Bullets 'n' Babes

If you were wondering what took me so long, it was because I watched the series twice.

Sukeban Deka II – Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask (Japan, 1985-1986)

Seifuku dressed Yukari Oshima’s nunchuku mayhem. Saki vs ruthless girls’ kung fu club. Evil martial arts masters (specialties include the three section staff) released from prison at noon in a western esque story setting. Simply put, Sukeban Deka II has the best start in the history of television. Although it can’t quite retain that quality throughout its 42 episodes – there’s a couple of filler storylines in the middle - it is one hell of an addictive series that among all other movie and pop culture references even manages to re-tell the story of Casablanca (1942).

The second series stars Yoko Minamino as an orphan girl who was forced to grow up wearing a mysterious iron mask. Now she's released from the mask and given the code name Saki Asamiya. Trying to solve the secrets of her past and fight the evil Seirokai she must face mercenaries, evil monks and school girl vampires in episodes that mix elements from Yojimbo, The Terminator and Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion into an original storyline of epic proportions.

Backing Saki up are a well behaving sukeban Okyo (excellent Haruko Sagara), who uses marbles as weapons, and Yukino, who turns tea ceremonies into deadly martial arts, played by Onyanko Club member Akie Yoshizawa. Each of the three leads have also contributed excellent songs to the series, backing up Ichiro Nitta’s already terrific soundtrack. While not quite as good as the masterful original series, Sukeban Deka II still counts as one the most iconic television shows ever made.

Toei’s dvd set is even more beautiful than before – be sure to hunt down the first press of Vol.1 to ensure getting the gorgeous box set packaging. There are 42 minus 1 episodes (the missing episode, number 29, is a best of compilation with no new footage. It can be found on the Sukeban Deka compilation dvd) split over 8 dvds. A couple of episodes have poor sound quality, otherwise the release is technically great. The transfers are all progressive this time. Aside the booklets and data files there one small extra; a short TV spot for the series, found on disc 8.









* it should be noted that the claws of steel do not actually appear in the series.

Screencaptures 1

Sukeban tekkamen


Asamiya Saki


She's joined by Yukino...


...who proves to be a worthy partner


Oryu the Red Peony... I mean Okyo introduces herself


These marbles may not seen dangerous, but they will break your kneecap






Ruthless girls' kung fu club


Baby sukeban


Onyanko barricade

Screencaps 2

There’s quite a bit of great music in the second series. Some of the songs used in the series include:

Akie Yoshizawa
- Naze? No arashii (なぜ?の嵐) (closing theme for episodes 1-15)
- Kisetsu hazure no koi (季節はずれの恋)

Yoko Minamino
- Kanashimi no monument (悲しみモニュメント)(closing theme for episodes 16-32)
- Kaze no madrigal (風のマドリガル)(closing theme for episodes 33-42)
- Sayonara no memai (さよならのめまい)
- Hazukashi sugite (恥ずかしすぎて)

Haruko Sagara
- Virgin Heart

Onyanko Club
- Sailor fuku o nugasanai de (セーラー服を脱がさないで)
- Ushiroyubi sasaregumi (うしろゆびさされ組)
- Oyoshininattene teacher (およしになってねTEACHER)
- Jaa ne (じゃあね)
- Barentain kissu (バレンタイン・キッス)

Also notice that the Onyanko TV show Yuyake nyan nyan is featured Sukeban Deka II. The storyline of episode 9 is actually related to it; one of the onyankos has been kidnapped and the live show can't air.

I can’t refuse the temptation to post this clip of Akie Yoshizawa joining her fellow onyankos to perform Ushiroyubi sasaregumi. By far one of my favourite scenes in the second series. It’s from the first onyanko episode (no. 9). Heavenly stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wckw64W7K8I

Japanese Spiderman on Marvel Video's:
http://www.marvel.com/news/moviestories ... el~dot~com
http://www.avmaniacs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40706

Toei released this show on dvd in 2005. The set is now out of print.


- http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f76829823

Trailer for the new Hana no Asuka-gumi film:
http://www.nipponcinema.com/trailers/ha ... o_trailer/

Doesn't look any good.

A very brief look by a genre noob at

Iron King (26 episodes) (1972)

Gentaro (Shoji Ishibashi) and Goro (Mitsuo Hamada) aka Iron King fight martians and giant monsters in a TBS tokusatsu series that doesn’t hold till the end. The first 10 episodes are quite enjoyable, partly thanks to Chieko Morikawa and the main villain Shinzo Hotta (whom most probably remember as Fumio Watanabe’s right hand man in Female Prisoner Scorpion). Shunsuke Kikuchi’s score works alright, too. Later the show unfortunately stars repeating itself too much and also makes a couple of unwelcome plot turns. Almost every episode follows the exact same patterns; Iron Kingu loses the first fight, but comes back during the second half and finishes the giant monster with the help of Gentaro who doesn’t know that Iron King and Goro are the one and same person.

Ronin’s 4 disc set offers a pretty decent presentation. There’s lots of small scratches and sometimes the colours are a little off but the presentation is still pleasing enough. The sound is a bit weak at times, but nothing that would distract you too much. The only extra is a 20 page booklet with liner notes (by August Ragone), pictures, interviews (Shoji Ishibashi and Mitsuo Hamada) and information about the cast.

Toei has also released this series on dvd, but I think casual viewers will be happy with Ronin's affordable and fully functional set. I haven't seen the Toei transfers, but I would expect them to be a bit cleaner.

Our heroes Shoji Ishibashi...


...and Mitsuo Hamada


Chieko Morikawa


Shinzo Hotta


AIAN KINGU

Zatoichi complete series R1
http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.550 ... etails.htm

It's the previously released volumes in one set, but if you missed those, you'll save tons by buying this set.

Thanks Al

Iron King looks like an early Power Rangers monster/fighter or something

Shoujo Commando Izumi (1987-1988)

Originally planned as Sukeban Deka IV but then departing into a series of its own, how could Toei and Fuji TV outdo their previous achievements and overcome the challenges set by their competitors, such as Nippon TV’s Rebellion League of Girls in Sailor Uniform? By raising the caliber, and arming the seifuku warrior Izumi (Izumi Igarashi) with bazooka. Although it must be noted that, to the disappointment of many, the light anti-armor weapon is only used in a couple of episodes, with Izumi’s bracelet and inhuman powers given to her by a mysterious organization that kidnapped her two years ago being her primary weapon.

The series has a dynamite start with more pyrotechnics applied to the first few episodes than most Toei action films of the time. Igarashi also delights with both her singing skills and her willingness to do far more of her own stunts and fighting than you’d expect from an idol. However, one should prepare for the show losing some of its kick after the amazing opening episodes and following rather familiar patterns at the expense of commando action. Overuse of slow motion also hurts the action.

The supporting cast features most notably Takeo Chii, whose clumsy policeman character is quite far cry from his stand out role in Yukihiro Sawada’s nihilistic cop thriller Retreat Through the Wet Wasteland (1973). After working in action and yakuza films throughout the 70’s Chii moved mostly to television. Yumi Tsuchida and Masami Katsuragawa play Izumi’s shoujo sidekicks, without memorable results. The short lived rock band A-Jari, who is responsible for most of the soundtrack, also makes an appearance in one episode. Interestingly their song Fight for Love is also heard in the show, despite it actually being the theme song of the fore mentioned Rebellion League of Girls in Sailor Uniform.

Considering its sky high potential and especially the jaw droppingly great opening episodes Shoujo Commando Izumi turns out slightly under performing entertainment in the long run. However, none of the 15 episodes are bad – except maybe one story that gives too much room for the 80’s women’s fashion – and the ending is almost as good as the show deserves. Obviously, even with its flaws Izumi’s commando adventures are a must for fans of Toei 80’s high school action.

Toei released the entire show on dvd in 2007. The 15 episodes are featured on three discs, all nicely fit into one normal size keep case. Extras are limited to booklet (8 pages) and stills (5 pictures). Video and audio quality are very good considering the origins. Comes with a 15 000 yen price tag.

Screencaptures

In one of the best openings...


...in television show history...


Izumi uses a bazooka thay says "Fire and forget"...


...to escape from a military base




Izumi has a rough start with sukeban Keiko (Yumi Tsuchida)...


... and later meets a neko loving seifuku girl Saori (Masami Katsuragawa)...


...but they soon become good friends


Izumi spends a lot of time in a cosy bar. Hiroyuki Watanabe is a reqular customer.


Caught in the shoe shop. ”So, you’re a woman after all”. Takeo Chii.

More caps


The 9th episode is special episode dedicated to A-JARI.


Of course Izumi takes the opportunity to play with them


Prom night.


Izumi’s main weapon, a deadly bracelet


Picnic interrupted


School under fire


Legend of a warrior in sailor uniform

A few more things

Masami Katsuragawa looking just like an onyanko


Real onyankos in Sukeban Deka II


After the closing credits Izumi says "You’re the target" and "Bang".

The star of the Shoujo Commando Izumi, Izumi Igarashi (born 1968), made her acting debut in Bee Bop High School: Koko yotaro kyoso-kyoku (1987). Shoujo Commando Izumi, which started late 1987, was her first leading role in a television show. Some months before she had made her pop debut with the hit song スカイバレー. Many of her songs are heard in Shoujo Commando Izumi. Nevertheless only ever released one album, titled Izumi, in late 1987.

Igarashi has appeared in some theatrical movies, such as Shinjuku jun ai monogatari (released on dvd by Toei) by director Hiroyuki Nasu, as well as direct to video productions, but her main career was in the television. She was very active in television dramas until she got married and retired from the show business in 2001.

In the 1980’s Igarashi also released two photobooks, Kiss of Fire in 1988 and 五十嵐いづみ写真集 (Igarashi Izumi Photograph Collection) in 1989.

Below are some pictures I stole from yahoo

Music from Shoujo Commando Izumi




Igarashi telephone card


Cover for the single 素直になれなくて (closing theme for ep 11-15)


Magazine pictures


Kiss of Fire

She looks cute and sweet

I made a mistake in the review. Corrected now. Izumi did not air the same time as Rebellion League. The weeks and times were correct (thurdsay evening 19:30), but the year was wrong (Rebellion 1986, Izumi 1987).

Sukeban Deka III: Romance of the Ninja Girls (1986-1987)

After the iconic pop-culture fusion Sukeban Deka II: Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask (1985-1986) Toei and Fuji TV faced an impossible challenge; how to equal the preceding series? During the show’s run Yoko Minamino had became one of the biggest idols of all time. Her shoes would not be filled easily by just anyone... except ninja. Yes, in Sukeban Deka III teenage ninja girls walk in school uniform and battle masked assasins on the streets of modern Tokyo.

Yui Kazama - played by the supercute Yui Asaka - is a hyper-energetic countryside girl know as the Great Sukeban of Kyushu (Asaka’s real real life home before she became an idol), raised by her ninja master uncle. She is sent to Tokyo to meet her sisters Yuka (Yuka Onishi) and Yuma (Yuma Nakamura) who are the leading sukebans in their school... and also members ninja family. The legends says that when time is ready it is the Kazama family that must defend Japan in an epic battle between good and evil. Lead by a mysterious Hannya-masked ninja, the three sisters begin their fight.

The first two Sukeban Deka shows concentrated on modern day pop-culture. The third series finds its inspiration in ninja legends. The currupt high school principals are gone, and now almost every villain dresses in black, arms with knives, and walks on rooftops. A special mention must be given to the kabuki-masked martial arts devil making his first appearance in episode 5. Although his face is not revealed in this episode, Toei fans should be quick to recognize him from voice as he is one of most famous Toei villains of the 1970s...

While the previous sukeban fighters were never quite up to the physical requirements of the role, Yui, Yuma and Yuka succeed rather well in their roles. Asaka’s yo-yo art is the most impressive seen in any of the three shows, and Nakamura’s way trapping enemies with knitting needles and wire is yet another original fighting method. But by far most impressive is Oshishi’s combination of metal crane shuriken and crane style kung fu that occasionally puts weaker martial arts movies into shame. As far as performances go Nakamura and Onishi both fare well but obviously pale in comparison to Sagara and Yoshizawa of the previous series. Asaka on the other hand is brilliant; very funny and endlessly charming, without trying to copy anything from her predecessors.

Asaka was the youngest of the three Sukeban Dekas. Unlike Saito and Minamino who were 18, Asaka was only 16 years old when the show started. This was also taken into consideration in the screenplay. When she introduced herself she said ”Kazama Yui, class B1”, rather than B2 like the other two sukeban dekas (Nanno actually proceeded to B3 during the second show’s course). Like her predecessors, she was given the code name Asamiya Saki, but she didn’t use it very often. A cover identity was not really needed against ninjas, and most of ger enemies knew her identity anyway.

Yui also performs on the series’ pitch perfect soundtrack together with Nakamura and Onishi. While perhaps not as big stars as the leads of the second show, Asaka, Nakamura and Onishi almost exceed the previous show with their brilliant pop songs. Former Onyanko Satomi Fukunaga – who plays a supporting role in the series – is also heard on the soundtrack. She is responsible for the first of the five theme songs. Ichiro Nitta also delivers his usual terrific score.

The only real weakness comes during the last 10 episodes. After bringing the epic story to mythical dimensions, the screenwriters are struck by an overly strong urge to re-imagine the Star Wars trilogy. This doesn’t feel a very natural move after so succcesfully building on Japanese pop culture legends and ninja mythology. This setback doesn’t wreck the show, but it does prevent if from becoming the very best Sukeban Deka show. Nevertheless, Sukeban Deka III is an unforgettable and completely unique piece of television history.

Toei has split split Sukeban Deka III over 9 dvds. Included are the 42 episodes (minus episode 31, which is found on the Sukeban Deka Compilation dvd) plus a 75 minute special episode that was originally broadcasted between episodes 21 and 22. This special episode is a side story featuring the characters from the series, plus guest star Kazue Ito as a female commando. She’s not as convincing as you might hope. The fore mentioned Toei villain also makes his second appearance in this episode.

The picture and audio quality are very good, far above the first series. Extras are the same as before; 8 page booklets with each dvd (featuring cast and crew interviews) and very brief character profiles. The last volume also includes a short and very cheesy English language trailer for the series. ”The most exciting story! Super Ninja Girls.” And as with the previous two shows, be sure to track down the first press of Volume 1 to ensure the collector’s box set.

Screencaps

The great (and goofy) sukeban of Kyushu


Yui's uncle gives her a protective cloth to wear under her seifuku


Yui rushes to meet Yuka and Yuma... who are a bit shocked...


... because such countryside idiot of a sister won't do any good for their city sukeban reputation


Sisters armed. Yuma onee-chan uses crochet needles. Yuka onee-chan uses metal cranes.


They are a bit dangerous.


Onyanko #11, Satomi Fukunaga. Her library is full of ninja books and weapons guides.


The mysterious Hannya

Screencaps 2

Did I mention Yui is the cutest Sukeban Deka?






But don't make the grave mistake of thinking she's not dangerous

As mentioned in the review, there’s plenty of great music in the show. The following songs from the leading stars are featured.

Satomi Fukunaga
Heart no Ignition (ハートの Ignition) (closing theme for episodes 1-8 )

Yui Asaka
Star (closing theme for episodes 9-21)
Hitomi ni Storm (瞳に Storm) (closing theme for episodes 22-31)
Niji no Dreamer (虹のドリーマー) (closing theme for episodes 32-37)

Yuka Onishi
Shadow Hunter (シャドウ・ハンター)
Chance wa Ichido dake (チャンスは一度だけ)
Kanashimi no Shangrila (哀しみのシャングリラ)

Yuma Nakamura
Dilemma (ジレンマ)
Severe (シビアー)
Panic (パニック)

Yui, Yuka & Yuma
Remember





Here is a guide to Sukeban Deka soundtrack releases.

As you might know, Japanese actresses are blog crazy. And Yuma's blog is a small goldmine. Here's some pictures from the blog (they are on the last few pages... sorry no direct links because the page numbers keep changing constantly as new posts are being made). (EDIT: she started a new blog just a few days ago. You can find the link on her website)

Yuma, Yui, Yuka (2004.07.02)


Yui, Yuma, Yuka (2005.12.2)


Yui, Yuka, Yuma, and Yuma’s baby (2007.05.31)


Yuka also has a blog. I don't think Yui has a blog, but she does have a website.

Yui also gave birth to a baby girl back in 2007. She’s back in business now, though, with new single released earlier this month. In the early 2000s and late 1990s she was quite active in TV dramas, and also released a couple of singles. In the mid 90’s she has a few year break from acting and singing, during which is actually caused a small scandal when it was announced that she will appear in a photobook titled Fake Love, by Nobuyoshi Araki, a photographer known for his erotic photos. Yui actually didn’t do any nude photos, the book was released under her real name, Aki Kawasaki, but false rumors preceding the release, and the publicity it gained, caused her to stop using her artist name ”Yui Asaka” for a few years. This name was actually given to her by a girls comic book company that chose Yui (well, Aki) from 16 000 applicants to be the hero of their girls manga. This was in 1984, before Yui made her final break through with Sukeban Deka and then followed it with a number of successful albums such as Candid Girl (1998) and a hit film Yawara, a Fashionable Judo Girl (1989).

There you go, the world’s first mini-biography told in reverse order.

Here's a picture of Nanno stepping down from being a Sukeban Deka.


And the same a year before, when it was Saito's time to make way for Nanno.


For more great pictures check this great site. Also, I think it's time I give credit to Verne Innhel and his terrific idol site and Sukeban Deka guide.

Sukeban Deka Compilation DVD

Sukeban Deka Compilation dvd, which preceded Toei’s actual Sukeban Deka dvd releases, features the three episodes that are missing from the other dvds. These are series 1 episode 26, series 2 episode 29, and series 3 episode 31. These are best bits compilations of earlier episodes, so you’re not missing any story if you skip these episodes. However, at 2800 yen it’s a good purchase for a fan. Not owing it would also leave a dvd size gap in the first series box set.

The first episode is the most valuable as it features some new footage. It takes place in Saki's school where she thinks she’s being tailed. Most of the running time consists of old clips from the series, but there's a great new scene of Saki with a cute puppy. So, this pretty much makes this dvd a must buy. Also, the ending plays a slightly longer version of Saito’s great theme song.

Episode 29 only features a few seconds of new footage. The ending credits are also different, and play on top of footage from the series. Episode 31 follows the same pattern, except that there is no new footage at all. Overall, I don’t think these episodes are as good as compilations as they could be.

Also included are the original previews for these episodes. Since the normal Sukeban Deka volumes skip these compilation episodes, Toei also removed the special episode previews from those dvds and replaced them with the preview of the next featured episode. Audio and video quality on this dvd is not as good as on the rest of the dvds.

S1 EP26






S2 EP29






S3 EP31





DVD

Sukeban Deka: The Movie (1987)

It’s ironic that Sukeban Deka’s movie versions have been widely distributed in the west, while the TV shows - that are essential for understanding the films - have never been brought outside Asia. On the other hand, yo-yo armed schoolgirls that are never thoroughly introduced to the viewer, and references to events that are never explained, will probably offer an enjoyably confusing experience for first timers. This is how most Japanese cult movies are advertised in the western market anyway.

In certain ways Sukeban Deka: The Movie could indeed be a more rewarding experience for new viewers. Hitting the theaters a few months after the closing of the second series, the film brings together the old cast (Minamino, Yoshizawa and Sagara) and adds Yui Asaka from the third series. Unfortunately much of the potential is wasted. Minamino dominates the screen at the expense of other actors. The television show’s best character, sukeban Okyo, played by the wonderful Haruko Sagara, doesn’t get much room, and even her hair is wrong. The same applies for Yoshizawa, and one can only wonder what was the reason for including Asaka. Her character features a profile completely different from that of the Sukeban Deka II fighters, but this delicious opportunity for comparison is largely ignored.

Nevertheless, the film version is by no means a bad movie. It just doesn’t compare well against the television shows which count among the most iconic ever made. The film is more over-the-top and less effective. However, it is a good amount of fun and just seeing the familiar cast together again is wonderful. There’s also many fun references and jokes like the Sukeban Deka author Shinji Wada in a cameo role, and a new super yo-yo that is so powerful that Saki must use an armor to prevent it from crushing her own chest. Ichiro Nitta’s soundtrack is once again cool, and Minamino’s new theme song is great. Putting comparisons aside, Sukeban Deka is an enjoyable film on its own.

Media Blasters’s R1 dvd is a Toei port, although with a slightly lower bitrate (which does not cause any notable problems). Nice, although interlaced transfer. Extras include photo gallery, teaser and trailer, and most importantly, a great 42 minute making of documentary that Minamino fans are sure to enjoy.

Excellent opening with Saki after she has returned to normal life.


She buys a yo-yo from Shinji Wada, the author of Sukeban Deka


Helicopter attack


As you can see, the film is a bit over the top...


Remember these girls? Taiko and her gang from seaside town in Chiba (SD II, ep 19)


Yui, Haruko, Yoko, Akie, and new addition Ayako Kobayashi


Yoko's new armor

Caps from the making of doc

Hideo Tanaka directing Nanno


Haruko and Nanno with their eyes full of sand after explosion


Nanno did almost all her stunts herself


You think idols have it easy? Wrong! Girls freezing at the set and singing christmas songs. Why? Because it's bloody Christmas Eve!




Nanno recording