[EpsilonX]

Are there any good Toku either set in the past (samurai, etc) or are set in modern times and have a very heavy focus on that element of Japanese culture? I think Daimajin may be the best example, as it's essentially a samurai tale with a kaiju. Any other ideas?

edit: I'm already familiar with the Rider and Sentai options. Any suggestions outside of that?

[Phantom Stranger]

Kaiketsu Lion-Maru probably fits that category best, as it takes place during the Sengoku period.

[Switchblade]

I would definitely say Daimajin Kanon. It's set in the modern era but has a lot of Japanese cultural elements in it, especially where the onbake are concerned. Also it's just a really good show.

[Sunred]

Shinkenger has some.
1. They go by a samurai lord and vassal heirarchy, thus the reason Hikoma, Ryunosuke, and Kotoha addresses Takeru as tono or tonosama despite being 2009.
2. Their suits are designed to resemble the gi and hakama, traditional Japanese attires.
3. When they go super, the additional attire is a jinbaori, another traditional garb of Japan.
4. Inroumaru is modeled after an inrou, a small carrying case that was made famous by the Mito Komon dramas(fun fact, Oh Blue/Yuji's actor Masashi Gohda of Ohranger fame, who played the first Shinken Red Retsudo Shiba, is also known for being part of this series of dramas)
5. The cockpit of the origamis resemble a rakugo stage. Rakugo is in Layman's terms a traditional Japanese spoken word/comedy show.
6. Shinken Red's personal weapon the Rekkadaizanto's blade surface has etch art of what is most likely Mt. Fuji erupting.

Ninninger
1. The cockpit seat of Shurikenjin resembles a traditional style Japanese litter typically seen during ceremonies and festivals.

[TheTakoTank]

Kamen Rider Hibiki. Modern day, but lots of references to Japanese folklore.

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTakoTank

Kamen Rider Hibiki. Modern day, but lots of references to Japanese folklore.

Yep. The riders are oni for starters and the makamous are yokai-based if I recall. Heck their belt straps are fundoshi.

[Dr Kain]

Kamen Rider Gaim was based on the Sengoku period and each rider was meant to represent a character from that period.

[Sunred]

Muteki Shogun is pretty much a robot with a traditional castle motif as well as the obvious samurai motif. Its sword is based off the shachihoko, gargoyle-like ornaments found on traditional castles as well as other traditional architecture.

[Blade Raider]

All of Kakuranger is pretty Japanese. It's a mix of then current pop culture and Japanese folklore. The storyteller is basically a PokeDex of yokai (Japanese folklore creatures) and he's literally a rakugo performer.

[EpsilonX]

Anything outside of Rider and Sentai?