Two decades after Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger first aired in Japan, the show’s signature wrist-mounted transformation toy is climbing the want-lists of tokusatsu collectors worldwide, and prices on the secondary market reflect that surge. Originally released by Bandai in 2002 alongside the Super Sentai Series’ 26th entry, the DX Hurricane Gyro let young fans mimic Red, Blue, and Yellow Hurricaneger by spinning a central disc and shouting the henshin call, complete with electronic sound and light-up effects. When the series crossed the Pacific in 2003 as Power Rangers Ninja Storm, the same prop design reached an entirely new generation, which helps explain why demand for the original Japanese release now stretches well beyond domestic nostalgia. This article breaks down exactly what the broadcast-era DX version is, how to distinguish it from later Memorial Edition reissues, and which details matter most when evaluating a unit for purchase or sale, including box condition, the presence of the original strap, and whether the electronics still function. Specifications, release context, and the toy’s role within the show are laid out clearly so that newcomers and seasoned Sentai collectors alike can judge listings with confidence. For anyone weighing a purchase, considering parting with a childhood keepsake, or simply curious why an early-2000s ABS wristband is suddenly commanding renewed interest, the following overview offers the practical context needed to navigate today’s market.
The transformation device Hurricane Gyro from Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (aired in 2002) is once again attracting attention. The original DX version released during the broadcast era was a must-have toy that kids loved to play with. More than 20 years later, it has become a sought-after collector’s piece, valued not only in Japan but also by overseas fans, making it a hot item in the secondary market.
Product Overview
Source:BANDAI
Product Name: Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger / Power Rangers Ninja Storm DX Hurricane Gyro (Bandai)
Manufacturer: Bandai
Release Date: 2002 (Japan)
Featured In: Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (2002–2003, Super Sentai Series #26), overseas adaptation Power Rangers Ninja Storm (2003, USA)
Type: Transformation item / DX role-play toy
Material: ABS plastic (with electronic sound and light-up features)
Size: Wristband-style (child-size DX role-play standard)
The Hurricane Gyro is the symbolic transformation device used by the three Hurricanegers—Red, Blue, and Yellow. By spinning the central disc and calling out “Hurricane Change!”, they transform into powerful warriors.
This is the original DX version from the broadcast era, not a modern Memorial Edition. As a genuine early-2000s toy that children once played with, it is now highly valued as a nostalgic collector’s item.
With over 20 years since its release, boxed versions with strap and fully functioning electronics are rare. Demand remains strong in the second-hand market, with well-preserved units often fetching premium prices.
Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger Overview
Source:Super Sentai Friends
Broadcast Period: February 2002 – February 2003 (51 episodes)
Super Sentai Series #26
Theme: Ninja × Sentai
Set in a ninja school, the story follows three “dropout” students who become the Hurricanegers and fight to protect Earth.
As the series progresses, the Gouraigers (brother warriors) and the mysterious Shurikenger join, expanding the team.
The balance of bright comedy and serious drama became a signature of the series. Highlights include the reveal of Shurikenger’s true identity and the conflict and reconciliation between the Gouraiger brothers, both regarded as classic episodes in Sentai history.
Main Cast and Recent Activities
Source:Animate Times
Hurricanered / Shohei Tenkai (Shun Shioya): Active in drama and stage. Has appeared in international film festival entries.
Hurricane Blue / Nanami Nono (Nao Nagasawa): Transitioned from gravure idol and singer to actress. Appears in stage, film, and voice acting; still active in fan events.
Hurricane Yellow / Kouta Bitou (Kohei Yamamoto): Popular as a regular face at Super Sentai events. Active as an actor and on YouTube.
Kabuto Raiger / Isshu Kasumi (Yujiro Shirakawa): Member of the vocal group Junretsu, active in the enka scene. Performed on Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Kuwaga Raiger / Ikkou Kasumi (Nobuo Kyô): Active on stage and TV, including 2.5D musicals.
Shurikenger (voice) / Taiki Matsuno: Famous voice actor, best known as Hajime Kindaichi in The Kindaichi Case Files.
In 2022, the 20th anniversary brought the main cast back together in special events and films, delighting fans.
Related Toys
Transformation Items
DX Hurricane Gyro (Feb 2002) – Transformation brace used by the three Hurricanegers. Features disc-insertion gimmick.
DX Gourai Changer (Summer 2002) – Transformation device for the Gouraiger brothers, styled as a cellphone.
Source:Amazon
- DX Shuriken Ball (Late 2002) – Transformation item used by Shurikenger.
Robot Toys
Source:BANDAI
- DX Senpuujin (March 2002) – Main robot formed by Hayatemaru (hawk), Ikazuchimaru (dolphin), and Kazagurumaru (lion).
Source:BANDAI
DX Gouraijin (July 2002) – Robot of the Gouraigers, formed by Kabutomaru and Kuwagamaru. Rival machine.
Source:BANDAI
DX Tenkuujin (October 2002) – Robot of Shurikenger, transforming from Tenkuujin Hawk.
Source:BANDAI
DX Shinobi God General (Shinobi Kaminarishougun) (January 2003) – Ultimate robot formed by combining Senpuujin, Gouraijin, and Tenkuujin.
Other Items
Hurricaneger Weapon Series (e.g., Dynamo Gadget) (2002)
Source:Amazon
S.H.Figuarts Hurricanered (2010s)）
Super Minipla Senpuujin (2017)
Source:PREMIUM BANDAI
20th Anniversary Goods (Acrylic stands, commemorative merchandise, 2022 Premium Bandai releases)
Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger is one of the flagship Super Sentai entries of the 2000s and remains enduringly popular today. The main cast members are still active in the entertainment industry, and the series continues to be rediscovered through new toys, events, and anniversary projects.
20th Anniversary Events
V-Cinema Next Work: Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger: Shushutto 20th Anniversary
Source:Animate Times
Released: Summer 2023 (limited theatrical screening)
Blu-ray & DVD: December 20, 2023
Story: The Hurricaneger team reunites after 20 years, facing new threats in an original continuation.
Stage Greetings & Fan Events
Source:Animate Times
Advanced screenings with cast stage greetings (e.g., Shinjuku Wald 9).
High-touch events and talk shows allowed fans to meet the cast.
Fans shared emotional reactions on social media: “It felt like going back 20 years.”
Cast Reunion (20th Anniversary)
Shun Shioya (Hurricanered), Nao Nagasawa (Hurricane Blue), Kohei Yamamoto (Hurricane Yellow), Yujiro Shirakawa (Kabuto Raiger), Nobuo Kyô (Kuwaga Raiger), plus suit actors and voice cast.
Fans described it as “a miracle reunion.”
Tokyo Dome City G-Rosso Show
Special performances and exhibitions with costumes, props, and limited merchandise. Huge turnout of families and longtime fans.
Fan Excitement: Tickets sold out immediately, with SNS filled with emotional posts: “The Hurricaneger spirit is alive after 20 years!” Cast-led performance of the theme song turned into a venue-wide singalong.
The Excitement at the Time
- Tickets sold out immediately after they went on sale. Social media was filled with comments like, “Even after 20 years, the Hurricaneger fever hasn’t cooled down!”
- When the cast performed the theme song together, the entire venue rose to its feet in a massive sing-along.
- Some fans were moved to tears, saying, “I got to see the heroes I admired as a child once again as an adult.”
- Overseas fans also flooded in with comments such as, “I can’t wait for the subtitled version” and “Hurricanger is LEGEND.”
Power Rangers Ninja Storm Overview
Source:Amazon
Broadcast Period: Feb 15 – Nov 15, 2003 (38 episodes)
Production: BVS Entertainment (Disney era)
Based On: Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (Japan, 2002)
Set at the fictional Wind Academy, young ninjas rise to become Rangers and battle the evil space ninja army led by Lothor.
From this series onward, Disney took over production, filming in New Zealand. It marked the beginning of the “New Zealand era” (2003–2009), lasting until RPM.
Main Characters & Actors
Shane Clarke (Red Ranger): Pua Magasiva – Later active as actor and host; passed away in 2019.
Tori Hanson (Blue Ranger): Sally Martin – Active in New Zealand dramas, incl. Shortland Street.
Dustin Brooks (Yellow Ranger): Glenn McMillan – Became a lawyer; still attends PR fan events.
Hunter Bradley (Crimson Ranger): Adam Tuominen – Australian actor active in stage & TV.
Blake Bradley (Navy Ranger): Jorge Baird – Active as a young actor; reduced activity in later years.
Shurikenger counterpart role was significantly altered in the US version.
Appeal Points
American high school hero flavor – Surfing, motocross youth becoming ninja rangers.
Comedic villains – Lothor was both goofy and menacing, memorable to kids.
Hybrid production – Japanese fight footage + NZ drama scenes created a unique mix.
First full Disney-produced Sentai adaptation – Signaled a new era in Power Rangers history.
Overseas Fan Reactions
“Ninja Storm was my first Power Rangers series—still my favorite!”
“The blend of Japanese action footage and NZ drama made it unique.”
“Lothor was hilarious, I’ll never forget him.”
“My Ninja Morpher is still a treasured item.”
“I didn’t even know about the Japanese version back then—discovering Hurricaneger later was amazing.”
Summary
The Hurricane Gyro is a transformation device that once embodied children’s dreams in the early 2000s and has since become a rare collector’s treasure. Its popularity extends far beyond Japan, with international fans driving up demand and prices. Securing one now means adding a truly special piece to your collection—an item that shines with nostalgia and collector’s value.
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