G-Men '75

was a long-running prime-time television detective series in Japan. It aired on Saturday nights in the 9:00–9:54 p.m. time slot on the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) network from May 24, 1975 to April 3, 1982. A sequel, "G-Men '82", followed, as did various specials. With several updates and cast changes, it included 355 episodes.

The story revolved around an investigative organ, the G-Men. The principal character, who spanned the entire series (and continued into the sequel and specials), was Superintendent Kuroki. Portrayed by Tetsuro Tamba, Kuroki directed the members of the group.

The original cast also included Yasuaki (David) Kurata as Detective Kusano, trained in karate. Gō Wakabayashi joined in Episode 105, and remained to the end of the series (and the sequel). His character, Lieutenant Tachibana, replaced a detective who was written out of the script.

Many more actors and actresses took regular roles in the series over the years. Gō Ibuki, Maria Mori, Mari Natsuki, Hiroshi Miyauchi, Takeshi Kaga, Bun-jaku Han, and Kyōko Enami were among them.

Shunsuke Kikuchi wrote the opening theme songs. Various artists, including some cast members, wrote and performed the closing songs. Among the actresses who sang were Mari Natsuki, Bun-jaku Han, and Kyōko Enami. For most years, the lyrics were by Junya Sato, set to music by Shunsuke Kikuchi. Veteran announcer Takayuki Akutagawa narrated the series.

Selections are available on DVD.

ource

This article incorporates material from Gメン'75 ("G-Men '75") in the Japanese Wikipedia, retrieved on March 4, 2008.

External links

* [http://www.toei-video.co.jp/DVD/sp21/gmen-s.html DVD Selection] from Toei
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0185802/ G-Men '75] at IMDB
* [http://ndl.go.jp/jp/publication/jnbwl/jnb_b200420v.html Japanese National Bibliography] 音楽録音・映像資料の部 (Audio recordings and film materials)