The , also known as ''Masked Rider Series'' (until
Decade
A decade () is a period of ten years. Decades may describe any ten-year period, such as those of a person's life, or refer to specific groupings of calendar years.
Usage
Any period of ten years is a "decade". For example, the statement that "du ...
), is a Japanese
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
media franchise consisting of
tokusatsu
is a Japanese term for live action film or television drama that makes heavy use of practical special effects. ''Tokusatsu'' entertainment mainly refers to science fiction, War film, war, fantasy, or Horror film, horror media featuring such te ...
television programs, films,
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
, and
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
, created by manga artist
Shotaro Ishinomori
was a Japanese manga artist who became an influential figure in manga, anime, and , creating several immensely popular long-running series such as '' Cyborg 009,'' the ''Super Sentai'' series (later adapted into the ''Power Rangers'' series), ...
. ''Kamen Rider'' media generally features a
motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising ...
-riding
superhero
A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...
with an
insect
Insects (from Latin ') are pancrustacean hexapod invertebrates of the class Insecta. They are the largest group within the arthropod phylum. Insects have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body ( head, thorax and abdomen), three pairs ...
motif who fights
supervillain
A supervillain or supercriminal is a variant of the villainous stock character that is commonly found in American comic books, usually possessing superhuman abilities. A supervillain is the antithesis of a superhero.
Supervillains are oft ...
s, often known as .
The franchise began in 1971 with the ''
Kamen Rider'' television series, which followed college student
Takeshi Hongo and his quest to defeat the world-conquering
Shocker organization. The original series spawned television and film sequels and launched the Second Kaiju Boom (also known as the Henshin Boom) on Japanese television during the early 1970s, impacting the superhero and action-adventure genres in Japan.
Bandai
is a Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectables America and Bandai UK, are respectively headquartered in Irvine, California and Richmond ...
owns the toy rights to Kamen Rider Japan (and some Asia regions). Bluefin Distribution, a subsidiary of Bandai Namco, distributes Kamen Rider merchandise in North America.
Series overview
The ''Kamen Rider'' franchise primarily revolving around the eponymous Kamen Rider, a superpowered vigilante who mostly resembles a
grasshopper and rides a
motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising ...
, and their one-man war against an ever-larger malevolent force, usually a
terrorist organization
A number of national governments and two international organizations have created lists of organizations that they designate as terrorist. The following list of designated terrorist groups lists groups designated as terrorist by current and fo ...
bent on
world domination
World domination (also called global domination or world conquest or cosmocracy) is a hypothetical power structure, either achieved or aspired to, in which a single political authority holds the power over all or virtually all the inhabitants ...
. A common running theme in the franchise is that the Rider's power derived from the same source and technology used by malevolent forces, thus forming a moral vow for the protagonists to use this power to fight against evil.
Similar to its
counterpart, each series focuses on a different Rider, a new set of characters and a different story set in its own universe, though there been multiple instances of past characters from previous Kamen Rider series crossing over to team up against a common foe.
The Kamen Riders
The , also known as simply , is a collective name referring to the eponymous heroes and numerous individuals of the series. Usually resembling a grasshopper-themed masked superhero or a similarly-looking vigilante in
spandex
Spandex, Lycra, or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is a polyether-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia, US.
The g ...
, the Riders are enhanced humans with superhuman strength, resilience and agility, specifically modified to fight an entire army. Originally created by the terrorist organization known as "Shocker" as a means of creating super-soldiers, one of these potential soldiers, biochemistry lab student and motorcycle enthusiast
Takeshi Hongo, escaped from captivity and has since been fighting against Shocker, often recruiting similar individuals to fight alongside him.
Each Rider, whose appearance varies per series, has a full set of arsenal and equipment in their disposal, coined as the , consisting of their (a transformation item that allows a Rider to transform), its associating (which can be used in conjunction with the Rider Belt to gain access to multiple forms) and (auxiliary items serving as optional weapon of choice for the Riders), and their mode of transportation known as a . A common theme amongst the Riders is that the Rider System's power was derived from the same technology/power source used by the villains, ironically using it fight against evil to such extent. From
Kamen Rider Kuuga
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the tenth installment of the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows and the first of the series to air entirely in the Heisei period, as well as the first standalone Kamen Rider TV series sin ...
onwards, each Rider has multiple different forms, often divided into six tiers: the default and its multiple alternate , the , the penultimate , the optional movie-exclusive and the powerful aptly-named .
Every Rider has a selection of powerful finishing moves, either accessible through their respective Rider Weapons and/or through other forms, though the most commonly-used finishing attack is the , a dive kick capable of destroying most enemies in a single strike by infusing it with such strength that it causes the opponent to violently explode.
History
Showa era
Produced by and designed by
Shotaro Ishinomori
was a Japanese manga artist who became an influential figure in manga, anime, and , creating several immensely popular long-running series such as '' Cyborg 009,'' the ''Super Sentai'' series (later adapted into the ''Power Rangers'' series), ...
(creator of ''
Cyborg 009
is a Japanese science fiction manga created by Shotaro Ishinomori. It was serialized in many different Japanese magazines, including '' Monthly Shōnen King'', ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'', ''Shōnen Big Comic'', '' COM'', '' ...
''), ''
Kamen Rider'' premiered on April 3, 1971 initially intended as an adaptation of Ishinomori's ''
Skull Man
is a ''shōnen'' manga series created by Shotaro Ishinomori which first appeared in ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'' in 1970. The hero of the story, whose parents have been murdered, grows up to use his peculiar powers to take revenge. The ...
''. He and Hirayama redesigned the main character to resemble a
grasshopper. The hero Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider, played by actor and stuntman
Hiroshi Fujioka
, better known by his stage name , is a Japanese actor known for playing the hero Takeshi Hongo in the tokusatsu superhero series '' Kamen Rider'', and later the Sega Saturn mascot Segata Sanshiro (jokingly revealed to be Takeshi Hongo himse ...
, was described as a (cyborg). During the filming of episode 10, Fujioka was thrown from his motorcycle during a stunt and broke both legs. His character was temporarily phased out until the introduction of another transformed human, Hayato Ichimonji/Kamen Rider 2 (played by Takeshi Sasaki) was introduced in episode 14. Hongo (Fujioka) was reintroduced in episode 40, and by episode 53, had fully replaced Ichimonji's character until the two were united in episodes 72, 73, 93, 94 - and the series finale - episode 98. The series from April 1971 to January 1976 (''Kamen Rider'', ''
V3'', ''
X'', ''
Amazon
Amazon most often refers to:
* Amazons, a tribe of female warriors in Greek mythology
* Amazon rainforest, a rainforest covering most of the Amazon basin
* Amazon River, in South America
* Amazon (company), an American multinational technology c ...
'', ''
Stronger'') included a recurring mentor,
Tobei Tachibana
The , also known as ''Masked Rider Series'' (until Decade), is a Japanese superhero media franchise consisting of tokusatsu television programs, films, manga, and anime, created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. ''Kamen Rider'' media general ...
.
After a four-year hiatus following the finale of ''
Kamen Rider Stronger
is a Japanese Tokusatsu television show. It is the fifth entry in the Kamen Rider Series, the show was broadcast on TBS and MBS from April 5, 1975 to December 27, 1975. ''Stronger'' is a co-production between Ishinomori Productions and Toei, a ...
'', the series returned to broadcast television in October 1979 for two years with ''
The New Kamen Rider'' (featuring
Skyrider) and ''
Kamen Rider Super-1
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the seventh installment in the Kamen Rider Series. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 17, 1980, to October 3, 1981. The series was a co-production ...
''. In these shows, Tachibana was replaced by a similar character named . The annual new shows ended briefly during the 1980s, punctuated by the 1984
Kamen Rider ZX special ''
Birth of the 10th! Kamen Riders All Together!!'' (Hirayama's last project for the franchise).
''
Kamen Rider Black
is a tokusatsu superhero-drama television series. It is the eighth installment in the '' Kamen Rider
'' series and a co-production between Ishimori Productions and Toei. The series aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and the Tokyo Broadc ...
'' premiered in 1987, the first series not hinting at a relationship to its predecessors. ''Black'' was the first show in the franchise with a direct sequel: ''
Kamen Rider Black RX
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the ''Kamen Rider'' series. The ninth show in the franchise, it is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcastin ...
'', the basis of Saban's Americanized ''
Masked Rider''. In ''RX'' finale, the ten previous Riders returned to help Black RX defeat the Crisis Empire. ''Kamen Rider Black RX'' was the final show produced during the Shōwa era, with the franchise resuming production by the end of the 20th century. A manga of ''Kamen Rider Black'' was a novelization and reimagination of the ''Black''-''RX'' series' continuity. Absent from television during the 1990s, the franchise was kept alive by stage shows, musical CDs, and the ''
Shin
Shin may refer to:
Biology
* The front part of the human leg below the knee
* Shinbone, the tibia, the larger of the two bones in the leg below the knee in vertebrates
Names
* Shin (given name) (Katakana: シン, Hiragana: しん), a Japanese ...
'', ''
ZO'', and ''
J'' films.
Heisei
The is the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Emeritus Akihito from 8 January 1989 until his abdication on 30 April 2019. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the day after the death of the Emperor Hirohito, ...
era
Toei announced a new project, ''
Kamen Rider Kuuga
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the tenth installment of the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows and the first of the series to air entirely in the Heisei period, as well as the first standalone Kamen Rider TV series sin ...
'', in May 1999. ''Kuuga'' was part of Ishinomori's 1997 Kamen Rider revival in preparation for its 30th anniversary, but he died before the shows materialized. During the summer of 1999, Kuuga was promoted in magazine advertisements and TV commercials. On January 30, 2000, ''Kamen Rider Kuuga'' premiered with newcomer
Joe Odagiri
, better known by his stage name , is a Japanese actor and musician.
Personal life
Joe Odagiri was born in Tsuyama, Okayama prefecture. Though he was accepted by Kochi University, he turned it down for an opportunity to study in the United States ...
. Following ''Kuuga'' 2001 sequel ''
Kamen Rider Agito
, is the eleventh installment in the popular Kamen Rider tokusatsu franchise. The series represented the 30th anniversary of the Kamen Rider Series.
The series was also a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei and was shown ...
'', the series deviated into a series of unconnected stories starting from ''
Kamen Rider Ryuki'' in 2002 to ''
Kamen Rider Kabuto
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the sixteenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu programs. It is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei. The series was broadcast on TV Asa ...
'' in 2006.
In 2005, ''
Kamen Rider: The First'' was produced. Written by
Toshiki Inoue
is a Japanese screenwriter from Saitama Prefecture. He is known for his work on anime and tokusatsu Japanese television drama, dramas and films. He is the son of , who himself was a screenwriter for tokusatsu dramas. He is also a manga author, a ...
, the film reimagines the manga and original television series and characters from the original series had their storylines altered to fit the film's time span.
Masaya Kikawada
is a Japanese actor. His most prominent role has been as Takeshi Hongo in the film ''Kamen Rider The First'' and its sequel '' Kamen Rider The Next''. He was also in ''Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon'' as Sailor Jupiter's love interest Motoki Furuh ...
played
Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider 1 and
Hassei Takano
born in Chiba Prefecture is a Japanese actor. He has portrayed various superheroes in tokusatsu dramas, beginning with in '' Ultraman Gaia'' in 1998, a role he reprised in the 2008 film ''Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers''. This role was followed ...
(previously
Miyuki Tezuka/Kamen Rider Raia in ''
Kamen Rider Ryuki'') was
Hayato Ichimonji/Kamen Rider 2. This was followed in 2007 by ''
Kamen Rider The Next
is a 2007 Japanese tokusatsu superhero film directed by Ryuta Tasaki and written by Toshiki Inoue. The film was released on October 27, 2007. The film borrows elements from the ''Kamen Rider V3'' television series and is a sequel to the '' Kam ...
'', an adaptation of ''
Kamen Rider V3
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original '' Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...
'' starring
Kazuki Kato
is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. He is best known for his role as Daisuke Kazama, also known as Kamen Rider Drake, in '' Kamen Rider Kabuto'' and Keigo Atobe in '' The Prince of Tennis'' musicals. In 2 ...
(previously
Daisuke Kazama/Kamen Rider Drake in ''
Kamen Rider Kabuto
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the sixteenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu programs. It is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei. The series was broadcast on TV Asa ...
'') as
Shiro Kazami/Kamen Rider V3 and with Kikawada and Takano reprising their roles.
The eighth series, ''
Kamen Rider Den-O'', followed in 2007. It differed from past Kamen Rider series with the main protagonist being unsure of himself and uses a large vehicle, the DenLiner: a time traveling
bullet train
Bullet train may refer to:
Rail
* Shinkansen high-speed trains of Japan, nicknamed for their appearance and speed
* Other high-speed trains of a similar appearance to Japanese trains
* An ongoing project to build high-speed rail in India.
Rail to ...
. Although the series has only two riders (Den-O and Zeronos), they have multiple forms similar to Black RX, Kuuga, and Agito. Due to ''Den-O'' popularity, a second film crossover with the 2008 series ''
Kamen Rider Kiva
is the 2008 ''Kamen Rider'' Japanese ''tokusatsu'' television series produced by Toei Company and Ishimori Productions. It is the series' ninth series in its Heisei era, and 18th series overall since the debut of ''Kamen Rider'' in 1971. It pre ...
'' was released on April 12, 2008. The top film in its opening weekend, it grossed
¥730 million.
In addition,
Animate
Animation is a method by which still figures are manipulated to appear as moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film. Today, most anima ...
produced an
OVA
, abbreviated as OVA and sometimes as OAV (original animation video), are Japanese animated films and series made specially for release in home video formats without prior showings on television or in theaters, though the first part of an OVA s ...
, ''Imagin Anime'', with
SD versions of the
Imagin
is the seventeenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu programs. It is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei. It premiered January 28, 2007 on TV Asahi, and concluded airing on January 20, 2008. Its le ...
. A third film, ''
Saraba Kamen Rider Den-O: Final Countdown'' (with two new riders) serves as a series epilogue.
According to
Takeru Satoh
is a Japanese actor. He is best known for his leading role as Ryotaro Nogami in the ''Kamen Rider Den-O'' franchise, and as Himura Kenshin in the live-action ''Rurouni Kenshin'' film and its sequels.
Satoh was born on 21 March 1989 in Iwatsuki ...
, who played the titular protagonist in the television series and first three films, ''Den-O'' was successful because of its humor.
The 2009 series, ''
Kamen Rider Decade
is the title of the first installment of the 2009 editions of the long-running Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu dramas. ''Decade'', as its title suggests, is the tenth of the Heisei Rider special anniversary Series, having begun with ''Kamen Rider ...
'', commemorated the Heisei run's 10th anniversary with its protagonist able to assume the forms of his predecessors. Japanese recording artist
Gackt
, better known by his mononymous stage name Gackt (stylized as GACKT), is a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, to a Ryukyuan family, Gackt learned the piano at a young age and was raise ...
performed the series' opening theme, "
Journey through the Decade
"Journey Through the Decade" (stylized "Journey through the Decade") is a song by Japanese pop singer Gackt, serving as his thirtieth single released on March 25, 2009. It is his first song performed for ''Kamen Rider Decade'', used as the televis ...
", and the film's theme song ("
The Next Decade
"The Next Decade" is the thirty-fifth single by Japanese musical artist Gackt, released on August 11, 2009.
Summary
It was used as the theme song for the Kamen Rider Series film '' Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker'' in which Gackt ...
") and jokingly expressed interest in playing a villain on the show.
Also announced in 2009 was a fourth ''Den-O'' film
(later revealed as the beginning of the
Cho-Den-O Series of films),
starting with ''
Cho Kamen Rider Den-O & Decade Neo Generations: The Onigashima Warship''. In the March 2009 issue of ''Kindai'' magazine, ''Decade'' star
Masahiro Inoue
is a Japanese actor. He got his start in acting portraying Keigo Atobe in '' Musical: The Prince of Tennis: The Imperial Presence, Hyotei'' as part of the Hyoutei B Cast. In 2009, he portrayed the lead role in ''Kamen Rider Decade'', Tsukasa K ...
said that the series was scheduled for only 30 episodes.
Advertisements in May, June, and July 2009 promoted the debut of ''
Kamen Rider W
, is a 2009-2010 Japanese tokusatsu drama, the eleventh series in the Heisei period run of the Kamen Rider Series and the twentieth overall. It premiered following the finale of ''Kamen Rider Decade'' on September 6, 2009, and aired alongside '' S ...
'',
who first appeared at the 10th-anniversary Masked Rider Live event and was featured in ''
Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker''. The staff of ''W'' said that they planned to make 10 more years of Kamen Rider, differentiating subsequent series from the ''Kuuga'' through ''Decade'' period (including a new broadcast season from September of one year to about August of the next). The hero of ''Kamen Rider W'' is the first Kamen Rider to transform from two people at once,
[''Telebikun'' August 2009] and the series premiered on September 6, 2009. Continuing into 2010 with ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider W & Decade: Movie War 2010'', ''W'' ran from September 2009 to September 2010 instead of from January to January. The second, third, and fourth films of the Cho-Den-O series, collectively known as ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider The Movie: Cho-Den-O Trilogy'', were also released in 2010. Late 2010 brought the series ''
Kamen Rider OOO
is a 2010-2011 Japanese tokusatsu drama in Toei Company's Kamen Rider Series, being the twelfth series in the Heisei period run and the twenty-first overall. It began airing on September 5, 2010, the week following the conclusion of '' Kamen Ri ...
'' to television after ''W''s finale, and 2011 observed the 40th anniversary of the franchise. Festivities that year included the
Kamen Rider Girls
are an idol group developed by Avex Trax and Ishimori Productions to commemorate the Kamen Rider Series' 40th anniversary in 2011. Each of the group's current members represent one of the protagonists of the Kamen Rider Series. The group made ...
idol group, the film ''
OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders'' (released on April 1) and ''OOO''s successor, ''
Kamen Rider Fourze
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama in Toei Company's Kamen Rider Series, being the thirteenth series in the Heisei period run and the twenty-second overall. It began airing on September 4, 2011, the week following the conclusion of ''Kamen Rider OOO'' ...
'', which references the previous heroes in its characters' names and its plot. A crossover film, ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen'', was released in 2012 featuring the heroes of all ''Kamen Rider'' and ''
Super Sentai
is a Japanese superhero team metaseries and media franchise consisting of television series and films produced by Toei Company, and Bandai, and aired by TV Asahi ("Sentai" is the Japanese word for "task force" or "fighting squadron"). The sho ...
'' series to date.
With ''Fourze''s run complete in 2012, ''
Kamen Rider Wizard
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama in Toei Company's '' Kamen Rider'' franchise, being the fourteenth series in the Heisei period run and the twenty-third overall. It began airing on TV Asahi on September 2, 2012, joining ''Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters' ...
'' premiered; its protagonist was the first Kamen Rider to use magic. ''Wizard'' additionally had the first homosexual character and cast member with
Kaba-chan
, born on June 19, 1969, in Yanagawa, Fukuoka, is a transgender woman who is a Japanese tarento and choreographer. After studying dance in New York City, she returned to Japan and was a member of the musical group Dos with Taeco Nishikawa and A ...
. ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z'', a sequel to 2012's ''Super Hero Taisen'' with the revived
Metal Hero Series
The is a metaseries of tokusatsu superhero TV series produced by Toei for Japanese television.
The protagonists of the ''Metal Hero Series'' are mainly space, military and police-based characters who are typically either androids, cyborg ...
characters from ''
Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie'' and other characters created by Shotaro Ishinomori appearing in ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Wizard & Fourze: Movie War Ultimatum'', was released in 2013.
On May 20, 2013, Toei filed for several trademarks on the phrase . ''
Kamen Rider Gaim
is a Japanese television series, a tokusatsu drama that is in the Kamen Rider Series; it is the 15th series during its Heisei period, Heisei run and 24th overall. The series, written by Gen Urobuchi, directed by Ryuta Tasaki and produced by Naomi ...
'' previewed on July 25, 2013, revealing a
Sengoku period
The was a period in History of Japan, Japanese history of near-constant civil war and social upheaval from 1467 to 1615.
The Sengoku period was initiated by the Ōnin War in 1467 which collapsed the Feudalism, feudal system of Japan under the ...
and
fruit
In botany, a fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering.
Fruits are the means by which flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in particu ...
-themed motif to the series' multiple-rival Kamen Riders and
Gen Urobuchi
is a Japanese novelist, visual novel writer and anime screenwriter. He is known for being the co-creator of the highly acclaimed and commercially successful anime series '' Puella Magi Madoka Magica'', which earned him the Tokyo Anime Award for ...
as the series' main writer. The third entry in the ''Super Hero Taisen'' film series, ''
Heisei Rider vs. Shōwa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai'', marked the 15th anniversary of the Heisei Kamen Rider era and revolved around a conflict between the 15 Heisei Riders and the 15 Showa Riders with Kamen Rider Fifteen, and a cameo appearance by the
ToQgers and the
Kyoryugers. It also marked the start of a yearly involving each year's Kamen Rider teaming up with the current Super Sentai team in a story tying into that year's entry in the ''Super Hero Taisen'' movie series. ''Gaim'' was followed in 2014 by ''
Kamen Rider Drive
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series serving as the 16th Heisei Kamen Rider Series, and 25th series overall. Riku Sanjo returns to the Kamen Rider Series to serve as ''Drive''s lead screenwriter, with Ryuta Tasaki as director. It premiered ...
'', the first Kamen Rider since Kamen Rider Black RX (who also used a motorcycle), to use a car instead of a motorcycle.
The fourth ''Super Hero Taisen'', ''Super Hero Taisen GP'', marks ''Kamen Rider 3'' first live-action appearance after the ''Showa Kamen Rider'' manga. ''
Kamen Rider Ghost
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama serving as the 17th Heisei Kamen Rider Series, and 26th series overall. Takuro Fukuda serves as ''Ghost''s lead screenwriter, with Satoshi Morota as director. It premiered on TV Asahi and affiliate stations throughou ...
'' was introduced in 2015. In 2016 the Kamen Rider series celebrated its 45th anniversary, and Toei released the film ''
Kamen Rider 1
is a tokusatsu superhero television series and weekly science fiction manga created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The original airing consisted of a total of 98 episodes and were broadcast from April 3, 1971, to February 10, 1973, on ...
'' on March 26, 2016. ''
Kamen Rider Ex-Aid
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama in Toei Company's Kamen Rider Series. It is the eighteenth series in the Heisei period run and the twenty-seventh series overall. Toei registered the Kamen Rider Ex-Aid trademark on June 13, 2016. The show premiered ...
'' was introduced in 2016 and was the first Rider series to have a character, Kiriya Kujo, portray the main Rider's motorcycle. A Movie War film known as ''
Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Rider'' was announced for December 10, 2016, featuring
Bandai Namco Entertainment's original character created by
Namco
was a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational video game and entertainment company, headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo. It held several international branches, including Namco America in Santa Clara, California, Namco Europe in London, Na ...
prior to merging with
Bandai
is a Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Taitō, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectables America and Bandai UK, are respectively headquartered in Irvine, California and Richmond ...
in 2006,
Pac-Man. Following up ''Ex-Aid's'' finale, ''
Kamen Rider Build
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama and the 28th entry of Toei Company's '' Kamen Rider'' metaseries. It is the nineteenth series to debut during the Heisei era. The show premiered on September 3, 2017, following the finale of ''Kamen Rider Ex-Aid'', j ...
'' premiered on September 3, 2017. The twentieth and last series of the Heisei era, ''
Kamen Rider Zi-O
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama in the Toei Company's ''Kamen Rider'' franchise. It is the twenty-ninth ''Kamen Rider'' series overall as well as the twentieth and final series in the Heisei period. The show premiered on September 2, 2018, follo ...
,'' which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Heisei era, premiered on September 2, 2018. On December 22, 2018, a film commemorating all the Riders of the Heisei Era titled ''
Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever
is a 2018 Japanese superhero film in the Movie War line of the Kamen Rider Series. It serves as a crossover between the television series ''Kamen Rider Zi-O'' and ''Kamen Rider Build'' and is the third film of the Generations series. Aside the c ...
'' premiered in Japanese theaters.
Reiwa
is the current Japanese era name, era of Japan's official calendar. It began on 1 May 2019, the day on which Emperor Akihito's elder son, Naruhito, Enthronement of the Japanese emperor, ascended the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan. The ...
era
On May 13, 2019, Toei filed a trademark on the phrase , which premiered on September 1, 2019. It is followed up by on September 6, 2020, It is followed by on September 5, 2021
. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Kamen Rider series, ''
Neon Genesis Evangelion
, also known simply as ''Evangelion'' or ''Eva'', is a Japanese mecha anime television series produced by Gainax and animated by Tatsunoko, directed by Hideaki Anno and broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996. ''Evangelion' ...
'' director
Hideaki Anno
is a Japanese animator, filmmaker and actor. He is best known for creating the anime series ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' (1995)''.'' His style is defined by his postmodernist approach and the extensive portrayal of characters' thoughts and emotio ...
was announced as the writer and director of , a reimagining of the original 1971 series. It is planned for release in 2023.
The franchise's current entry in the Reiwa era is ''
Kamen Rider Geats
is a Japanese tokusatsu drama series, the 33rd entry of Toei Company's ''Kamen Rider'' metaseries and the fourth series to debut during the Reiwa period. The series premiered on September 4, 2022, joining ''Avataro Sentai Donbrothers'' and late ...
'', which debuted in September 2022 following the finale of ''Revice''.
Production
Main series
The following is a list of the Kamen Rider series and their broadcast years:
Television specials
Theatrical releases
* 1971: ''Go Go Kamen Rider'' (Movie version of episode 13)
* 1972: ''
Kamen Rider vs. Shocker
''Kamen Rider vs. Shocker'' (仮面ライダー対ショッカー, ''Kamen Raidā Tai Shokkā'') is a Japanese Short film, short tokusatsu superhero film based on the original ''Kamen Rider (1971 TV series), Kamen Rider'' TV series. It's the second ...
''
* 1972: ''Kamen Rider vs. Ambassador Hell''
* 1973: ''
Kamen Rider V3
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original '' Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...
'' (Movie version of episode 2)
* 1973: ''Kamen Rider V3 vs. the Destron Monsters''
* 1974: ''
Kamen Rider X
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It was broadcast in 1974 on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and NET, now known as TV Asahi. It is the third entry in the Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows. It starred Ryo Hayami in the ...
'' (Movie version of episode 3)
* 1974: ''Kamen Rider X: Five Riders vs. King Dark''
* 1975: ''
Kamen Rider Amazon
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. The fourth installment to be produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series, the series aired in Japan from late 1974 to early 1975 on the NET and Mainichi Broadcasting System. It was the shortest ''Kamen ...
'' (Movie version of episode 16)
* 1975: ''
Kamen Rider Stronger
is a Japanese Tokusatsu television show. It is the fifth entry in the Kamen Rider Series, the show was broadcast on TBS and MBS from April 5, 1975 to December 27, 1975. ''Stronger'' is a co-production between Ishinomori Productions and Toei, a ...
'' (Movie version of episode 7)
* 1980: ''
Kamen Rider: Eight Riders vs. Galaxy King''
* 1981: ''
Kamen Rider Super-1
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the seventh installment in the Kamen Rider Series. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from October 17, 1980, to October 3, 1981. The series was a co-production ...
''
* 1988: ''
Kamen Rider Black
is a tokusatsu superhero-drama television series. It is the eighth installment in the '' Kamen Rider
'' series and a co-production between Ishimori Productions and Toei. The series aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and the Tokyo Broadc ...
: Hurry to Onigashima''
* 1988: ''Kamen Rider Black: Fear! Evil Monster Mansion''
* 1989: ''Kamen Rider: Stay in the World'' –
3D theme park special
* 1992: ''
Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue''
* 1993: ''
Kamen Rider ZO
, translated ''Masked Rider ZO'', is a 1993 Japanese tokusatsu biopunk superhero movie produced by the Toei Company as part of their ''Kamen Rider Series''. Directed by Keita Amemiya, it was the first joint production of Toei and Bandai. A Sega C ...
''
* 1994: ''
Kamen Rider J
(''Masked Rider J'') is a 1994 Japanese tokusatsu superhero movie produced by Toei Company and loosely based on their ''Kamen Rider'' Series. It was the final story in which Shotaro Ishinomori was involved, who died 4 years later.
As part of ...
''
* 1994: ''
Kamen Rider World
is a short tokusatsu superhero 3-D film produced by Toei Company based on the ''Kamen Rider Series'' that premiered on August 6, 1994 and was shown in amusement parks and special events nationwide in Japan. It was shown as a triple feature alongsi ...
'' – 3-D theme park special
* 2001: ''
Kamen Rider Agito: Project G4''
* 2002: ''
Kamen Rider Ryuki: Episode Final''
* 2003: ''
Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost''
* 2004: ''
Kamen Rider Blade: Missing Ace''
* 2005: ''
Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven Senki
is the movie for the Japanese tokusatsu production Kamen Rider Hibiki, directed by Taro Sakamoto and written by Toshiki Inoue. The movie's title and plot is a reference to the classic Akira Kurosawa film, the Seven Samurai. This movie marks the ...
''
* 2005: ''
Kamen Rider: The First''
* 2006: ''
Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love''
* 2007: ''
Kamen Rider Den-O: I'm Born!''
* 2007: ''
Kamen Rider: The Next''
* 2008: ''
Kamen Rider Den-O & Kiva: Climax Deka''
* 2008: ''
Kamen Rider Kiva: King of the Castle in the Demon World''
* 2008: ''
Saraba Kamen Rider Den-O: Final Countdown''
* 2009: ''
Cho Kamen Rider Den-O & Decade Neo Generations: The Onigashima Warship''
* 2009: ''
Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker''
* 2009: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider W & Decade: Movie War 2010''
** ''Kamen Rider Decade: The Last Story''
** ''Kamen Rider W: Begins Night''
** ''Movie War 2010''
* 2010: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider The Movie: Cho-Den-O Trilogy''
** ''Episode Red: Zero no Star Twinkle''
** ''Episode Blue: The Dispatched Imagin is Newtral''
** ''Episode Yellow: Treasure de End Pirates''
* 2010: ''
Kamen Rider W Forever: A to Z/The Gaia Memories of Fate''
* 2010: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider OOO & W Featuring Skull: Movie War Core''
** ''Kamen Rider Skull: Message for Double''
** ''Kamen Rider OOO: Nobunaga's Desire''
** ''Movie War Core''
* 2011: ''
OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders''
* 2011: ''
Kamen Rider OOO Wonderful: The Shogun and the 21 Core Medals''
* 2011: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze & OOO: Movie War Mega Max''
** ''Beginning: Fight! Legendary Seven Riders''
** ''Kamen Rider OOO: Ankh's Resurrection, the Medals of the Future, and the Leading Hope''
** ''Futo, The Conspiracy Advances: Gallant! Kamen Rider Joker''
** ''Kamen Rider Fourze: Nade-Shiko Ad-Vent''
** ''Movie War Mega Max: Gather! Warriors of Glory''
* 2012: ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen''
* 2012: ''
Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: Space, Here We Come!''
* 2012: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Wizard & Fourze: Movie War Ultimatum''
** ''Kamen Rider Fourze''
** ''Kamen Rider Wizard''
** ''Movie War Ultimatum''
* 2013: ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z''
* 2013: ''
Kamen Rider Wizard in Magic Land
is the 2013 film adaptation of the 2012 & 2013 Kamen Rider Series television series ''Kamen Rider Wizard''. It was released on August 3, 2013, as a double-bill with '' Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger: Gaburincho of Music''. The film features Takanori Jin ...
''
* 2013: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle''
** ''Kamen Rider Wizard: The Promised Place''
** ''Kamen Rider Gaim: Sengoku Battle Royale''
* 2014: ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z''
* 2014: ''
Heisei Riders vs. Shōwa Riders: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai''
* 2014: ''
Kamen Rider Gaim: Great Soccer Battle! Golden Fruits Cup!''
* 2014: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle''
** ''Kamen Rider Gaim: The Advancing Last Stage''
** ''Kamen Rider Drive: A Challenge from Lupin''
** ''Movie War Full Throttle''
* 2015: ''
Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3''
* 2015: ''
Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future''
* 2015: ''
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive: Super Movie War Genesis''
* 2016: ''
Kamen Rider 1
is a tokusatsu superhero television series and weekly science fiction manga created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The original airing consisted of a total of 98 episodes and were broadcast from April 3, 1971, to February 10, 1973, on ...
''
* 2016: ''
Kamen Rider Ghost: The 100 Eyecons and Ghost's Fated Moment''
* 2016: ''
Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders''
* 2017: ''
Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Ultra Super Hero Taisen''
* 2017: ''
Kamen Rider Ex-Aid the Movie: True Ending''
* 2017: ''
Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Final: Build & Ex-Aid with Legend Rider''
* 2018: ''
Kamen Rider Amazons the Movie: The Last Judgement''
* 2018: ''
Kamen Rider Build the Movie: Be the One''
* 2018: ''
Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever
is a 2018 Japanese superhero film in the Movie War line of the Kamen Rider Series. It serves as a crossover between the television series ''Kamen Rider Zi-O'' and ''Kamen Rider Build'' and is the third film of the Generations series. Aside the c ...
''
* 2019: ''
Kamen Rider Zi-O the Movie: Over Quartzer''
* 2019: ''
Kamen Rider Reiwa The First Generation
is a 2019 Japanese superhero film in the Movie War line of the Kamen Rider Series. It serves as a crossover between the television series ''Kamen Rider Zero-One'' and ''Kamen Rider Zi-O'' and is the fourth film of the Generations series. The fil ...
''
* 2020: ''
Kamen Rider Zero-One the Movie: Real×Time''
* 2020: ''
Kamen Rider Saber Theatrical Short Story: The Phoenix Swordsman and the Book of Ruin''
* 2021: ''
Saber + Zenkaiger: Super Hero Senki''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Revice'' (short film)
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Beyond Generations''
* 2022: ''Kamen Rider Revice the Movie''
* 2023: ''
Shin Kamen Rider''
V-Cinema releases
Direct-to-video
Direct-to-video or straight-to-video refers to the release of a film, TV series, short or special to the public immediately on home video formats rather than an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy was p ...
releases, films focusing on secondary riders and storylines, began appearing during the franchise's Heisei era. Hyper Battle Videos are episodes included with ''
Televi-Kun
is a Japanese monthly manga magazine published by Shogakukan, starting in May 1976. Its main target is elementary school aged boys, younger than the readers of shōnen manga. It features super heroes such as ''Kamen Rider'', ''Super Sentai'', ...
'' magazine.
* 1992: ''
Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue''
* 1993: ''
Kamen Rider SD
is the collective title for a series of media released in the 1990s that are based on Toei Company, Toei's popular Kamen Rider Series. It features super deformed versions of the various Kamen Riders featured from ''Kamen Rider'' through ''Kam ...
'' – Only
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
adaptation
* 2011: ''
Kamen Rider W Returns''
** ''Kamen Rider Accel'' Chapter
** ''Kamen Rider Eternal'' Chapter
* 2015: ''
Kamen Rider Gaim Gaiden''
** First Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Zangetsu'' Chapter
*** ''Kamen Rider Baron'' Chapter
** Second Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Duke'' Chapter
*** ''Kamen Rider Knuckle'' Chapter
** Third Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Zangetsu'' Chapter (Stage Show 2019)
*** ''Kamen Rider Gridon VS Kamen Rider Bravo'' Chapter (2 Special 2020)
* 2016: ''Kamen Rider Drive Saga''
** First Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Chaser'' Chapter
** Second Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Heart'' Chapter
*** ''Kamen Rider Mach'' Chapter
** Third Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Brain'' Chapter (2 Special 2019)
* 2017: ''Kamen Rider Ghost Re-Birth: Kamen Rider Specter''
* 2018: ''
Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Trilogy: Another Ending''
** ''Brave & Snipe'' Chapter
** ''Para-DX with Poppy'' Chapter
** ''Genm vs. Lazer'' Chapter
* 2019: ''Kamen Rider Build New World''
** First Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Cross-Z'' Chapter
** Second Part
*** ''Kamen Rider Grease'' Chapter
* 2020: ''Kamen Rider Zi-O Next Time''
** ''Kamen Rider Geiz Majesty'' Chapter
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Zero-One Others''
** ''Kamen Rider Metsuboujinrai'' Chapter
** ''Kamen Rider Vulcan & Valkyrie'' Chapter
* 2022: ''Kamen Rider Saber: Trio of Deep Sin''
* 2022: ''Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medal of Resurrection''
Hyper Battle videos
* 2000: ''Kamen Rider Kuuga: vs. the Strong Monster Go-Jiino-Da''
* 2001: ''Kamen Rider Agito: Three rider TV-kun Special''
* 2002: ''Kamen Rider Ryuki Hyper Battle: Kamen Rider Ryuki vs. Kamen Rider Agito''
* 2003: ''Kamen Rider 555: The Musical''
* 2004: ''Kamen Rider Blade: Blade vs Blade''
* 2005: ''Kamen Rider Hibiki: Transform Asumu: You can be an Oni too''
* 2006: ''Kamen Rider Kabuto: Birth! Gatack Hyper Form!''
* 2007: ''Kamen Rider Den-O: Singing, Dancing, Great Time!!''
* 2008: ''Kamen Rider Kiva: You Can Also be Kiva''
* 2009: ''Kamen Rider Decade: Protect! The World of TV-Kun''
* 2010: ''Kamen Rider W: Donburi's α/Farewell Recipe of Love''
* 2011: ''Kamen Rider OOO: Quiz, Dance, and Takagarooba!?''
* 2012: ''Kamen Rider Fourze: Rocket Drill States of Friendship''
* 2013: ''Kamen Rider Wizard: Showtime with the Dance Ring''
* 2014: ''Kamen Rider Gaim: Fresh Orange Arms is Born!''
* 2015: ''Kamen Rider Drive'' Hyper Battle:
** ''Type TV-KUN: Hunter & Monster! Chase the Mystery of the Super Thief!''
** ''Type High Speed! The True Power! Type High Speed is Born!''
* 2016: ''Kamen Rider Ghost'' Hyper Battle:
** ''Ikkyu Eyecon Contention! Quick Wit Battle!!''
** ''Ikkyu Eyecon! Awaken, My Quick Wit Power!!''
** ''Truth! The Secret Of Heroes' Eyecons!''
*2017: ''Kamen Rider Ex-Aid "Tricks"''
**''Kamen Rider Lazer''
**''Kamen Rider Para-DX''
*2018: ''Kamen Rider Build''
** ''Birth! KumaTelevi!! VS Kamen Rider Grease!''
** ''Kamen Rider Prime Rogue''
*2019: ''Kamen Rider ZI-O: Kamen Rider Bi Bi Bi no Bibill Geiz''
*2019: ''Kamen Rider Zero-One: What Will Pop Out of the Kangaroo? Think About It by Yourself! Yes! It must be me, Aruto!''
*2021: ''Kamen Rider Saber: Gather! Hero! The Explosive Dragon TVKun''
*2022: ''Kamen Rider Revice: Koala VS Kangaroo!! Do you want to avoid love at the wedding?!''
Web exclusive
* 2015: ''D-Video Special: Kamen Rider 4''
* 2016: ''Kamen Rider Ghost: Legendary! Riders' Souls!''
* 2016–2017: ''
Kamen Rider Amazons
, known in the overseas market as ''Amazon Riders'', is a 2016 Japanese tokusatsu web drama. It is a darker and more mature reimagining of the 1974 television series. ''Kamen Rider Amazon'', and part of Toei's Super Hero Year, celebrating the 45 ...
''
* 2017: ''Kamen Sentai Gorider''
* 2018: ''Kamen Rider Build: Raising the Hazard Level ~7 Best Matches~''
* 2019: ''Kamen Rider Zi-O Spin-off''
** ''Rider Time: Kamen Rider Shinobi''
** ''Rider Time: Kamen Rider Ryuki''
** ''Rider Time: Kamen Rider Zi-O VS Decade -7 of Zi-O!-''
** ''Rider Time: Kamen Rider Decade VS Zi-O -Decade Mansion's Death Game-''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Saber Spin Off: Swordsmen Chronicles''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Genms -The Presidents-''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Saber × Ghost''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Specter × Blades''
* 2022: ''Kamen Rider Revice: The Mystery''
* 2022: ''Kamen Rider Genms -Smart Brain and the 1000% Crisis-''
* 2022: ''Revice Legacy''
** ''Revice Legacy: Kamen Rider Vail''
** ''Part 2''
** ''Part 3''
* 2022: ''
Kamen Rider Black Sun
is a Japanese tokusatsu web drama that is a Reboot (fiction), reboot of the 1987 television series ''Kamen Rider Black''. A co-production between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, Toei, the series is directed by Kazuya Shiraishi and was ...
''
Others
* 2016: ''The Legend of Hero Alain''
* 2017: ''Kamen Rider Snipe: Episode ZERO''
* 2018: ''ROGUE''
* 2020: ''Project Thouser''
* 2021: ''Kamen Rider Saber Spin-Off: Sword of Logos Saga''
* 2022: ''DEAR GAGA''
Adaptations outside Japan
Taiwan
In 1975–1976, Tong Hsing Film Co., Ltd. in Taiwan produced a Super Riders series based on the Japanese version.
* 1975: ''
The Super Rider V3'' based on ''
Kamen Rider V3
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the second installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series, and the direct sequel to the original '' Kamen Rider''. It was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei, and was shown ...
''
* 1976: ''
The Five Of Super Rider'' based on ''
Kamen Rider X
is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It was broadcast in 1974 on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and NET, now known as TV Asahi. It is the third entry in the Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows. It starred Ryo Hayami in the ...
* 1976: ''
The Super Riders'' based on ''Kamen Rider vs. Shocker'' and ''Kamen Rider vs. Hell Ambassador''
United States
In 1995,
Saban produced the first American ''
Masked Rider'' series after its success adapting
Super Sentai
is a Japanese superhero team metaseries and media franchise consisting of television series and films produced by Toei Company, and Bandai, and aired by TV Asahi ("Sentai" is the Japanese word for "task force" or "fighting squadron"). The sho ...
into ''
Power Rangers
''Power Rangers'' is an entertainment and merchandising franchise built around a live-action superhero television series, based on the Japanese tokusatsu franchise ''Super Sentai''. Produced first by Saban Entertainment, second by BVS Entert ...
'' and the
Metal Hero Series
The is a metaseries of tokusatsu superhero TV series produced by Toei for Japanese television.
The protagonists of the ''Metal Hero Series'' are mainly space, military and police-based characters who are typically either androids, cyborg ...
(''
VR Troopers
''VR Troopers'' is a syndicated live action superhero fiction, superhero-adventure film, adventure television series produced and distributed by Saban Entertainment from 1994 to 1996. The show tried to profit from the fascination with virtual rea ...
'' and ''
Beetleborgs
''Big Bad Beetleborgs'' (later ''Beetleborgs Metallix'') is an American live-action superhero television series by Saban Entertainment and was co-produced with Renaissance-Atlantic Films, Toei Company and Bugboy Productions. Two seasons aired on ...
''). It was panned by critics and fans from the series, and it was regarded as one of the worst Kamen Rider series.
In 2009, a new series, produced by Michael and
Steve Wang
Steve Wang () is a Taiwan-born American make-up artist and filmmaker.BBC
Biography< ...
, was broadcast: ''
Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight'', which was adapted from ''
Kamen Rider Ryuki''. Although it was canceled before finishing its syndicated run, it won the first Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination at the
37th Daytime Emmy Awards.
Unofficial Thailand adaptation
In 1975, Chaiyo Productions made an unofficial Kamen Rider movie entitled ''
Hanuman and the Five Riders'', which used original footage of Chaiyo's Hanuman character, spliced with footage from the "Five Riders Vs. King Dark" movie. However, Chaiyo went ahead with the production without authorisation after Toei denied them permission to make an official movie with them, putting the legality of the movie into question.
Merchandise
,
Bandai Namco
also known as the Bandai Namco Group and generally Bandai Namco, is a Japanese multinational holding company, production enterprise and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, formed from the merger of Bandai and Namco on S ...
has sold ''Kamen Rider'' transformation belts since February 2000.
Homages and parodies
The Kamen Rider franchise has been parodied in and outside Japan. One parody is of the Kamen Rider ''henshin'' (metamorphosis) pose. In video games,
Skullomania (from ''
Street Fighter EX
is a 2D head-to-head fighting game with 3D graphics, originally released as a coin-operated arcade game for the Sony ZN hardware in 1996. It is a spin-off of the ''Street Fighter'' series co-produced by Capcom with Arika and was the first gam ...
'') and
May Lee
May Lee (born March 28, 1966) was the host of STAR TV's ''The May Lee Show'' when she was based in Singapore. A second generation Korean American, Lee faced gender discrimination and anti-Asian bias early in her career, and spent the 1980s moving ...
(from ''
The King of Fighters
''The King of Fighters'' (''KOF'') is a series of fighting games by SNK that began with the release of ''The King of Fighters '94'' in 1994. The series was developed originally for SNK's Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware. This served as the main plat ...
'') are examples of Kamen Rider parodies. In anime, examples include ''
Fair, then Partly Piggy
is a picture book series written by Shiro Yadama. Some books were translated into English by Keith Holman. The book is about a boy named Noriyasu Hatakeyama who starts writing "tomorrow's" journal entries when he finds out the days start happ ...
'', ''My-HiME'' (and its sequel, ''My Otome''), ''Dragon Ball Z'', and ''Franken Fran''. In the ''Crayon Shin-chan'' series, the title character interacts with Kamen Riders in crossover specials. ''Detective Conan'' has a recurring TV series the detective boys like to watch, ''Kamen Yaiba''. In One Punch Man, the C Class Hero Mumen Rider is a parody, being an ordinary man in a world of superhuman beings, riding a bicycle rather than a motorcycle. However, despite his weakness, he is extremely heroic and his actions form a counterpoint to his parodic character conception. The series has also been parodied and homaged in the Disney Channel series Amphibia (TV series), Amphibia.
In live-action, parodies include "Kamen Renaider" by SMAP's Takuya Kimura and Shingo Katori, a parody of ''Ryuki''; "Kamen Zaiber", a parody of the original series; "Kamen Norider" by the Tunnels (owarai), Tunnels, a parody of Kamen Rider 1 and as well as the first series; "Kamen Rider HG", Masaki Sumitani, Hard Gay's parody of the original for a Japanese TV show, and "Ridermen" (a short skit with a man called Ridermen, a parody of the Riderman on the set of ''
Kamen Rider Kuuga
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the tenth installment of the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows and the first of the series to air entirely in the Heisei period, as well as the first standalone Kamen Rider TV series sin ...
''.
Akimasa Nakamura, a Japanese astronomer named two minor planets in honor of the series: 12408 Fujioka for actor
Hiroshi Fujioka
, better known by his stage name , is a Japanese actor known for playing the hero Takeshi Hongo in the tokusatsu superhero series '' Kamen Rider'', and later the Sega Saturn mascot Segata Sanshiro (jokingly revealed to be Takeshi Hongo himse ...
, known for his portrayal of
Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider 1,
and 12796 Kamenrider for the series itself.
References
External links
TV Asahi
*
Kamen Rider Geats*
Kamen Rider Revice'
*
Kamen Rider Saber'
*
Kamen Rider Zero-One'
*
Kamen Rider Zi-O'
*
Kamen Rider Build'
*
Kamen Rider Ex-Aid'
*
Kamen Rider Ghost'
*
Kamen Rider Drive'
*
Kamen Rider Gaim'
*
Kamen Rider Wizard'
*
Kamen Rider Fourze'
*
Kamen Rider OOO'
*
Kamen Rider W'
*
Kamen Rider Decade'
*
Kamen Rider Kiva'
*
Kamen Rider Den-O'
*
Kamen Rider Kabuto'
*
Kamen Rider Hibiki'
*
Kamen Rider Blade'
*
Kamen Rider 555'
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Kamen Rider Ryuki'
Toei
*
Kamen Rider Zi-O'
*
Kamen Rider Build'
*
Kamen Rider Amazons Season 2'
*
Kamen Rider Ex-Aid'
*
Kamen Rider Amazons'
*
Kamen Rider Ghost'
*
Kamen Rider Drive'
*
Kamen Rider Gaim'
*
Kamen Rider Wizard'
*
Kamen Rider Fourze'
*
Kamen Rider OOO'
*
Kamen Rider W'
*
Kamen Rider Decade'
*
Kamen Rider Kiva'
*
Kamen Rider The Next'
*
Kamen Rider Den-O'
*
Kamen Rider Kabuto'
*
'
*
Kamen Rider Hibiki'
*
Kamen Rider Blade'
*
Kamen Rider 555'
*
Kamen Rider Ryuki'
*
Kamen Rider Agito'
*
'
Bandai
*
Kamen Rider Ghost'
*
Kamen Rider Drive'
*
Kamen Rider Gaim'
*
Kamen Rider Wizard'
*
Kamen Rider Fourze'
*
Kamen Rider OOO'
*
Kamen Rider W'
*
Kamen Rider Decade'
Others
Kamen Rider Official– The main site of the Kamen Rider franchise ,the background changes when next series premieres.
Ishimori@Style– Shotaro Ishinomori with Ishimori Productions Official Website
Toei Kyoto Studio Park– A theme park with official events, exhibitions and shops related to the ''Kamen Rider'' series
Bandai Korea's ''Kamen Rider'' site– The site's look changes when the next series premieres in Korea
{{Shotaro Ishinomori
Kamen Rider,
Bandai brands
Bandai Namco franchises
Manga series
Mass media franchises introduced in 1971
Japanese drama television series
Teen superhero television series
Toei tokusatsu