 This article is about a ranger in Shuriken Sentai Ninninger.
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Takaharu Igasaki (伊賀崎 天晴 Igasaki Takaharu) is AkaNinger (アカニンジャー Aka Ninjā, Red Ninja), who is also known as The Fiery Ninja (あつい忍者 Atsui Ninja), the Red Ranger of the Ninningers. He is the older brother of Fuuka Igasaki. He is called as Brother Taka (タカ兄 Taka-ni) by Yakumo and Taka-chan (タカちゃん) by Nagi.
Biography
One of Yoshitaka Igasaki's successors, Takaharu was one of his grandchildren chosen to become the Ninninger, even the first one to use its powers. While on his way to his family's dojo, an army of Hitokarage destroyed it, with Takaharu transformed for the first time as AkaNinger and eliminate them. After reuniting with the other Ninninger candidates, Tsumuji Igasaki, his father leads them to Gengetsu Kibaoni's resting place, which was sealed by Yoshitaka until the Sealing Shuriken were released by the revived Gengetsu and wandered off to various part of the city. After the Ninningers destroy Youkai Kamaitachi, it grew large and they received five OtominNin Shuriken, which they used to form Shurikenjin and finished the Youkai. Yoshitaka revealed himself to be much alive, but lectured them for their inexperience and lead them to the new dojo that they will use as their new base. 
TV STORY-Shinobi 1: We're Ninja!
Over time, Takaharu becomes his team's leader, as they face many more Youkai and tried to reclaim their grandfather's 48 Sealing Shuriken while trying to inherit the Last Ninja title.
Alerted to a Youkai appearance, the Ninningers discovered only a Sealing Shuriken found by Fuuka, realizing that someone else was now fighting the Yokai. Following this, it was revealed that Yakumo's mother, fashion designer Harukaze Katou, had the End Shuriken as an accessory on a designer dress she made for her new fashion show in Japan. The Ninningers then enacted their plan to recover the End Shuriken and swap it with a fake, with Takaharu and Yakumo heading onwards as the others aided them through disguises. However, matters were complicated as the Kibaoni Army moved to take the End Shuriken themselves, sending the magic Youkai Ittan-momen and the new Jukkarage grunts. His first act was to use a transformation spell to turn Fuuka into a mouse, with Kasumi seemingly following, leading Takaharu to house them in a mouse cage. Nagi was then turned into a rock before the Ninningers caught up with the End Shuriken, with Yakumo being the last one standing when Takaharu was turned into a doll. However, he was able to outsmart Ittan-momen with a combination of magic and Ninpou as Kasumi, having used a decoy, acquired the End Shuriken. Fuuka and the others were then changed back to normal when Yakumo used a reverse spell against Ittan-momen. The Ninningers found that the End Shuriken was a fake all along when Kyuemon attempted to take it before receiving unexpected aid from a sixth Ninninger with his own OtomoNin in the giant battle. TV STORY-Shinobi 9: Ninjutsu vs. Magic, the Great Battle!
During the hottest point in summer, the boys decided to play a prank on the girls after Nagi overheard Kasumi confide in Fuuka that she was afraid of ghosts. Luring the two to an abandoned building which they claimed to be haunted possibly due to a Yokai, they proceeded to put on spooky costumes, with Takaharu dressing as a red pepper. Pulling their prank, they were confused to see only a spooked Fuuka run out, especially due to her claiming to see a 'lady ghost' which they did not account for. Takaharu headed back for Kasumi, followed by Yakumo and Kinji. With no word, Nagi and Fuuka found they had been frozen by the Yokai Yuki-Onna, with Fuuka soon following suit. Left alone, Nagi managed to conjure some heat as Kasumi revealed herself having used a decoy, luring the Yokai into a trap. Takaharu and the others were thawed by a Fire technique as the Ninningers proceeded to defeat Yuki-Onna. TV STORY-Shinobi 23: It's Summer! Ninja Courage Test
Takaharu finds that he has come last place in the mid-point Last Ninja race.
When Yoshitaka announced the mid-point results of the Last Ninja race, Takaharu was devastated to learn that he made the last place at 6th. In reality, however, "grandad" was actually Nekomata's doppelganger Yokai Mataneko in disguise, who intended to get revenge against the Ninningers by breaking them up, hosting a lightning quiz round when the initial results failed. After the Ninningers noticed signs that something was amiss, Kasumi fetched a second Yoshitaka, exposing the first as a fake via catnip. The Ninningers then transformed to fight him, with Takaharu as AkaNininger Chozetsu defeating Mataneko with Shinobimaru after being accidentally enlarged alongside the Yokai. Afterward, at the request of his grandchildren, Yoshitaka gave his true mid-point results, stating that they were all still at the starting line, with this news only giving them a strengthened resolve to continue training. TV STORY-Shinobi 26: It's Summer! Last Ninja Race Intermediate Announcement!
Beyond AkaNinger, Takaharu valiantly opposed Sakuya Kyuemon single-handed, attempting to get through to the fellow student of his grandfather before his teammates joined with him to back him up. With their unwavering resolve, all six Ninningers were able to restore their Nintality, transforming together and overcoming Sakuya Kyuemon, managing to get through to him before he was absorbed by Gengetsu who, as a giant, would be finally destroyed by the Ninningers in Gekiatsu Dai-Oh with help from Kyuemon, who left behind the End Shuriken before passing away. With the End Shuriken in their grasp, the Ninningers used it to wish for a world without the End Shuriken, finally wiping out the Yokai and restoring the damage that had been done to the world. With the title of Last Ninja passed onto them, the six Ninningers elected to go their separate ways and meet back in two years to recollect what they have each done.
Naming himself the New Last Ninja, Takaharu opened his own school of ninjutsu where he would teach a new generation of ninja. TV STORY-Shinobi Final Chapter: To a Future Without Hiding, Wasshoi!
Zyuohger vs. Ninninger
AkaNinger and Zyuoh Whale
TV STORY-Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger vs. Ninninger: Message from the Future from Super Sentai
As a memento of their team-up, Misao Mondou made a set of Zyuohger vs. Ninninger menko cards bearing the heroes' likenesses. TV STORY-Ep. 44: Monarch of the Humans
Towards the end of the film, Takaharu reveals that he had gotten engaged to a woman. Several years after marrying her, they bear a son Yoshiharu Igasaki.
Chou Super Hero Taisen
AkaNinger appears among the super Red warriors.
An iteration of AkaNinger Chozetsu was summoned from the Game World
as part of a team of five of the Strongest Sentai Rangers alongside five of the Strongest Kamen Riders by Kamen Rider Brave, helping to defeat the army of Shocker. TV STORY-Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen
Super Sentai Strongest Battle
Personality
Takaharu is the type that acts before thinking. He acts like a big brother, trying to pull everyone together, sometimes unsuccessfully. His caring nature makes him draw the shortest straw most of the time, but even then, he is an optimist who believes everything will be alright.
As one of the successors of Yoshitaka Igasaki, their grandfather and the Last Ninja, Takaharu always looked up to him and admires his skills. Takaharu also wanted to inherit the Last Ninja title and would lecture anyone that tarnishes his grandfather's pride. While Takaharu has a bad performance in ninja techniques when training, he is eventually able to master it quickly if he is in a real battle, something that is noted by Yakumo and his Red Sentai Ninja predecessors.
In episode 17, Takaharu is revealed to have a fear of peppers. Why he has this fear isn't explained in the episode, especially considering that, as Kasumi reminds him, he really likes pepper steak.
At the end of the Last Ninja Race, Takaharu is the only one whose remarks from Yoshitaka are vague. However, Yoshitaka telling him to "become the strongest ninja in the world" does suggest that he still dwarves the other Ninningers in raw power.
Appearances in other media
TV
Hand-Offs
ToQ 1gou stretches as if he's tired when a puff of smoke appears and AkaNinger appears. He tries to attack, but ToQ 1gou sees it and slaps his fist gently while walking off. AkaNinger can be seen bowing as ToQ 1gou leaves
- This marks the 10th anniversary of the Hand-Off tradition since its start in 2005.
AkaNinger holds his Ninja Ichibantou, and then, he turns around and see Zyuoh Eagle landing in front of him. AkaNinger gives Zyuoh Eagle a high five. AkaNinger is seen behind holding his Ninja Ichibantou on his shoulders while Zyuoh Eagle slides his head.
Super Hero Time
to be added
Family
- Sakurako Igasaki - Mother
- Tsumuji Igasaki - Father
- Yoshitaka Igasaki - Grandfather
- Former Last Ninja - Great-grandfather
- Doshun Igasaki - Ancestor
- Former Last Ninja - Great-grandfather
- Yoshitaka Igasaki - Grandfather
- Fuuka Igasaki - Younger Sister
- Yakumo Katou - Cousin
- Harukaze Katou - Aunt
- Nagi Matsuo - Cousin
- Unnamed aunt
- Kasumi Momochi - Cousin
- Unnamed aunt
- Yoshiharu Igasaki - Son
- Unknown wife
Powers and Abilities
- Ninjustsu Expertise
- Being trained to be a ninja for many years, he is skilled in ninjutsu and Shuriken Ninpo.
- Enhanced Reflexes
- He was able to catch a flying shuriken with his hand.
- Body Flicker
- He was able to move at an almost untraceable speed in a puff of smoke.
- Body Replacement
- He is able to put a straw dummy in his place to fool his enemies. He is also able to rescue a hostage by putting himself in the hostage's place.
- Replacement Technique (身替わりの術 Migawari no Jutsu)
- Learned from NinjaRed, Takaharu/AkaNinger can use an enhanced body replacement technique, which replaces the user with a convincing replica of the original. First used to fake his death at the hands of Youkai Nekomata when they time-hopped into the year 2005.
TV STORY-Shinobi 7: Spring Ninja Festival!
- Ninja Art: Cloning Technique (忍法・分身の術 Ninpō - Bunshin no Jutsu)
- NinjaRed's special technique, Takaharu/AkaNinger can split into multiple clones of himself to assist him in combat. This technique can be made by utilizing the Kakuranger Nin Shuriken but unlike other Ninningers, Takaharu is capable of mastering it without the use of Nin Shuriken.
- Water Walking
- When he was thrown into the water, he was able to land safely on it.
- Flame Technique (火炎の術 Kaen no Jutsu)
- Of the Ninpou that each Ninninger can use, Takaharu seems to prefer fire-based attacks. While fighting with Kikyo, Takaharu/AkaNinger is able to perform this technique alongside her without the Goton Nin Shuriken, singeing Puppet Ninja Kuroari and providing an opening for Takaharu to defeat him. TV STORY-Shinobi 30: Targeted Ninja School!
- Shuriken Ninja Art (シュリケン忍法 Shuriken Ninpō)
- Thanks to his Nintality inherited from Yoshitaka Igasaki, Takaharu can perform a wide variety of abilities through ninja techniques in addition to those accessed using the Ninninger arsenal.
Video game appearances
Super Sentai Battle Base
AkaNinger is among the vast pantheon of Rangers which are avaliable in the mobile game Super Sentai Battle Base, with his Chozetsu form also being avaliable.
Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: Game de Wasshoi!!
AkaNinger appears with his team in Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: Game de Wasshoi!!, where they are controlled by the player to fight the Yokai as on the show.
Super Sentai Legend Wars
Ninninger as seen in Super Sentai Legend Wars.
Ninninger as seen in Super Sentai Legend Wars.
(Chozetsu) AkaNinger appears with his team among all Sentai in the mobile game Super Sentai Legend Wars.
Forms
AkaNinger
- "Aka Ja! Ninja!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Arsenal
- Nin Shuriken
- AkaNinger Shuriken
- OtomoNin Shuriken: Red
- Ninja Ichibantou
- Gama Gama Gun
- Ninnin Buckle
- Karakuri Hengen
- Kakuremaru (only in Akaninger vs. Starninger)
- Gekiatsuto TV STORY-Shinobi 38: The Witch Girl Loves Yakumo? TV STORY-Shinobi 42: OtomoNin Wars! Nekomata Strikes Back TV STORY-Shinobi 45: Three Generations of Fathers and Sons! All Ninjas Gathered
Mecha (OtomoNin)
- OtomoNin Shinobimaru
- OtomoNin Paonmaru
- OtomoNin UFOmaru
- OtomoNin Surfermaru (loaned by Kinji as AkaNinger has its OtomoNin Shuriken)
- OtomoNin Hououmaru
AkaNinger Clothes Change
AkaNinger Clothes Change (アカニンジャー衣装一新 Aka Ninjā Ishō Isshin) is a special form assumed by AkaNinger using the Koromogae Shuriken alongside StarNinger.
In this Clothes Change form, AkaNinger dons a ninja outfit which as he notes makes him look similar to his grandfather. Upon transformation, AkaNinger is granted use of a second Ninja Ichibantou as well as a special AkaNinger Clothes Change Nin Shuriken which allows him to perform the Big Splendid Ninja Violent Slash (大アッパレニンジャ烈斬 Dai Appare Ninja Retsu Zan) finisher attack. AkaNinger displays incredible power in this form, which is demonstrated while fighting alongside StarNinger as the two accomplish the feat of destroying a Giant Yokai Gashadokuro without having to summon the OtomoNin.
Arsenal
- Nin Shuriken
- AkaNinger Clothes Change Nin Shuriken
- Ninja Ichibantou (x2)
- Ninnin Buckle
This form is exclusive to Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: AkaNinger vs. StarNinger Hundred Nin Battle!.
AkaNinger Chozetsu
- "The Chozetsu! Chozetsu Ninja!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
AkaNinger Chozetsu (アカニンジャー超絶 Aka Ninjā Chōzetsu) is AkaNinger's power-up form accessed through the Chozetsu Shuriken and Chozetsu Shoubu Changer with Shishi-Oh's blessing, allowing him to fight with the power of the lion OtomoNin.
Arsenal
- Ninja Ichiban-shoubu-tou
- Optical-magnetized Light Vacuum Sword (accessed through Jiraiya's Nin Shuriken)
- Gekiatsuto TV STORY-Shinobi 40: Look Out For Santa Claus!
Mecha
Appearances: Ninninger Episodes 20-26, 28-32, 34, 36, 39-42, Ninninger vs. ToQger, Ninninger 43, Ninnin Girls vs. Boys FINAL WARS, Chou Super Hero Taisen, 4 Week Continuous Special Super Sentai Strongest Battle!! Episode 4
OtomoNin Hououmaru (オトモ忍ホウオウマル Otomo Nin Hōōmaru, lit. "Companion Ninja Fenghuang Circle") is a Fenghuang-themed OtomoNin designed by Takaharu. It forms the headdress of Gekiatsu Dai-Oh.
Appearances: Ninninger Episodes 32-39, 41-42, 45, 47, Ninnin Girls vs. Boys FINAL WARS
Dark AkaNinger
Dark AkaNinger (闇アカニンジャー Yami Aka Ninjā, Dark Red Ninja) is an evil incarnation of AkaNinger created when Takaharu's Nintality was corrupted by Dark Doctor Mavro, fusing him with the evil clones of Hattori Hanzō, Fūma Kotarō and Sarutobi Sasuke to create the ultimate Dark Ninja. However, Takaharu was quickly separated from this new persona as it split off to become its own entity. TV STORY-Shuriken Sentai Ninninger vs. ToQger The Movie: Ninjas in Wonderland
AkaNinger has demonstated the ability to transform into the legendary ninja heroes via their respective Nin Shuriken, in a similar manner to the Gokai Changes. On a single occasion this was performed through the Ninja Ichibantou Legend Ninja Violent Slash finisher, he shifted through the three legendary ninjas, assuming their forms momentarily as he struck his opponent each time with the Ninja Ichibantou transforming with him into the legendary ninja's respective sword weapon. TV STORY-Shinobi 41: The Five Games of the Kibaoni Party!
NinjaRed
- "Kakuranger!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
AkaNinger is able to assume the form of the Kakurangers' NinjaRed (ニンジャレッド Ninja Reddo) by utilizing his legend Nin Shuriken. TV STORY-Shinobi 41: The Five Games of the Kibaoni Party!
Arsenal
- Secret Sword Kakuremaru (transformed from Ninja Ichibantou)
This form is exclusive to Ninninger Episode 41.
HurricaneRed
- "Hurricaneger!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
AkaNinger is able to assume the form of the Hurricanegers' HurricaneRed (ハリケンレッド Hariken Reddo) by utilizing his legend Nin Shuriken. TV STORY-Shinobi 41: The Five Games of the Kibaoni Party!
Arsenal
- Portable Ninja Sword Hayatemaru (transformed from Ninja Ichibantou)
This form is exclusive to Ninninger Episode 41.
Jiraiya
- "World Ninja!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
AkaNinger is able to assume the form of the ninja Metal Hero Jiraiya (磁雷矢 (ジライヤ)) by utilizing his legend Nin Shuriken. TV STORY-Shinobi 41: The Five Games of the Kibaoni Party!
Arsenal
- Optical-magnetized Light Vacuum Sword (transformed from Ninja Ichibantou)
This form is exclusive to Ninninger Episode 41.
Gaisoulg
Arsenal
- Gaisoul Ken a silver/purple version of the Ryusoul Ken: Gaisoulg's weapon
- Unnamed shield
Appearances: Super Sentai Strongest Battle Episode 2
Legend Sentai Devices
AkaNinger Ranger Key
- "Ninninger!"
- ―Mobilates' Gokai Change announcement[src]
The AkaNinger Ranger Key (アカニンジャーレンジャーキー Aka Ninjā Renjā Kī) is Takaharu's personal Ranger Key released as part of a set of Ninninger Ranger Keys in Premium Bandai. The AkaNinger Ranger Key was mainly used by Captain Marvelous (Gokai Red), who used it to fight as AkaNinger.
The NinningerSoul (ニンニンジャーソウル NinninjāSōru) as yet only exists as an unused sound in the Ryusoulgers' Ryusoul Ken.[1][2]
Behind the scenes
Portrayal
Takaharu Igasaki was played by Shunsuke Nishikawa (西川 俊介 Nishikawa Shunsuke). As a child, Takaharu is portrayed by Kento Kusumi (久住 健斗 Kusumi Kento). As AkaNinger, his suit actor is Yugo Fujii in the first 7 episodes and Kosuke Asai from episode 8 onwards.
Etymology
Takaharu's family name, the Igasaki is a reference to an intermediate-ranking Iga ninja of the Sengoku Period, Tateoka Doshun, whom also known by the name Igasaki Doshun (伊賀崎道順).
Notes
- Unlike the other Ninningers, AkaNinger's helmet design is of a shuriken in 'mid-motion' or 'spinning' and is not symmetrical.
- He is the only Red ninja Sentai Ranger whose first name does not contain the "-suke" suffix in it.
- However, his actor, Shunsuke Nishikawa, does.
- Humorously, so does the first Kamen Rider the Ninningers share the Super Hero Time lineup with, Shinnosuke Tomari (Kamen Rider Drive), whose primary form is red-colored.
- As shown at the beginning of the Super Hero Time segment, it was empathizing and highlighted in red that Takaharu does share the same Kanji of 天 with Takeru Tenkuji (Kamen Rider Ghost). And when looking at their first name in romanji perspective, their names are pretty similar that share five out of six letters from Takeru's name. Furthermore, their civilian outfits are pretty similar to a mix between Western and traditional Japanese style, and the supernatural theme of Kamen Rider Ghost ties better with Ninninger, similar to how Kamen Rider Drive's theme ties better with ToQger.
- Coincidentally, their actors also share the 西 kanji in their surnames. Also looking at their full names in romanji perspective, they share the first syllables (Shunsuke Nishikawa and Shun Nishime)
- So far, only AkaNinger and StarNinger have the ability to produce clones without the need of the Kakuranger Legend Nin Shuriken.
- Takaharu's general quote of "I am fired up" is similar to Natsu Dragneel, the main character of Fairy Tail, followed by Aoi Tategami from KiraKira☆Pretty Cure A La Mode.
- Having wielded it four times, AkaNinger has used the Gekiatsuto the most following StarNinger who is the sword's primary user.
Appearances
- Ressha Sentai ToQger vs. Kyoryuger: The Movie (voice only as AkaNinger)
- Shuriken Sentai Ninninger
- Shinobi 1: We're Ninja!
- Shinobi 2: Become the Last Ninja!
- Shinobi 3: Formidable Enemy Gabi Appears!
- Shinobi 4: It's Here! Paonmaru
- Shinobi 5: The Space Ninja UFOmaru!
- Shuriken Sentai Ninninger Vs. Kamen Rider Drive Spring Vacation One-Hour Combining Special
- Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3
- Shinobi 6: Tengu's Spiriting Away
- Shinobi 7: Spring Ninja Festival!
- Shinobi 8: The Nekomata Who Leapt Through Time!
- Shinobi 9: Ninjutsu vs. Magic, the Great Battle!
- Shinobi 10: Yee-haw! The Gold StarNinger
- Shinobi 11: Shinobimaru, Come Back!
- Shinobi 12: Ultimate Battle! Miracle Combination
- Shinobi 13: Burning! Ninja Sports Day
- Shinobi 14: Beware of the 'Help-Me' Scam!
- Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: AkaNinger vs. StarNinger Hundred Nin Battle!
- Shinobi 15: Youkai, I Never Failed
- Shinobi 16: The Father Tsumuji Is a Super Ninja!?
- Shinobi 17: Good Bye, StarNinger!
- Shinobi 18: The Youkai That Yakumo Loved
- Shinobi 19: Search For It! The OtomoNin of the Sky
- Shinobi 20: The Chozetsu! Lion Ha-Oh
- Shinobi 21: Burn! Ninja Baseball of Dreams
- Shinobi 22: Super Combination! Ha-Oh Shurikenjin
- Shinobi 23: It's Summer! Ninja Courage Test
- Shuriken Sentai Ninninger The Movie: The Dinosaur Lord's Splendid Ninja Scroll!
- Shinobi 24: It's Summer! The Chilling Arrival of Western Yokai!
- Shinobi 25: It's Summer! Beware of Dracula
- Shinobi 26: It's Summer! Last Ninja Race Intermediate Announcement!
- Shinobi 27: It's Summer! Chozetsu Star is Born!
- Shinobi 28: Race to It! The Kibaoni Ninja Squad
- Shinobi 29: Definitive Edition Ninja Sugoroku!
- Shinobi 30: Targeted Ninja School!
- Shinobi 31: The Runaway Ninja!
- Shinobi 32: Extremely Hot Ninja! Acha!
- Shinobi 33: The Kunoichi That Loved Yakumo
- Shinobi 34: Enter Jiraiya, Legendary World Ninja!
- Shinobi 35: Kinji Enters the Yokai Labyrinth!
- Shinobi 36: Kinji, the Glorious Super Star
- Shinobi 37: Shuriken Legend ~The Road to Last Ninja~
- Shinobi 38: The Witch Girl Loves Yakumo?
- Shinobi 39: Kibaoni's Son, Mangetsu Appears!
- Shinobi 40: Look Out For Santa Claus!
- Shinobi 41: The Five Games of the Kibaoni Party!
- Shinobi 42: OtomoNin Wars! Nekomata Strikes Back
- Shinobi 43: The Legendary Ninja! Yokai Karuta Tactics
- File:Icon-tokkyuger.png Shuriken Sentai Ninninger vs. ToQger The Movie: Ninjas in Wonderland
- Shinobi 44: The Final Battle! The Ordeals of the Last Ninja
- Shinobi 45: Three Generations of Fathers and Sons! All Ninjas Gathered
- Shinobi 46: The Last Shuriken Appears!
- Shinobi Final Chapter: To a Future Without Hiding, Wasshoi!
- Come Back! Shuriken Sentai Ninninger: Ninnin Girls vs. Boys FINAL WARS
- Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger
- Ep. 29: The Monarch of the Monarchs (transformed archive footage only)
- Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger vs. Ninninger: Message from the Future from Super Sentai
- Ep. 44: Monarch of the Humans (AkaNinger image only)
- Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen (Game World)
- File:Icon-supersentai.png 4 Week Continuous Special Super Sentai Strongest Battle!!
See Also
- Brody Romero - Power Rangers counterpart in Ninja Steel. See comparison page.
- Dane Romero - Power Rangers counterpart in Ninja Steel. See comparison page.