Power Morphicon 2024's Japanese Guest Picture For August 26, 2024

Instagram

We have Ryota Ozawa and Yui Koike among the Gokaiger cast. Tetsuo Kurata shows up presumably due to Discotek releasing both Kamen Rider BLACK and its failed sequel. Kenta Sato might be a sign that Kosoku Sentai Turboranger may get an official English-subtitled DVD release soon. Shiro Izumi the first real sixth ranger shows up -- since I refuse to count X-1 Mask. Masahiro Shishido might be proof that Choriki Sentai Ohranger got somewhat vindicated despite being messy. Masahiro Inoue still reminds me why I hate Kamen Rider Decade -- it's close to becoming the spiritual successor of Saban's Masked Rider. Yasuhisa Furuhara showing up doesn't feel random -- James MacLurcan visited Japan last 2008. 

How does Morphicon arrange for its Japanese guests? Availability would be the biggest issue. Seriously, I wanted the entire Ohsama Sentai King-Onger cast to show up BUT they're working on King-Ohger in Space. I'd say time, availability, and funds play a huge part. After all, Morphicon needs to give the guests proper accommodation. Anyway, I won't pretend they're just pretending to enjoy it. Nope, if it wasn't for Power Rangers -- Toei would've never reached the American market. 

Unfortunately, neither the American side nor the Japanese side could avoid some rotten eggs. Junya Ikeda has some pending charges for scamming. Asao Kobayashi is verified as a sex offender. Hideo Sakaki is still under investigation for sexual assault charges. Samuel Benta stole an autographed banner. After all, one's contract is over -- they're pretty much on their own. Toei and its affiliates should still be responsible for not mingling with the rotten eggs. Hopefully, Toei and its affiliates (the Power Rangers side of stuff) would be more responsible in the screening process.