The latest episode of the Super Sentai series, Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (Bakuage Sentai Bunbunja, airing Sundays at 9:30 AM on TV Asahi), episode 43, titled "Powerful Handle," aired on the 5th of this month. Actor Yuki Yamada made a surprise guest appearance.

The action-packed Boonboomger series continues to deliver high-energy thrills into the New Year, featuring climactic developments like the arrival of the villainous Waruido Spindo, as well as unexpected betrayals among team members. The first episode of the year, episode 43, surprised fans when Yuki Yamada, who portrayed Joe Gibken/Gokai Blue in 2011's Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, reprised his iconic role for a surprise cameo.

Speculation had already begun when the finale visual for the series, released on October 27, hinted at the appearance of the Gokaiger flag. The December 22 episode preview further confirmed Gokaiger’s involvement, leading to a wave of fan theories on social media. Fans eagerly debated who might appear and whether they would transform onscreen.

In episode 43, the sudden betrayal of a teammate leaves the Boonboomger leader, Boon Red, shaken. At this critical moment, Gokai Blue unexpectedly arrives and uses the Boonblue Ranger Key to perform a Gokaichange. Demonstrating his signature dual-sword combat skills, he defeats the Kurumaju enemy in an impressive battle sequence. After the fight, Gokai Blue unmasks, encouraging the Boonboomgers with the words, “Even if the world stands against you, follow your own path.”

Yuki Yamada's Comments

– How did you feel about appearing in Boonboomger as Gokai Blue?

Yamada
I was thrilled to transform into a Gokaiger again, and I delivered the “Gokai Change” line with as much style as I could! Wearing the costume from back then naturally brought back Joe’s feelings within me.

– What was it like co-starring with your junior, Haruhi Iuchi?

Yamada
I could tell he was very nervous. I was simply trying to embody Joe, but perhaps I’ve developed an aura or presence that might make others nervous around me. Gokaiger was a series where many senior actors made appearances, and I remember feeling the same kind of nervousness during my time back then.

When Haruhi told me he watched Gokaiger in real time, it made sense why he’d be so nervous. For me, Kakuranger aired during my childhood, and I still vividly remember how excited I was to transform into a Gokaiger. Seeing someone you admired as a kid standing right before you can be overwhelming. Still, standing before me, Boon Red was an amazing Red Ranger. Heroes remain in everyone’s hearts forever, so I hope they keep fighting until the end.

Haruhi Iuchi's Comments

– What are your thoughts after filming with Yuki Yamada?

Iuchi
I felt an overwhelming sense of relief in a good way. I had been so nervous the entire time that it reminded me of when I first started acting. Sharing the screen with Yamada-san was a goal of mine as an actor, so having that dream come true was incredibly rewarding. It also motivated me to keep working hard so I can perform alongside him more in the future.

– What was your impression of Yamada’s acting up close?

Iuchi
When he stood in front of me, I couldn’t help but feel that his aura—or perhaps his sheer presence—was on another level (laughs). I had observed Yamada-san’s work on set from a distance before, but this time, when we locked eyes and he delivered his lines during rehearsals, the intensity made me instinctively step back. It was awe-inspiring. I’m determined to keep improving so I can act alongside Yuki Yamada-senpai again in the future.

Source : ORICON NEWS