Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language

97 Breaking Down Kamen Rider & Super Sentai (Power Rangers) w. Sophia Staite

Sep 1, 2022

Sophia Staite, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, discusses her research on Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. She explores the cultural differences between Kamen Rider's popularity in Japan versus its adaptation in the West. The conversation delves into the origins of henshin poses, gender themes, and the emotional versus sitcom tones of adaptations. Sophia also highlights the 'Odagiri effect', the evolution of Kamen Rider's fandom, and her personal favorite season, Kamen Rider Kiva, showcasing its gothic allure.

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INSIGHT

Adaptations Reveal Cultural Omissions

Kamen Rider adaptations reveal which cultural elements are removed in translation.
Those deletions show how boyhood and masculinity are constructed differently in English-speaking media.

ANECDOTE

Toy Left Behind, Then On TV

Sophia accidentally left a Kyouryuu toy in Japan, then saw Power Rangers Dino Charge import the same toy concept.
Her son lost faith in her packing judgment when the toy appeared on Australian TV.

INSIGHT

Franchise Ubiquity Extends Beyond TV

Kamen Rider and Super Sentai are ubiquitously present in Japanese daily life beyond TV.
Merchandise and branded items make the franchises part of ordinary routines for children and adults.

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On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're diving into the fun world of Kamen Rider and Super Sentai so get ready to strike your favorite henshin pose and learn a thing or two about the fascinating world of Japan's transforming heroes!

About Sophia Staite Sophia Staite is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania. Her current research focuses on Kamen Rider and Super Sentai (Power Rangers). Topics Discussed

About how the live action TV show Kamen Rider was adapted into English
The popularity of Kamen Rider and why it is not as popular as Power Rangers in the English speaking world
The prevalence of Kamen Rider in Japan
The lack of literature on Kamen Rider in Egnlish
Liver action super sentai shows
About the super sentai & Kamen Rider poses and their origin
About Kamen Rider Black
About Saban's Masked Rider, the English adaptation of Kamen Rider
About the Kamen Rider and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers crossover
The differences between Kamen Rider and super sentai (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
The overarching theme and tone that runs throughout the Kamen Rider franchise
The poor reception of Masked Rider
Steve Wang's Kamen Rider adaptation
Gender and Kamen Rider
Odagiri Jo's role in Kamen Rider
Kamen Rider's BL phase
The Odagiri effect
About Kamen Rider Dragon Knight
The different ways kids play (henshin poses/weapons)
Henshin pose competitions
About the movie Shin Kamen Rider
About Shin Kamen Rider's focus on cults/new religions
And much more!

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Links, Videos, Etc.

You can follow Sophia Staite on Twitter via the link below.

@henshinsophia

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.

Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (Randoseru, Delivery Pizza, Fruit) | Ichimon Japan 63

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Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/