No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Polar Beginning to Stream in April Mashiro Kumade, the Former Gozyu Wolf, Takes Center Stage — Kaiki Kimura Shares His Thoughts

No.1 Sentai Gozyuger aired its final episode, Episode 49, on the 8th, bringing the TV series to a close. However, fans can continue to enjoy the world of Gozyuger through Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club (TTFC). The previously teased project No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Polar Beginning has now been officially announced. This TTFC original spin-off series stars Mashiro Kumade, focusing on his past as the former Gozyu Wolf, and is set to stream exclusively on Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club in April.

The teaser visual features the tagline:
“Mashiro Kumade (Gozyu Wolf) — his ‘beginning,’ and the past yet to be revealed.”

It depicts Mashiro Kumade with a somber expression, wearing a Sentai Ring engraved with “Wolf” on his index finger. What kind of beginning did Mashiro experience? This spin-off drama delves into Mashiro’s past during his time as the previous Gozyu Wolf, uncovering the origins that shaped the man he would become.

The newly released teaser video also shows other members of the Gozyuger team fighting alongside Gozyu Wolf. Kaiki Kimura reprises his role as Mashiro Kumade, continuing from the TV series. The screenplay is written by Keiichi Hasegawa, who also handled scripts for the main series, while director Shun Miyazaki— who directed the special opening sequence “Gozyu Polar Special Opening” aired in Episode 16 — takes the helm.

Kaiki Kimura Interview

— Polar Beginning explores Mashiro Kumade’s past. How did you feel when you learned you would star in this project?

Kimura:
The past — the origin — of Mashiro Kumade, which had previously only existed in my imagination, finally took shape! I was honestly thrilled that I’d get to portray what I personally wanted to explore most as an actor playing Mashiro. I wasn’t consciously thinking, “I’m the lead,” at all — it was only when the staff pointed it out that I went, “Oh, yeah, that’s true!” (laughs). I simply gave it my all, living as Kumade — no, as Mashiro.

— How did you differentiate between Mashiro Kumade as “Gozyu Polar” in the present and Mashiro Kumade as the former Gozyu Wolf in the past?

Kimura:
In the script, scenes that were labeled “Kumade” in the TV series were written as “Mashiro” this time, and that alone made a big difference for me mentally. I was very conscious of separating past and present.

Visually, the only difference is whether or not he’s wearing the robe — everything else, like his hairstyle and outfit, is the same. So I chose to think positively: no matter what I did, he’d still look like Mashiro Kumade.

When playing Mashiro, I consciously forgot the “Kumade” inside myself. As a result, I think my posture, the way I walk, and even how I speak changed. I was extremely particular about distinguishing the two. The key word was “immaturity.” I expressed his emotions — joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness — without holding back. I hope viewers will embrace and love this very human Mashiro.

— What was it like working with the cast portraying the previous Gozyuger team?

Kimura:
Director Miyazaki described the former Gozyuger team as “family.” Even though we didn’t spend a long time together, it felt incredibly warm and joyful. It was a deeply fulfilling experience both as characters and as actors.

There’s a scene where Mashiro smiles from the bottom of his heart. They may not be related by blood, but I believe the previous Gozyuger team truly was Mashiro’s family.

— What should viewers look out for in Polar Beginning, and how does learning Mashiro’s “beginning” change the way the main series is seen?

Kimura:
By learning about Mashiro Kumade’s beginning, even my own understanding deepened when reading the script. I really hope viewers will rewatch the TV series after seeing this spin-off. You might interpret certain lines very differently (laughs).

I actually received this script after Episode 40 of the TV series, and after filming the spin-off, I felt I could perform with a much stronger sense of consistency and confidence. That’s how essential this story is — it truly represents Mashiro’s origin.

For example, it also made me realize more clearly that the other four members besides Hoeru are second-generation warriors as well. I had vaguely thought so before, but once you truly feel it, everything looks different.

— A message for the fans.

Kimura:
Thank you always for your support! I’m Kaiki Kimura, playing Mashiro Kumade — the former Gozyu Wolf and Gozyu Polar! Polar Beginning is without a doubt going to be a defining work in my career. It contains 120% of me. Honestly, I feel very confident about it! Please have some handkerchiefs or tissues ready when you watch — I say this with full confidence.

Source : ORICON NEWS