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Special interview with Toru Inada, known for his role as Doggie Krueger/Decamaster, the reliable boss of "Dekaranger"!
We asked him about "Dekaranger", which marked the 20th anniversary of its TV broadcast, his passion for Dougie Krueger, and about item "Master License -MEMORIAL EDITION-", which is now available for pre-order at PREMIUM BANDAI.
With the release of the new V-Cinext "Dekaranger 20th Fireball Booster", the Decaranger is once again on the rise. Mr. Inada also talked about his unique vision for the future.
--This year, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of "Dekaranger," and there's a lot of excitement going on with the release of a new film and an anniversary stage.
Inada: I appeared on the anniversary stage as a secret guest, but my voice trembled when I first spoke. Just seeing all six Dekarangers together brings me to tears. I share the same feelings as the fans at the venue. I love Dekaranger, so I'm happy just to see all six of them together in their uniforms.
--On stage, Inada-san (Doggy Kruger) also made a call to action.
Inada: Originally, it would have been enough to just say "Dekaranger, on the move!", but I called out everyone's names one by one while looking at their faces. It was crazy. I called everyone's names at the end of the TV series, too, and that's the first time I've done it since then. For the year of the TV series, I called the cast by their character names even outside of recording so that I would get used to calling the characters' names. When the TV series ended, I stopped calling them by their character names, but I felt a little lonely inside. But for this 20th anniversary, I called everyone by their character names again. When I'm with everyone, I naturally turn on my boss switch.
--There were sequels and spin-offs leading up to the 20th anniversary.
InadaI think "Dekaranger 10 YEARS AFTER" was well received, and it seems that a new project has been launched afterwards. Actually, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary, I proposed a collaboration with Gabin (" Space Sheriff Gavan") as a plot for the later "10 YEARS AFTER". It was rejected at the time, but I think it was not in vain. Well, as a simple motivation, I think they are the ones that I would like to work with again, including the cast and staff. Everyone in Decaranger seems to enjoy being with the producer, Hideaki Tsukada. Of course, I also want to work with them. However, there is a part of me that doesn't see it as work anymore, and I have a strong desire to have a good time together again.
-What is your relationship with the Dekaranger members?
Inada: As Super Sentai and Dekaranger, the six members can't be changed. Since the work was created, they've been like a family. Even if there were times when we didn't meet or when we were estranged, I think it's very happy that we were able to gather in the 20th year and everyone was smiling.
---That includes the fans, right?
Inada: I felt it in the stage greeting of "Dekaranger 20th Fireball Booster", but everyone's feeling of "I've been waiting" is amazing. It's like, "How are you?" when I see my relatives. Even during the high-fives and filming time at the event, everyone has good manners, and that's why the fans back up us. Really kind. I thought that 20 years matures not only the performers but also the fans. There are quite a few fans who have been coming to the event since the broadcast, and some of them even remember their faces and names. They're really nice people, and I trust them so much that I can give them my contact information anymore (laughs). There are fans of various works, but many of the fans of Dekaranger are warm.
--Please tell us about the "Master License -MEMORIAL EDITION-" currently available for preorder at PREMIUM BANDAI.
Inada: In addition to the TV series, I think it's a very good choice not only from the TV series, but also from "Dekaranger 10 Years After", "Space Squad Gavan VS Dekaranger", "Dekaranger VS Abaranger", "Magic Sentai Magiranger VS Dekaranger", and "Girls in Trouble: Space Squad Episode Zero". In fact, I also have a line that I suggested myself.
--What do you think about the newly recorded lines?
Inada: I think I've gotten closer to my ideal Dougie Krueger. Not only in terms of voice quality, but also in terms of emotions. 20 years ago, I was trying to act like an adult character, but now I've finally started to feel like I'm suited to the role. I think I've become more calm. That's why I want to re-record my old lines. Even if it's the same line, the nuance changes between then and the 10th and 20th anniversaries. I stuck to the Dougie Krueger that can only be played at that time, and took on the challenge of creating a "MEMORIAL EDITION" that is unique to the 20th anniversary.
--Many lines from episode 13, "High Noon Dogfight," which is the episode where the boss transforms and also plays an active role, are included.
Inada: There's no doubt that this is the episode where Deka-Master has the most to show for himself. His catchphrases, from "Emergency, Deka-Master!" to "I'll cut down the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons! Hell's Guard Dog! Deka-Master," and even his reenactment of the 100-man slaying, are synonymous with Doogie Krueger.
--Among the recorded audio, is there any line that you feel particularly attached to?
Inada: The line "I'm proud of you guys" in the final episode of the TV series carries a lot of weight. It's probably something the Boss is always thinking, even if he doesn't say it out loud. Both episodes 13 and the final episode were directed by Director Takemoto Noboru. He is the best director in Japan when it comes to shooting Super Sentai Series, and he has a maniacal perspective and love that I can't even come close to. All of the episodes that Director Takemoto was in charge of in Dekaranger carry a lot of weight. The scene in the final episode where the Boss hugs the Dekarangers was directed by Director Takemoto on the spot. When the Boss was instructed to hug Ban, it wasn't in the script, so Umeko apparently said "That's not fair!" (laughs). But he said, "It's okay, everyone's going," and hugged each one of them in the scene.
--It's a very touching scene befitting the final episode.
Inada: If you watch the video, you'll see that everyone is really crying. Among them, Tetsu is the one who is crying the hardest. His expression really changes. But Tetsu only joined the group midway through, so he's probably the one who has been with the group the longest (laughs). In my mind, I've justified it by interpreting it as Tetsu, whose parents were killed by the Alienizers, superimposing on the Boss the memory of his father embracing him as a child... But, if I had to say, I think it's because of the kindness of Yoshida Yuichi, who plays Tetsu. He's a really lovable guy.
--What do you think is the unique appeal of this "MEMORIAL EDITION"?
Inada: I picked up lines from all my previous works, and all of them are memorable. It's a best-of version, so to speak... you said it well (laughs). This is the best version of Doggy Kruger and Dekamaster! It's a culmination of Doggy Kruger/Dekamaster's appearances in various works over the past 20 years, and all of those feelings are included.
--There have been Master License products in the past as well.
Inada: The SP License toys from the time of broadcast were also very well made, and I still treasure them to this day. However, the SP License did not have any lines for the boss, and he responded to what his subordinates said (laughs). It's the ultimate play that only I can do. Also, I was surprised by the true or false judgment time ver. A.N.I.M.E. of the Sentai Shokunin version of "Master License" released on the 10th anniversary. But it's amazing how much it has evolved in 20 years. In the latest version, "MEMORIAL EDITION," the judgment time is no longer random, but can be chosen by yourself. It's well made.
--The update as a "MEMORIAL EDITION" is also something to look forward to.
Inada: I would really like those who have the "Sentai Craftsman Master License" to check if there is any difference even with the same lines. I'm sure the performance of the speakers has improved, and the feelings of the fans must be different between the 10th and 20th anniversary. Even if it's the same, it may sound different. That's surely proof that the fans have grown (laughs). There are feelings that are harbored by the years that have passed, including the fans who pick up the product, the staff who develop the product, and myself.
--After the 20th anniversary, it'll be the 30th anniversary.
Inada: No, I don't think the next one will be the 30th anniversary. 2024 is the 20th anniversary, but next year will be 20 YEARS AFTER. "Dekaranger 10 YEARS AFTER" is not the 10th, but the YEARS AFTER, and 2025 will be the 20th year if you count from the last episode of the TV series. We can expect new works as well, and I think that this year and next year will be a year to expand the world view of Dekaranger. The other day, on the radio program "Kamen Raji Ranger", I talked directly to Producer Tsukada about the plan for a voice drama. For example, if you want to make a story about Dougie Krueger's youth, it's hard to make it happen with special effects. If it's a voice drama, it's more realistic than shooting a single special effects. Personally, I want to see the Decamaster mode of all the members in 20 YEARS AFTER! I just said a catchy word (laughs). Deca Master Mode for Everyone!
--If you can write a scenario for a voice drama, it will also increase the possibility of it being made into an anime.
Inada: In fact, there are animators who want to turn special effects into anime. There is also an anime adaptation of "Kamen Rider W" called "FUUTO P.I.", which is also produced by Tsukada. I just had a thought, but it would be interesting if Dekaranger characters appeared in a crossover with "FUUTO P.I."! I think Dekaranger has the potential to be independent from Super Sentai Series and established as a genre of its own, like Dekaranger World.
--It seems like we can look forward to even more in the 20th anniversary.
InadaFor me, nothing is over yet. I think that everyone felt a sense of relief after the "Thank you for the past 20 years" feeling at the anniversary stage the other day, but I want to say that there's more to come.
--Please tell us what you think is the appeal of Doggy Kruger.
Inada：He's simply cool. He's a mature man and good at his job. Not only is he strict, but his subordinates also poke fun at him and tease him, but he doesn't get angry in those situations. He treats them like a friend. As their boss, he watches over them and loves them.
-Are there any similarities between this and yourself?
Inada: In reality, I'm not such a cool guy, and I'm not that strong, but I've been experiencing it for 20 years. It's another life for me, my ideal life. I wanted to live as an adult like that. It's a really fresh feeling, but the other day, my boss gave me a bouquet of flowers as a surprise at an event. Dougie Kruger, who is supposed to be me, appeared in front of me. At that point, I started crying a little. I naturally expressed my gratitude to my boss, saying, "I've worked hard for 20 years to make you shine." It's an incredible experience to have a character that you played and poured your heart and soul into appear in front of you and give you a bouquet of flowers. You'd cry, right? I think I've been able to continue being a voice actor for the past 20 years because I was able to play a character that is still loved by everyone and that has been commercialized with a new master license.
---The "MEMORIAL EDITION" is truly a product that was made possible because of how beloved Doogie Krueger is by fans.
Inada: When I pick up the Master License, I feel like I can get a little closer to the boss's feelings. Just opening it makes me think of what the boss was always doing through communication. The boss has probably had the Master License for many years, so it's full of all his memories. Fans who played "pretend" with toys as children can also play pretend as adults with the "MEMORIAL EDITION" Master License. The Change Mode and Judgment Mode are convenient for "pretend play," but the ultimate is the PHONE Mode, which contains all the lines from the past. With just one Master License, you can get into the mindset of various bosses.
---Finally, please give a message to your fans.
Inada: I'm proud of all the fans who support not only the characters but also the world of Dekaranger. I'm very happy that you still have item from that time, including other Deka goods, and I'm grateful that you bought them. Since I always buy them myself, I think I understand the weight of them. That's why I always feel grateful to the fans who have the goods in their hands. It makes me want to be even kinder to the fans who get this "MEMORIAL EDITION" (laughs). In that sense, it's a license.
Check out "Tell me! Premium Bandai PR Team" featuring Toru Inada here! ▼
Toru Inada
■Profile
He is affiliated with Aoni Production. In addition to Doggy Kruger/Dekamaster, he has participated in many Super Sentai Series as a monster or executive. In special effects works, he has also voiced MASKED RIDER 1 and Ultraman Cosmos. He has also appeared in many popular anime works, such as "MY HERO ACADEMIA" (as Endeavor), "Dragon Ball Kai" (as Nappa), "Turn Turn A Gundam" (as Harry Ord), and "Yuki Bakuhatsu Burn Braeburn" (as Cupiridus).
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