>>5603
>Int: Until now, it has almost been a given that the transformed heroes pilot the giant robots, but in "Gozyuger" the Tegasword is piloted by unmasked characters wearing special costumes. What is the intention behind this?
Matsuura: The movements and emotional expressions of characters inside the cockpit are usually the domain of the director and the main production staff. However, once the robot battle starts, it tends to become something left entirely to Butsuda's special effects team, and the main team's involvement drifts away. Since we are seriously trying to do a robot show, I felt that attitude wouldn't be good. So by having unmasked cast members ride inside the cockpit, we wanted to remind ourselves on the production side that robot scenes aren't just the special effects team's responsibility -the main production team must be fully involved. This was a big part of the reason.
>Int: In the 1977 show "Little Superman Ganbaron", the masked hero Ganbaron would switch to a helmet revealing his face when piloting the giant robot Daibarun, allowing the pilot's emotions to be directly seen. Several Super Sentai shows like "Chojin Sentai Jetman" (1991) and "Gekisou Sentai Carranger" (1996) have tried similar portrayals of untransformed characters piloting robots, but nothing as thorough as "Gozyuger".
Matsuura: While it's interesting to have masked characters pilot the robots and act out reactions, I had to choose one or the other, so I decided to have unmasked actors pilot the robot this time.
>Int: Depending on the reception of "Gozyuger" there might be a shift toward the idea that it's more natural for untransformed characters to pilot giant robots.
Matsuura: Thanks to everyone, the show's start has been well received in many areas. I've heard that sales of individual weapons like the DX Tegasword and LeonBuster50 are strong, and unexpectedly, the Sentai Rings have become very popular. I think the great designs by Plex really helped. Overall, the popularity has exceeded expectations, and seeing the numbers come in is a relief.
>Int: By episode 5, the main characters: Hoeru, Rikuo, Ryugi, Kinjiro, and Sumino have all been introduced, and viewers are gradually getting familiar with the world. Each carries various burdens and sometimes a sense of tragedy, yet the characters come across as bright and cheerful.
Matsuura: When working on "Gozyuger", I had a strong desire to make it a "bright" show above all else. It wouldn't do for relationships to be too tense or for everyone to be scowling all the time. Even if some story developments or scenes are quite tough, I thought it would be okay as long as everyone is smiling (laughs). I believe the charm of "Super Sentai" lies in its brightness and, in a good way, its looseness.
>Int: What do you think about main writer Akiko Inoue’s character creation?
Matsuura: It's no exaggeration to say that Akiko has fleshed out almost all the characters. Her character-making ability has exceeded expectations, and I'm really glad we asked her to be the main writer. She's currently submitting scripts in real time, and I feel her precision is improving as she goes along.
For any show, not just Super Sentai, I think it's a "win" if viewers come to like the characters. Once they like the characters, even if the story is minimal, just following their actions can be interesting. Creating lovable characters is a crucial point.
>Int: Are there similarities between Akiko Inoue and her father Toshiki Inoue, known for his strong, distinctive characters in works like "Kamen Rider 555" and "Donbrothers"?
Matsuura: They're completely different (laughs). In that sense, Akiko is still a fairly sensible writer. She listens well and spends plenty of time in meetings. Unlike her father, who might say, "Okay, okay, I'll write it," and leave the meeting in 30 minutes (laughs).
I don’t think they're similar, but Akiko has been an avid reader since childhood. I believe growing up with Toshiki Inoue, who is also a big reader, played a big role. She was surrounded by a vast range of books-from classic literature and modern novels to manga. That environment is impressive. I don't like to assume similarities just because of blood relations, but I do think there's a similarity in their environment. Even if she hasn't read Toshiki's scripts, she's probably read many of the books he read. Akiko's depth as a person likely comes from that extraordinary reading environment, and that's her "weapon".
>Int: From episode 8, Karma-san's character "Kuon", who's Hoeru's older brother, appears. At the pre-broadcast press conference, he was introduced as a mysterious character with no details, but Karma's presence raised expectations. Could you tell us how did you decide to cast Karma as a regular?
Matsuura: Since Kiita Komagine from "Zenkaiger" and Kohaku Shida from "Donbrothers" were appearing, I was enjoying watching TV Asahi's drama "Densetsu no Head Sho" (2024) and noticed Karma as a very distinctive actor. Among the regular cast, he is the only one we invited without an audition. Akiko Inoue mentioned that writing Kuon was fun and that he is a character she's very good at. I hadn't really been conscious of it, but someone told me, "What Matsuura really likes are characters like Kuon, who are 'lovingly possessive' types" (laughs). He has become a very attractive character, so I have high hopes that when he appears, he will steal the fans' hearts.
>Int: Around episodes 5 and 6, several "mysteries" related to each member's past and future developments began to be scattered throughout the story. For example, who is the man with the "gray eyes" that Sumino is searching for? Various theories about this are already circulating on social media.
Matsuura: It's quite complicated, isn't it? We have to be careful not to leave things tangled up without resolution... Personally, I have an otaku tendency but I'm weak on "logic" and "details" (laughs). I don't place too much importance on the reasons or meanings behind why things happened. Instead of focusing on what happened in the "past", I tend to think about what actions by a character in the "present" would be exciting or appealing (laughs). Of course, necessary cause-and-effect relationships will be properly resolved in the story, and they have to be, but I don't think the show will be made just to tie up loose ends. However, I don't want to say big things and then leave things unresolved, causing a fuss online, so we will definitely address elements like the "gray eyes"! Please look forward to it! (laughs)
>Int: Recently, producers including yourself have been providing detailed explanations and commentary on official websites about complex mysteries or events not fully explained in the TV episodes. When hidden details are revealed online after broadcast, it makes viewers want to watch again. What do you think about this?
Matsuura: We do it with the feeling that fans who love the show will enjoy it more by learning deeper about the world. So it's nice when the web reception is good. At the same time, we try to make the show understandable just by watching TV casually. I believe kids will be absorbed in watching, but I also want moms doing laundry or dishes during the broadcast to think, "Wow, there's an interesting noisy show on" and get curious enough to watch. If they just watch the screen, that’s all we need. My ideal is that someone goes to hang laundry but ends up watching the whole 30 minutes because it's so interesting (laughs).
>Int: The "Universe Warriors", where past Super Sentai Red warriors are completely reimagined with different transformees as if new characters, are a highlight every episode. Given that both the main characters of Gozyuger and Bridan have strong personalities, isn't it difficult to introduce and involve Universe Warriors as guests or semi-regulars?
Matsuura: I knew from the start there would be a lot of elements. I just try to do what I can and worry about problems later. There are already some difficulties (laughs). While fully aware of the overload, I plan to muddle through the year with momentum so it doesn't feel too heavy at first glance!
>Int: Regarding the Universe Warriors, who boldly change their personalities and other traits without being bound by previous works, do you, Matsuura-san, have the settings for all of them completed in your concept?
Matsuura: Not at all. We create each Universe Warrior and the person who transforms into them one by one as we plan each episode.
However, the task of "remaking" the past Super Sentai Reds is quite challenging. For example, even characters I personally love, like Lupin Red (from Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger) and Shinken Red (from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger), have to be made into new characters different from the originals... As an otaku, I want to cherish and immerse myself in the original works, but as a producer, I have to reinvent them as current characters. I sometimes struggle, thinking, "This isn't Yano Kairi's Lupin Red..." or "This isn’t Shiba Takeru’s Shinken Red..." (laughs). It's such a bittersweet feeling that I sometimes think I shouldn't have fallen in love with them in the first place... I face the Universe Warriors with a mindset like the lyrics of a love song.
[Expand Post]
>Int: Director Butsuda said in an interview, "If the creators don't enjoy making it, interesting things won't be born." Does that align with your thoughts, Matsuura-san?
Matsuura: Absolutely. The great thing about Super Sentai is that you can have fun, be bright and cheerful, and go all out even with silly things. It's fun to make, and I think that's the greatest strength. As long as you follow a few "rules", Super Sentai has the depth and flexibility to become Super Sentai no matter how you make it. That means you can try any ideas you come up with, making it a very challenging series. Because of that, it would be a waste to just repeat the same things as before. I want to keep incorporating new things going forward.
>Int: "Gozyuger" is known for its turbulent, unpredictable developments. Do you, Matsuura-san, have even a rough idea of how the final episode will end?
Matsuura: Not at all. Actually, I've never worked that way before, so I don't know any other method. If I decided everything in detail from the start, it wouldn't be fun for those making it. I think it's more Toei-like to not know what will happen until the time comes (laughs).
>Int: What is the most important philosophy you hold when creating "Gozyuger"?
Matsuura: No matter what form it takes, I don't want it to be a "model student" kind of show. I take the phrase "Hamidashiteke" (Break out of the frame) from the theme song (Wienners’ "WINNER! Gojuuger!") as my support, and I always check myself, "Am I breaking out of the frame right now? Or am I not?". So, the entire staff and cast of "Number One Sentai Gozyuger" are determined to have fun and "break out" to the fullest, so please support us!