特 撮(とくさつ)

とくさつ

noun

special effects; tokusatsu (live-action SFX genre)

leisure

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)は特撮(とくさつ)がすごい。

The special effects in this movie are amazing.

It's a work that uses the latest special effects technology.

特撮(とくさつ)の現場(げんば)では、ミニチュアやCGが組(く)み合(あ)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)の頃(ころ)、特撮(とくさつ)ヒーローに憧(あこが)れていた。

When I was a child, I admired tokusatsu heroes.

日本(にほん)の特撮(とくさつ)は海外(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)を代表(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)で愛(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)

Cultural note

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).

general

Added 2026.3.17 13:26 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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