Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya

infobox television
show_name = Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya
genre = Metal Hero
Tokusatsu
runtime = 30 minutes
country = JPN
network = TV Asahi
imbd_id =


caption =
num_episodes = 50
creator = Toei
starring = Takumi Tsutsui
Megumi Sekiguchi
Masaaki Hatsumi
Shozo Izuka
narrated = Toru Ohira
first_aired = January 24, 1988
last_aired = February 11, 1989 |

nihongo|Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya|世界忍者戦ジライヤ|Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya|translated as "World Ninja War Jiraiya" was the 1988 installment in Toei's Metal Heroes Series. It was aired from January 24, 1988 to February 11, 1989. Two episodes were later released on VHS, and a DVD version containing 245 minutes is scheduled for release in November 2008. [ [http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/100785 DVD 世界忍者戦ジライヤ　VOL.1《予約商品１１月発売》22％オフあみあみ本店] ]

tory

This program features a ninja master from an historically known ninja clan (notably played by the actual Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi; several of his students also appeared in various episodes) preparing his son, daughter, and youngest child, along with a family relative and a police officer with ninja roots to combat the re-emergence of a centuries-old demon samurai, his evil offspring, and a host of international ninja warriors from around the world hoping to tip the scales of justice. Jiraiya, the son of the ninja master, is destined to wield an enormous power that Dokusai, the demon samurai, hopes to seize.

Characters

Yamaji Family

The nihongo|Yamaji Clan|山地族|Yamaji-zoku| are the main characters of the series, descendants of nihongo|Togakure-ryū|戸隠流|, an ancient ninja order whose job is to protect the Inscrition, a piece of wood that points the location of Pako, the World treasure.

*: The protagonist of the series. When he was a kid, his parents died and he was adopted by Tetsuzan. He had the mission to protect a box with the armor inside; The Space Treasure. He has the blood of the old pilot who came of a distant planet and therefore he is the only one that he can make to use the true power. He wields the nihongo|Optical-Magnetic Vacuum Sword|磁光真空剣|Jikkō Shinkūken|. Jiraiya regularly says the phrase "I will not forgive you!" to the enemy. Translation of the name: Jiraiya Is "Young Thunder"; Touha is "Fight and Destroy".
*: oldest of the two biological children of Tetsuzan, She is approximately 14 or 15 years of age. Kei is determined and has friends. She is also good in the fights as Emiha and she helps her foster brother Jiraiya in some occasions. She uses the techniques of disguise and makes opponents to fall asleep.

*: the youngest of the two biological children of Tetsuzan, Manabu is 6 years of age. He already prepared some skills as for example to catch the Jikou Shinkuuken. Manabu can be childish sometimes, but he is wise. He helped Jiraiya in some occasions.

*: Tetsuzan is a wise ninja and patriarch of the Togakure-ryū's 34th generation. Tetsuzan adopted Touha as his son and trained him in the ninja arts.

Youma Clan

The nihongo|Youma Clan|妖魔一族|Yūma Ichizoku are the main antagonists of the series led by Dokusai. They possess one half of the Inscription which contains the location of Pako (with the other half being with the Yamaji).

*: Father and leader of the Clan, Dokusai is a "Oni" who wants to obtain Pako and rule the world as its governor. In the past, he was a friend and apprentice of the Ninja Art along with Tetsuzan. However, corrupted by the evil, he murdered Tetsuzan's wife to rob the Inscription, and was able to get half of it. Dies in the end of the series after confronting Jiraiya.

*: Dokusai's butterfly-themed daughter and Reiha's rival, who in spite of being quite weak in Ninja Arts, she is a master of disguise, being able to uncover herself as practically everything (even a little girl). Despite being a villain, she escapes alive in the end of the series.

*: Dokusai's "borrowed" son, has a shuriken star on his forehead, which is sometimes used as a weapon. Fights several times against Jiraiya. Just like Benikiba, he escapes alive in the end.

*: three karasu-tengu who serve under Dokusai's control, easily outmatched in combat due to being incredibly weak.

*: Old sorceress who was once annihilated by Tetsuzan. Like Manin Luana, she uses dark magic to awake the Jirai God for Dokusai to destroy it. Seems to have had a romance with Dokusai, but nothing was confirmed in the series. Has two forms: a sybil, in which she uses a escopet, and a witch, in which she uses a flute and a white halberd.

*: A group of ninja created by Dokusai, named after the five elements: nihongo|Fire|火|Ka|, nihongo|Water|水|Sui|, nihongo|Land|土|Chi|, nihongo|Wood|木|Moku and nihongo|Wind|風|Fū|. During the fight against Jiraiya, Fuu heard the wind sound and collapsed. That was enough time for Jiraiya to get back at them and defeat the team, with only Fuu surviving. However, the wind ninja refused Jiraiya's help and threw himself from a fall, dying almost instantly. The Youma Clan recovered their corpses and use them to create Mafuuba.

*: a cyborg created from Fuu being augmented with the remains of his Special Ninja Team comrades. He battled Jiraiya in his first appearance, almost defeating the hero, but after being hit, he promised Jiraiya they'd meet in the future. However, they become allies in episode 29, with Mafuuba returning to help Jiraiya in the series finale.

World Ninjas

nihongo|World Ninjas|世界忍者|Sekai Ninja| are the worldwide ninja warriors who are searching to find Pako, as well as the Yamaji and the Youma Clans. All of them represent a single country, and having their own special abilities and fight techniques. Some of them are enemies and want Pako for evil goals, but there are also allies that wish to protect the world treasure.

*: First member of the World Ninjas to appear in the series, he has British descent and wishes to use Pako to end the hunger issue around the world. Nearly dies in episode 9, after Dokusai traps him in a waterfall. However, in episode 19, he returns and tells Jiraiya he's still alive.

*: Thai ninja who is over 90 years old, mixes kung fu with the ninja arts. Expert in fire arts, his most notable ability was to "take off" the enemy's fighting spirit, using this trick on Touha, who became afraid of fighting. After overcome his fear with the help of Tetsuzan, he was able to battle and destroy Kung Fu for good.
** nihongo|Kanin Chang Kung Fu Jr.|火忍 チャンカンフーの息子|Kanin Chan Kan Fū no Musuko| 10-11, 49: Chang Kung Fu's son, appears to avenge his father's death. Allies himself with Kannin Ryoku Ryuu to kill Jiraiya. Uses the same fighting techniques and abilities of his late father. After almost destroying Jiraiya, he and Ryoku Ryuu were put out by Jiraiya in his upgraded armor.

*: a suiken fighter with Chinese origin. Elite member of Hong Kong's drug dealing, manage to annihilate Jiraiya allied with Kanin Chang Kung Fu Jr. After having his armor restaured by Dr. Smith, Touha faces a final battle against them, finally destroying both.

*: Based on Billy the Kid, this american ninja is primary a shooter, using two pistols with tele-guided bullets. Was tricked into fighting Jiraiya for a 100-dolar reward, but eventually became his friend.

*: Originally an Interpol agent, came from France to search for the Nobutora Sword, which was stolen by the Museum of Paris by Kenin Parchis. Allies with Jiraiya to find the artifact and eventually recovers it, going back to the country of origin.

*: South African ninja who uses dark magic. Formerly a hunter, he used to hunt rare and endangered animals for sale on the black market. For some unknown reason however, he developed crippling zoophobia, the fear of animals, thus ending his poaching career. Also murdered Joe, an ambientalist and old friend of the Yamaji family. Destroyed in battle by Jiraiya.
** nihongo|Juunin Makumba's Older Brother|獣忍 マクンバの兄|Jūnin Makunba no Ani| 25, 49: Makumba's older brother, sacrificed several animals to the Dadaht God to bring his brother back to life. Was ultimately destroyed by Jiraiya along with his revived younger brother.

*: Evil ninja whose wish was to murder his niece Maira to take the throne of Anmel country, in the Middle East. Ended up killed by Jiraiya.

*: Originated from Sweden, he wears a golden armor that emisses a shining light, having the power to blind enemies. Had his right arm ripped off by Tetsuzan years ago, and used an implant nowadays. The same arm was ripped by Jiraiya after he recovered from Strowver's blindness technique.

*: Born in Venezuela, her parents were Japanese. Managed to use Pako to end the misery in the world (like Baron Owl). After tricking Touha and the Yamaji about the location of Pako being a cave, she sacrificed herself to save Jiraiya and the others after Uchuunin Demost released a poisoned gas in the cave.

*: Ninja from New Zealand able to transform into a giant lizard to scare his enemies. Collects swords around the world and seeks for the perfect katana. Robbed the Jikkō Shinkū Ken from the Sorcerers' Clan after it was stolen from Manabu. Later, took the Nobutora Sword. Fought Jiraiya in both occasions, and eventually became his ally.

*: Based on a chameleon, came from Italy and had the ability to transform into anybody he wants, imitating the person almost perfectly. Destroyed by Jiraiya in episode 31, later using his immortality technique and coming back to life, only to be annihilated again with Silver Shark and David Cat.

*: Turkish ninja who has the mission of protect the Green Flame, a precious emerald from the Topkapi Palace in Turkey. Was manipulated by Sylvia into fighting Jiraiya, but returned back to normal again.

*: Norwegian ninja who was formerly an assassin from the Kaminin Clan, a group of mercenaries. Tired of his life, he deserted the clan and became master of a girl, Kazumi, whose father he had killed in the past. Eventually became a friend of Jiraiya, helping the Yamaji family. Murdered alongside Kazumi by the Kaminin Leader in episode 45.
** nihongo|Kaminin Clan Leader|紙忍一族頭領|Kaminin Ichizoku Tōriyō| 45, 49: chief of the Kaminin Clan, a group of assassins which Oruha had betrayed. Shows up to kill Oruha and ends up doing it. Due to that, is annihilated by Jiraiya.

*: Descendant from the Otonin Clan, claimed the Togakure killed his family, with him being the only survivor. Was destroyed by Jiraiya, but used the immortality technique from his clan and returned alive, ultimately being killed in episode 32.

*: German ninja who murdered Touha's parents in the past, while attempting to obtain Pako. Driven by revenge, Touha managed to defeat Sugitani at first, but ends up severely wounded by the cruel ninja. Badly injuried, he needed a blood transfusion from Reiha to get back on his feet and face a final stand against Sugitani, finally eliminating him.

*: formerly a war soldier, he fought in the Vietnam war for Canada and adopted a child girl named Tao there. Specialist in rocket launchers, missiles and bazookas, he shows up to prove his innocence during the Shinjuku's Bullet Train strike. Honored and honest, become friends with Jiraiya and returns to help him in the end of the series.

*: Despite being from Israel, he follows Mohammed's doctrine. Dislikes life in society, prefering to isolate himself in the forest to increase his chi. Travels to Japan to investigate the gasoline robbery (an evil plot by the Sorcerers's Clan) throughout Tokyo. Dokusai tricked him into fighting Jiraiya, but later the misunderstanding was settled and Benikiba attempted to kill Alamsa. However, he was saved by Tetsuzan and became an ally from that point.

*: Russian ninja with several robotic implants all over his body. Kidnapped Drs. Smith, Schmidt and Brown to use their invention: a neurocontrol machine, with the power to take over human minds. One of the most strong enemies to appear in the series. To defeat him, Jiraiya had to join with his siblings and needed technology support from the three scientists.
** nihongo|Tetsunin Gamesh 002|鉄忍 ガメッシュ002|Tetsunin Gamesshu Tsu| 40, 49: possibly Tetsunin Gamesh's brother (although nothing was ever proved), he quickly appeared in episode 40, but was destroyed by Kazenin Mafuuba.

*: Originally from Romania, she was a witch in medieval times, and was burned alive by the Inquisition, but her spirit remained enclosured inside a cave. Accidentally released by Haburamu, she hypnotized him as a way to gain enough power to rule the world. However, she battled Jiraiya and ended up being destroyed and sent back to the dead.

*: a Puerto Rican shinobi, who despite being raised by an old ancient ninja, nihongo|Genchi Koshimura|越村玄斎|Koshimura Genchi|, became corrupted by money and the "easy life" and turned evil. Wished to gain great amounts of money to collapse the world and turn into its "owner". After killing the man who raised him, was deservely annihilated by Jiraiya.

*: this caribbean ninja was formerly a swimmer, with the ability to fight under water. Acted as a pirate, stealing ocean treasures and robbing another ships. Confronted Jiraiya once and manage to runaway alive, but was ultimately destroyed alongside Yaminin Devil Cat and Kenin Parchis.

*: Argentine ninja whose mission was to prevent anyone from being "taken" by the power of the Satan armor.

*: Ninja from Chile, who was possessed by the power of the Satan Armor. Jiraiya had a long fight with him before destroying him.

*: Spanish ninja and former professional thief, escaped after battling Jiraiya for the first time, but was trapped and arrested. After running from jail, was killed along with Silver Shark and Parchis when they were searching for Pako.

*: Portuguese ninja who uses double swords to apply his techniques. He is also able to transform into anybody (similar do Kenin Parchis and Benikiba) to trick his enemies. Wishes to obtain Pako for his own egoistic reasons. Dies after a battle with Jiraiya, coming back later to kidnap Akiko (a woman who resembles Tetsuzan's late wife) to attract the Yamaji to a trap, but ends up ultimately destroyed by Jiraiya.

*: two ninjas from Uruguay who acted by order of Dokusai to find the Jirai God. Due to their weakness, both were quickly defeated by Jiraiya.

*: an space demon who was once defeated by Jiraiya's ancestors, and was confined into the Jirai God's cave for 2300 years. Awakes seeking revenge and planned to make the Darkness Planet to collide with Pako, which was in the Earth, more precisely in Jirai God's body. Destroyed by Jiraiya and returns as a ghost in episode 49, along with all the other ninja enemies, only to annihilated alongside them for good.

Other characters

*: German scientist and disciple of Tetsuzan in the Togakure-ryuu Ninja Arts. Expert in technology science, appears in a few episodes by request of Tetsuzan to help Jiraiya. In the first time, he reconstructs the Jiraiya suit and upgrades it, reforcing it with golden protector trims and a blue lens. By second time, he creates nihongo|Black Saber|ブラックセイバー|Burakku Seibā|, a car for Jiraiya. By the third time, he is kidnapped along with Dr. Brown and Dr. Schmidt and needs to be rescued by Touha.

*: a Japanese Secret Service agent, he works as a detective to break outlaw organizations. Helps Jiraiya in most of his appearances, but suddenly vanishes from the series.

*: kunoichi from the Yagyuu family, works part-time as a Secret Service agent and uses her ninja abilities to search for information. Has a weird green eye bright that resembles the same bright from the Yamaji reliquia. At first, she fights Jiraiya, but later becomes his ally.

*: medium and mystical man who uses a crystal sphere and claims he sees the future. Usually clumsy and naive, is in love with Kei.

Cast

*Touha Yamaji/Jiraiya: Takumi Tsuitsui
*Kei Yamaji/Emiha: Megumi Sekiguchi
*Manabu Yamaji: Takumi Hashimoto (Tiger Ranger from Zyuranger)
*Tetsuzan Yamaji: Masaaki Hatsumi
*Ryou Asuka/Totsuha: Issei Hirota (Blue Mask from Maskman)
*Dokusai: Noriaki Kaneda(suit actor)/ Shozo Izuka (voice)
*Benikiba: Hiromi Nohara
*Mafuuba: Jun'ichi Haruta (Goggle Black from Goggle V)
*Reiha Yagyu/Reiha: Tomoko Taya
*Kumo Gozen: Machiko Soga
*Oruha: Shohei Kusaka (Naoto Tamura / Jiban from the named series)
*Kazumi: Michiko Enokida
*Narrator: Toru Ohira

ongs

;Opening theme
*nihongo|"Jiraiya"|ジライヤ
**Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa
**Composition: nihongo|Kisaburō Suzuki|鈴木 キサブロー|Suzuki Kisaburō
**Arrangement: nihongo|Osamu Totsuka|戸塚 修|Totsuka Osamu
**Artist: Akira Kushida;Ending theme
*"SHI・NO・BI '88"
**Lyrics: Keisuke Yamakawa
**Composition: Kisaburō Suzuki
**Arrangement: Osamu Totsuka
**Artist: Akira Kushida

References