by The long-awaited anime Samurai Troopers finally returned to television on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, marking the first official sequel in 38 years to the legendary 1988 series. As expected, anticipation was sky-highand so were reactions.
Almost immediately after Episode 1 aired, social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) filled with comments ranging from “This isn’t what I imagined!” to “I didn’t expect this, but I’m intrigued.”
So was the premiere a success or a misstep? Let’s break down what actually happened in Episode 1, why opinions are divided, and what fans are now looking forward to.
Spoiler Warning
The following sections discuss key plot points from Episode 1. If you haven’t watched it yet, proceed with caution.
From 1988 to 2026: Why Expectations Were So High
The original Samurai Troopers (1988) was more than just a robot-or-armor action anime. It became a social phenomenon, especially among female viewers, thanks to:
- Handsome young warriors
- Strong bonds between teammates
- A mythological, almost fairy-tale-like worldview
The series even appeared on general news and variety programs at the time—a rare feat for late-80s anime. Naturally, a sequel announced nearly four decades later carried enormous emotional weight.
“Japanese Cuisine vs. Western Cuisine”: A Helpful Comparison
One of the most common metaphors fans used online perfectly captures the difference:
- Original series: Traditional Japanese cuisine
- New series: Western cuisine with bold seasoning
🔹 The Original Series (1988)
The earlier Samurai Troopers followed a classic hero narrative inspired by Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (The Eight Dog Chronicles).
Key elements included:
- Five boys descended from Sengoku-era warlords
- Mystical armor called Yoroi Gear
- Jewels symbolizing Benevolence, Justice, Courtesy, Wisdom, and Faith
- The monk Kaos, clearly modeled after the guiding priest figure from Hakkenden
From Episode 1, the heroes were already chosen warriors, rushing to save innocent people without hesitation.
What’s Different in the 2026 Sequel?
The new Samurai Troopers deliberately breaks away from that formula.
Government-Controlled Warriors
In Episode 1, the new protagonists belong to a government-established unit called the Defense Special Task Force (DST), created after the war 35 years ago.
They are described—quite bluntly in the show—as “mouthpieces of the ruling party.”
- They do not inherit Yoroi Gear
- They cannot wear the legendary armor
- Most of them lack heroic motivation
This alone shocked many viewers.
“Are These Really Heroes?”
With the exception of Hojo Musashi, the new-generation troopers:
- Show little desire to protect civilians
- Prioritize orders and survival over ideals
- Are portrayed almost like antagonists in the early stages
This led some fans to comment:
“They feel more like villains than protagonists.”
Ironically, this structure mirrors the Demon Generals of the original series—especially characters like Shuten making some longtime fans say, “Oh… I see what they’re doing.”
The Most Controversial Element: Gai and the Showa-Era Songs
The biggest talking point of Episode 1 was undoubtedly Gai, a captured demon warrior who:
- Turns out to have the aptitude to become a true Samurai Trooper
- Suddenly sings nostalgic Showa-era pop songs like
- “Don’t Take Off My Sailor Suit”
- “Namida no Request”
Reactions were intense and divided:
- “I couldn’t focus on the story because of the songs.”
- “This feels like a male version of Symphogear.”
- “It’s weird… but kind of unforgettable.”
Whether this musical element becomes a meaningful motif or a gimmick remains to be seen.
Nostalgia Hits: Familiar Faces and Visual Callbacks
Episode 1 wasn’t without fan-service for longtime viewers.
Nasty Yagyu Appears
The sudden appearance of Nasty Yagyu, a character from the original series, sparked excitement:
- “Does this mean Jun and Byakuen might return too?”
- “I didn’t expect that at all!”
Opening Sequence Tribute
The opening video features a helmet thrown into the air, directly referencing the iconic opening from the latter half of the original series (“Samurai Heart”).
Many fans praised this moment:
- “That shot alone made my heart race.”
- “The timing with the lyrics was perfect.”
The Mystery of the “Ten Braves”
Another major point of speculation is the Ten Braves, elite warriors on the side of evil.
Fans quickly noticed:
- Their names resemble the legendary Sanada Ten Braves, famous retainers of Sanada Yukimura
- Sanada Yukimura is the ancestor of Sanada Ryo (Rekka no Ryo), the original protagonist
This raises several big questions:
- Are the Ten Braves spiritually or historically linked to Ryo?
- Is the conflict repeating itself across generations?
- Will Gai transition from “invader” to a warrior of benevolence?
What’s Next?
Despite the mixed reactions, one thing is clear: people are talking about it.
Many viewers concluded:
“It’s not what I expected but I want to see where this goes.”
The second episode will air on:
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- 11:30 PM (TOKYO MX)
Given the strong reactions both positive and negative—the series has successfully done one crucial thing: spark conversation.
Final Verdict (So Far)
- Bold reinterpretation of a classic
- Strong thematic ambition
- Risky tonal shifts (music, character roles)
- Many unanswered mysteries
Whether Samurai Troopers becomes a triumphant revival or a divisive experiment will depend on how it develops its themes of heroism, legacy, and choice.
For now, all eyes are on Episode 2.
