest evils. Jiraiya can fuse with Jiraishin and control its movement by transporting himself into its chest. Jiraishin's weapons consists of the and the . It is said to had been built by Prince Shōtoku
Prince Shotoku
, also known as or , was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was a son of Emperor Yōmei and his younger half-sister Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. His parents were relatives of the ruling Soga clan, and was involved in the defeat...

 with the purposes of protecting Pako. While Jiraishin appears in a total of six episodes following its first appearance in Episode 34, the only times that it fights a giant enemy are in Episode 35 against the Sorcerer Behemoth Gohma and in the final episode against a giant Dokusai. When not in use, Jiraishin is kept underground inside a giant rock seal with Jiraishin's name inscribed that covers it from up to its neck.

Pako

: Voiced by Jun Yoshida. An alien time capsule that fell from space during 4th century B.C. It holds a mysterious super energy equivalent to the Sun
Sun
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is almost perfectly spherical and consists of hot plasma interwoven with magnetic fields...

 itself, causing the Sorcerers Clan and most of the World Ninjas to fight fiercely to obtain it. Its location is inscribed on a , which was split into two by Dokusai when he betrayed the Togakure school and took one of the halves, with the other half being kept by Tetsuzan. Its true form is that of an energy being from the Dark Star that originally intended to invade the Earth, but was reformed when it experienced the kindness of earthlings. It can only communicate telepathically via Reiha, who is descended from one of the aliens that brought Pako to Earth.

Episodes


Regulars

  • Tōha Yamaji: Takumi Tsutsui
  • Kei Yamaji: Megumi Sekiguchi
  • Manabu Yamaji: Takumi Hashimoto
  • Tetsuzan Yamaji: Masaaki Hatsumi
    Masaaki Hatsumi
    Masaaki Hatsumi Masaaki Hatsumi Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭 Hatsumi Masaaki, (born 2 December 1931) refers to himself (and is generally recognised) as the 34th Togakure-ryū ninpo Soke (Grandmaster), and is the founder of the Bujinkan Organization. He currently resides and teaches in the city of Noda,...

  • Ryō Asuka: Issei Hirota
  • Rei Yagyū: Tomoko Taya
  • Benikiba: Hiromi Nohara
  • Retsuha: Shingo Hiromori
  • Kumo-Gozen's "front" form: Machiko Soga
    Machiko Soga
    was a Japanese voice actress and actress.- Life and career :Machiko had humble upbringings and was raised to be a singer, though her talents were with acting. She was “discovered” after doing a play in Tokyo Center...

  • Kumo-Gozen's "rear" form: Hizuru Uratani

Semi-regulars and guest stars

  • Mafūba: Jun'ichi Haruta (ep. 16 only)
  • Haburamu: Kin Oomae
  • Rocketman: Hiroshi Seki (ep. 14-29)
  • Rocketman: Yasuhiro Takeuchi (ep. 44-50)
  • Wild: Jirō Ishii
  • Abdad: Wolf Otsuki
  • Devil Cats: Mickey Curtis
    Mickey Curtis
    is a Japanese actor, singer, and TV celebrity. He began his entertainment career in 1958 as an actor, and later became a rockabilly singer. In 1967, he became internationally known through his avant-garde rock band "Mickey Curtis & The Samurai". After five years, Mickey disbanded the group and...

  • Jane: Sumiko Kakizaki
  • Henry Rakuchin: Masayuki Suzuki
  • Dr. Smith: Chris "Akshara" Reynolds
  • Oruha: Shohei Kusaka
  • Kasumi: Michiko Enokida
  • Yumeha: Tamao Matsugi
  • Kurozaru: Bun Nakamura
  • Yajirō Iyo: Kenji Ōba
  • Katherine: Dorothée
  • Kuroi Ibara: Kazuoki Takahashi
  • Genchi Koshimura: Jun Tatara
  • Sanae Yamaji/Akiko Masumoto: Yukiko Yoshino
  • Paper Ninja Clan Leader: Katsuhiko Kobayashi

Voice actors

  • Tetsuzan Yamaji: Dai Nagasawa
  • Dokusai: Shozo Izuka
  • Retsuha: Shingo Hiromori
  • Karasutengu #1: Ittoku Yamanaka
  • Karasutengu #2: Moichi Saitō
  • Karasutengu #3, Gyuma, Gamesh: Toku Nishio
  • Mafūba, Baron Owl, Alamsa, Uha, Strowver: Atsuo Mori
  • Beni Tokage: Takeshi Kuwabara (ep.5), Teiji Oomiya (ep. 31)
  • Beni Tokage (ep. 41), Chang Kung Fu, Makumba: Eiji Maruyama
  • Chang Kung Fu's son: Michirō Iida
  • Green Dragon, Parchis, Silver Shark, Demost: Eisuke Yoda
  • Sylvia: Naoko Matsui
    Naoko Matsui
    is a Japanese voice actress from Hakodate. Matsui was a member of Production Baobab for 20 years before becoming a freelancer. She is also a voice acting instructor....

  • Akunobo Sugitani: Takeshi Watabe
    Takeshi Watabe
    was a Japanese voice actor. He was born in Kōchi Prefecture. He usually played villains and performed the voices for many anime characters and tokusatsu villains. He is most famous for voicing Kaminari in Doraemon...

  • Pako: Jun Yoshida
  • Narrator: Toru Ohira
    Toru Ohira
    is a male Japanese narrator and voice actor from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. He is a representative of Ōhira Production.One of his most known roles is the dub voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars...


Stunt actors

  • Jiraiya: Kōji Matoba
  • Dokusai, Akunobo Sugitani: Noriaki Kaneda
  • Baron Owl: Masahiro Sudō
  • Chang Kung-Fu (father and son): Hideo Ninomiya
  • Wild: Michael Coleman (ep. 1 only)
  • Mafūba: Shun'ya Sonoda

Songs

Opening theme
    • Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa]
    • Composition:
    • Arrangement:
    • Artist: Akira Kushida
      Akira Kushida
      , is a Japanese vocalist who is well known for his work in the soundtracks for anime and tokusatsu productions, most notably Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan, Kinnikuman, and Uchuu Keiji Gavan. His nickname from his fans is...


Ending theme
  • "SHI·NO·BI '88"
    • Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa
    • Composition: Kisaburō Suzuki
    • Arrangement: Osamu Totsuka
    • Artist: Akira Kushida
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK