Tokusatsu A Guide to Japanese Special Effects
Tokusatsu (which translates literally as “special filmingâ€) is one of Japan’s most beloved art forms. From kaiju such as Godzilla and Mothra to super sentai including the Power Rangers and Ultraman, tokusatsu has brought countless fan-favorite characters to life with its distinctive and groundbreaking special effects.
Tokusatsu celebrates the medium’s long and colorful history with lavish illustrations showcasing the eye-catching visuals of the genre—from terrifying monsters to giant robots and Lycra-clad superheroes. It examines the interplay of evolving technologies and Japanese culture from the 1950s to today, and there are biographies of legendary, genre-defining directors including Eiji Tsuburaya, Sonny Chiba, and Tohl Narita.
Written by a passionate expert, this panoramic celebration has something special to offer die-hard tokusatsu fans, film and pop culture buffs, and the newly curious alike.
