NTT Gatchaman is a fanterm for a series of commercials that were made to promote the Internet service provider NTT-East in the early 2000s. Some of the commercials featured Japanese boy band group SMAP portraying live action versions of the characters, while the other two were animated by Tatsunoko and featured modernized costume redesigns of the Ninja Team.
In addition to the commercials, there was an e-mail novel sent by NTT-East as a gift for new subscribers.
Based on sketches found on the Internet, fans have speculated if the commercials were a possible pitch to a reboot/revival of the franchise with a new series. However, no such series was made and at this time, Tatsunoko has not said anything to confirm or deny this rumor.
Video Gallery
Concept Art
Ken, G-1 and the Birdrang
Joe, G-2 and the Feather Shuriken
Jun, G-3 and her weapons (The Bear Bomb was a new weapon exclusive to the commercial)
Jinpei, G-4 and his trademark bola weapon
Ryu, The God Phoenix, Galactor and Ryu's nunchuck weapon
Ken
Joe: Now with red hair and a grittier look.
Jun: After almost 30 years, Jun finally decided to put some pants on. Costume is now a hot pink color with bits of black and white. Jun has her hair dyed blonde when she is in her Bird Style form.
Jinpei
Ryu was a radical departure from his original version in design. He is now a slim, buff man with spiky brown hair instead of a heavyset sumo body type.