Tiger Mask (1969)
A landmark Japanese anime series following a masked wrestler who trades villainy for heroism to protect the children he once called family.
Tiger Mask - Series Information
- Original Title: タイガーマスク
- First Air Year: 1969
- Last Air Year: 1982
- Created by: Ikki Kajiwara
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 138
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 2, 1969 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: YTV
- Alternative Titles: L'Uomo Tigre (IT), 타이거마스크 (KR), النمر المقنع (United Arab Emirates), Taigā Masuku (JP), ไทเกอร์มาสค์ (TH)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Tiger Mask - Plot
A villainous masked wrestler becomes a hero for the sake of protecting the orphanage in which he was raised.
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Tiger Mask - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ikki Kajiwara
Main Cast
- Kei Tomiyama
- Katsuji Mori
- Chisato Nakajima
- Keiichi Noda
Writers
- Masaki Tsuji
- Toyohiro Andō
- Tadashi Kondo
Tiger Mask - FAQs
Is Tiger Mask based on a manga?
Yes, Tiger Mask is based on the manga of the same name created by Ikki Kajiwara and illustrated by Naoki Tsuji. The manga was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine starting in 1968, and the anime adaptation by Toei Animation followed in 1969, becoming a major hit in Japan and internationally.
When did Tiger Mask first air?
Tiger Mask first aired on October 2, 1969. The series originally broadcast on YTV in Japan and ran for two seasons, concluding in 1982. It became one of the most beloved classic anime series of its era, inspiring sequels, remakes, and a lasting cultural legacy in Japan.
How many seasons and episodes does Tiger Mask have?
Tiger Mask consists of 2 seasons and a total of 138 episodes. Season 1 ran for 105 episodes, while Season 2 comprised 33 episodes. Each episode has an average runtime of approximately 23 minutes, making the full series a substantial viewing experience for fans of classic anime.
Who voices the main character in Tiger Mask?
The main character Naoto Date, also known as Tiger Mask, is primarily voiced by Kei Tomiyama throughout the series. Katsuji Mori took over the role for episodes 32 through 39. The cast also includes Chisato Nakajima and Keiichi Noda, who voiced the ring announcer and narrator.
Did Tiger Mask inspire real-world acts of charity?
Yes, Tiger Mask sparked a remarkable real-world phenomenon in Japan. Beginning in 2010, anonymous donors began leaving gifts and supplies at orphanages across the country, signing their names as 'Tiger Mask' or 'Naoto Date,' the series' protagonist. This grassroots movement, dubbed the 'Tiger Mask phenomenon,' reflected the show's enduring moral message about protecting vulnerable children.
What is Tiger Mask about?
Tiger Mask follows Naoto Date, a wrestler trained by a criminal organization called Tiger's Cave to be a ruthless fighter. He defects and becomes a hero, dedicating his earnings to the orphanage where he grew up. The series blends sports action with themes of redemption, loyalty, and social responsibility.
Who created Tiger Mask?
Tiger Mask was created by Ikki Kajiwara, one of Japan's most celebrated manga writers, known for sports and action stories. The anime adaptation was produced by Toei Animation, the legendary studio behind many iconic Japanese animated series, and originally broadcast on YTV starting in 1969.
Are there similar shows to Tiger Mask?
Fans of Tiger Mask may enjoy Tiger Mask W (2016), a direct sequel series continuing the legacy of the original. Other recommendations include GLOW (2017), a drama centered on professional wrestling, and ONE PIECE (2023), which shares themes of heroism and action. Van der Valk (2020) and Breaking Bad (2008) are also editorial picks for fans of morally complex protagonists.
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