The crowdfunding efforts seek to raise 6 million yen (about $56,557 US) in order to inspect, clean, repair, scan, digitally restore, and color grade the original 16mm film stock into 2K digital masters that will allow Chargeman Ken to be properly preserved and archived.
Unfortunately, after some 46 years of kindergarten science fiction chaos, the original 16mm prints of Chargeman Ken are suffering from a form of deterioration known as “vinegar syndrome”, in which the cellulose triacetate of the film stock reacts with heat and moisture to break down into sour-smelling acetic acid.
The crowdfunding campaign runs until September 25, 2020, and it offers pledge rewards such as figures, stickers, T-shirts, tote bags, and invitations to online Chargeman Ken viewing events.