Shat in, for me! Makes a lot more sense!

Yes!! Someone else that was there that day!

That opening scene is etched in the memory!

Not when 7 years old!

Maybe not. It was the pioneer years of TV - and it was a miracle that this appeared in Australia at all. And a greater miracle that it took off!

Also, I should say that the videos on You Tube have a dubbed in American accent. Whereas what we saw in the 60s sounded like a Japanese person speaking English with a Japanese cadence - along with the grunts and hmms. The American version takes away some of the magic.

Especially so, since the memories of WW2 still lived large in my father's generation.

Scanlens made packets of chewing gum accompanied by collector cards, usually sports (hence the Rugby League reference), but I'm referring to the set featuring scenes from Samurai episodes. Every Samurai fan collected these cards.

And we can't forget the Scanlens cards - pride of place with my Scanlens Manly Sea-Eagles c 1965/66 cards.

I used to jump off the front deck a lot, and made starknives using tin can tops and can opener, until mum found out and the school banned them!

Yep, having coffee as we speak!

"A gun is our last resort - always remember, we are Phantom Agents!" And never forget the Phantom Agents outfits - such style!

I saw Shintaro live at the old Sydney Stadium as a 7yo, with my mother + my school mates! They performed in the boxing ring. The ninjas entered the stage from flying foxes - they were Aussie actors in full ninja suits! Even in that setting, Shintaro was heroic! One of the greatest days of my life!

This the greatest TV program in history, bar none!