Animage July 2024 Issue
Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger 20th: Fireball Booster
ft. Sainei Ryuji x Hayashi Tsuyoshi Interview
(translation below)
Publication: June 10, 2024
The Returning Heroes
The Dekarangers fight space criminals and protect people's peace and safety. Sainei Ryuji-san and Hayashi Tsuyoshi-san, who play the roles of the famous duo Ban and Hoji, talk about their thoughts on the new film.
Ban (Akaza Banban): A former detective of the Earth Branch, he's now active in the Special Unit Fire Squad. He used to be reckless, but over the years, he's learned to use better judgment.
Hoji (Tomasu Houji): A serious, calm and composed detective of the Earth Branch, who's an exceptional marksman. While he does recognize Ban's abilities, when called "partner," he always responds with, "Don't call me partner."
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SPD: Special Police Dekaranger
20 years ago, six detectives from the Space Police's Earth Branch confronted the Space Criminals Alienizer. They've gathered again after such a long time, and launch an investigation into a large explosion. In pursuit of their suspect, Raenjo, the six must face the grand plan left behind by her husband, the galactic drug lord Tarewarane.
The 28th Super Sentai series, "Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger," which aired on TV from 2004 to 2005, is currently screening its newest film in theaters. As one of the most popular series, Dekaranger has often had sequels produced since its broadcast ended. This film, made on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary, contains many topics, such as the appearance of a new form for DekaRed, and location filming in Kochi, but the relationship between Ban and Hoji is most noteworthy.
Ban steps away to teach and guide the newcomer, while Hoji remains the same at the frontlines. As his "partner," Hoji has mixed feelings about Ban, who's lost his reckless side from 20 years ago. The drama of friendship between the two men, portrayed through the incident, is sure to be felt even by former fans. Fighting coolly with passionate hearts, we hope that you'll be able to witness the courage of Dekaranger in its 20th year.
Sainei Ryuji x Hayashi Tsuyoshi Interview
-In the next production, Hoji will be…?!-
"Please tell us your thoughts after reading the script for this film."
Sainei: Honestly, I thought the details didn't have a 20th Anniversary feel to them. However, it seems like the Producer's aim was to not do anything special, and that they wanted us to work on it without it being overbearing.
Hayashi: I also felt like it was an extension of the main TV series. Of course, there are depictions that'll make you feel the passage of time.
Sainei: Among other things, I think that the relationship and feelings Ban and Hoji have for each other, and their conflicts about what hasn't and has changed were depicted well.
"Did you do any preparation before filming began?"
Hayashi: Weirdly enough, I can become Hoji naturally as soon as I flip the switch. As my debut work, I have alot of memories, as well as a strong emotional attachment to it. That being the case, I decided to recreate the look and feel of my original appearance in order to make it more enjoyable for the fans. With Ban in particular, the other members have changed alot, from their hair to their clothes, so I thought of atleast getting my hairstyle back. I spent nearly a year growing it out, and I changed it from being black as seen during the 10th Anniversary (Dekaranger: 10 YEARS AFTER) to a more natural brown color. I don't have a perm, but when I get my makeup done, I have them add abit of a wave to make it look like I have a perm. Even when I was asked to cut my hair for other jobs, they were understanding when I explained things to them.
Sainei: I myself didn't do anything.
Hayashi: So cool (laughs). Still, you become Ban in no time, right?
Sainei: Yeah, that's right. Director Watanabe even said, "I thought you'd become an adult after 20 years, but when you say your lines, it's amazing how you return to being Ban."
"How have your impressions of each other changed over the past 20 years?"
Sainei: Tsuyoshi and Kinoshita-san are the only ones among our members who can genuinely say, "My profession is being an actor." Including myself, the other four do a variety of things, and acting is one of them. It's difficult to continue doing one thing for 20 years, but I think we've gained something by doing so. I felt that the two of them, who've been actors for a long time, were different from the rest of us.
Hayashi: As a full time actor, if you ask me, it's the other way around. I think you have to learn alot in order to be able to take on various challenges.
Sainei: I couldn't take the dissatisfaction that comes with an acting career, so I left. I'm sure there must be things that've happened during Tsuyoshi's acting career that he absolutely couldn't stand. It's truly amazing that you've been an actor for so long while enduring it all.
Hayashi: I've felt this way since back then, but unlike Ban, Ryuji's smart and has composure. And now, 20 years later, I feel like he has a much more curious mind to pursue something. This may be an old fashioned expression, but I think he's going to become a really nice, handsome old man. As usual, he possesses something I don't have, moreover, his capability has become greater.
"What are some key points you'd like people to especially pay attention to in this film?"
Sainei: I'd like you to pay attention to the Suit Actors this time. Especially Fukuzawa-san, who became an Action Director over the past 20 years, and is also a Director for Kamen Rider. Not only was he the Action Director, but he himself played the role of Premiere DekaRed, and not only was he able to move well, but he also added a sense of weight to it, which was truly wonderful. Anime fans watching anime pay attention to Voice Actors and think, "They can do this kind of voice" or, "They can do this kind of performance," right? I hope that the audience will enjoy the film from that same point of view and think, "This Suit Actor is in it, and he can move like that" or, "It has more weight than before." I hope that the profession of being a Suit Actor will be recognized with more respect.
Hayashi: If I had to name a scene in which I appeared in, it would be the untransformed action scene with Naoko-san, who plays DekaPink in this film. I was the only one among our members who had an action scene this time, and it was the first time for me to do an action scene with Naoko-san. At first, they planned to cut alot of the film, but Fukuzawa-san said, "Tsuyoshi can do it," and we were almost able to do the whole thing from a single angle. Even though I don't normally do action scenes, Naoko-san did a great job of making me look strong and cool, while Fukuzawa-san skillfully made it look appealing. I don't mean to steal Ryuji's words, but I realized that there are many areas where we shine due to the presence of the Suit Actors, so I hope that you'll pay close attention to them.
"So far, Dekaranger has produced multiple sequels, and we think there are those who are anticipating even more sequels."
Sainei: As I mentioned in the beginning, including the way it ends, there's not much special about this one. So, I personally think it'd be better to do some sort of production with a conclusion, or a grand finale. However, I feel that if we don't do it within the next five years, it'll start to become tough for everyone. Especially from the point of view of the audience. The gap between their memories of that time and the present is becoming increasingly large. If we're going to do something for the 25th Anniversary, we need an idea of what we can do. If we're talking about characters, Hoji should definitely die in the line of duty.
Hayashi: What the heck! (laughs).
Sainei: It's fine, it'll be an unexpected role (laughs).
Hayashi: It's true that unexpected is good, but… (laughs). After what happened to Teresa (character who appeared in episode 37 of the TV series), why can't he be rewarded in the end? Everyone else is grabbing ahold of their own happiness, so it'd be good for Hoji to have some sort of redeeming part too, right?
Sainei: I see. Something like marriage?
Hayashi: Right. After his wedding, when Hoji's child is born, Ban would say something like, "My partner's become happy."
Sainei: Seems like it raises a death flag, no? (laughs).
Hayashi: It certainly raises a death flag! (laughs). In the final scene, Hoji's child would say something like, "I'd like to partner up with Ban-san" and then Ban will say, "Well then, I'll wait until you've grown up" and then it ends……I'd be fine with that (laughs).
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(page 109, from top to bottom)
Eternal Combination
The members of Earth Branch, including Hoji, Sen, Jasmine, Umeko and Tetsu, and the other Dekarangers, Chief Doggie Kruger, and mechanic Shiratori Swan, are all still alive and well in this film. With a combination of skills, they conduct a massive search across the entire universe.
Promising Newcomer
Edogawa Rui, a member of Fire Squad, appears in this film as Ban's junior. He's a promising newcomer who's been entrusted with the SP1 License by Ban. While cool and reasonable, during the investigation, he has his doubts about the overly unusual approach used by the members of Earth Branch.
The Special Police go to Kochi
While Ban, Umeko and Rui head for the Alienizer Special Zone, and Hoji and Jasmine head for the planet Chima, where Raenjo, the suspect in this case used to live, Sen and Tetsu fly to Kochi. They try to get in touch with Mokumisu, a Ridomihan who's familiar with plants, and yet…..?
Premiere DekaRed
The Suit Actor for Premiere DekaRed, DekaRed's new form, is Fukuzawa Hirofumi-san, who played DekaRed in the TV series and is the Action Director for this film. Make sure to pay attention to the special action performed by this Super Sentai legend.
Absolute Flawless Teamwork!
With all mysteries unraveled, the curtains rise for the final decisive battle between the Dekarangers and Alienizers. Blinking is prohibited as you watch the battle scenes featuring the sleek teamwork of the six, the efforts of the Dekaranger Robos, and Premiere DekaRed's standout performance!
Funny headcanon: There are many people who think Hoji is gay for his old ‘partner’
Hoji does blush and grumble, but won't even fucking deny it though. He just shrugs his shoulders and is like, "So what? Why the fuck are you asking?" Whether or not he acted upon this is unknown.
Ban finds himself sneezing up a fit later on.
If you happen to be Hoji's partner, however, it does trigger a bit of a jealous response but honestly, it's all in the past now.
