Kamen Rider Trivia: Test Your Knowledge and Learn Fun Facts About the Series

What is Kamen Rider?

If you are a fan of superheroes, motorcycles, insects, or Japanese culture, you might have heard of Kamen Rider. But what exactly is it? And why should you care?

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Kamen Rider is a Japanese superhero media franchise that consists of tokusatsu (live-action special effects) television programs, films, manga, anime, video games, toys, and more. It was created by Shotaro Ishinomori, a legendary manga artist who also created Cyborg 009, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, and many other iconic works.

The franchise features a motorcycle-riding superhero with an insect motif who fights against supervillains, often known as kaijin (mystery people). Each series focuses on a different rider, a new set of characters, and a different story set in its own universe.

Kamen Rider is one of the most influential and successful franchises in Japan, having spawned over 30 television series, over 50 films, hundreds of manga chapters, dozens of video games, thousands of toys, and millions of fans. It has also inspired many other works in Japan and abroad, such as Power Rangers, Ultraman, Super Sentai, Metal Hero, GARO, Masked Rider Black RX, VR Troopers, Big Bad Beetleborgs, Saban's Masked Rider, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight, etc.

In this article, we will explore the history, themes, elements, and popularity of Kamen Rider, and why you should give it a try.

The history of Kamen Rider

The Showa era (1971-1989)

The first Kamen Rider series aired in 1971, starring Hiroshi Fujioka as Kamen Rider 1, a college student who was kidnapped by a terrorist organization called Shocker and turned into a cyborg. He escaped from their control and fought against them with his motorcycle skills and his signature move, the Rider Kick.

The series was a huge hit among children and adults alike, sparking a phenomenon known as the Second Kaiju Boom or the Henshin Boom (henshin means transformation) on Japanese television. The series also introduced the concept of multiple riders, as Kamen Rider 1 was joined by Kamen Rider 2, played by Takeshi Sasaki, who took over the lead role after Fujioka was injured in a stunt accident.

The success of the first series led to the creation of many sequels and spin-offs, such as Kamen Rider V3, Kamen Rider X, Kamen Rider Amazon, Kamen Rider Stronger, Kamen Rider (Skyrider), Kamen Rider Super-1, Kamen Rider ZX, Kamen Rider Black, and Kamen Rider Black RX. These series followed the same formula of a lone rider fighting against an evil organization, but with different themes, designs, and gimmicks.

The Showa era of Kamen Rider ended in 1989 with the cancellation of Kamen Rider Black RX, which was also the first and only series to be adapted into an American version, Saban's Masked Rider. The franchise went into a hiatus for over a decade, until it was revived in the new millennium.

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The Heisei era (2000-2019)

The Heisei era of Kamen Rider began in 2000 with the airing of Kamen Rider Kuuga, starring Joe Odagiri as Yusuke Godai, a cheerful adventurer who inherited the power of an ancient warrior and fought against a race of monsters called Grongi. The series was a departure from the previous ones, as it featured a more realistic and mature tone, a complex plot, and a single rider with multiple forms.

The series was a critical and commercial success, paving the way for more innovative and diverse series, such as Kamen Rider Agito, Kamen Rider Ryuki, Kamen Rider 555, Kamen Rider Blade, Kamen Rider Hibiki, Kamen Rider Kabuto, Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider Kiva, Kamen Rider Decade, Kamen Rider W, Kamen Rider OOO, Kamen Rider Fourze, Kamen Rider Wizard, Kamen Rider Gaim, Kamen Rider Drive, Kamen Rider Ghost, Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, Kamen Rider Build, and Kamen Zi-O. These series experimented with different genres, settings, characters, and concepts, such as parallel worlds, time travel, video games, magic, fruits, etc.

The Heisei era of Kamen Rider also expanded into other media, such as films, manga, anime, video games, and stage shows. Some of the most notable examples are Kamen Rider The First and The Next, which were reimagined versions of the original series; Kamen Rider Amazons, which was a dark and violent web series; Kamen Rider SD, which was a comedic anime series; Kamen Rider Battride War, which was a Dynasty Warriors-style video game; and Kamen Rider The Diner, which was a themed restaurant.

The Heisei era of Kamen Rider ended in 2019 with the conclusion of Kamen Rider Zi-O, which was also a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the revival and the 50th anniversary of the franchise. The series featured the return of many past riders and actors, as well as a crossover with the current Super Sentai series, Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger.

The Reiwa era (2019-present)

The Reiwa era of Kamen Rider began in 2019 with the airing of Kamen Rider Zero-One, starring Fumiya Takahashi as Aruto Hiden, a young comedian who became the president of a company that produces androids called Humagears and fought against a terrorist group that hacked them. The series was the first to use artificial intelligence as a theme and a gimmick, as well as the first to be produced in the Reiwa period of Japan.

The series was followed by Kamen Rider Saber, starring Shuichiro Naito as Touma Kamiyama, a novelist who joined a secret organization of swordsmen who used books as weapons and sources of power to protect the world from a threat that distorted reality. The series used literature as a theme and a gimmick, as well as the first to feature a female secondary rider, Kamen Rider Slash, played by Asuka Kawazu.

The current series is Kamen Rider Revice, starring Kentarou Maeda as Iki Igarashi, a cheerful bathhouse worker who made a contract with a demon called Vice and became a rider who could transform into two forms: one based on himself and one based on Vice. The series uses dinosaurs and demonology as themes and gimmicks, as well as the first to feature a rider who is also a villain, Kamen Rider Evil, played by Ayaka Imoto.

The Reiwa era of Kamen Rider is still in its early stages, but it has already shown its potential to continue the legacy and innovation of the franchise.

The themes of Kamen Rider

The insect motif and the henshin concept

One of the most distinctive features of Kamen Rider is its use of insects as a motif for its heroes and villains. This was inspired by Ishinomori's fascination with entomology and his belief that insects represented strength, resilience, and evolution.

The insect motif is also related to the concept of henshin, or transformation, which is another key element of Kamen Rider. The henshin sequences are usually accompanied by special effects, sound effects, catchphrases, poses, and music. They are meant to show the contrast between the human and the superhuman sides of the characters, as well as their connection to their devices and their powers.

The insect motif and the henshin concept have become iconic symbols of Kamen Rider and have influenced many other works in Japan and abroad.

The moral dilemma and the social commentary

Another feature of Kamen Rider is its exploration of moral dilemmas and its reflection of social issues. Many of the riders face difficult choices and challenges that test their values and beliefs. They often have to deal with the consequences of their actions and their responsibilities as heroes.

Many of the villains also have complex motivations and backgrounds that make them more sympathetic or relatable. They often represent the darker aspects of human nature and society, such as greed, corruption, violence, discrimination, etc.

Many of the series also comment on the current or relevant social issues, such as environmentalism, terrorism, technology, globalization, etc. They use allegories and metaphors to convey their messages and opinions, as well as to raise awareness and provoke discussion.

The moral dilemma and the social commentary of Kamen Rider make it more than just a simple superhero story. They make it a meaningful and thought-provoking franchise that reflects the times and the values of its creators and audience.

The heroism and the friendship

The final feature of Kamen Rider is its portrayal of heroism and friendship. Despite the hardships and conflicts they face, the riders always strive to protect the innocent and uphold justice. They demonstrate courage, determination, compassion, and selflessness in their actions and words.

The riders also rely on their friends and allies for support and guidance. They form bonds of trust, respect, and loyalty with each other. They help each other overcome their weaknesses and challenges. They share their joys and sorrows with each other.

The heroism and the friendship of Kamen Rider make it an inspiring and uplifting franchise that celebrates the best of humanity and the power of teamwork.

The elements of Kamen Rider

The riders and their forms

One of the most appealing elements of Kamen Rider is the riders themselves. Each rider has a unique personality, background, motivation, and style. They range from cheerful to serious, from naive to wise, from heroic to anti-heroic. They have different goals and motivations, such as saving the world, avenging their loved ones, fulfilling their dreams, etc.

Each rider also has a unique form, or appearance. They have different colors, designs, motifs, and accessories that reflect their themes and powers. They also have different abilities, such as speed, strength, agility, intelligence, etc. Some riders can also change into different forms by using different devices or items. These forms usually have different advantages and disadvantages, as well as different names and catchphrases.

The riders and their forms are one of the main sources of creativity and diversity in Kamen Rider. They offer a variety of options for fans to choose from and enjoy.

The villains and their schemes

Another element of Kamen Rider is the villains. Each series has a different villain or group of villains that oppose the rider or riders. They have different names, appearances, origins, and goals. They range from human to alien, from individual to organization, from evil to misguided.

Each villain also has a different scheme, or plan. They have different methods, strategies, resources, and minions to achieve their objectives. They often use kaijin (mystery people), which are monsters that are either created or transformed from humans or animals. Some kaijin can also transform into human forms or disguise themselves as humans.

The villains and their schemes are one of the main sources of conflict and suspense in Kamen Rider. They offer a variety of challenges and threats for the riders to overcome.

The devices and the vehicles

The final element of Kamen Rider is the devices and the vehicles. Each series has a different device or set of devices that enable the rider or riders to transform into their forms or access their powers. They have different shapes, names, functions, and sounds. They are usually based on the themes and motifs of the series, such as belts, cards, phones, coins, medals, switches, rings, locks, drivers, gashats, bottles, watches, keys, stamps, etc.

Each series also has a different vehicle or set of vehicles that the rider or riders use to travel or fight. They are usually motorcycles, but they can also be cars, trains, planes, or other modes of transportation. They have different models, features, and abilities. They are also usually based on the themes and motifs of the series, such as insects, animals, elements, genres, etc.

The devices and the vehicles are one of the main sources of fun and excitement in Kamen Rider. They offer a variety of gadgets and toys for fans to collect and play with.

The popularity of Kamen Rider

The fan base and the fandom

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Kamen Rider is its fan base and its fandom. The franchise has a large and loyal audience that spans across different generations, genders, and countries. The fans enjoy watching the series, films, and other media, as well as collecting the merchandise and participating in the events.

The fandom is also very active and creative. The fans express their love and appreciation for the franchise through various forms of fan works, such as fan art, fan fiction, fan videos, fan games, fan podcasts, fan blogs, fan wikis, fan clubs, fan conventions, etc. The fans also interact with each other and with the official creators and actors through social media, forums, chats, comments, reviews, etc.

The fan base and the fandom of Kamen Rider make it a vibrant and dynamic franchise that grows and evolves with its fans.

The merchandise and the collaborations

Another reason for the popularity of Kamen Rider is its merchandise and its collaborations. The franchise has a huge and diverse range of products that cater to different tastes and preferences. The products include toys, models, clothing, accessories, books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, etc. The products are usually of high quality and accuracy, and often feature special features or bonuses.

The franchise also has many collaborations with other brands, companies, celebrities, and media. The collaborations include cross-promotions, endorsements, advertisements, crossovers, parodies, tributes, etc. Some of the most notable examples are Kamen Rider x Super Sentai x Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen, which was a crossover film with two other tokusatsu franchises; Kamen Rider x OOO x W feat. Skull: Movie War Core, which featured a cameo by the famous singer Gackt; Kamen Rider Den-O x Crayon Shin-chan, which was a parody episode of the popular anime series; Kamen Rider Fourze x AKB48, which was an endorsement deal with the popular idol group; Kamen Rider Ex-Aid x Pac-Man, which was a collaboration with the classic video game character; etc.

The merchandise and the collaborations of Kamen Rider make it a profitable and influential franchise that reaches and attracts different markets and audiences.

The recognition and the awards

The final reason for the popularity of Kamen Rider is its recognition and its awards. The franchise has received many accolades and honors from various sources and organizations. The franchise has been praised for its quality, creativity, originality, impact, and contribution to the Japanese culture and entertainment industry.

Some of the most notable examples are the Kodansha Manga Award, which was given to the manga adaptation of Kamen Rider Black in 1988; the Japan Academy Prize, which was given to the film Kamen Rider ZO in 1994; the Guinness World Record, which was given to the franchise for being the "Most Successful Live-Action TV Series Based on a Manga" in 2011; the Tokyo Anime Award, which was given to the anime film Kamen Rider Den-O: I'm Born! in 2008; the Seiun Award, which was given to the novel adaptation of Kamen Rider W in 2012; etc.

The recognition and the awards of Kamen Rider make it a prestigious and respected franchise that deserves admiration and appreciation.

Conclusion

Kamen Rider is a Japanese superhero media franchise that has been entertaining and inspiring millions of fans for over 50 years. It has a rich history, diverse themes, creative elements, loyal fan base, abundant merchandise, and numerous accolades. It is a franchise that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for action, drama, comedy, romance, horror, fantasy, sci-fi, or anything in between.

If you are interested in Kamen Rider, you can start by watching any of the series or films that appeal to you. You can also read the manga or anime adaptations, play the video games, listen to the music, or visit the events. You can also join the fandom and interact with other fans, or create your own fan works. You can also check out the other works that were inspired by or related to Kamen Rider, such as Power Rangers, Ultraman, Super Sentai, etc.

Kamen Rider is a franchise that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and think. It is a franchise that will make you feel like a hero. It is a franchise that you will never forget.

So, what are you waiting for? Henshin!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kamen Rider:

• Q: What does Kamen Rider mean?

• A: Kamen Rider means "Masked Rider" in Japanese. The term "kamen" refers to the mask or helmet that the riders wear, which usually covers their entire face. The term "rider" refers to their motorcycle-riding skills and style.

• Q: How many Kamen Rider series are there?

• A: As of 2021, there are 33 Kamen Rider series, divided into three eras: Showa (11 series), Heisei (20 series), and Reiwa (2 series). Each series has a different number of episodes, ranging from 13 to 98.

• Q: Who is the most popular Kamen Rider?

• A: This is a subjective question that depends on personal preference and opinion. However, some of the most popular and iconic riders are Kamen Rider 1, Kamen Rider Black, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider W, Kamen Rider OOO, Kamen Rider Gaim, and Kamen Rider Zero-One.

• Q: Where can I watch Kamen Rider?

• A: You can watch Kamen Rider on various platforms and services, depending on your region and availability. Some of the official sources are Toei Tokusatsu World Official YouTube Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, TokuSHOUTsu, etc. You can also watch Kamen Rider on unofficial sources, such as fan-subbed videos or streaming sites, but please support the official releases if possible.

• Q: How can I get into Kamen Rider?

• A: You can get into Kamen Rider by following these simple steps:

• Pick a series that interests you based on the theme, design, genre, or recommendation.

• Watch the first few episodes and see if you like it.

• Continue watching the rest of the series and enjoy the ride.

• Repeat with another series or explore other media.

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