Yahoo Japan and Asahi (via Ukiyaseed and Anime News Network respectively), report that Shozu Uehara, best known as the head writer on numerous tokusatsu shows, has passed away at 82 on January 2nd.

Uehara had been suffering from liver cancer. A private funeral was held with his relatives and his eldest son Keitaro leading the ceremony.

Uehara was the head writer of the first five series of Super Sentai- localized in the west as Power Rangers. His work on other tokusatsu shows (live-action fantasy shows with a large focus on special effects, usually based around superheroes or monsters) includes Ultraman, the Metal Hero series, and Toei’s Spider-Man series. He was also a writer for anime including UFO Robo Grendizer, Getter Robo, and Captain Harlock.

Image: NHK.