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Gekko Kamen (By Jmaruyama) (Images Source)

 
Production Information

Japanese Name

Gekko Kamen

 

English Name

Moonlight Mask

 


Air Dates and Times

2/24/1958 – 7/5/1959
Shown at various times Mon-Friday from 7:00-7:30 PM; 8:00 – 8:30 PM; KR TV (now TBS Tokyo)
Episode 1 – 2/24/1958 – 5/17/1958 – M-Sat; 7:00-7:10 PM (re-run 71 times)
Episode 2 – 5/25/1958 – 10/12/1958 – Sundays, 7:00-7:30 PM (re-run 21 times)
Episode 3 – 10/19/1958-11/30/1958 – Sundays, 7:00-7:30 PM; 12/7/1958-12/28/1958 – Sundays; 8:00-8:30 PM (re-run 21 times)
Episode 4 – 1/4/1959 – 3/29/1959 – Sundays, 8:00-8:30 PM (re-run 13 times)
Episode 5 – 4/5/1959 –7/5/1959 – Sundays, 8:00-8:30 PM (re-run 14 times)
Entire series re-ran 130 times

Format

Black/White Serial

Creator/Writer

Kawauchi Kohan

Supervision

Kobayashi Toshio

Director

Funagodo Sadao

Producer

Nishimura Shunichi

Music

Ogawa Hirooki

Production

Nobuhiro Yashiro

Sponsor

Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Distributor

Toei


Theme Song

Gekko Kamen Wa Dare Desou
Lyrics by: Kawauchi Kohan
Composed by: Ogawa Hirooki
Sung by: Kondo Yoshiko and the King Ko Kyu Tai (The King Children’s Peace Club)


Cast

TV Series:
Osei Koichi (Iwai Jyuro)
Tani Kanichi (Dai Gorohachi)
Kuno Shiro
Miyata Yoyo
Muto Eiji
Takato Seiko
Akaozeki Mitsuzo

Episode 1
Uncredited (Moonlight Mask)
Omura Fumitake (Iwai Jyuro)
Usami Jyunya (Dr. Nakayama)
Mine Hiroko (Nakayama Ayako)
Yanagi Yakan (Dai Gorohachi)
Komiya Mitsue (Yuri)
Hasebe Ken (Tiger Shiraki)
Sasaki Takamaru (Dr. Akaboshi)
Sudo Ken (Inspector Matsuda)
Hara Kunio (Shigeru)
Fuji Tamami (Konomi)
Sawa Shoken (Adala Khan)
Yamamoto Rinichi (Kokui No Otoko[The Man In Black])
Uncredited (Dokuro Kamen)

Episode 2
Uncredited (Moonlight Mask)
Omura Fumitake (Iwai Jyuro)
Uemura Kenjiro (Satan No Tsume)
Tsukioka Chiaki (Asakawa Masako)
Matsushima Tomoko (Asakawa Fujiko)
Yanagi Yakan (Dai Gorohachi)
Watamizu Yaeko (Kaboko)
Matsumoto Kanbei (Dr. Yuuki)
Sudo Ken (Inspector Matsuda)
Hasebe Ken (Reporter Yamada)
Hara Kunio (Shigeru)

Episode 3
Uncredited (Moonlight Mask)
Omura Fumitake (Iwai Jyuro)
Yanagi Yakan (Dai Gorohachi)
Hara Sen (Pataren Oyu)
Watamizu Yaeko (Kaboko)
Nagata Yasushi (Tasaka Yuichi)
Yamamoto Rinichi (Kong)
Yusef Ottoman (Doctor)
Hasebe Ken (Reporter Yamada)
Matsuda Jyunji (Dr. Yamawaki)
Sudo Ken (Inspector Matsuda)

Episode 4
Uncredited (Moonlight Mask)
Omura Fumitake (Iwai Jyuro)
Yanagi Yakan (Dai Gorohachi)
Watamizu Yaeko (Kaboko)
Sumida Tomohito (Shigeru)
Kurose Chieko (Konomi)
Fujisato Mayumi (Orin)
Matsuda Jyunji (Inspector Matsuda)
Naruse Masahiko (Assistant Fujita)
Kayama Mitsuko (Naoko)
Sasaki Takamaru (Ooka Tetsuzo)
Santo Akiko (Ooka Haruko)
Ando Mitsuo (Detective Sugiyama)
Kubo Hajime (Detective Nobura)
Saito Shiko (Dr. Suzuki)
Kusakari Ryuhei (Reporter Yamada)
Katayama Akira (Dr. Yoshikawa)

Episode 5
Uncredited (Moonlight Mask)
Omura Fumitake (Iwai Jyuro)
Yanagi Yakan (Dai Gorohachi)
Watamizu Yaeko (Kaboko)
Sumida Tomohito (Shigeru)
Kurose Chieko (Konomi)
Matsuda Jyunji (Inspector Matsuda)
Shimizu Ichiro (Dr. Shiragami/Shiragami Oni [White Haired Devil])
Oka Jyoji (Nishikawa)
Harold S. Conway (Snyder)
Narusei Masahiko (Kitagawa)
Ando Mitsuo (Detective Sugiyama)
Kubo Hajime (Detective Nobura)
Saito Shiko (Higashijo Saburo)
Santo Akiko (Taeko)
Umemiya Tatsuo (Shiragami Tetsuya)
Hinoki Yuuko (Nishikawa Toshiko)

Series/Movie Info


Story

“Nikumu Na, Korosu Na, Yurushimasho” (Forgiveness without Hate or Death) This is the mantra of the masked vigilante known only as Gekko Kamen. Like a gale of wind, this mysterious “Agent of Justice” would appear out of nowhere to battle evil in all its many forms. No one knows who the Gekko Kamen is but his exploits are legendary as is his kindness and spirit of justice.

Episode Details  

Episode 1 –“Dokuro Kamen” (The Skull Mask)

Professor Nakayama has created the “H-O Joe Bomb” which is able to create a vacuum and destroy the oxygen within a selected area (similar to the Oxygen Destroyer Device in “Godzilla”). Agents of an International Spy Ring have stolen the device. Its leader, Dokuro Kamen wants to use the device to blackmail the world. It’s up to Gekko Kamen to stop him.

Episode 2 –“Paradai Okoku No Hiro (The Treasure of the Paradise Kingdom) AKA “Satan No Tsume” (Satan Claw)

The Raja of Paradise Kingdom has been assassinated by the mysterious villain called “Satan No Tsume”. Satan No Tsume steals from the dead Raja, a map leading to Paradise Kingdom’s 5 Hundred Billion Dollar Treasure Archive. However, in order to decipher the map one needs the fabulous jewel “the Eye of Allah”. It’s location is known only by the Raja’s daughter, the Princess of Paradise. Satan No Tsume and his agents go after the beauty. Gekko Kamen must save the Princess and Protect Paradise’s Treasure.

Chapter 1 “Satan No Tsume” (Satan Claw)
Chapter 2 “Ogon No Kagi” (The Gold Key)
Chapter 3 “Jiken Wa Tobu” (The Case Begins)
Chapter 4 “Megami To Majou” (The Goddess and the Witch)
Chapter 5 “Seigi No Giyakushu” (Justice Strikes Back)
Chapter 6 “Hana Tou Kenjyu” (Flowers and Guns)
Chapter 7 “Futatsu No Kao” (Two Faces)
Chapter 8 “Ogon No Oni” (The Gold Devil)
Chapter 9 “Akuma No Shotai” (The Demon Revealed)
Chapter 10 “Butai Wa Mawaru” (The Stage Revolves)
Chapter 11 “Jikoku No Kiseki” (The Hellish Wonder)
Chapter 12 “Ketsen Oushi” (The Showdown Approaches)
Chapter 13 “Agit Wa Dokoda” (Where Is The Agitpunkt) *Agitpunkt (Agitating Point = Secret Base)
Chapter 14 “Tsumi No Tsugunai” (Atonement)
Chapter 15 “Seigi Wa Shinazu” (Justice Never Dies)
Chapter 16 “Jyoho Kitaru” (Information Arrives)
Chapter 17 “Kane Wa Mamono” (Greed)
Chapter 18 “Arashi Wa Chikai” (Evil Is Afoot)
Chapter 19 “Totoki Giseisha” (The Noble Victims)
Chapter 20 “Paradi No Tsuki” (Moon Over Paradise)
Chapter 21 “Akuma No Saigo” (The Evil Is Dead)

Episode 3 - “Mammoth Kong”

A International League of Assassins has targeted a group of ten influential Japanese citizens for extermination. Using the services of a captured experimental ape called “Kong”, they proceed in their dastardly mission (shades of “Murders In The Rue Morgue”). Gekko Kamen goes after the League and tries to save Kong from being killed by the Police.

Chapter 1 “Ikiteiru Kaiju” (The Monster Is Alive)
Chapter 2 “Yogen Tekichu” (Prophecy Realized)
Chapter 3 “Nerawareta Sosai” (Gunning For The President)
Chapter 4 “Umi No Ketsen” (Showdown At Sea)
Chapter 5 “Sokoku No Tame Ni” (For Love Of Country)
Chapter 6 “Fujimi No Tatakai” (Immortal Combat)
Chapter 7 “Chie Kurabe”
Chapter 8 “Seigi No Giyakushu” (Justice Strikes Back)
Chapter 9 “Meiro No Tsuiseki” (Chase Through The Maze)
Chapter 10 “Ayaushi Mei Tantei” (The Dangerous and Magnificent Detective)
Chapter 11 “Aku Wa Oyobiru” (Evil Is Destroyed)

Episode 4 – “Yurei Tou No Giyaku Shu” (The Ghost Clan Strikes Back)

Ooka Tetsuzo has discovered the secrets to creating Uranium. The Mysterious “Yurei Tou” (Ghost Clan) wants this formula and kidnaps Ooka’s sister Haruko to force him to diverge that information to them. Gekko Kamen arrives to save the day but can even he defeat the Black Clad Members of the Ghost Clan and its leader who seemingly has ESPer powers.

Chapter 1 “Yurei Tou No Giyaku Shu” (The Ghost Clan Strikes Back)
Chapter 2 “Seigi O Shinaze Yo” (Justice and Truth)
Chapter 3 “Yurei Taifun” (The Ghost Typhoon)
Chapter 4 “Film No Himitsu” (The Film’s Secret)
Chapter 5 “Shi No Saiminjitsu” (The Hypnotic Death)
Chapter 6 “Tochi O Mamoru Hitobito” (Protectors of the Land)
Chapter 7 “Arijikoku” (Doodlebug)
Chapter 8 “Jyumon No Heiya” (The Enchanted Room)
Chapter 9 “Majin No Hi” (Flames of Evil)
Chapter 10 “Aku No Jittei” (Servants of Evil)
Chapter 11 “Kamen No Onna” (The Masked Woman)
Chapter 12 “Shi No Anshitsu” (The Dark Room of Death)
Chapter 13 “Akuma Wa Shimetsu Suru” (The Demon Self Destructs)

Episode 5 – “Sono Fukushu Ni Te O Dasuna” (Don’t Interfere With Revenge)

World War II criminal scientist Dr. Shimegami (nicknamed the “Whitehaired Devil”) has left a cache of gold on a deserted island in the Pacific. Chinese Forces have since taken over the Island and now Dr. Shimegami, who had fled the island returns to get his gold back. He launches a series of attacks using poisoned spiders against the island inhabitants. At the same time, a Criminal Syndicate has also learned of the gold and launches its own missions to get the gold. Can Gekko Kamen stop both Dr. Shimegami and the Criminal Cartel?

Chapter 1 “Nerawareta Otoko” (The Targeted Man)
Chapter 2 “Seigi No Hata” (Flag of Justice)
Chapter 3 “Osaka Eki Taiketsu” (Showdown At Osaka Station)
Chapter 4 “Dokuro Kamen Shutsugen Su” (Skull Mask Returns)
Chapter 5 “Dai Ichi No Kokuhaku” (The First Confession)
Chapter 6 “Fukou Na Otoko” (The Misfortunate Fellow)
Chapter 7 “Dokuro No Hangeki” (Skull Mask’s Counter Attack)
Chapter 8 “Doku Gumo No Himitsu” (Secret of the Poison Spider)
Chapter 9 “Migoto Naru Keiyaku” (The Brilliant Plan)
Chapter 10 “Ikiteita Saishi” (The Mother & Child Are Alive)
Chapter 11 “Shikeidai No Gekko Kamen” (Death Sentence For Moonlight Mask)
Chapter 12 “Agit Shugeki” (The Agitpunkt Raid) *Agitpunkt (Agitating Point = Secret Base)
Chapter 13 “Keishicho Tai Aku No Sokutsu” (The Police vs. The Evil Hive)
Chapter 14 “Ten No Sabaki” (Judgment Day)

Characters
   

Gekko Kamen
As the theme song denotes, no one knows who Gekko Kamen is. He is a lone figure dressed entirely in white, who mysteriously appears when danger is afoot.

While he appears to be a regular human, he is exceptionally gifted in many areas including unarmed combat and gymnastics. He is an expert motorcycle rider and a superb marksman.

In the series he switched between using a single automatic pistol to sometimes carrying two revolvers.

  
      
Additional Information
Review No opportunity to review yet.  
Trivia

Based on the “Shonen Club” manga by writer Kawauchi Kohan and illustrator Kuwata Jiro.

May have inspired Ishinomori Shotaro in creating the Kamen Rider series (which began as a concept originally called “Skull Man”).

Prolific writer Kawauchi Kohan is also responsible for the creation of “Na Na Iro Kamen” (Seven Color Mask; 1959), “Ai No Senshi Rainbow Man” (Warrior of Love, Rainbow Man; 1972), “Hikari No Senshi Diamond Eye” (Warrior of Light, Diamond Eye; 1973), and “Seigi No Symbol Condor Man” (Symbol of Justice, Condor Man; 1975).

During its time, it was the number one show among children.

Unfortunately, due to a number of cases where children got hurt mimicking the action sequences from the show, Gekko Kamen was pulled from TV at the peak of its popularity.

Episode 6 “Dragon No Kiba” (Fangs of the Dragon) was published in manga form in “Shonen Club”. Kuwata Jiro (who was the artist behind “8-Man”) drew the manga. Kawauchi Kohan also continued the series within the pages of “Shonen Magazine”.

The TV Serial was eventually shortened and shown as full length movie compilations with new footage inserted. TV series actor, Osei Koichi was replaced by movie actor Omura Fumitake in the movie features.

There have been at least three remakes of this series

 
 
 
 
 
   

 

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