Kamen Rider Kabuto
Encyclopedia
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 Asahi
. The first episode aired on January 29, 2006, and with the final episode airing on January 21, 2007, completing the series with 49 episodes. The series represents the 35th anniversary
of the Masked Rider Series, as indicated by a notice at the beginning of the pilot episode reading, in Japanese
, "Kamen Rider 35th Anniversary Production." Kamen Rider Kabuto is the first Kamen Rider Series to be broadcast in high-definition
format.
The series' catchphrases are and .
. Making many enemies while at the same time meeting other Riders with mysterious origins of how they got there, Tendou attempts to accomplish his goal at all costs: destroying all Worms that otherwise threaten humanity. He meets Arata Kagami, who later becomes Kamen Rider Gatack
, the two work together to save humanity from the alien Worms that arrived from a meteorite seven years ago.
-like and the sleeker which can use the , a system that allows the Rider to move at high speed. They also have the ZECTroopers to help them. Worth note is the Zecters have a mind of their own and can reject their present user in search of another one if they so choose.
There are eight known Zecters within the Masked Rider System, each allowing the user to become a different Rider. The majority are based on insects but the Sasword Zecter is a scorpion.
There also exist two other Zecters known as the Perfect Zecter and the Hyper Zecter. The Perfect Zecter serves as a primary weapon while the Hyper Zecter is a power-up device that enhances the powers of the original Zecter. Both were only used by Kabuto in the series, but Gatack got to use the Hyper Zecter in the Hyper Battle DVD.
aired for the first time.
and Kōji Yusa
, respectively.
, under the name Kamen Rider Kabuto. Released on November 30, 2006, it is a fighting game featuring all Riders seen in the show and movie, along with Hyper Gatack. The game features 5 different modes of play, ranging from a story mode to several multi-player modes.
Ending themes
movie. These look backs are held in a movie theater and the segment is hosted by Soji Tendo (Kamen Rider Kabuto
), Arata Kagami (Kamen Rider Gatack
), Tetsuki Yamato (Kamen Rider Ketaros), Yuzuki Misaki, and Masato Mishima. During these five segments, they discuss the history of the Kamen Rider
franchise, sometimes in a comedic tone, but always with serious background music.
as Masked Rider Kabuto ( Gamyeon Raideo Gabuto) in 2008.. In the Philippines, this show is currently broadcast on Cartoon Network dubbed into English. In Singapore, this show is also dubbed and debut on June 20, 2009, on Okto
.In Malaysia,this show was dubbed in malay version on ntv7NTV7.
titled "Keroro, Invasion in a Blink!" (ケロロ あっというまの侵略！ であります) features the members of the Keroro Platoon trying to invade Earth in Clock-Up mode.
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
tokusatsu
Tokusatsu
is a Japanese term that applies to any live-action film or television drama that usually features superheroes and makes considerable use of special effects ....
superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
series. It is the sixteenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series
Kamen Rider Series
The is a metaseries of manga and tokusatsu television programs and films created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The various Kamen Rider media generally feature a motorcycle-riding superhero with an insect motif who fights supervillains often referred to as...
of tokusatsu programs. It is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions
Ishimori Productions
or is a Japanese production company that develops works created by the late manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. Such works include Cyborg 009, Kikaider, Inazuman, Skull Man, Ganbare!! Robocon, Voicelugger, the Toei Fushigi Comedy Series, and the Kamen Rider Series....
and Toei
Toei Company
is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution corporation. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan, a modest vertically-integrated studio system by the standards of the 1930s United States; operates studios at Tokyo and Kyoto; and is a...
. The series was broadcast on TV Asahi
TV Asahi
, also known as EX and , is a Japanese television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company writes its name in lower-case letters, tv asahi, in its logo and public-image materials. The company also owns All-Nippon News Network....
. The first episode aired on January 29, 2006, and with the final episode airing on January 21, 2007, completing the series with 49 episodes. The series represents the 35th anniversary
Anniversary
An anniversary is a day that commemorates or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same day of the year as the initial event. For example, the first event is the initial occurrence or, if planned, the inaugural of the event. One year later would be the first anniversary of that event...
of the Masked Rider Series, as indicated by a notice at the beginning of the pilot episode reading, in Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
, "Kamen Rider 35th Anniversary Production." Kamen Rider Kabuto is the first Kamen Rider Series to be broadcast in high-definition
High-definition television
High-definition television is video that has resolution substantially higher than that of traditional television systems . HDTV has one or two million pixels per frame, roughly five times that of SD...
format.
The series' catchphrases are and .
Story
The story revolves around a man named Souji Tendou. He has trained seven years while waiting for the Kabuto Zecter so that he may properly take up the name of Kamen Rider KabutoKamen Rider Kabuto (character)
is the main protagonist and eponymous character of the 2006 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Kabuto. Its design is based on a "Kabutomushi" or Japanese rhinoceros beetle.-Souji Tendou:...
. Making many enemies while at the same time meeting other Riders with mysterious origins of how they got there, Tendou attempts to accomplish his goal at all costs: destroying all Worms that otherwise threaten humanity. He meets Arata Kagami, who later becomes Kamen Rider Gatack
Kamen Rider Gatack
is one of the main protagonists of Kamen Rider Kabuto. The motif is that of a "Kuwagatamushi" or stag beetle. The name is a portmanteau of "kuwagata" and "attack"-Arata Kagami: is Gatack's user...
, the two work together to save humanity from the alien Worms that arrived from a meteorite seven years ago.
Masked Rider System
, also known as the , are a compilation of mobile systems that affect space/time. They were created by the Natives, a species of Worm that arrived on Earth 35 years ago. These Natives in turn gave the Zecters to humans so that they may protect them from alien Worms that would arrive later. The Zecters appear instantaneously from the ZECT headquarters to the selected personnel so that they may transform into the respective Rider to fight any Worms in the vicinity. Each Rider (except for the Hopper Riders and the Movie-exclusive Riders) possessed two forms such as the bulky armored cocoonPupa
A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago...
-like and the sleeker which can use the , a system that allows the Rider to move at high speed. They also have the ZECTroopers to help them. Worth note is the Zecters have a mind of their own and can reject their present user in search of another one if they so choose.
There are eight known Zecters within the Masked Rider System, each allowing the user to become a different Rider. The majority are based on insects but the Sasword Zecter is a scorpion.
- Kamen Rider KabutoKamen Rider Kabuto (character)is the main protagonist and eponymous character of the 2006 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Kabuto. Its design is based on a "Kabutomushi" or Japanese rhinoceros beetle.-Souji Tendou:...
- Kamen Rider TheBeeKamen Rider TheBeeis one of the characters in Kamen Rider Kabuto. It is based on a bee/wasp motif. Similar to the Hopper Riders, it relies on close-range combat because of the lack of any weapons.-Sou Yaguruma:, a 27-year old agent of ZECT, was the first TheBee user...
- Kamen Rider DrakeKamen Rider Drakeis one of the characters of Kamen Rider Kabuto. The motif is of a dragonfly; his name is a pun on that, as "Drake" has dragon connotations.-Daisuke Kazama:...
- Kamen Rider SaswordKamen Rider Saswordis one of the characters in Kamen Rider Kabuto. His name is a pun on sasori, the Japanese word for "scorpion" , and "sword". He is the only Rider in the show that is not based on an insect, but an arachnid.-Tsurugi Kamishiro:...
- Kamen Rider GatackKamen Rider Gatackis one of the main protagonists of Kamen Rider Kabuto. The motif is that of a "Kuwagatamushi" or stag beetle. The name is a portmanteau of "kuwagata" and "attack"-Arata Kagami: is Gatack's user...
- Kamen Rider KickHopper
- Kamen Rider PunchHopper
- Kamen Rider Dark KabutoKamen Rider Dark Kabutois one of the major antagonists in Kamen Rider Kabuto. Similar to Kabuto, its design is based on a "Kabutomushi" or Japanese rhinoceros beetle. In 2010, Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto and Kamen Rider Gatack were made into S.I.C. figures...
There also exist two other Zecters known as the Perfect Zecter and the Hyper Zecter. The Perfect Zecter serves as a primary weapon while the Hyper Zecter is a power-up device that enhances the powers of the original Zecter. Both were only used by Kabuto in the series, but Gatack got to use the Hyper Zecter in the Hyper Battle DVD.
Allusions
The series made some allusions to the whole Kamen Rider series. Masked Rider Project as mentioned in the course of the series was said to be started on 3 April 1971. The Worm species known as Natives also first arrived on Earth on the same year. In real-life, it was the date the first Kamen Rider showKamen Rider
, is a weekly science fiction story created by Japanese manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. It debuted as a tokusatsu television series on April 3, 1971 and ran until February 10, 1973, airing on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and NET TV . A manga adaptation was also featured in Shōnen Magazine...
aired for the first time.
God Speed Love
The movie spin-off of the 2006 Kamen Rider Series, entitled Kamen Rider Kabuto The Movie: God Speed Love, was released in Japan on August 5. The film took place in an alternate timeline and served as an alternate prologue to the series, featuring three new Riders known as Hercus, Ketaros and Caucasus.Hyper Battle Video
In , Arata Kagami seeks to get the Hyper Zecter just like Souji Tendou, so he tries to emulate Tendou. Once he realizes that he has to be himself, the Hyper Zecter appears and allows him to transform into Kamen Rider Gatack Hyper Form, which only appears in the DVD. The Kabuto and Gatack Zecters speak to Tendou and Kagami throughout the DVD, voiced by Tomokazu SekiTomokazu Seki
is a Japanese voice actor. He formerly worked for Haikyou and is now the head of Atomic Monkey.-About:Some of his most notable roles include Shinichi Chiaki from Nodame Cantabile, Gilgamesh from Fate/stay night, Rob Lucci from One Piece, Gundam characters Domon Kasshu and Yzak Joule, from G Gundam...
and Kōji Yusa
Koji Yusa
is a Japanese voice actor born in Osaka Prefecture and raised in Kyoto Prefecture. He is best known for his roles in Choja Raideen , the Sonic Series , Bleach , Ikki Tousen , Majin Tantei Nōgami Neuro , Zettai Karen Children and Kamen Rider Den-O...
, respectively.
Video game
A video game based on the series was produced by Bandai for the PlayStation 2PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, under the name Kamen Rider Kabuto. Released on November 30, 2006, it is a fighting game featuring all Riders seen in the show and movie, along with Hyper Gatack. The game features 5 different modes of play, ranging from a story mode to several multi-player modes.
Cast
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :Guest actors
- : : : : : : : : : :
Suit actors
- Kamen Rider Kabuto, Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto:
- Kamen Rider Gatack, Kamen Rider TheBee:
- Kamen Rider Drake, Kamen Rider TheBee:
- Kamen Rider Sasword, Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto:
- Kamen Rider KickHopper:
- Kamen Rider PunchHopper:
- ZECTroopers: , ,
Songs
Opening theme- "NEXT LEVEL"
- Lyrics: Shoko FujibayashiShoko Fujibayashiis a Japanese lyricist who has written the lyrics for several tokusatsu television series' theme songs. Most recently, Fujibayashi has worked with Shuhei Naruse on the soundtracks of Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider Kiva, and their films...
- Composition & Arrangement: Cher Watanabe
- Artist: YU-KI (TRFTRF (band)TRF is a Japanese pop/dance group. Its members are rapper DJ Koo, lead vocalist Yu-ki, and dancers Chiharu, Etsu, and Sam.-History:...
) - Episodes: 1-48
- Lyrics: Shoko Fujibayashi
Ending themes
- "FULL FORCE"
- Lyrics: Shoko Fujibayashi
- Composition: nishi-ken
- Arrangement: RIDER CHIPS & Cher Watanabe
- Artist: RIDER CHIPSRIDER CHIPSis a Japanese hard rock band started in 2000 on the Avex Mode label. Originally, it consisted of only three instrumentalists who invited different vocalists periodically...
- Episodes: 2-32
- "LORD OF THE SPEED"
- Lyrics: Shoko Fujibayashi
- Composition: Cher Watanabe
- Arrangement: RIDER CHIPS & Cher Watanabe
- Artist: RIDER CHIPS featuring Kagami Arata (Yuuki Sato)
- Episodes: 33-48
35th Masked Rider Anniversary File
During episodes 23 through 27, this segment called the 35th Masked Rider Anniversary File, acted as a look back to the franchise and an early advertisement for the God Speed LoveKamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love
is the theatrical film adaptation of the Kamen Rider Kabuto TV series directed by Hidenori Ishida and written by Shōji Yonemura. Unlike many others Kamen Rider movies, it does not follow the TV series's storyline. Instead, it is more like a prologue...
movie. These look backs are held in a movie theater and the segment is hosted by Soji Tendo (Kamen Rider Kabuto
Kamen Rider Kabuto (character)
is the main protagonist and eponymous character of the 2006 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Kabuto. Its design is based on a "Kabutomushi" or Japanese rhinoceros beetle.-Souji Tendou:...
), Arata Kagami (Kamen Rider Gatack
Kamen Rider Gatack
is one of the main protagonists of Kamen Rider Kabuto. The motif is that of a "Kuwagatamushi" or stag beetle. The name is a portmanteau of "kuwagata" and "attack"-Arata Kagami: is Gatack's user...
), Tetsuki Yamato (Kamen Rider Ketaros), Yuzuki Misaki, and Masato Mishima. During these five segments, they discuss the history of the Kamen Rider
Kamen Rider (franchise)
The is a metaseries of manga and tokusatsu television programs and films created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. The various Kamen Rider media generally feature a motorcycle-riding superhero with an insect motif who fights supervillains often referred to as...
franchise, sometimes in a comedic tone, but always with serious background music.
- Episode 23 (Rider KickRider KickThe is the finishing move from the Kamen Rider Series. It has traditionally consisted of a flying side kick and is used against the monster/kaijin after it has been weakened from fighting with the Rider. Throughout the various Kamen Rider series, it has taken many different forms and has become...
s): The group watches and Yamato narrates the variations of Rider Kicks during the course of the years. Yamato mentions about the Rider Double Kick of Kamen Riders 1 and 2Kamen Rider, is a weekly science fiction story created by Japanese manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. It debuted as a tokusatsu television series on April 3, 1971 and ran until February 10, 1973, airing on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and NET TV . A manga adaptation was also featured in Shōnen Magazine...
, Kamen Rider V3Kamen Rider V3is 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...
's V3 Kick, Kamen Rider XKamen Rider X, translated as Masked Rider X, is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It was broadcast in 1974 on NET . It is the third entry in the Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu shows...
's X Kick, and Kamen Rider Super-1Kamen Rider Super-1is 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, lasting 48 episodes...
's ten various kicks. In the end, Kagami stands up and does his own Rider Kick (he even shouts the attack name) and falling into his seat with Yuzuki looking. Tendo asks Yamato, "Who are you?" - Episode 24 (Criminal Organizations): The group watches and learns about the different criminal organizations the Kamen Riders had to fight. Villains include Shocker & Gel-Shocker in the first Kamen Rider, Destron from Kamen Rider V3, and King Dark (of the Government of Darkness) in Kamen Rider X. Footage of Black Satan, first enemy of Kamen Rider StrongerKamen Rider Strongeris a Japanese tokusatsu television series. The fifth program to be created as part of the Kamen Rider Series, the series was broadcast on TBS and MBS from April 5, 1975 to December 27, 1975, lasting 39 episodes, and aired every Saturday at 7:00 p.m...
, is also shown. Tendo then supposes that it is the Kamen Rider's destiny to fight an organization. Mishima tells Tendo that ZECT will show no mercy to anyone who fights them. Yamato then says that he will definitely smash Neo-ZECT for rebelling against and splitting off from ZECT. - Episode 25 (Rhinoceros Beetle-Themed Kamen Riders): The group watches Kamen Rider Stronger, and Kagami quickly thinks that Stronger himself is Kabuto, and looks at Tendo confused. Misaki corrects him, informing him that this is a different Rider, using the rhinoceros beetle as a design. Mishima then announces that it is Kamen Rider Stronger. The camera then zooms on Tendo's face as he says that while this Rider may be Stronger, he (referring to himself) is the strongest. Tendo pronounces "Stronger" and "Strongest" in English, (due to the fact that Hiro Mizushima, who portrays Tendou, is fluent in English). Yamato then also speaks of the Kabutech Riders (Caucasus [Caucasus beetle], Heracus [Hercules beetle], and Ketaros [centaurus beetle], the last of whom Yamato happens to be), which are also Rhinoceros Beetle Riders (as the Caucasus, Hercules, and Centaurus beetles are rhinoceros beetle sub-species). Also, despite being a Rhinoceros Beetle Rider, Kamen Rider Blade (also a Hercules beetle) was omitted. At the end, Tendo stands up and miniature hexagons with Tendo's face appear, forming a compound eye pattern as Tendo says once again that he is "the man who walks the path of heaven that will rule over everything."
- Episode 26 (Riders Everywhere): The group watches Kamen RiderKamen Rider (Skyrider)is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. It is the sixth program in the Kamen Rider Series. It has the same name as the first series in the franchise, and fans usually refer to this series as or in order to distinguish it from the original. The series was broadcast on TBS from October 5, 1979...
and Yamato comments on SkyriderSkyrider (Kamen Rider)is the primary and eponymous protagonist in the 1979-1980 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider, more commonly referred to as Skyrider or The New Kamen Rider. As the name suggests, he was the first Kamen Rider who could fly...
's Sailing Jump, then says that the Riders can go anywhere around the world. In addition, they are not restricted to the ground. Then, Misaki mentions the Riders can even now go into space. During this segment, they watch footage of Kamen Riders 1Kamen Rider 1is a fictional character and main superhero or henshin character featured in Japanese tokusatsu. He first appeared in the television series Kamen Rider, the first in the famous Kamen Rider franchise of tokusatsu programmes. The primary protagonist of the series, Kamen Rider 1 is a motorcycle-riding...
through ZXKamen Rider ZXis the tenth fictional superhero in the Kamen Rider franchise to bear the eponymous title. ZX holds the distinction of being the first Rider who did not star in his own television series. The character debuted in an eponymous manga series which began serialization on the July 1982 issue of the...
training with each other in Kamen Rider 1's base on ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
in the final episodes of Kamen Rider Black RXKamen Rider BLACK RXis a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series produced as part of the Kamen Rider Series. The ninth show in the franchise, it was a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei Company, and aired on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and the Tokyo Broadcasting System from October...
, followed by footage from God Speed Love. Tendo then coins a variant his trademark quote ("Now, I will truly walk down the path of heaven and rule over all."). - Episode 27 (Kamen Rider Ultimate Forms): Kamen Rider Stronger's upgrade is not mentioned (as it is not an "Ultimate Form", but rather a temporary power upgrade) and the short starts with Yamato commenting on Black RX and his modes RX Roborider and RX Biorider. It then moves on to Kamen Rider Kuuga Ultimate FormKamen Rider Kuuga (character)is the protagonist and eponymous character of the 2000 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Kuuga. Kuuga is the only Kamen Rider appearing in the series. In the series, he is referred simply as Kuuga. His motif is the stag beetle...
, Kamen Rider Agito Shining Form, Kamen Rider Ryuki Survive, Kamen Rider Faiz Blaster Form, Kamen Rider Blade King Form, and Kamen Rider Armed HibikiKamen Rider Hibiki (character)is the eponymous and lead protagonist of the 2005 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Hibiki. His name literally means .-Hitoshi Hidaka - Hibiki:, known as is one of the most seasoned Oni currently in service...
. Suddenly, Yamato and Tendo are about to duel with the others looking on and showing on screen is Kabuto's Ultimate Form, Hyper Form.
International broadcasts
Kabuto was broadcast in South KoreaSouth Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
as Masked Rider Kabuto ( Gamyeon Raideo Gabuto) in 2008.. In the Philippines, this show is currently broadcast on Cartoon Network dubbed into English. In Singapore, this show is also dubbed and debut on June 20, 2009, on Okto
Okto
MediaCorp okto is a television channel in Bestway Building, Singapore, managed by MediaCorp TV12, which was officially launched on 20 October 2008 hence replacing the SPH MediaWorks Channel i, Kids Central and Arts Central brands as oktoDAY and oktoNITE respectively...
.In Malaysia,this show was dubbed in malay version on ntv7NTV7.
Parodies
Episode 327-B of Sgt. FrogSgt. Frog
Sgt. Frog, known in Japan as , is a manga series by Mine Yoshizaki. It was later serialized into a TV anime series directed by Junichi Sato. Both the anime and manga are comedies that follow the attempts of a platoon of frog-like alien invaders to conquer Earth...
titled "Keroro, Invasion in a Blink!" (ケロロ あっというまの侵略！ であります) features the members of the Keroro Platoon trying to invade Earth in Clock-Up mode.
External links
- Kamen Rider Kabuto at TV AsahiTV Asahi, also known as EX and , is a Japanese television network headquartered in Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The company writes its name in lower-case letters, tv asahi, in its logo and public-image materials. The company also owns All-Nippon News Network....
- Kamen Rider Kabuto at ToeiToei Companyis a Japanese film, television production, and distribution corporation. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan, a modest vertically-integrated studio system by the standards of the 1930s United States; operates studios at Tokyo and Kyoto; and is a...