Local hero (Japan)
A local hero is a Japanese superhero who is created to represent a particular region of Japan, such as a prefecture or city. They often perform in special martial arts stage shows. Created either by local groups or the local government, a local hero is modeled after the superheroes of Japanese tokusatsu. A local hero is often themed around the city or prefecture's local mythologies or industries, are created to teach the children who watch the stage shows certain things, or are themed after the event that they are used to promote.
Although local heroes are produced to act in a local area, some gain fame throughout Japan by performing at other local heroes' shows or being featured in mainstream media. Chōjin Neiger from Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, has had two theme songs recorded by anison recording artist Ichirou Mizuki and a subsequent EP featuring Mitsuko Horie's vocals. Ryujin Mabuyer from Okinawa Prefecture was featured in his own syndicated television series. Maburittokiba from Tōno, Iwate Prefecture, was featured in an episode of the TBS program Kizuna Dining when they visited Tōno and appears at hero shows throughout Japan. The Marimokkori of Hokkaidō has become a popular character throughout Japan, sold as mobile phone charms, claw machine prizes, among other merchandise.
Independent film releases also use the "local hero" motif to present their characters. Crusher Kazuyoshi is portrayed as a local hero for Tokyo, and is portrayed by Kazuyoshi Sakai of Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger. Anison artist Takayuki Miyauchi performs the second film's theme song. Zan Saber is a series of DVDs that feature the heroes as local heroes of Osaka, starring Ryunosuke Kawai of Tenimyu fame as the lead character.
The anime Tentai Senshi Sunred is based on the local hero theme, featuring the title character as the protector of the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Another TV tokusatsu series, Houjin Yatsurugi was shown as the local hero in Chiba.
In 2008, Symantec created the character of Norton Fighter for its Japanese advertising campaign alongside celebrity otaku Shoko Nakagawa for their new software, including several other characters to go with him. Hironobu Kageyama has recorded a song for Norton Fighter as well titled "Bōei Senshi! Norton Fighter". As a local hero, Norton Fighter is based in the Akihabara region of Tokyo.
