(とくさつ)

とくさつ
noun
special effects; tokusatsu (live-action SFX genre)
1. special effects (in film/TV)
Short for 特殊撮影(とくしゅさつえい). Refers to special effects techniques used in film and television production.
この映画(えいが)特撮(とくさつ)がすごい。
The special effects in this movie are amazing.
最新(さいしん)特撮(とくさつ)技術(ぎじゅつ)使(つか)った作品(さくひん)だ。
It's a work that uses the latest special effects technology.
特撮(とくさつ)現場(げんば)では、ミニチュアやCGが()()わされている。
On a special effects set, miniatures and CG are combined together.
2. tokusatsu genre; live-action special effects entertainment
A genre of Japanese live-action film and television that makes heavy use of special effects, including series like Godzilla, Ultraman, and Super Sentai (Power Rangers). Recognized internationally by the loanword 'tokusatsu.'
子供(こども)(ころ)特撮(とくさつ)ヒーローに(あこが)れていた。
When I was a child, I admired tokusatsu heroes.
日本(にほん)特撮(とくさつ)海外(かいがい)でも人気(にんき)がある。
Japanese tokusatsu is popular overseas too.
ゴジラは日本(にほん)代表(だいひょう)する特撮(とくさつ)映画(えいが)として、世界中(せかいじゅう)(あい)されている。
Godzilla is loved worldwide as an iconic Japanese tokusatsu film.

USAGE:
Abbreviation of 特殊撮影(とくしゅさつえい) (special photography/filming). In sense 1, it refers to the techniques themselves. In sense 2, it refers to the distinctive Japanese genre of live-action entertainment featuring these effects.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 特撮(とくさつ)映画(えいが) (tokusatsu film)
  • 特撮(とくさつ)ヒーロー (tokusatsu hero)
  • 特撮(とくさつ)番組(ばんぐみ) (tokusatsu TV show)
  • 特撮(とくさつ)技術(ぎじゅつ) (special effects technology)

CULTURE:
The tokusatsu genre is a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. Major franchises include ウルトラマン (Ultraman), 仮面(かめん)ライダー (Kamen Rider), and スーパー戦隊(せんたい) (Super Sentai, adapted as Power Rangers in the West).