The Sega Saturn wasn’t a very popular console in the states back in its heyday. Thanks to its complicated system architecture and higher price point, it was easily bested by the Sony PlayStation. Then when the N64 released in 1996 the system quickly fell into 3rd place for the generation. The story for the Saturn in Japan, however, was a bit different. While it would still be bested by the PlayStation, Sega’s 5th generation machine was able to best Nintendo’s.
Now, you might be wondering why I brought all of that up. Well, as part of the Sega Saturn’s marketing in Japan, a mascot was created in Segata Sanshiro. Portrayed by Hiroshi Fujioka, Sanshiro would go around and beat the glory of the Sega Saturn, and its games, into the unwashed masses. Needless to say it was over the top and pretty corny but you just fell in love with Sanshiro and his ridiculous theme song! Upon the launch of the Sega Dreamcast, it seemed that Sanshiro’s time was up and one final commercial had him commit the ultimate sacrifice to save Sega’s HQ from a rocket attack. No, I am not joking, you can check out a nice compilation of the Segata Sanshiro commercials above with the final one starting at about the 7:22 mark.
Now, as part of Sega’s 60th-anniversary celebration, it appears that Segata Sanshiro is making a glorious comeback! A new teaser site has appeared online and sports the (in)famous Saturn hero along with a countdown to March 25. No word has yet been said on what Sega plans to do for their big 6 O party, but if Sanshiro is involved its gotta be good! Honestly, would it be wrong to hope for Sanshiro to be in every Sega game commercial again?
What are you all hoping to see on the 25th?
