It has been revealed that the "additional warrior" Gojupolar/Kuma Mashiro will appear in the 16th episode of the Super Sentai series "No.1 Sentai Gozyuger" (TV Asahi, Sunday 9:30 AM), "True Savior Number One!". He will be played by actor Kimura Kaiki, who is a reporter for the trending news corner "Kiteru ne!" on the Nippon Television morning information program "ZIP!". Episode 16 will air on June 8th.
Kimura said, "I'm the eldest of four brothers, so I grew up watching the Super Sentai series for a long time. I loved it so much that I still have photos of me wearing my pyjamas from Mahou Sentai Magiranger (2005-06)...I kept auditioning for Toei special effects productions every year, so when I passed, my first feeling was 'I've finally got it!' I was so surprised that I was silent for a few minutes, and to be honest, it still hasn't really dawned on me yet."
"The character I play, Kumade, can understand what other people are thinking and what they are carrying inside. So even if the script says 'everyone will be surprised,' Kumade might notice it before that...so when I read the script, I try to think carefully about the gaps between him and the other characters," he revealed what he is conscious of when acting, and added, "Kumade wears a distinctive white gown. I was surprised when I first saw the materials, but now I feel like the costume makes me stronger."
Kumade is a self-proclaimed godless reformer who appears suddenly to save people from trouble. His opening line is, "I'm Kumade Mashiro. People call me Godness Kumade! I'm a godless reformer." His partner is the slightly sharp-tongued "devil collector" Bearkuma. Popular voice actor KENN plays both Bearkuma and the prince of ruin, Gudeburn, who was born in episode 15.
Kimura expressed his joy at the co-starring, saying, "I love anime, so when I heard that KENN would be the voice of Goodeburn and Bearkma, I was surprised at what an incredible voice actor he is. When I met him, I casually confessed that I didn't know how to use my voice and was having a hard time dubbing, and he gave me some very accurate advice which I was really touched by."
Finally, he said enthusiastically, "As Kumade Mashiro, as Kimura Kaiki, and as a viewer, I look forward to enjoying Gojuger from now on. I think it's a show in which everyone is aiming to be number one, so I will never forget the feeling that 'I'm number one,' and will continue to work hard and strive to improve myself!"
A new chapter of "No.1 Sentai Gozyuger" begins with episode 16. A new visual commemorating the start of the new chapter has also been released. Along with the copy "The strongest (number one) is me!", Gojuu Polar and Goodeburn appear in large size. The Sentai Rings are also drawn in frozen colors.
