Blu-ray Release of ‘Kaiketsu Zubat’ Reflects Ongoing Popularity of Series Due to Actor’s Flashy Stunts

By Mishio Suzuki / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

10:30 JST, February 13, 2026

In December, I emceed an event about a unique hero. My guest and conversation partner was Hiroshi Miyauchi, who appeared in the “Kaiketsu Zubat” (Zubat the marvelous hero) series broadcast in 1977, playing the hero Zubat and his secret identity Ken Hayakawa. The event celebrated the series being chosen from many tokusatsu works for release on Blu-ray, as determined by a fan vote conducted by Toei Video Co.

“Zubat” features private detective Hayakawa, who witnesses his best friend being murdered by a criminal organization. To avenge his friend, he dons the Zubat Suit developed by the friend and transforms into a superhero, eliminating the organization’s subordinate gangs across Japan. “Zubat” is said to have been inspired by the popular “Wataridori” (Vagabond) film series.

Hayakawa is super cool. Dressed in a red shirt, black leather suit and black hat pulled low over his eyes, he appears in front of a gang bodyguard, strumming a white guitar, and taunts him, saying, “Your skills are second best in Japan.” When the bodyguard angrily asks, “Then who is the best in Japan?” Hayakawa points at himself, shrugs and winks. This cool demeanor is unforgettable, and epitomizes the superhero’s charm and character.

In addition to playing Hayakawa, Miyauchi is also known for roles like the hero Shiro Kazami in “Kamen Rider V3,” and Ao (Blue ranger) and Akira Shinmei, the alter ego of Ao, in “Himitsu Sentai Gorenger.”

On the day of the event, Miyauchi appeared before fans wearing an outfit almost identical to Hayakawa’s: a black suit, red shirt and the ten-gallon hat he had actually worn during filming. He was even singing the theme song.

First, I asked Miyauchi about the action scenes.

The drama features plenty of dangerous stunts, such as Hayakawa leaping from a second-story window onto a gravel road or suddenly appearing and standing in a tree. I said to him: Doing these things must have been incredibly tough. He replied firmly, “That’s just how the actor Hiroshi Miyauchi is, you know, performing stunts that others wouldn’t do.” He then added, “In fact, my real favorite is explosions.” He explained that this is “because they’re flashy.”

Miyauchi was obsessed with creating eye-catching visual effects. For example, he was very particular about costumes.

As with the outfit Miyauchi wore that day, he would meticulously plan and design costumes to fit the character. For example, when his character wore a kimono, he had the kimono’s lining made red so that the color would catch the viewers’ eyes when it flapped during fights.

This attention to detail is probably the reason why this series, first broadcast nearly 50 years ago and comprising only 32 episodes, remains so popular. I asked the packed audience if any of them had not been born when the series was first broadcast. To my surprise, about half of them raised their hands. I realized that Zubat is not just a hero of the past.

While talking with him, I strongly felt that Miyauchi was the only actor suited to those flashy costumes and the cool character. When I told him this observation at the end of the event, he replied, “Anyone could,” then paused briefly before breaking into a full smile and continuing, “not do these things better than I,” making the fans roar. Ah, that is just what Zubat would say! I’ve been convinced once again that Miyauchi really is Zubat.