History — March 4, 2010 2:00 — View Comments Written by: STA

The Things that Entertained Us: Kikaida

Even though the Kikaida series ran for only two years, the ripple effect across generations is remarkable. Recently while shopping at Ala Moana, I notice a long line snaking its way out of Shirokiya. Many who were in line, both young and old, were dressed in Kikaida costumes, heroes an villains alike. All were in line to meet action hero Ban Daisuke, the actor who played the role of Kikaida. It was a chance for many to get a picture, an autograph, an opportunity to recapture their childhood. I noticed many fathers my age (no age disclosure) carrying their little ones, anxiously watching their children’s expressions as they lived vicariously through their experiences. As I watched the Kikaida torch being passed from one generation to the next, I wondered how the series found such a resurgence in popularity and why Kikaida remains such a big hit with locals. If you can remember the numerous Japanese children’s programming televised in Hawaii: Ikkyusan, Candy Candy, Ultra Man, Robocon, Kamen Rider, and of course, Kikaida, you are dating yourself. These are the shows that influenced generations both past and present and gave birth to numerous reenactments of Kikaida battles on elementary school playgrounds.

Quite recently, Kikaida found its way back on KIKU television. As I watched the reruns, a flood of childhood memories poured in as I recalled each episode. The opening theme song sent me running to the television as a child and to this day, evoking powerful emotions of better days, carefree pleasures, and loss of innocence. Viewed today, the special effects are corny, the time period dated, but the memories, priceless. For locals, Kikaida marks the passage of time and reminds us that although we are getting older, our hearts are still youthful. As I sleep, perchance to dream, I hear the distant sounds of Jiro playing his red guitar and Professor Gill blowing on his staff. War is once again imminent and the battle between good and evil continues in the playgrounds of my mind.

For more information on Kikaida, please visit the following links below. If you have fond memories, past or present of Kikaida, please share them with us at Hawaii Traditions.