(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
Japan Hero
The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20050428064032/http://www.japanhero.com:80/profiles/rainbowman.htm
 
 


 

Ai No Senshi Rainbow Man (By Jmaruyama)
For more information on this truly inventive series please visit Stuart Johnson’s “Henshin Hall of Fame” - http://incolor.inetnebr.com/stuart/rainbowman/ which was invaluable in this research.

 
 
Production Information

Japanese Name:

Ai No Senshi Rainbow Man

  

English Name:

Warrior of Love – Rainbow Man

Air Dates:

10/6/1973 – 9/28/1974; Fridays 7:30-8:00 PM

Number of Episodes:

52 Episodes

Original Story:

Kawauchi Kouhan

Producer(s):

Noguchi Koichi, Kataoka Masayoshi

Planning:

Ito Kimihiko

Director:

Yamada Takeshi, Nagano Suguru, Sunahara Hiroyasu, Ando Yohiko, Kodama Susumu

Screenwriters:

Ito Tsunehisa, Onaka Hirokazu, Tamura Tatsuo, Yoshikawa Kohei, Kase Takayuki

Music by:

Kitahara Jun

Cinematography:

Tajima Fumio

Art Direction:

Kaima Pro

Special Effects:

Aikawa Sadamasa

Stunts:

Uni Kanzou, Yasukawa Masato

In Collaboration with:

Kokusai Hoei (TV International ), Ai Pro (Love Pro), Mannen Sha (10,000 Year Company)

Broadcast by:

NET (now TV Asahi)


Theme Song(s):

“Ike! Rainbow Man” (Go! Rainbow Man)
Sung by: Yasunaga Kenji & ‘Young Fresh’

“Yamato Takeshi No Uta” (Yamato Takeshi’s Theme)
Sung by: Yasunaga Kenji

“Shine Shine Dan No Theme”
Sung by: ‘Cat’s Eyes’ and ‘Young Fresh’

“Aitsu No Namae Wa Rainbow Man” (His Name is Rainbow Man)
Sung by: ‘Cat’s Eyes’ and ‘Young Fresh’


Cast:

Mizutani Kunihisa (Yamato Takeshi/Dash 7)
Motoyama Kakuko (Mother- Yamato Tami)
Koizumi Haku (Father – Yamato Ichiro)
Ishikawa Eriko (Sister - Yamato Miyuki)
Ito Megumi (Mizuno Toshie)
Kurada Hajime (Yoshi)
Kozue Hiroaki (Priest Ma)
Kuroki Susumu (Hata)
Inoue Akifumi (Divadatta)
Hirata Akihiko (Mr. K)
Yamabuki Mayumi (Diana)
Saegusa Mieko (Mitchie)
Takahashi Yoko (Cathy)
Shiozawa Toki (Iguana)
Fujiyama Ritsuko (Olga)
Minagawa Myoko (Lolita)
Soga Machiko (God Iguana)
Nasasawa Dai (Dr. Borg)
Renata Herald (Queen)
‘Otsuki Wolf’ (Elbanda)
Chiko Roland (Pogora)
Yamazaki Jyunji (Yappa No Testu <’Iron’ Yappa>)
Naya Gorou (Narrator)
Episodes/Opponents

#1 – “Kiseki No Seija” (The Miraculous Saint)
#2 - “Rainbow Man No Tanjou” (The Birth of Rainbow Man)
#3 – “Rainbow Dash 7” -Karimos, Yappa No Testu
#4 – “Macao No Satsujin Show” (Macao's Murder Show) – Karimos, Kuroi Yagyu (Black Buffalo)
#5 – “Shine Shine Dan No Inbou” (The Shine Shine Dan Conspiracy)
#6 – “Ma No Go Jikan Ga Kita!” (The Sinister 5 O'Clock Hour has Come!)
#7 – “Cat’s Eye Sakusen Jou Rikusu” (The Cat's Eye Stratagem Commences) – Yappa No Testu
#8 – “Hitoribotchi No Tatakai” (Lonely War)
#9 – “Takeshi O Kuruwaserou” (Let's Drive Takeshi Mad) –‘D’ Butai (The ‘D’ Unit)
#10 – “Yatsura O Korose!” (Kill The Bastards!)
#11 – “Wana O Kakerou” (Spring the Trap!)
#12 – “Kiki Ippatsu!!” (Danger Zone!!)
#13 – “Rainbow Dai Sakusen” (Operation: Rainbow)
#14 – “Kyofu No ‘M’ Sakusen” (The Deadly Operation ‘M’) - Fudora, Dr. Gurudo
#15 – “Satsujin Professional” (The Professional Killer) – Fudora, Garuma
#16 - “Satsujin Pro Garuma No Fukushuu” (The Professional Killer Garuma's Revenge) - Garuma
#17 – “Yojutsu Ningen Kaseki!!” (Black Magic-Human Petrifaction!!) – Herodinia San Sei, Hedoron, Queen, Icelee
#18 – “Hoshiko Dai Hen Ka” (Hoshiko’s Grand Change) – Icelee, Queen, Geno-Bird
#19 – “Kuten! Musasabi Satsu Tou” (Flying Summersault! Flying Squirrel Killing Technique) – Queen, Geno-Bird
#20 – “M Sakusen O Buttobase!!” (‘M’ Stratagem Foiled!!) – L-Banda
#21 – “Denryuu Ningen O Yatsukero!!” (Attack the ‘Spark Man’!!) –L-Banda
#22 – “Ichi Oku Nin O Sukue” (Rescue One Hundred Million People!!) – L-Banda, Malinda, Norma
#23 – “Yatsura No Kichi Wa Are Da!!” (Their Base is There!!) - Malinda, Norma
#24 – “Otoko No Yakusoku” (A Gentleman’s Promise) - Bake Neko (Ghost Cat), Malinda
#25 – “Asahi Ni Majou Wa Kieta” (In the Morning, the Witch Disappeared)
#26 – “Himitsu Kichi Daibakuhatsu” (The Secret Base’s Big Explosion)
#27 – “Yomigaetta Shine Shine Dan” (The Resurrected Shine Shine Dan) – Akuma Busou Butai (DAC - Demon Assault Corp)
#28 – “Chitei Sensha Moguraado O Hikaese!) (Hold Back the Underground Tank Mogurard!)
#29 – “Akuma No Sentai DAC” (The Sinister Army ‘DAC’) - DAC
#30 – “Mogurat Dai Hakai Sakusen” (The Mogurat’s Grand Destruction Plan) – Dacca One
#31 – “Kyofu No Renzoku Bakuha” (The Terrifying Multiple Explosions) - DAC
#32 – “Kaizou Ningen Bagora” (The Cyborg Pagora) - Pagora
#33 – “Dacca Hikou Tai Shutsugeki Seiyou” (Launch The Dacca Air Corps) – DAC Air Corps
#34 – “Shinkuu Tatsumaki No Jutsu” (The Tornado Vacuum Skill) -
#35 – “Sugata Naki Kuroi Te” (The Invisible Black Hand) – Yappa No Tetsu Doppelganger
#36 – “Koibito Wa Ansatsusha” (My Lover The Assassin) – Toshie Doppelganger
#37 – “X Zone Hakai Meirei!!” (The ‘X’ Zone Destruction Order!!)
#38 – “ABCD Line Dai Bakuhatsu” (Big Explosion on the ABCD Line)
#39 – “Shuto Tokyo Saigo No Hi” (Tokyo’s Last Day)
#40 – “Diamond Ryakudatsu Sakusen” (The Diamond Plunder Plan) – Dr. Borg, Cyborg Cathy
#41 – “Cyborg Ichi Go To No Tatakai” (Battle With Cyborg Mark One) – Cyborg Cathy
#42 – “Tsuiseki Sen Kiro!” (Pursuit at 1000 Kph <621 Mph>!!) –Cyborg Olga, Cyborg Diana
#43 – “Taiyo To Midori Ni Chikau” (I Swear By The Sun and Green <Earth>!) – Cyborg Olga, Cyborg Diana
#44 – “Rainbow Gattai No Jutsu” (The Rainbow Combination Skill) – Cyborg Cathy, Cyborg Diana
#45 – “Dr. Borg No Shuunen” (Dr. Borg's Tenacity) – Dr. Borg, Cyborg Cathy
#46 – “Cyborg Dorei Butai” (The Cyborg Slave Drones) – Dr. Borg, Cyborg Diana
#47 – “Kuroi Hoshi Wa Noroi No Mark” (A Black Star is the Accursed Mark) – Bad Sister
#48 – “Kimen No Kettou” (The Demon Masked Showdown ) – Mira Sister
#49 – “Moero! Taishoubu” (Rage On! The Great Showdown) – Dokuro Man (Skull Man)
#50 – “Kurutta Jyudan” (Shatter Shot) – Dokuro Man (Skull Man), Kamakiri Otoko (Mantis Man)
#51 – “Shimei No Jyujika” (Mission of the Cross) – Kamakiri Otoko
#52 – “Niji Ni Kakeru Ai No Senshi” (Warrior of Love Towards To The Rainbow) - Devilar, No. 13
Series/Movie Info


Story

The year is 1971, and a war is raging in the region between India and East Pakistan. In the midst of this war, a lone Japanese youth by the name of Yamato Takeshi has come in search of the mysterious and legendary mystic Divadatta, who is alleged to have extraordinary ESPer and Physical powers. Takeshi is making a living as a Professional Wrestler/Extreme Fighter and is hoping that Divadatta will help him become an even more stronger fighter, so that he can earn enough money to help pay for the mounting medical expenses needed to treat his younger sister, Miyuki’s leg injuries.

After much wandering, Takeshi meets with Divadatta in a remote cave high up on a mountain. Divadatta appears to Takeshi in a dream (as a man a glow in a rainbow), and tells him that he will accept him as a disciple. Thus begins his intense and grueling training. Takeshi is taught how to channel his inner strength and also learns to tap into his own inner ESPer powers through meditation and Buddhist teaching.

Amidst the war’s carnage, Divadatta displays his incredible powers by resurrecting some of fallen soldiers. Takeshi is so stunned by his powers and compassion, that he vows to mend his wicked ways and become an agent of peace like Divadatta.

A year passes and under Divadatta tutorage, Takeshi has become a proficient mystic in his own right. Divadatta tells Takeshi that he is reaching the end of his 150 life span and that he has selected Takeshi to replace him as the next “man of the rainbow” (agent of peace). Takeshi gladly accepts the honor and in passing Divadatta transfers all his remaining powers to Takeshi, who then transforms into “Rainbow Man”, the Warrior of Love.

With a new found purpose, Takeshi travels back to Japan. Once back, he finds that his coach and best friend, Yoshi has fallen on hard times and is hopelessly shackled in debt (he was forced to relinquish his Donguri Training School to creditors). Desperate to help, Takeshi accepts an offer to travel to Macao to fight in a death match and the promise of enough money to repay all of Yoshi’s debts.

While in Macao, Takeshi meets up with the enigmatic ‘Mr. K’ who leads an organization of ‘Japanese Race Hating’ foreigners called the “Shine Shine Dan” (Die Die Clan). They have engineered a hysteria-inducing drug called “Cat’s Eye” which they plan to use to poison the Japanese populace in an operation they dubbed the “Cat’s Eye Stratagem”. Using him as a test subject, Mr. K, injects Takeshi with the drug causing him to go insane and kill his fighting opponent.

Delighted with the test results, Mr. K imprisons Takeshi and sets off to Japan to unleash his plan. Using his newfound powers, Takeshi transforms to Rainbow Man and escapes the prison. Racing towards Japan, Rainbow Man vows to stop Mr. K and the Shine Shine Dan and save his country from destruction.
Characters
    

Who Is Rainbow Man?

“Rainbow Man” is the spiritual alter ego of Japanese youth Yamato Takeshi. Takeshi was a former college wrestling champ with the “Jiyotoko” College Wrestling Club. He also fought in underground fight clubs under the name of “Shitamachi No Kuro Hyo” (The Black Panther of the Underground”. His signature move was the “Kaiten Otoshi” (Summersault Pile Driver). A particularly brutal fighter, he was eventually expelled from college for seriously injuring four wrestling partners.

Takeshi traveled to India to seek out the legendary mystic “Divadatta” who was said to possess great mystical and spiritual powers. Takeshi wanted to train under him so as to gain incredible fighting prowess.

Divadatta agreed to train Takeshi and in the process purged Takeshi of all his aggressive tendencies through his harsh but enlightening training. As a result Takeshi gained great spiritual powers which were augmented further by Divadatta’s final act of transferring his powers to Takeshi.

At the heart of Takeshi’s abilities was the skill to be able to transform his physical form into any one of a number of “Incarnations” (Keshin) otherwise known as “Dash”. There were seven Incarnations he could transform to:

Dash 7 -
“Taiyo No Keshin” (Solar Incarnation) – Rainbow Man’s truest heroic form. Has a number of ESPer powers derived from his intense Physical and Mental Buddhist Training (Miroku Bosatsu).

Among his spiritual powers include:

“Dou Ate No Jitsu” (Empathy Skill) – Rainbow Man can sense and feel the presence of objects and people several feet away (beyond his sight).

“Fudou Kanashi Bari No Jitsu” (Soul Binding Skill) – Rainbow Man can pinpoint and immobilize his enemies in place.

“Keshin Gattai No Jitsu” (Multiple Incarnation Merge Skill) – Starting from Episode 44, Rainbow Man was able to transcend the limitation of transforming into only one Keshin (Incarnation) at any one time and could now transform into multiple Incarnations as the need arose. He could also combine the powers and abilities of his various Dash forms.

Rainbow Man can fire a devastating light ray called his "Taiyo Flash” (Solar Flash) from his Sun Emblem on his turban. The Emblem can also generate two scimitar swords (“Taiyo No Ken/Sun Sabers) that Rainbow Man can also use in hand-to-hand combat.

Rainbow Man can harness his spiritual powers to fly. When traveling long distances, Rainbow Man would transform himself into a white ball, aglow in a rainbow.

“Dash 7” is the form Takeshi used most frequently. When transforming into “Dash 7”, Takeshi would repeatedly chant the Buddhist Sutra “Anokutara Sanmiyakusanbodai”.

Dash 1 –
“Tsuki No Keshin” (Lunar Incarnation) – Form represents the mastery of Yoga and Spiritual Transcendence. Is able to contort and bend his body like that of a snake using his “Hebi Henge No Jitsu” (Snake Form Skill). He can also call forth lightning from his forehead emblem using his “Noten Inazuma Otoshi” (Supreme Lighting Strike) skill.

Dash 2 –
“Hi No Keshin” (Fire Incarnation) – Is able to project fire and flame from his hands using his “Ka En No Jitsu” (Blazing Skill).

Dash 3 –
“Mizu No Keshin” (Water Incarnation) – Able to control and manipulate small bodies of water. He is able to generate and propel large amounts of water using his “Fu Ryu Rei Bou No Jitsu” (Streaming Water Canon Skill). He can also propel more controlled bursts of freezing water using his “Sui Rei Bou No Jitsu” (Freezing Water Canon Skill). “Dash 3” can swim and move through water effortlessly.

Dash 4 –
“Kusaki No Keshin” (Plant Incarnation – Sometimes also identified as a Tree Incarnation) – He is able to strike down opponents using sound-waves generated by his “Tsumuji Kaze No Jitsu” (Gushing Winds Skill). Can also refine these same sound-wave echoes into a mind-piercing screech that can drive his opponents mad with pain (“Kodama Tataki No Jitsu” - Tree Screeching Skill). He is also able to shoot out pine tree leaf-like ‘darts’ ats his opponents using his “Matsuba Shuriken” (Pine Tree Shuriken). Using his “Ko No Ha Rai No Jitsu” (Tree Leaf Storm Skill) he is able to create a small windstorms of leaves and debris that can blind his opponents.

Dash 5 –
“Ogon No Keshin” (Gold Incarnation) – His forehead emblem resembles a flying golden condor/phoenix. This form is the next most power to “Dash 7”. He is able to traverse the skies effortlessly. Can also emit and fire a powerful laser blast from his hands called his “Rainbow Flash” which can melt and disintegrate most Earthly materials.

Dash 6 –
“Tsuchi No Keshin” (Earth Incarnation) – Is able to bore into the ground by spinning like a top (drill) using his “Shippu Tsuchi Enka No Jitsu” (Hurricane Earth Rocket Skill). He could also create seismic tremors in the ground using his “Jiraishin No Jitsu” (Ground Thunder Quake Skill).

To change into these various ‘Dash’ forms, Rainbow Man would call out the phrase "Rainbow Dash”.

When Rainbow Man is wounded, weakened or drained of energy, he must revert back to his normal Takeshi and recuperate. Takeshi must use his Yoga training to enter into a healing trance state for at least five hours. During this transitory/meditative state Takeshi is completely vulnerable and unaware of his surroundings. His vital signs are put into a suspended state and his body temperature dips to almost freezing temperatures.

Who are the “Shine Shine Dan”?

The “Shine Shine Dan” (Lit.- Die Die Clan) is a radical, rightwing terrorist organization devoted to the utter destruction of Japan and all its people. The Shine Shine Dan is comprised mostly of rightwing radicals and other extremists who have a prejudicial hatred of the Japanese. Most are former World War II POWs and other Japanese Army atrocity survivors (mostly from other Asian countries like China, Korean etc.). The Shine Shine Dan had numerous ‘cells’ across the globe and had major bases in both Japan and Africa. While total group membership is unknown, the following is a listing of its most notorious members:

Mr. K (Mr. Kill?) – No one knows who ‘K’ really is. His Nationality, age, and previous identity are completely unknown. All that is known is that he suffered incredible torture and suffering at the hands of the Japanese Army during World War II. As a result, Mr. K developed an incredible hatred for Japan and its people. Using his vast resources and international connections, he formed an organization of like-minded individuals whose sole goal was the utter elimination of everything Japanese. He may have been a former military officer as he is a brilliant tactician and strategist. He is also very proficient in the use of firearms, especially rifles. His left hand was later amputated and replaced with an iron hook. While normally very charming and cultured, he can be equally cruel and vicious to those who stand in his way.

In the finale, Mr. K escaped capture and sent Rainbow Man an ominous taped message stating that he will return again to torment Japan.

Mr. K was aided by a bevy a female assistants (secretaries) whom he would instruct to implement his devious plans. These secretaries were skilled fighters and were masters in both armed and unarmed combat. They carried a number of small arms and bladed weapons on their person. Their unique ‘western’ costumes were quite the fashion statement. His secretaries included:

Diana – Mr. K’s most senior secretary. A skilled markswoman and fighter, she oversaw Shine Shine Dan’s African cell. Later in the series, she was converted into a cyborg by Dr. Borg.

Cathy – One of Mr. K’s deadly secretaries. Supervised Shine Shine Dan’s Secret Experimental Bunker – “No. 3”. Like Mr. K’s other assistants, she was a skilled fighter and was proficient in many forms of combat. She was a brilliant strategist and usually double-teamed with Diana. She also was later transformed into a cyborg by Dr. Borg.

Mitchie – Assisted Mr. K with his “Cat’s Eye Stratagem”. Headed Shine Shine Dan’s Macao cell.

Dr. Gurudo – Member of Shine Shine Dan’s Secret West African Research Facility. Was assigned to develop strategies to kill Rainbow Man. Later assisted the sorceress Iguana with the training and equipping of her “Assassins Six” team.

Iguana - Iguana was an ancient Amazonian sorceress hired by Mr. K to use magic to kill Rainbow Man. Carried a skull adorned staff which she could use to fire a hypnotic ray that mesmerize her victims. Carried a crystal ball which she could use to view into the future. Had a Black Cat ‘Familiar’ which she could transform into a monstrous “Ghost Cat” through a Black Magic spell called “Nekko Bunshin” (Cat Mirage).

A skilled practitioner of the Black Arts, she used her powers to summon some of the most formidable assassins in the world to form her “Roku Nin No Koroshi Pro” (Assassins Six) team:

Fudora – One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘F’ (his resting area). A grotesque, hunchbacked assassin who specialized in underwater attacks. Fudora is a master at throwing daggers and can spit out magical needle-like arrows from his mouth.

Garuma – One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘G’ (his resting area). Self-proclaimed ‘human gas pump’. A puffy faced abomination who can breathe fire like a dragon (G-Fire). Can also spit an acidic liquid called “G-Buru” which can melt steel in seconds.

Herodinia Ni Sei (Herodinia II) – One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘H’ (his resting area). Uses Black Magic to create and control a deadly giant blob called Hedoron, which can suck the life force from humans, causing them to become petrified human corpses.

Icelee- One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘I’ (her resting area). While her real form resembled a haggard, white-faced old woman, she regularly masqueraded as the young girl, Hoshiko. Can project ice and water from her finger nails. She can also form an ice sword with her hands that she can then use to stab her opponents.

Geno-Bat – One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘J’ (his resting area). Hails from the Himalayan Mountains. Can fly through the air. Specialized in air combat. Special attacks included his “Kuten – Musasabi Satsu Tou” (Flying Summersault - Flying Squirrel Killing Technique). Carried small bombs which he would throw at opponents. Used short swords and knives.

L-Banda – One of Iguana’s supernatural assassins. Emerged from coffin ‘L’ (his resting area). Iguana’s bastard son. A so-called “Denryuu Ningen” (Spark Human). He was given electric charge powers through a steady diet of electricity from birth. He can discharge electrical bolts of great intensity that can kill humans. Has the annoying tendency to call for his “mother” when in trouble.

God Iguana - God Iquana, was Iguana’s mother. She was also a powerful sorceress in her own right and sought to resurrect her fallen daughter by using the blood of Rainbow Man. Sided with Mr. K and Shine Shine Dan only so that she could use them to get at Rainbow Man. Frequently ran afoul of Mr. K’s plans and was a constant thorn at his side.

God Iguana had a host of supernatural powers in addition to her formidable skills in witchcraft and sorcery. She is able to fly through the sky in a manner not all unlike a flying squirrel.

Using her own mystical blood, she gave birth to two other mystical entities which she had total control over. These superhuman spawns had a number of demonic powers:

Bad Sister – Was created from the blood of God Iguana. She could fly through the skies like a flying squirrel. She was sensitive and weak in sunlight. Used knives and other bladed weapons to attack her opponents.

Mira Sister – Was created from the blood of God Iguana. As a living zombie, she was invulnerable to various attacks. She can spit out a gas that could melt humans in minutes.

God Iguana was weakened by bright light. She was also weakened when confronted with her own reflection.

Died when she was stabbed by Rainbow Man using his Sun Saber. Her final moments were shown clutching at a broken jar holding Rainbow Man’s spilled blood.

‘Queen’ – Fanatical, masked leader of the radical cult “Otafuku Kai”. Implemented the “M Stratagem” plan for Mr. K. While thought to be a wizened old hag, when unmasked by Rainbow Man, she was revealed to be a beautiful blonde woman. Died when she blew up the church to avoid capture. Her venomous parting words to Rainbow Man were “In my heaven you will be my slave…”.

“Dr. Borg” – Villainous Shine Shine Dan scientist and author of the ‘Borg Alpha” virus. A brilliant researcher and authority in cybernetics, he was none-the-less hopelessly insane and used his genius to devise numerous weapons of destruction for the Shine Shine Dan. Humans infected with his “Borg Alpha” virus would be transformed into cybernetic organisms not all too unlike the Star Treks villains, the Borgs. Mr. K had Dr. Cyborg infect Cathy, Diana and Lolita with the virus thus transforming them into cyborgs. Like Queen, avoided capture by destroying his base in Africa. His parting words to Rainbow Man were “Even if I die, my infamy will live on…”.

Norma & Mainda – Norma & Malinda were assassins hired by Mr. K to kill Rainbow Man. Both Norma and Malinda were proficient in small fire arms. Norma usually brandished a machinegun while Malinda carried handguns and carried a gun that would launch a lasso that she could use to hang her victims.

Olga, Lolita & Pogora – Olga, Lolita & Pogora were another assassin team hired by Mr. K to kill Rainbow Man. Lolita was an assassin from Shine Shine Dan’s African cell and specialized in using the western lariat to kill her opponents. Olga was an leather clad assassin who specialized in using small caliber guns. Also was a master motorcycle rider. Pogora was a genetically created superhuman. He was conceived through Shine Shine Dan’s “Human Copy” procedure. He had incredible physical strength and endurance.

‘Dokuro’ Man <Skull Man> - Supernatural sorcerer called in from Butoh by Mr. K to assassinate God Iguana. He had a host of mystical powers, one of which he could use to transform himself into a fly. He resembled a living corpse.

Kamakiri Otoko <Mantis Man> - Using Dr. Borg’s “Borg Alpha” virus, Mr. K created this cybernetic assassin, combining human and mantis DNA. Had sickles imbedded into his hands which he could use to decapitate his victims.

Akuma Busou Butai (D.A.C. - Demon Assault Corp) – D.A.C. is the Shine Shine Dan’s elite Special Forces battalion. While comprised of various occidental foreign nationals, they have had extensive facial reconstructive surgery done to make them to make them appear to be Asian (this was done through the Shine Shine Dan’s “human copy” procedure). Their main purpose is to destroy Japan from within by infiltrating all parts of Japanese society and causing social upheaval. They are well versed in many forms of hand-to-hand combat and are proficient in many small arms and bladed weapons.

The Shine Shine Dan Army – The bulk of the Shine Shine Dan’s forces are comprised of this loyal squadron of masked henchmen who have pledged their lives to serving Mr. K and the Shine Shine Dan’s goals. They are armed with a host of small weapons including knives, blowguns and rifles. They are dressed in somewhat “western” looking uniforms that resemble cowboy outfits. While comical looking they are utterly ruthless and have no compunctions about killing unarmed men, women and children.

What were the Shine Shine Dan’s Four Grand Schemes to Destroy Japan?:

The “Cat's Eye Stratagem” (Eps. 1-13):
Attempted to destroy Japan from within by causing mass hysteria, anarchy and social chaos through the proliferation of the mind-altering drug “Cat's Eye" which would cause those who were exposed to it to go insane.

“The ‘M” <Money> Stratagem” (Eps. 14-26) :
Using the Otafuku Church as a front, Shine Shine Dan attempted to cause financial and economic ruin in Japan through the mass circulation of counterfeit Yen.

“Mogurat Strategum” (Eps. 27-39):
Attempted to totally isolate Japan from the rest of the world by using their underground battle craft, the “Mogurat” to destroy all oil and supply tankers which attempted to dock in Japan.

“The Cyborg Stratagem” (Eps. 40-52):
Planned the mass alteration of the Japanese People into cyborg drones using the "Borg Alpha" virus.


         
         
         
               
    
Additional Information

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Trivia


Prolific writer Kawauchi Kohan is also responsible for the creation of “Na Na Iro Kamen” (Seven Color Mask; 1959), “Kekko Kamen” (Moonlight Mask; 1958), “Hikari No Senshi Diamond Eye” (Warrior of Light, Diamond Eye; 1973), and “Seigi No Symbol Condor Man” (Symbol of Justice, Condor Man; 1975).

“Rainbow Man” shares many similarities with Kawauchi’s earlier black-and-white TV series “Na Na Iro Kaman” (Seven Color Mask; Asahi, 1959). In “Na Na Iro Kamen”, private detective Ran Kotaro would gain various special abilities by donning a number of different colored masks (each mask was colored to correspond to a different color of the rainbow). As in “Rainbow Man” Na Na Iro Kamen fought against a number of grotesque supernatural villains. The series lasted 52 episodes and was notable in the fact that later in the series the lead was played by Chiba Shinichi (the first half of the series stared Namijima Susumu).

Nagai Go paid tribute to “Rainbow Man” by creating the character of “Cutey Honey” (Toei; 1973) who could be said to be the female equivalent of the character.

Godzilla fans may not readily recognize Hirata Akihiko behind the white hair and mustache but he also portrayed heroic scientist Serizawa Daisuke (inventor of the ‘Oxygen Destoyer’) in the original Godzilla Movie (1954; Toho). Was a familiar face in other Toho monster movies including “Yosei Gorasu” (AKA Gorath, 1962; Toho), “King Kong Tai Godzilla” (1962; Toho), “Kaitei Gunkan” (AKA Atragon, 1963; Toho), “San Daikaijyu: Chikyu Saidai No Kessen” (AKA Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster, 1964; Toho), “Gojira Ebira Mosura: Nankai No Daiketto” (AKA Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster/Ebirah, Terror of the Deep, 1966; Toho), “Ido Zero Daisakusen” (AKA Latitude Zero, 1969; Toho), “Godzilla Tai Mecha Godzilla” (1974; Toho), “Mecha Godzilla No Gyakushu” (AKA Terror of Mecha Godzilla, 1975; Toho) and “Wakusei Dai Sensou” (AKA War in Space, 1977; Toho). He also portrayed the villainous Captain Gomez in the Tokusatsu series “Dai Tetsujin One-Seven” (1973).

Fujiyama Ritsuko (Real Name: Ota Kayo) also played the villainess Kurone in the TV series “Uchu Kara No Message – Ginga Taisen” (ANB/Toei, 1972). She has made appearances in other Tokusatsu shows including “Kamen Rider” (MBX, 1972), “Jinzou Ningen Kikaida” (NET, 1972), “JAKQ Dengeki Tai” (ANB, 1977) and “Kamen Rider – Shin AKA Sky Rider” (MBS, 1980). She also starred in several movies including “Onna Bancho – Taiman Shobu” (Female Boss – Drug Wars; Toei, 1974), “Onna Bancho – Tamatsuki Asobi” (Female Boss – Billiard Play; Toei, 1974) and “Furyo Bancho – Hone Made Shabure” (Juvenile Boss – Grind To The Bone; Toei, 1972). Among her hobbies are horseback riding, motorcycles, Japanese Traditional Dance and Sword Fighting.

Soga Machiko is perhaps one of the best known Tokusatsu female actors around. Born in Hachioji City, Tokyo; Japan, Soga has portrayed a wide number of memorable characters including Doctor Kate’s voice (“Kamen Rider Stronger”; Toei/TV Asahi, 1975), Majo Bellbara (“Gou Nen San Gumi Maho Gumi”;Toei, 1976), Queen Hedorian (“Denji Sentai DenjiMan”; Toei/TV Asahi, 1981 & “Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan”;Toei/TV Asahi, 1982), Batten Robo Maru’s voice (“Batten Robo Maru”;Toei/TV Asahi, 1982), “Ball Boy’s voice (“Seiun Kamen Machine Man”; Toei, 1983), Queen Pandoroa (“Jiko Senshi Speilban”; Toei/TV Asahi, 1986) & Queen Bandora (“Kyoryu Sentai ZyuRanger”; Toei/TV Asahi, 1992). She also made appearances in such shows as “Zatoichi Kenka Daiko”(Zatoichi’s Fighting Drum AKA Samaritan Zatoichi; Daiei, 1968), “Miyo Chan Nara Zeien Shugo”(1969), “Kugatsu No Sora” (1978), “Tomei Dori Chan” (The Invisible Dori; Toei, 1978), “Uchu Keiji Gavan” (Toei, 1982), “Hikari Sentai Maskman” (Toei/TV Asahi, 1987), “Sekai Ninja Jiraya” (Toei, 1988) and “Valkyrie Profile” (1999).

Soga is an avid Jazz Dance enthusiast. Her first roles were mainly radio and voice character roles. She made her debut in NHK’s radio drama “Cho Rin Mura To Kurumi No Ki” (1961). She later gained fame as the first voice actor to portray the loveable ghost “Obake No Q-Taro” (TBS, 1965-1968). She also did voice work for such anime movies as “Cyborg 009” (1966), and “Ma Ken Liner 0011 – Henshin Seiyou” (1972).

In between occasional acting or voice over work, Soga also has a Fashion Jewelry Line, which she sells via her designer fashion outlet “Stella”.

“Rainbow Man” featured a number of familiar foreign “amateur” actors in Japan including:

Chico Roland – Black actor who frequently was typecast as villainous characters in a number of Toho and Toei movies like “Chi Tou Diamond” (1964) and “Otoko No Sekai” (1971).

Osman Yusef – Naturalized Japanese citizen and Turkish National who also was manager of the “Kokusei Agency” which handled Western amateur actors in Japanese movies. Godzilla fans best remember him as Jerry Ito’s henchman in “Mothra” (1961).

‘Otsuki Wolf” – (Lit. - Moon Wolf) - Stage Name for this Naturalized Japanese citizen and Swedish National who appeared in such movies as “Godzilla vs. Megalon” (1973). Usually typecast as a crazed and loony character. Also appeared in a number of Tokusatsu shows including “Kamen Rider Super One”, “Fuun! Lion Maru”, “Tattakae! Might Jack”, and “Ninja Butai Gekko”.

An inferior update of the series appeared in Anime form in 1982 with the show “Ai No Senshi Rainbow Man” (Oscar Studio/Studio Pop/MBS; 1982). This time Yamato Takeshi piloted several organic “Dash Robots” (the Rainbow Seven) which would then dock with the much larger “V Armor”. The series only lasted 22 episodes.