Super Sentai Show at Tokyo Dome City

The kids were bouncing up and down with excitement waiting at the doors of Theatre G-Rosso, at Tokyo Dome City, for the "Super Sentai" show to begin. "Super" refers to the use of mechanical (or “mecha”) characters and "sentai” is the Japanese word for "task force" (literally, "fighting squadron"). This show is one of the most prominent productions in Japan, and has been delighting young audiences since 1971.

An American interpretation was created for television and movies in the early 1990s, with the action heroes adapted for global audiences under the name “power rangers.” Here in Tokyo, these agile ninjas in various colored costumes are called “kyoryuja,” which means “the people of the strong dragons.”

Once inside the 765-seat event hall, I too felt the excitement. The lights across the large stage dimmed and five kyoryuja action heroes dropped from the ceiling via suspension lines into the audience. My son’s eyes widened and he was instantly mesmerized.  The show continued at a feverish pace with stunt acrobatics, high vaulted jumps and tumbles, catchy music, and flashy dance moves.

The kyoryuja ninjas went through a series of battles as the plot thickened and led to the demise of the leader of the evil opponent. The show is spoken in Japanese, which I thought might be a hindrance for my four-year-old. But the language barrier did not stop him from following the plot, enjoying the show, and hopefully reinforcing the Japanese he is learning in school.

Each season of kyoryuja introduces a new team of bad guys, as well as new costumes and battles scenes. It’s a 30-minute show full of stunts and live action akin to a professional acrobatic show or theatrical production.

If you’re looking for an action-packed afternoon that doesn’t require more than sitting in a theater with your kids while eating popcorn and churros, check out the “Kyoryuja Super Sentai” show at Theatre G-Rosso. It’s an experience that is sure to entertain the whole family.

The Deets

Address: Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 0570-06-9915

Open: Shows are held about six times a day on most weekends and public holidays. For a detailed schedule, see the official website (Japanese only).

Tickets: ¥1,500 per person for regular shows. Special shows cost ¥1,800 for children aged three through elementary school students and ¥2,300 for junior high school students and older. Tickets can only be reserved in Japanese by calling the number above or by reserving online here or here. After reserving online, print out your confirmation page and take it to a Family Mart convenience store to pay for and receive your tickets. You’ll need to enter your reservation code into the in-store ticketing machine in order to get a redemption coupon payable at the register, but usually a staff member at the store can help with the machine if you’re stuck.