| Trivia |
“Strada
V” can be seen as the pre-cursor to the “Sentai”
show. Along with the anime “Gatchaman” was
one of the first shows to have a team of costumed agents
battling against a global threat. Like future “Sentai”
shows the Strada V members were of various backgrounds
and sported colorful costumes. While the Strada V team
did not possess any superhuman powers or abilities (save
for Andromeda and Luna), they did however use a variety
of fantastic weapons and vehicles which they used to
battle their opponents.
Very similar in style to spy shows like
“Mission: Impossible” and “The Avengers”.
60’s Nikkatsu Action star, Shishido
Jo is one of the most distinctive personalities in Japanese
cinema. Born December 6, 1933 in Osaka, Japan, Shishido
entered the Department of Art at Nihon University with
the intention of majoring in Theater. Two years into
his studies, however, he decided to answer Nikkatsu
studio's first national call for new talent. Shishido
made his screen debut in the film "Keisatsu-Ki"
(Police Report; 1955). Shortly thereafter, Shishido
elected to undergo plastic surgery to enhance his cheekbones
in order to give himself a more puffy “tough guy”
image. Shishido went on to star in a number of movies
including "Moeru Nikutai" (Burning Flesh),
"Hitori Tabi" (1962),
"Yajyu No Seishun" (Youth of the Beast; 1963),
"Nikutai no Mon" (1964), "Minagoroshi
No Kenju" (Pistol of Death; 1967), and "Koroshi
No Rakuin" (Branded To Kill; 1967). He was a favorite
of director Seijun Suzuki and starred in many of his
landmark films. Shishido also appeared in a number of
so-called “mukokuseki” or "Japanese
Westerns" including the “Wataridori”
and “Kenjyu” series in which characters
frequently appeared in gun fighting "cowboy"
gear (these movies may have been the inspiration for
the Tokusatsu series “Zubat”). During the
course of these films, Shishido earned the nickname
“Ace No Jo” for his ability to draw a gun
and fire a gun in a second. Shishido has remained a
popular figure in Japanese TV shows and has hosted his
own TV restaurant guide show "Kuishimbo Banzai"
("Hooray For Gourmets").
Go Tatsuhito starred in the popular
family drama “Tobidase! Seishun” (My Adventurous
Youth; Toho, 1972). He also guest starred in various
TV dramas including “Dai Doukai II” (Big
City, Part II; 1976) and “Taiyo Ni Hoero”
(Howl At The Sun; 1973). Appeared in the movies “Tokyo
Wan Ensou” (Tokyo Bay Blaze Up; Toho, 1975) and
“Yasei No Shomei” (Proof of a Man; Kadokawa,
1978).
Kono Shinya appeared in the films “Inugami
No Akurei” (Evil Dog Spirit; Toei, 1977), “Jigoku
Tenshi – Akai Bakuon” (Hell’s Angel
– Red Impact”; Toei, 1977) and “Final
Fight – Saigo No Ichigeki” (Final Fight
– Final Hit; Kurada Pro, 1989).
Okazaki Touru is probably most recognized
by Tokusatsu fans as Yamamoto Daisuke AKA Kamen Rider
Amazon (Kamen Rider Amazon; Toei, 1974). He has also
starred in the series “Shiroi Kiba” (White
Fang; Nihon TV, 1974). His film credits include “Furyo
Bancho – Nora Inu Kidoutai” (Juvenile Boss
– The Stray Dog Riot Squad; Toei, 1972), “Furyo
Bancho – Ichimo Daijin” (Juvenile Boss –
The Big Haul; Toei, 1972) and “Saraba Natsu No
Hikkari Yo” (Goodbye Rays of Summer; Panic Pro,
1976).
Yamashina Yuri has starred in a number
of Nikkatsu’s “Roman Porn” films of
the 70’s including such salacious films as “Ona
Chosanin – Sex Report – Shifu Baishun”
(Female Reporter – Sex Report – Prostitute
Housewives; Nikkatsu, 1973), “Lesbian Jyou Oh”
(Queen of the Lesbians; Nikkatsu, 1975), “Sukeban
Deka – Dirty Mary” (Nikkatsu, 1974), “Rape
Hurricane – Saku” (Rape Hurricane –
Rip; Nikkatsu, 1979), “Okasu” (Violation;
Nikkatsu, 1976) and “Akai Boukou” (Red Assault;
Nikkatsu, 1980). Has also done several nude magazine
layouts for “Playboy” and other adult magazines.
Chi Takeo later went on to star in the
long-running “keiji” Police drama series
“Taiyo Ni Hoero” (Howl at the Sun; Nihon
TV, 1972-1986) as detective Igawa Toshizou (Toshi-San).
Chi also starred in a number of other TV series including
“Kita No Kuni Kara” (To The Northern Country;
1981) and “Shoujyo Commando Izumi” (Female
Commando Izumi; 1987). He also appeared in such movies
including “Be-Bop High School” (1985), “Gekko
Kamen” (Moonlight Mask; 1981) and “Shin
Jingi Naki Tatakae – Kumicho Saigo No Hi”
(New Battle Without Honor or Humanity – Last Days
of the Don, 1976).
Izuka Shouzou has voiced a number of
other Tokusatsu villains including Gill Hakaider in
“Kikaider 01”. His other Seiyuu credits
include “Mazinkaizer OVA” (Ankoku Daishougun),
“Dragon Ball” (Jinzou Ningen 8 Go) and “Hokutou
No Ken” (Fudou). He also dubbed the voice of Mr.
T in the Japanese dub of the “A-Team”.
Asmodeus is a demon of Persian Mythology
also known as Aesma Daeva. Asmodeus is most often known
as the destroyer and demon of lust.
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