Japan Crowns Its #1 Super Sentai Hero of All Time in Official 50th Anniversary Vote

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For many years, the influential Japanese Super Sentai series, famous for introducing its unique properties, has remained a powerful presence. Over time, numerous “Red Ranger” characters have arisen and departed, but the one who has captured the hearts of fans the most has just been declared as the ultimate favorite.

2025 saw a grand event commemorating the brand’s entire history, encompassing numerous teams and iconic figures spanning decades. This poll, which took half a century to assemble, covered three distinct categories. Yet, it was a relatively more contemporary figure from this rich legacy who emerged victorious after a nationwide vote.

Shinken Red Ranks #1 Among Every Super Sentai Hero

On May 17, 2025, in Japan, the results of the Super Sentai Big Poll were broadcasted on NHK BS. This special event featured numerous guests from across the brand’s illustrious history. Among them were Kosei Yuki and Yuzuki Hirakawa, who played Keiichiro Asaka/Patren 1gou and Rita Kaniska/Papillon Ohger in “Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger,” and Kohei Higuchi, the actor behind Taro Momoi/Don Momotaro from “Avataro Sentai Donbrothers.” This occasion honored the 50th anniversary of the franchise, which first appeared in 1975 with the launch of “Himitsu Sentai Gorenger.” Although it took a few years for the “Super Sentai” branding to officially emerge, this poll-focused special surprisingly crowned a relatively modern top hero.

Series, Robots and Heroes. The event attracted a total of over 600,000 votes. Tori Matsuzaka’s character Takeru Shiba, also known as Shinken Red in Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, emerged victorious in the Heroes category. This super sentai TV show aired from 2009 to 2010 and was the 33rd installment in the franchise. Footage from the show was later used for the first of the 2010s Power Rangers reboot series. With its unique blend of jidaigeki Japanese drama elements, it strongly emphasized samurai themes. Fans showered Matsuzaka with congratulatory messages like “Congratulations, Lord!”, highlighting the enduring popularity of Shinken Red among super sentai enthusiasts. Shinken Red is recognized as one of the most powerful Red Rangers in the Super Sentai franchise.

In addition to serving as the foundation for “Power Rangers,” the concept of Super Sentai has frequently been satirized across popular anime and manga titles, and there’s even a series titled “The Red Ranger Embarks on Adventures in a New World.

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2025-05-20 00:54