Japanese Name

Henshin Ninja Arashi

English Name

 Transforming (Changing) Ninja Arashi (Storm)

Air Dates and Times

4/7/1972 – 2/23/1973; Fridays, 7:00-7:30 PM – NET TV (Now Asahi TV)

Number of Episodes

47 Episodes

Creator/Writer

Ishinomori Shoutaro

Supervision

Hirayama Toru, Inoe Masao

Producer

Nakao Mamoru

Director (s)

Uchida Isaku

Writer (s)

Sakuma Yoshiko

Cinematography

Hirayama Kimio

Lighting

Ando Shinnosuke

Art Direction

Mikami Atsuo, Abe Saburo (Exp-Pro)

Editing

Sugano Junkichi

Sound

Ota Katsumi

Visual Effects

Nishikawa Tadakuni

Stunt Coordinator

Takahashi Kazutoshi

Stunts

JAC (Japan Action Club – Now Japan Action Enterprise)

Produced by

Mainichi Houshou (Mainichi TV), Toei

Music

Kikuchi Shunsuke

Theme Song

Arashi Yo Sakebe (Shout! Arashi)
Lyrics by: Ishinomori Shoutaro
Composed by: Kikuchi Shunsuke
Sung by: Suzuki Ichiro

Production Company

Toei

Cast

Nanjou Tatsuya (Hayate/Fuyute)
Ikemizu Michihiro (Voice – Henshin Ninja Arashi)
Maki Fuyukichi (Tatsumaki)
Hayashi Hiroko (Kasumi)
Matsuba Kanyu (Tsumuji)
Takematsu Hideo (Tani No Majyu – Demon of the Valley)
Kiku Yoko (Kageri)
Saeki Minako (Tsuyuha)
Kudo Fusako (Shinobu)
Utsuo Kenji (Itachi Kozo/Priest Itachi)
Sone Harumi (Gaikotsu Maru)
Naya Goro (Voice -Majin Sai)
Nemata Youichi (Majin Doujin)
Ichikawa Osamu (Voice – Tsuki No Wa)
Amamoto Hideyo (Dai Maoh Satan)

During the early years of the Edo period (1603-1868), a ninja clan calling itself “Chiguruma Tou” (The Blood Wheel Clan) had begun its rise to power. Led by the menacing figure known as Majin Sai, this clan planned on uniting Japan under its ultimate rule.

One of its most skillful members is the ninja known simply as Hayate. Hayate believed that “Chiguruma Tou” was a noble clan and that its intentions were good. However, he soon realized that “Chiguruma Tou” had a much more sinister agenda.

Hayate’s father, Tani No Majyu (another loyal “Chiguruma Tou” clansman) had discovered and developed the “Ninja Henshin Jitsu” (Ninja Transforming Magic/Techniques) that enabled man to transform into super powerful “Keshin Ninjas” (Spiritual Ninjas) who would be able to summon and utilize their own inner mystical powers. Majin Sai wanted to use this technique to further “Chiguruma Tou’s” cause and make their warriors invincible. Tani No Majyu resisted handing Majin Sai the secrets to this technique believing that in the wrong hands, this technique could pose a monumental threat to Japan. Majin Sai sent one of his “Youkai Ninjas” (Supernatural Ninjas) to steal the secrets of this technique. In the process Tani No Majyu was killed but not before he had shown Hayate the secrets of this process. Enraged, Hayate uses these techniques to tap into his inner mystical powers and becomes the super powered ninja “Arashi” (Storm).

Vowing to destroy the clan that he once faithfully served, Hayate declares war against the demonic forces of “Chiguruma Tou”.

#1 “Mou Shu! Kai Gyo Ninja Doku Utubo” (Brute Force! Water Ninja Poison Dragon Morray) – Doku Utubo
#2 “Kai En Ninja! Mashia Arawaru” (Strange Monkey Ninja! Mashia Appears) – Fujimi Mashia (Mysterious Mashia)
#3 “Noroi No Yoki! Onibi Mamushi” (Cursed Attraction! Demon Fire Mamushi) – Onibi Mamushi
#4 “Kaijin! Manji Kamaitachi” (Apparition! Gammadion Kamaitachi) – Manji Kamaitachi
#5 “Kyofu! Nekko Mandara” (Terrifying! Mandara Cat) – Nekko Mandara
#6 “Kaiki! Shi Nin Fukuro” (Bizarre! The Death Owl) – Shi Nin Fukuro
#7 “Yokai! Toke Namazu” (Ghostly! Horned Catfish) – Toke Namazu
#8 “Kaijin! Kurui Doku Ga” (Apparition! Crazy Poison Moth) – Kurui Doku Ga
#9 “Maboroshi Kaijin! Kamakiri Garan” (Ghostly Apparition! Mantis Garan) – Kamakiri Garan
#10 “Shi O Yobu! Kyuketsu Mukade” (Calling Forth Death! Blood Sucking Centipede) – Kyuketsu Mukade
#11 “Chi Dokuro Tani No Doku Mori Bachi” (Blood Skull Valley’s Poison Hornet) – Doku Mori Bachi
#12 “Jikoku No Kaijin! Keji Keji Ma” (Hell’s Apparaition! Keji Keji Ma) – Keji Keji Ma
#13 “Obake Kurage Da! Chi Kuruma Sensui Da!” (It’s The Ghostly Jellyfish! It’s Blood Wheel’s Submarine!) – Obake          Kurage
#14 “Chiguruma Kaijin Shudan! Shoukogeki!” (Blood Wheel Clan! Attack!) - Hito Ku Karasu (Man Eating Crow)
#15 “Chidokuro Fune! Zarigani Ki” (Blood Skull Boat! Demon Crayfish) - Zarigani Ki
#16 “Robot! Hiko Tako! Dai Sakusen (Robot! Jet Kite! Big Operation) – Nomi Dokuro (Skull Flea) & Tetsujin Daioh (Steel          Emperor)
#17 “Ninja Yashiki! Kaijin Dokurodanuki” (Ninja Mansion! The Apparition Skull Raccoon) -Dokurodanuki
#18 “Inoshishi Taiho! Hyakuman Hatsu” (Wild Boar Cannon! One Million Rounds) – Inoshishi Burai
#19 “Kyofu No Hitokui! Bunshin Kaijin! (Deady Man-Eater! Split Image Apparition!) – Giba Gitsune (Fanged Wolf)
#20 “Minakoroshi! Ninja Daiketsen” (Annihilation! Great Ninja Showdown) – Kao Nusumi Kawausou (Face Stealing – False          Face)
#21 “Kyofu Kaidan Kyuketsuki! Dracula Nihon Jyoriku” (Terrifying Vampire Ghost Story! Dracula Arrives In Japan) -          Dracula
#22 “Kyofu Kaidan! Tomei Ningen Tai Nazou No Kenshi” (Terrifying Ghost Story! The Invisible Man vs. The Mysterious          Swordsman) – Mira Otoko (The Mummy)
#23 “Kyofu Kaidan! Noroi No Okami Otoko Wa Dare Da” (Terrifying Ghost Story! Who Is The Cursed Wolf Man) – Okami          Otoko
#24 “Kyofu Kaidan! Franken No Kubi Ga Warau” (Terrifying Ghost Story! Frankenstein’s Monster’s Neck Laughs) -          Franken
#25 “Kyofu Kaidan! Majou Gorgon No Noroi No Jou” (Terrifying Ghost Story! The Witch Gorgon’s Cursed Castle) -          Gorgon
#26 “Shinuka Arashi! Kyofu No Sphinx” (Are You Going To Die, Arashi! The Deadly Sphinx) – Sphinx & Tarantula
#27 “Yokai! Doku Gumo Tarantula” (Apparition! The Venomous Spider Tarantula) - Tarantula
#28 “Koroshi Ni Yattekuru! Majou Medusa” (Coming To Kill You! Witch Medusa) - Medusa
#29 “Shi No Kemuri Yokai! Madara No Kyofu” (Murderous Cloud! Murder’s Terror) – Madara
#30 “Majou Zaruba! Kyofu Dai San No Me” (Witch Zaruba! Deadly Third Eye) - Zaruba
#31 “Yokai Ningyo! Dotem No Yoroi” (Ghostly Doll! Curse of Dotem) – Dotem
#32 “Yokai San Jyu Ichi Mensou” (Ghostly Thirty One Faces) - Mozuma
#33 “Himalaya No Shinigami” (Himalaya Death God) - Waras
#34 “Nazo No Nise Arashi Shutsugen” (The Mystery of The Fake Arashi) – Golem, Dracula, Franken & Okami Otoko
#35 “Kieta Arashi? Yokai Shudan Ga Nerau” (Arashi Disappeared? The Ghost Army Strikes) – Gremlin, Golem, Dracula,          Franken & Okami Otoko
#36 “Mimi O Fusage! Jikoku No Yobi Koe Da” (Cover Your Ears! Hell’s Beckoning Call) - Siren
#37 “Bara Bara Yokai!” Shi No Fune Ga Yobu” (The Dismembered Ghost! Calling Forth The Ghost Ship) - Barara
#38 “Nazo No Kenshi Tsuki No Wa No Shotai” (The Mysterious Identity of The Swordsman Moon Circle)
#39 “Aaah Arashi! Korosu!” (Aaah Arashi! Die!)
#40 “Sora O Tobu Yokai Jyo” (The Flying Ghost Fortress) - Indigo
#41 “Haha No Nai Ko To Arashi No Haha” (The Motherless Child and Arashi’s Mother) - Shawara
#42 “Ankoku Seiun O Yobu Akuma” (The Demon Who Calls Forth The Black Nebula) – Back Beard
#43 “Hyakuman Nen Yokai No Mira Jigoku” (The Hundred Thousand Year Old Ghost Hell) - Ghoul
#44 “Ghost Faiza! Uchu Dai Sakusen” (Ghost Faiza! The Great Space Operation) – Ghost Faiza
#45 “Hakuhatsu Ki! Kyofuu Barrier Kogeki” (White Haired Demon! Terrifying Barrier Attack) – Hakuhatsu Ki
#46 “Mi Yo! Yokai Jyo No Tobira Ga Hiraku” (Look! The Ghost Fortress’ Door Opens) -Kenbana
#47 “Saraba Arashi! Yokai Jyo Ni Korosu” (Goodbye Arashi! Death In The Ghost Fortress)

Henshin Ninja Arashi
Hayate was once a trusted aid to Majin Sai, the imposing leader of the shadow clan known as “Chiguruma Tou”. Hayate had naively believed that “Chiguruma Tou” was a force of good and that its warriors were out to save Japan. After the death of his father at the hands of “Chiguruma Tou”, Hayate soon realized that he had been duped by Majin Sai and thus vowed to destroy the clan that he had once faithfully served.

Hayate is a skilled ninja warrior who is a master with the sword. He is incredibly athletic and able to perform complex acrobatic and gymnastic movements. Carries a sword he christens “Hayakaze” (Faster Than The Wind)

Before his death Tani No Majyu had related to Hayate the secret techniques needed to tap into his inherent mystical powers to become the powerful form of “Arashi”. Hayate transforms into Arashi by utilizing his sword “Hayakaze” and shouting the command “Fukeyo Arasahi, Arashi, Arashi!” (Rise/Summoning Storm, Storm, Storm!)

Arashi is a “Keshin Ninja” (Spiritual Ninja) that is a reflection of Hayate’s inner power. Arashi has many supernatural powers at his command. He can jump (fly) great distances, has incredibly strength, stamina and resilience to injury. In addition, Arashi is able to call upon a number of Ninja techniques and magic to battle his enemies, such as his “feather shurikens” and “bunshin jitsu” (illusionary shadow attack).

Arashi’s ultimate attack technique is his “Hisatsu No Higen Kage or “Higen Ninpo Kage Utsushi” (Invisible Blade -Ninja Shadow Attack).

Arashi’s trusted steed is “Haya Busao” which can gallop at incredible speeds and had above normal intelligence.

In his final battle with Grand Emperor Satan, Arashi blew up his flying fortress, the “Yokai Jyo”. While the resultant explosion killed Grand Emperor Satan, it also unfortunately claimed Arashi himself. It was later revealed that Hayate survived the ordeal but that his “Arashi” persona was “killed” and that he could no longer transform into this form.

Henshin Ninja Arashi's Allies
Hayate is aided in his battles by a small but trusted group of friends and allies which includes:

Tatsumaki (Thunder)
A Ninja agent of the Edo Government, Tatsumaki was sent to investigate and stop the mayhem being caused by “Chiguruma Tou”. While middle aged, Tatsumaki is still none-the-less a skillful and talented Ninja operative who is able to hold his own against many of “Chiguruma Tou’s” inhuman agents.

Kasumi
Tatsumaki’s beautiful daughter. Kasumi is also a very skilled ninja who specializes more in disguises and covert operations. While not the best of fighters, she more than makes up for this in her resourcefulness. When she and her father need help she calls Hayate using the music of her Japanese Flute “Suzu Kaze” (Wind Bell).

Tsumuji
Tatsumaki’s youngest child. Despite his size and age, young Tsumuji is quite a skillful ninja. He is particularly adept at using throwing stars and can throw them with decidedly deadly accuracy.

Tsuki No Wa (Moon Circle/Halo)
Mysterious costumed swordsman who occasionally comes to Arashi’s aid. While he is not a “Keshin Ninja” like Arashi, he still utilizes a number of special “Ninja Jitsu” (Ninja Magic/Techniques) in order battle his opponents. His ornate Red Mask can repel sword and shuriken attacks. He can also fire blinding rays of light which can temporarily blind his opponents. It is later revealed that he is Hayate’s twin brother, Fuyute who had been separated from him at birth.

Kageri/Tsuyuha
Members of the Iga Kunoichi (Iga Female Ninjas). These sisters were sent by the Iga Ninja clan to help Hayate in his battle with the various forces of the “Chiguruma Tou”. They are both skillful fighters who usually work in unison to battle opponents. They are very adapt at gymnastics and acrobatics.

Chiguruma Tou
The “Chiguruma Tou” (The Blood Wheel Clan or Clan of the Bloodly Wheel) was a small but influential clan who opposed the Edo Government. They were rivals of the Iga and Yagyu Ninja clans. They had conspired to topple the Edo Government by force and ultimately rule Japan under their iron fist. Their leader was the menacing Majin Sai. Stealing the secrets to creating “Keshin Ninjas” (Spiritual Ninjas), “Chiguruma Tou” created an army of monstrous and grotesque Ninja agents who had various unique and abnormal abilities.

It was later revealed that Majin Sai and his “Chiguruma Tou” faction had been but unwitting “puppets” to the insidious and diabolical plans of “Dai Maoh Satan” (Grand Emperor Satan). Grand Emperor Satan was the absolute leader of all the world’s “Yokai” (ghosts). Grand Emperor Satan wanted to destroy the Edo government and take control of all of Japan with his supernatural forces.

The main villains are:

Majin Sai (Devil Sai) – Menacing leader of the “Chiguruma Tou” faction. Wears steel armor that can repel hits from swords and shuriken. Wields a gigantic spear that can slice a human in half. His left hand is fitted with a sharp hook/claw. His flowing black cape can envelop and suffocate his opponents. Through Ninja Magic, he can elongate his long white hair and use it to ensnare his victims. (His steel plated mask oddly resembles “Darth Vader’s” helmet mask [which it predates by a good five years]).

Gaikotsu Maru (Skull Maru) – Majin Sai’s ghostly Lieutenant. Is animated through the blood of dead corpses. Could be considered a homunculus (artificially created human). Due to his supernatural origins and the fact that he has two hearts, he is incredibly resilient and strong (he can last almost half a year without eating). He feeds on his victim’s blood. He has mastered numerous Ninja Magic techniques and is a superb fighter that can easily stand his own against Arashi.

Akuma Doujin (Demon Master/Teacher) – Frustrated by the many defeats of the “Keshin Ninjas” sent by Majin Sai against Arashi, Grand Emperor Satan secretly arranged to have Akuma Doujin sent to Japan to aid the “Chiguruma Tou” in their battle against Arashi, Akuma Doujin is a master warlock who can use his abilities to command various supernatural forces.

Daimaoh Satan (Grand Emperor Satan) – Supreme Master of all of the world’s supernatural beings and forces. The personification of evil and chaos. Commands his forces from within a “flying saucer” base he dubs his “Yokai Jyo” (Ghost Fortress). His “Yokai Jyo” hovers many miles above Japan. It was he who called forth to Japan the world’s most nefarious and diabolical monsters and ghosts (Yokai) to combat Arashi. His is practically indestructible and even able to survive decapitation and dismemberment. Arashi was only able to destroy him by blowing up his “Yokai Jyo”.

Daimaoh Satan’s army included the following notable monsters (note that some of the regions that the monsters were called from weren’t in existence during the 16th-18th Century):

Dracula –summoned from Scotland.
Franken (Frankenstein’s Monster) – summoned from West Germany.
The Wolfman – summoned from London, England.
The Mummy – summoned from West Egypt.
Gorgon – summoned from Greece.
Medusa – summoned from Greece. Gorgon’s daughter.
Sphinx – summoned from Egypt.
Tarantula – summoned from Sweden.
Madara (Murderer) – summoned from Finland.
Zaruba (Zelba) – summoned from Italy.
Dotem – summoned from Africa.
Mozuma – summoned from London, England.
Waras – summoned from the Himalayas Mountains.
Golem – summoned from the Sahara Desert
Gremlin – summoned from the Alps Mountains.
Siren – summoned from Australia.
Barara – summoned from Portugal.
Shawara –summoned from the Shawara Islands.
Indigo – summoned from Canada.
Ghoul – summoned from Arabia.
Hakuhatsu Ki – summoned from China.
Ghost Faiza – summoned from Italy.
Kenbana – summoned from India.

Henshin Ninja Arashi debuted at around the same time as P-Pro (P Productions) more famous Jidaigeki Tokusatsu (Samurai Tokusatsu) show “Kaiketsu Lion Maru” (Resolved! Lion Maru; P-Pro/Fuji TV, 1972).

The similarities between the two shows are almost strikingly uncanny:

Like Henshin Ninja Arashi, Lion Maru is also about a young Ninja (Shishimaru) who uses Ninja Magic to transform into the mystical/supernatural form of Lion Maru (a White Lion based form) to battle an evil Ninja Clan/Shadow Empire trying to usurp power from the Edo Government. As in Henshin Ninja Arashi, Lion Maru/Shishimaru is also aided by a group of younger Ninjas (the siblings Kazumi & Kosuke) who also summon Lion Maru via a flute. The main villain Daimaoh Gosun (Grand Emperor Gosun) is also an evil supernatural force similar to his Henshin Ninja Arashi counterpart Daimaoh Satan. While Tsuki No Ma helped his rival Arashi, Lion Maru’s counterpart, the flamboyant Tiger Joe was Lion Maru’s most dangerous opponent (think “Kikaider’s” Hakaider). Lion Maru later spawned an inferior sequel the following year called “Fuun Lion Maru” (Tempest! Lion Maru; P-Pro/Fuji TV, 1973). The name may be a deliberate swipe at “Henshin Ninja Arashi”.

While it is hard to say who imitated who, suffice to say that “Lion Maru” was the longer running of the two and is considered by some as the more superior show of the two similarly themed shows.

Nanjou Tatsuya also portrayed the hero Takigawa Go in Fuji TV’s “Tiger Seven” (P-Productions; 1973).

Maki Fuyukichi played sidekick to another famous TV Ninja, Aka Kage (Red Shadow) in the Kansai TV program “Ninja Akakage” (Toei Kyoto; 1967). Maki played the ninja with the weird hairdo known as “Shiro Kage” (White Shadow).

Pretty Hayashi Hiroko released a number of minor singles during the 70’s including “Hohoemi” (Smile; Canyon,1974), “Hirasagari No Yume” (Afternoon Dream; Canyon, 1974), “Kebyo Ga Jyozu Na Otokonoko” (The Boy Who Plays Sick; Canyon, 1974), “Shiroi Madobe” (White Window Sill; Canyon, 1975), “Suteki Na Lover Boy” (Wonderful Lover Boy; Canyon, 1975), “Come On Baby” (Canyon, 1976) and “Kiken Ga Ippai” (Dangerous; Canyon, 1976).

Kiku Yoko is familiar to Tokusatsu fans as the beautiful Tsuki Hikaru, heroine of the Toei action\comedy series “Tsuki! Tsuki! Majou Sensei” (Love! Love! Magical Teacher; Toei, 1971).

Utsuo Kenji is probably better known as the villainous Jikoku Taishi (Ambassador Hell) in the “Kamen Rider” series.

Sone Harumi has appeared in a number of Sci-Fi and Horror movies including “Wolf Guy – Moero Okami Otoko” (Toei, 1975), and “Uchu Kara No Message” (Message From Space; Toei, 1975). Recently Sone helped produce the Miike Takashi video shocker “Kyoku Dou Kyofu Dai Gekijou - Gozu” (Grand Theatre of Extreme Horror – Gozu; Toei Video, 2003).

Naya Goro is most familiar as the voice behind Lupin’s persistent nemesis Detective Zenigata in the long running anime “Lupin The Third” (Tokyo Movie, 1971). Naya also voiced the commanding figure of Okita Jyuzou (Captain Avatar) in the outstanding Japanese series “Uchu Senkan Yamato” (Space Battle Cruiser Yamato; Office Academy, 1974) and hero Ultraman Ace in “Ultraman Ace” (Tsuburaya, 1972).

Nemata Youichi has starred in a string of diverse movies including “Jyoshu 701 Go – Sasori” (Female Convict – Number 701 –Sasori; Toei, 1972), “Ring” (Toho, 1998), “Ring 2” (Toho, 1999) and “Shura Yuki Hime” (Princess Blade; Tokyo Theatre, 2001).

Ikemizu Michihiro is another veteran Anime Seiyuu Actor with credits that include Onsen Mark Sensei (Urusei Yatsura), Robin Mask (Kinniku Man), Oota Tsutomu (Patlabor), Crystal Saint (Saint Seiya) and Duke Yasha (Getter Robo Go). He also voiced the hero Diamond Eye (Hikari No Senshi - Diamond Eye; Toho, 1973).

Ichikawa Osamu has voiced numerous noble bad guys in the past such as Dai Shogun Garuda (Cho Denshi Robo Combattler V; Toei, 1976), Prince Hinnel (Cho Denshi Machine Voltus V; Toei, 1977), Shakeen (Yusa Raideen; Tohoku Shinsha, 1975) and Rihitel (Tou Shou Daimos” (Toei/Sunrise; 1978).

Great character actor Amamoto Hideyo (Amamoto Eisei) is most recognized as the villainous Shinigami Hakase (Dr. Death God) in the “Kamen Rider” series but has had a long and distinguished (albeit eclectic) career in the movies. He has played a wide assortment of colorful characters in a number of films including “Nijyushi No Hitomi” (Twenty Four Eyes; Shochiku, 1954), “Denso Ningen” (Secret of the Telegian; Toho, 1960), “Yojimbo” (Toho, 1961), “Matango” (Curse of the Mushroom People; Toho, 1963), “Kaitei Gunkan” (Atragon; Toho, 1963), “Uchu Daikaiju Dogora” (Dogora, The Space Monster; Toho, 1964), “King Kong No Gyakushu” (King Kong Escapes; Toho, 1967), “Uchu Kara No Message” (Message From Space; Toho, 1978), “Eko Eko Azaraku II” (Wizard of Darkness II; GAGA/Tsuburaya, 1996) and Otenki Onesan (Weather Girl; Officer Border, 1996). Amamoto’s last film role was in “Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidora: Dai Kaiju Soukougeki” (GMK/Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack; Toho, 2001). Amamoto had a great fondness for Spain and authored various books on the country. He was an avid Flamenco guitarist.