Kikaida action returns to Hawai'i

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Superheroes Kikaida 01, left, and Kikaida, popular with youngsters growing up in Hawai'i in the 1970s, are now a big hit with their kids. Advertiser Library Photo • July 7, 2000

Kikaida and Kikaida-01, live-action Japanese TV superheroes from the 1970s, and their human alter egos, Daisuke Ban (Jiro) and Shunsuke Ikeda (Ichiro), are returning to Hawai'i.

"Kikaida still is the most popular Japanese superhero among kids and kids at heart," said Joanne Ninomiya, president of KIKU-TV and JN Productions. "Kids who grew up in Hawai'i during the 1970s still have fond memories of Kikaida, and now their kids are going crazy for Kikaida, too."

A Friday dinner requires a ticket, but a daylong festival Saturday is free.

A Kikaida memorabilia exhibit (and you threw your original dolls away!) will open at 11:30 a.m. April 12 in the JCCH gallery. Admission is free.

"Gill's Gala," an evening dinner program from 6 to 10 p.m. April 12, will be held at the Manoa Grand Ballroom. There will be a question-and-answer session with Jiro and Ichiro, a silent auction of collectibles, and more. Costumes are suggested. Tickets are $50 (plus $2 service fee) for adults and children. Call 836-0361, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

The free festival, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 in the courtyard, will be highlighted by appearances by Kikaida, Kikaida-01 and Hakaida; autograph sessions follow with the costumed heroes. Keiki may participate in Kikaida look-alike contests, karaoke challenges and chomp on Kikaida bentos and slurp Kikaida shave ice. Entertainment also is planned throughout the day.

On the Web:
www.generationkikaida.com/news/kikaidamania_festival_02e2.html.