Japan’s iconic “Super Sentai” superhero series, the original inspiration for the U.S. “Power Rangers” and a global cultural phenomenon for five decades, is set to end due to declining merchandise sales and event revenue failing to cover production costs.
Japanese media reported on October 31, 2025, that the long-running franchise faces cancellation as toy sales and related activities have dropped significantly. This financial shortfall makes continued production unsustainable.
Broadcaster TV Asahi, which produces the series, declined to comment on its future programming schedule when contacted for this story.
Super Sentai, known for its teams of five color-coded heroes battling alien threats, premiered in 1975. It served as the direct template for the highly successful “Power Rangers” series in the United States and influenced numerous hero shows across Asia.
The franchise not only launched the careers of many Japanese actors but also became a powerful marketing tool for toys, clothing, and collectibles. Fans worldwide have viewed Super Sentai as an entry point into Japanese hero culture and manga.
News of the series’ impending conclusion has drawn widespread sorrow from fans and celebrities alike. Renowned actress Keiko Kitagawa posted about the news, expressing “despair” in a message on X that garnered over 15 million views.
Yasuhisa Furuhara, an actor who once played one of the heroes, spoke proudly of his involvement. He stated he was “proud to have been a part of history.”
Many fans have shared personal memories, noting how parents watched Super Sentai in their youth and now their children watch current iterations. They expressed deep regret over the ending and questioned what new hero content would emerge for future generations of boys.