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Kamen Rider originally began under the title "Masked Hero Project". Produced by {{nihongo|Toru Hirayama|平山 亨|Hirayama Tōru}}, the series spent nearly five years on hold while Hirayama worked on other shows and searched for a proper character designer. In 1969, Shotaro Ishinomori, who was a known face in Tokusatsu at the time, was approached by Hirayama to have his Skullman manga adapted for the Masked Hero Project. Originally the project was rejected due to criticisms that it was too violent for the timeslot it was given. After the duo reworked the story and designs, the final Kamen Rider design, a grasshopper, was chosen by Ishinomori's son. This drawing would go on to become the original Kamen Rider 1, after some modification.
Kamen Rider originally began under the title "Masked Hero Project". Produced by {{nihongo|Toru Hirayama|平山 亨|Hirayama Tōru}}, the series spent nearly five years on hold while Hirayama worked on other shows and searched for a proper character designer. In 1969, Shotaro Ishinomori, who was a known face in Tokusatsu at the time, was approached by Hirayama to have his Skullman manga adapted for the Masked Hero Project. Originally the project was rejected due to criticisms that it was too violent for the timeslot it was given. After the duo reworked the story and designs, the final Kamen Rider design, a grasshopper, was chosen by Ishinomori's son. This drawing would go on to become the original Kamen Rider 1, after some modification.


Kamen Rider premiered in April 1971, to lower than expected ratings, and verged on the brink of cancellation. During the filming of episode 10, Fujioka Hiroshi, the actor of Kamen Rider 1, was thrown off his motorcycle during the filming of a stunt. Crashing into a telephone poll, he shattered both his legs. TOEI then went through many methods to have Hongo appear less and less until episode 13, when Ichimonji Hayato was introduced. Until episode 52 when Fujioka Hiroshi returned, Ichimonji Hayato was Kamen Rider 2 and the star of the show. Both Kamen Riders 1 and 2 would go on to appear in every first generation show. The continuous run from April 1971 to January 1976 distinguished itself by featuring the recurrent mentor character, {{nihongo|Tobei Tachibana|立花 藤兵衛|Tachibana Tōbei}}.
Kamen Rider premiered in April 1971, to lower than expected ratings, and verged on the brink of cancellation. During the filming of episode 10, Fujioka Hiroshi, the actor of Kamen Rider 1, was thrown off his motorcycle during the filming of a stunt. Crashing into a telephone pole, he shattered both his legs. TOEI then went through many methods to have Hongo appear less and less until episode 13, when Ichimonji Hayato was introduced. Until episode 52 when Fujioka Hiroshi returned, Ichimonji Hayato was Kamen Rider 2 and the star of the show. Both Kamen Riders 1 and 2 would go on to appear in every first generation show. The continuous run from April 1971 to January 1976 distinguished itself by featuring the recurrent mentor character, {{nihongo|Tobei Tachibana|立花 藤兵衛|Tachibana Tōbei}}.


After a four year hiatus, the series returned to television broadcast in October 1979 for two years. In these new shows, the role of Tachibana was replaced by a similar character called {{nihongo|Genjiro Tani|谷 源次郎|Tani Genjirō}}. Airing in 1984, the Kamen Rider ZX special became the last show in the franchise to be produced by Hirayama, marking the end of the "first generation".
After a four year hiatus, the series returned to television broadcast in October 1979 for two years. In these new shows, the role of Tachibana was replaced by a similar character called {{nihongo|Genjiro Tani|谷 源次郎|Tani Genjirō}}. Airing in 1984, the Kamen Rider ZX special became the last show in the franchise to be produced by Hirayama, marking the end of the "first generation".

Revision as of 07:06, 3 March 2007

Kamen Rider (仮面ライダー, Kamen Raidā, translated as Masked Rider) is the overall name of a franchise of Japanese tokusatsu. The franchise began in 1971 with a show titled Kamen Rider which followed college student Hongo Takeshi and his quest to defeat Shocker. Over the years, the popularity of the franchise has grown and the the original series has spawned many television and theatrical sequels.

History

First generation

Kamen Rider originally began under the title "Masked Hero Project". Produced by Toru Hirayama (平山 亨, Hirayama Tōru), the series spent nearly five years on hold while Hirayama worked on other shows and searched for a proper character designer. In 1969, Shotaro Ishinomori, who was a known face in Tokusatsu at the time, was approached by Hirayama to have his Skullman manga adapted for the Masked Hero Project. Originally the project was rejected due to criticisms that it was too violent for the timeslot it was given. After the duo reworked the story and designs, the final Kamen Rider design, a grasshopper, was chosen by Ishinomori's son. This drawing would go on to become the original Kamen Rider 1, after some modification.

Kamen Rider premiered in April 1971, to lower than expected ratings, and verged on the brink of cancellation. During the filming of episode 10, Fujioka Hiroshi, the actor of Kamen Rider 1, was thrown off his motorcycle during the filming of a stunt. Crashing into a telephone pole, he shattered both his legs. TOEI then went through many methods to have Hongo appear less and less until episode 13, when Ichimonji Hayato was introduced. Until episode 52 when Fujioka Hiroshi returned, Ichimonji Hayato was Kamen Rider 2 and the star of the show. Both Kamen Riders 1 and 2 would go on to appear in every first generation show. The continuous run from April 1971 to January 1976 distinguished itself by featuring the recurrent mentor character, Tobei Tachibana (立花 藤兵衛, Tachibana Tōbei).

After a four year hiatus, the series returned to television broadcast in October 1979 for two years. In these new shows, the role of Tachibana was replaced by a similar character called Genjiro Tani (谷 源次郎, Tani Genjirō). Airing in 1984, the Kamen Rider ZX special became the last show in the franchise to be produced by Hirayama, marking the end of the "first generation".

Second generation

The second Kamen Rider generation began with Kamen Rider Black and lasted through Kamen Rider J. Kamen Rider Black was the first series that neither indicated nor hinted at any relationship with its predecessors. Kamen Rider Black was the first show in the franchise to feature a direct sequel, Kamen Rider Black RX, the basis of Saban's Americanized Masked Rider. RX's finale showed the ten previous Riders from the first generation returned to help Black RX defeat the Crisis Empire, marking the last teamup of the first generation Riders on television.

Third generation

Being completely absent from television during the 1990's, the franchise was kept alive mainly by stage shows, musical CDs and the Kamen Rider Spirits manga. TOEI annouced its new project, Kamen Rider Kuuga, in the May of 1999. Kuuga was part of a Kamen Rider rebirth that Ishinomori had worked on in 1997, planning for a leadup into the 30th anniversary. However, Ishinomori passed away before he could see these shows materialize. During the summer of 1999, Kuuga became publicized through magazine ads and commercials. On January 30th, Kamen Rider Kuuga premiered to high ratings, which would throughout the anniversary series, Kamen Rider Agito.

The third series in the third generation was Kamen Rider Ryuki. Using the concept of 13 Riders, Ryuki took a turn away from previous series, however, resulting in lower than expected ratings. The series and franchise as a whole was helped to continue in large part due to the toy sales of Kamen Rider Ryuki. The next series, Kamen Rider 555, continued with strong toy sales and slightly higher ratings than Ryuki.

The fifth and six series in the new generation were plagued with behind the scenes problems. Although Kamen Rider Blade, the fifth series, obtained steady toy sales, the series suffered from low ratings. During the course of the series, the main writer and director crew were fired to allow franchise veterans to return as main writers. Kamen Rider Hibiki, the six series, became the most controversial series in the history of the franchise. Introducing new and more mature themes, the show took a spin from previous series, focusing more on character development than plot.

Kamen Rider Kabuto, the seventh series, celebrated the 35th anniversary of the show. It was the first show in the third generation to use the trademark attack, "Rider Kick". The series brought back many conventional aesthetic conventions of the Kamen Rider legacy such as bug-like motifs and weapons. Kamen Rider Den-O, the eighth series, takes a turn from past Kamen Rider series, introducing a Kamen Rider that is completely unsure of himself. The series marks the first time a mecha or a train has been used in Kamen Rider.

Series overview

Although each entry in the series is different, each one shares similar traits with one and another. All generally involve at least one young adult male transforming into a Kamen Rider to fight various monsters and organizations linked to that specific Kamen Rider's origin. As the series progresses, the Rider often learns more about the monsters in the series, other Kamen Riders or the origin of his powers. Early Kamen Riders are generally based on grasshoppers, but this practice has become less common with the third generation shows. Usually referred to as Rider Machines, motorcycles are an integral part of the series. Early Kamen Riders wore scarfs along with their costumes, but this practice was dropped after Kamen Rider Black.

A trait shared among recent Kamen Riders is their ability to change forms and become stronger versions of themselves. The first power up appeared in Kamen Rider Stronger which was used by the title character. Kamen Rider Black RX had multiple forms, Roborider and Biorider. Since then, every title Kamen Rider in the third generation has had at least one power up with Kamen Rider Kuuga having the most, 11.

All first and second generation Kamen Riders gained their powers through some form of surgical alteration to their bodies, a practice yet unseen in the third generation. The third generation of Kamen Rider varies greatly in its use of Kamen Riders. Whereas all first and second generation Kamen Riders fought on the side of justice and peace, there have been numerous Kamen Riders in the third generation that have fought for personal reasons such as greed, revenge and the personal enjoyment of battle. Because of this, recent Kamen Riders have become less eager to immediately join the battle of justice.

Rider finishers

Main article: Rider finishers

Combat techniques generally remain somewhat consistent between series. The "Rider Kick" has become known as the signature attack for Kamen Riders. Although no third generation Kamen Rider before Kamen Rider Kabuto named their Rider Kick, it has still been a staple for every Kamen Rider series. Other variations include the Rider Chop and Rider Punch.

Productions

TV series

File:KamenRiderSeries.jpg
The many lead Kamen Riders, up to Kamen Rider Kabuto

First generation

Kamen Rider
Kamen Rider was the very first show in the franchise, airing from 1971 to 1973, the series set up many themes that are still used today. The series followed the battles of the first two Kamen Riders against Shocker and later Gelshocker. The series ran for 98 episodes, making it the longest series to date.
Kamen Rider V3
Airing from 1973 to 1974, the series ran for 52 episodes and followed Shiro Kazami on his quest to gain revenge against the group that murdered his family. Later on, Riderman, the fourth Kamen Rider is introduced as the first long term villain Kamen Rider. The original Kamen Riders also make various appearances over the course of the series to help Kazami.
Kamen Rider X
The series aired in 1974 and ran for 35 episodes. Keisuke Keitarô and his father are attack by the Government Of Darkness, Keisuke and his father are both mortally wounded in the attack, but before he dies, Keisuke's transforms his son into Kamen Rider X. Many of the monsters Kamen Rider X faced were based on Greek mythology and later on various animals.
Kamen Rider Amazon
Kamen Rider Amazon aired from 1974 to 1975, airing just 24 episodes, it is the shortest Kamen Rider series to date. Daisuke Yamamoto, an orphan lost in the Amazon has grown up with an Amazon tribe and lead a peaceful life until his tribe was attacked by Gorgos. Before dying, his tribe elder turned Daisuke into Kamen Rider Amazon. This was the first Kamen Rider not to use a belt to transform.
Kamen Rider Stronger
Airing in 1975, this was intended to be the final Kamen Rider series and aired 39 episodes.. Shigeru Jou joins Black Satan after the murder of his best friend and mentor. Knowing the organization to be the culprits, he allows himself to undergo an operation that changes him into Kamen Rider Stronger. Later on, Black Satan is defeated and a new group known as Delza becomes the series enemy. Stronger is later joined by Electro Wave Human Tackle, a female warrior who is later killed. This was also the first series to have a temporary power up for the main character.
Kamen Rider
Airing 54 episodes from 1979 to 1980, Kamen Rider was supposed to be a series reboot. Intended to be a remake of the original series, the idea was slowly phased out as references to the past were made and senior Kamen Riders made gust appearances. Hiroshi Tsukaba is kidnapped and transformed into Kamen Rider as a means to help Doctor Shiro escape Neoshocker. During the course of the series, former Kamen Riders appear and Kamen Rider is dubbed Skyrider by Kamen Rider Stronger to differentiate him from the original Kamen Riders.
Kamen Rider Super-1
Airing from 1980 to 1981, the series ran for 48 episodes. Wanting to become an astronaut, Kazuya Oki undergoes an operation that allows him to survive in space. The area were he is operated in is attacked by the Dogma Empire and Kamen Rider Super-1's peers are all killed. Super-1 has special gloves that allow for different attack types. This show marked the end of the first generation of Kamen Riders.

Second generation

Kamen Rider BLACK
Airing from 1987 to 1988, the series ran for 51 episodes. After being kidnapped by the cult Gorgom on the night of their 19th birthday, step-brothers Kotaro Minami and Nobuhiko Akizuki are submitted to a mutant surgery with the purpose of becoming the candidates to be the next Century King. Kotaro escapes before the brainwashing, with help from his foster father, and turned against Gorgom. He soon finds out the horrific truth from his step-father: Gorgom originally killed his true parents. Later on, Kamen Rider BLACK must battle with with his brother, who has become the trump card of Gorgom, Shadow Moon. This was the first series not to have any previous Kamen Riders appear and was also the first series of the second generation.
Kamen Rider BLACK RX
Airing from 1988 to 1989 for 47 episodes, Kamen Rider BLACK RX was the second and final show in the second generation. Years after the defeat of Gorgom, Minami Kotaro is kidnapped by the Crisis Empire. After refusing to join them, he is thrust out into space where he undergoes the change to become Kamen Rider BLACK RX. This was the final series of the second generation as there would be no new Kamen Rider series for the next 11 years. This series became the American Saban's Masked Rider.

Third generation

Kamen Rider Kuuga
Airing from 2000 to 2001 for 49 episodes, this was the first Kamen Rider series in 11 years and the start of the third generation. Yuusuke Godai finds an ancient artifact that allows him to transform into Kamen Rider Kuuga to battle the Grongi forces. Having 11 forms, this series had more power ups than any before or after.
Kamen Rider Agito
Kamen Rider Agito ran from 2001 to 2002 for 51 episodes. This was the first series to feature more than one Kamen Rider as the main character. Shouichi Tsugami has lost his memories, he lives with a foster family and fights against the Unknown as Kamen Rider Agito. Looking for the origin of his power and his lost memories, this series follows Kamen Rider Agito, G3, Gills and Another Agito. This was the last series to have any form of continuity with a previous series.
Kamen Rider Ryuki
Airing from 2002 to 2003, Kamen Rider Ryuki ran for 50 episodes and drastically changed the mold of Kamen Rider. Shinji Kido, a reporter, forms a bond with a creature known as a "Contract Beast". Becoming Kamen Rider Ryuki, Shinji joins the war of the 13 Kamen Riders. All fighting for various reasons, the winner of the war will be granted a single wish. Due to low ratings, this series almost became the final third generation Kamen Rider series.
Kamen Rider 555
Airing from 2003 to 2004, Kamen Rider 555 aired for 50 episodes. A group of evolved humans known as Orphenochs are starting to take control of the world. It is unknown how much of the human population is not an Orphenoch. The Orphenochs are protected by a company called Smart Brain, the creators of the three rider belts. A young loner, Inui Takumi, is unwillingly drawn into the conflict between the Orphenochs and humans and becomes Kamen Rider Faiz to save the life of Sonada Mari. Among the Orphenochs are renegades who wish to fight to protect humans rather than kill them. The series follows Takumi, the renegade Orphenochs and two other Kamen Riders who are both enemies upon their entrance to the series.
Kamen Rider Blade
Airing from 2004 to 2005 for 49 episodes, Kamen Rider Blade returned to the card motif introduced in Kamen Rider Ryuki. Kenzaki Kazuma has just recently become the user for the Kamen Rider Blade system. Months after becoming a Kamen Rider, the BOARD agency that he is apart of is attacked and nearly wiped out. Trying to discover the reason behind the attack, Kenzaki unwittingly becomes part of the Battle Royale. Later joined by three Kamen Riders, Kenzaki ultimately has to make the toughest decision in his life and make a choice between his friends' happiness and the safety of the human race.
Kamen Rider Hibiki
Airing from 2005 to 2006, Kamen Rider Hibiki ran for 48 episodes. Kamen Rider Hibiki's main focus is the story of the teacher and apprentice-like relationship of Adachi Asumu and the title character. Adachi Asumu is a young boy who is unsure of his own skill and worth, and at a crossroads in his life as he transitions to high school. As the series progresses, he learns what it is to be a man, more confident in his own power. The secondary focus of the series is the age old battle of the Kamen Riders (referred to as Oni in this program) and the Makamo, demons that can only be defeated using "pure sound". The series follows the training and changes of the four main Oni, Hibiki, Ibuki, Todoroki and Zanki. The series was plagued by controversy behind the screen, starting with the firing of the principle writers and directors and later leading to drastically altered stories.
Kamen Rider Kabuto
Airing from 2006 to 2007 for 49 episodes, Kamen Rider Kabuto was seen as a "return to the basics" after years of new styles. Kamen Rider Kabuto revolves around the story of a man named Tendou Souji. He has trained his entire life while waiting for the Kabuto Zecter so that he may properly take up the name of Kamen Rider Kabuto. Making many enemies while at the same time meeting other Riders with mysterious origins, Tendou attempts to accomplish his goal at all costs; Protecting Hiyori by destroying all other Worms that would make life difficult for her. Making a friend in Kagami Arata, who later becomes Kamen Rider Gatack, the two work together and protect Hiyori along with humanity from the alien Worms that arrived from a meteorite seven years ago.
Kamen Rider Den-O
Airing in 2007, Kamen Rider Den-O is the current entry in the franchise. It follows the story of Ryotaro Nogami, an unfortunate man who stumble upon the powers of Den-O. Along with allies such as Hana, Naomi and the mysterious Imajin, Ryotaro fights as Kamen Rider Den-O to protect the timeline.

TV Specials

First/second generation
Third generation

Theatrical films

First generation
Second generation
Third generation

(Note: * denotes movie version(s) of regular TV episodes.)

Original video releases

Original video releases began appearing during the second generation the franchise. Previously depicting independent Riders and storylines, third generation releases have been shorts part of the series that was currently airing.

Second generation
Third generation
Main article: Kamen Rider Hyper Battle
  • 2000: Kamen Rider Kuuga: Versus the Strong Monster Go-Jiino-Da
  • 2001: Kamen Rider Agito: Three rider TV-kun Special
  • 2002: Kamen Rider Ryuki Hyper Battle: Kamen Rider Ryuki Versus Kamen Rider Agito
  • 2003: Kamen Rider 555: The Musical
  • 2004: Kamen Rider Blade: Blade vs Blade
  • 2005: Kamen Rider Hibiki: Asumu Henshin: You can be an Oni too
  • 2006: Kamen Rider Kabuto & Gatack: Birth! Enter Hyper Gatack!

Motifs

The first Kamen Riders and all of the second generation Kamen Riders were based on grasshoppers, a symbol that early Kamen Riders have become synonymous with. The third generation, however, explored other insects and sometimes even more extreme motifs.

First generation

Second generation

Third generation

American adaptations

In 1995, Saban produced the first American Masked Rider series after his success adapting Super Sentai into Power Rangers and Metal Heroes (VR Troopers & Beetleborgs). In 2008, a new series based on Kamen Rider Ryuki will be broadcast.

Masked Rider
Dex, prince of Edenoi, fled from his planet to the planet Earth at the request of his grandfather. Count Dregon soon followed after in an attempt to steal the Masked Rider powers from Dex. The Masked Rider powers have been passed down through the ages to warriors of immense courage and purity and would bring about the end of the world if they ever fall into the wrong hands. On Earth, Dex poses as a high school student while living with the Stewarts, a family that has agreed to take him in.
Kamen Rider Dragon Knight
This will be the first series to be adapted from the New Generation Era of Kamen Rider. Searching for his father, Kit Taylor has been chosen to become Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. Kamen Riders are an ancient order of protectors who long ago defeated General Xaviax in the Mirror World, a dimension opposite our own. Now, years later, General Xaviax has returned to the human world in his quest to conquer it again. Another Kamen Rider named Len will fight alongside Kit as Kamen Rider Wing Knight. Together, the two will fight to defend the world and find the Advent Cards that General Xaviax spread throughout the world before they can fall into the hands of those who would use them to become Dark Kamen Riders.

The Kamen Rider franchise has been parodied in various productions, both in and outside of Japan. One of the main trademarks being parodied is the Kamen Rider henshin pose. In video games, Skullomania (from Street Fighter) and May Lee (from King of Fighters) are some examples of Kamen Rider parodies, as well as Viewtiful Joe. In anime, various aspects of Kamen Rider are noticeable. Examples range from Tokyo Pig to Mai HiME and its sequel Mai Otome to Dragonball Z; either being used as a comical parody or homage. Live Action wise, known parodys of Kamen Rider, is Kamen Renaider, which is a parody skit of Kamen Rider Ryuki, Kamen Zaiber a parodies of the original, and Ridermen a short skit of a man called Ridermen (an obvious parody of the Riderman) on the set of Kamen Rider Kuuga.

TV Asahi

Toei

Others

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