Anyone who watched Tokusatsu as a child must have thought at least once, while waving their arms around in front of the screen, ”I want to fight too.” Weapons from the Sentai series, in particular, hold a mysterious charm. They were not just tools to hold, but existed like an entrance to becoming the hero themselves. And the weapon that left a powerful impression even within ”Ninja Sentai Kakuranger” is the ”Kakuremaru.” The ”Kakuremaru MEMORIAL EDITION” that has appeared this time is not simply a product that made an old toy bigger. It can be said to be a piece born to make you re-experience the memories of those days with the sensibilities of an adult today. The moment you open the box, it has such a presence that you find yourself thinking for a moment, ”Is this something to play with, or something to display?”

First of all, what surprises you is the sense of size with a total length of approximately 700mm. Looking only at the numbers, it might give the impression of just a long sword, but in reality, the impact when holding it in your hand is completely different. It is close to the sensation as if the Kakuremaru you used to watch through the screen has appeared just as it was in reality. From the blade, guard, to the grip, it is meticulously crafted, and a sculpting that faithfully pursues the image from the show is thoroughly executed. In particular, the character for ”Shinobi” carved into the golden guard, and the impressive design of ”Ninja Sentai” placed on the blade, boast a level of perfection that makes you convince yourself without thinking just by looking at it, ”Ah, this is it.” The feeling of wanting to unexpectedly carry it on your back, rather than just being satisfied with placing it on a desk, might be due to the unique presence that this weapon possesses.

Weapons from Tokusatsu works are only half complete even if their shapes are reproduced. What is truly important is the ”sound.” Precisely because of the sword clash sounds and production sounds heard many times on the screen, that weapon continues to live inside one's memory. This Kakuremaru MEMORIAL EDITION has a significant amount of effort poured into that aspect. Not only are multiple sounds from the time of sword clashing recorded, but even the sensation of the exact moment of slashing is reproduced by a vibration gimmick. It does not just make a sound. The sensation of ”I slashed just now” is transmitted into your hand. I think it is an extremely interesting point that the parts supplemented by imagination during childhood are filled with technology as a product for adults.

What is even more charming is the LED light-emitting function mounted on the blade. When a special move is activated, the blade shines along with the audio, and that production changes the atmosphere all at once. It does not end with just glowing. Because the roll calls of the five Kakurangers and their lines during special moves are also recorded, the scenes from back then naturally float up inside your head the moment they are played. There will likely be many people who find themselves tracing their memories without thinking, ”Yes, yes, it was this flow.” Since even the BGM is recorded, it feels less like simply holding a weapon and more like stepping a foot inside the work.

What is particularly interesting is the compatibility with drawing and sheathing actions by a sensor built into the blade. A sword is not just for swinging; coolness exists precisely at the moment of drawing it from the scabbard. Whether you draw it slowly or draw it all at once, the impression changes just by that. By having the audio respond in accordance with such movements, a special meaning is born into actions that are usually done casually. If someone who knows nothing is watching from the side, it might be a slightly strange sight, but if it is a person who likes it, they will undoubtedly be able to understand. There is a moment where you satisfy yourself, thinking, ”That sword-drawing just now was a bit sharp.”

The Kakuremaru in the show was not just a mere ninja sword. It is a symbolic weapon that possesses a sharpness surpassing even renowned blades, and hides an overwhelming power enough to slice through even a tank at times. Of course, that capability is not provided in the actual product. However, mysteriously, people experience the sensation of holding the settings and the story itself. Precisely because of that, I believe the value of this product cannot be measured solely by its sculpting and sound.

The Kakuremaru MEMORIAL EDITION is not an item just for feeling nostalgic about old memories. It is a piece packed with detailed craftsmanship and productions that can be noticed precisely now that one has become an adult. The world that was on the other side of the screen during childhood comes a little closer to a place within reach. Isn't it a special commemorative item where you can experience such a sensation?