Japan’s long-running superhero franchise Super Sentai — the original series whose footage was adapted into the Power Rangers franchise in the United States — is reportedly set to conclude in 2026, after more than five decades on air. (The Straits Times)
What’s happening
The Super Sentai series, produced by Toei Company and aired on TV Asahi since 1975, is said to be ending with its current instalment, No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger, which premiered in February 2025. (The Straits Times)
Media reports suggest that the decision is rooted in mounting production costs, declining revenue from merchandise, events and film tie-ins, leading the franchise to conclude its run after nearly 50 years. (The Straits Times)
Cast and crew have yet to receive official confirmation. Voice actor Yūki Kaji stated he had “not heard anything official yet” regarding the show’s end. (us.oricon-group.com)
Why it matters
The Super Sentai series served as the foundational source material for Power Rangers, which began in 1993 in the U.S., derived from the Japanese footage of earlier Sentai seasons. (powerrangers.fandom.com)
Its end marks a major moment in the tokusatsu genre (live-action Japanese superhero shows), one of the longest-running children’s programming franchises in Japan.
The move could signal broader changes in the industry: shifting audience habits, rising production costs, and changing international licensing models may all be factors.
Considerations & uncertainties
While multiple media outlets report the ending, Toei Company and TV Asahi have not issued an official public statement confirming the termination of Super Sentai. Some industry watchers suggest a re-branding rather than a full stop may be underway. (Reddit)
Fans are divided: some mourn the end of a legacy series, while others see potential for evolution or transformation of the franchise in new formats or platforms.
What’s next
Viewers and fans will watch for an official announcement from Toei or TV Asahi clarifying whether Super Sentai ends, pauses, or transitions into a new era.
International implications may follow: the end of Super Sentai could affect global licensing, merchandising (including the Power Rangers brand) and how tokusatsu content is exported.
The concluding episodes of Gozyuger (and associated films) may become major events for the franchise’s fan-base.
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