In episode 14, to combat the rising power of Shocker, the story introduced , a photographer who is also kidnapped but saved by Hongo before full conversion. Known as the red-gloved Kamen Rider 2, Ichimonji brings a lighter, more charismatic energy to the show.
The interactions between Hongo, Ichimonji, and their mentor, Tobei Tachibana, form the emotional core of the show. Tachibana acts as a father figure, helping these broken young men find purpose. The subtitled dialogue highlights themes of mentorship, brotherhood, and the burden of protecting the innocent.
A retrospective mini-documentary designed specifically for English-speaking audiences to bridge the gap between the Showa era and modern tokusatsu. This feature serves as an entry point for new fans and a deep-dive for veterans, focusing on the cultural impact of the 1971 series and the "Henshin" (transformation) mechanic it pioneered.
: A university student and motorcycle racer with an IQ of 600. He is kidnapped by Shocker to be turned into a cyborg but escapes before being brainwashed. Protagonist 2: Hayato Ichimonji (Kamen Rider 2) Kamen Rider 1971 - 1973 -English Subbed-
It introduced the Rider-Jump and the Rider-Kick , techniques that became synonymous with the franchise and influenced countless other shows.
"Rider Kicks" were imitated on playgrounds across the country, Kamen Rider snack cards became a massive collecting frenzy, and the show's theme song, "Let's Go!! Rider Kick" (sung by Fujioka himself), became a chart-topping hit. The 98-episode run laid down the foundational tropes that every subsequent series—from Kamen Rider V3 to the modern Reiwa-era series—still uses today. Production Value: Dirt, Sweat, and Real Stunts
| Aspect | Kamen Rider 1 (Takeshi Hongo) | Kamen Rider 2 (Hayato Ichimonji) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | A brilliant and kind-hearted college student and motorcycle racer. | A witty and free-spirited freelance photographer. | | Transformation | Transforms by performing the "Rider Jump" and shouting "Henshin!" (Transform!). | Performs a similar "Henshin!" pose to transform. | | Cyborg Nature | Augmented with the abilities of a grasshopper, granting incredible leaping power. | Augmented to be slightly stronger than Rider 1, with more refined combat skills. | | Signature Move | The "Rider Kick": a powerful flying kick delivered after a high jump. | The "Rider Punch": a super-powered straight punch, among other moves. | | Rider Machine | The Cyclone, a modified high-performance motorcycle. | The New Cyclone, an upgraded version of the original bike. | In episode 14, to combat the rising power
When first donned the grasshopper-themed helmet, rode his Cyclone motorcycle, and shouted "Henshin!", he didn't just transform into a superhero—he sparked a cultural phenomenon that has lasted for over half a century. The original Kamen Rider series, airing from April 3, 1971, to February 10, 1973, is the foundational text of the Japanese tokusatsu (special effects) genre.
If you are interested in the wider world of Kamen Rider, I can help you find: Which of the newer series have the best The most recommended modern series for beginners Where to watch Kamen Rider V3 (1973) , the direct sequel.
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Bonus Documentary / Interstitial Featurette (Appx. 15-20 minutes)
is a biochemistry student and motorcycle racing prodigy. He is kidnapped by Shocker (Sacred Hegemony Of Cycle Kindred Evolutional Realm), an evil terrorist organization that plans to conquer the world. Shocker transforms Hongo into a grasshopper-themed cyborg warrior.
The series undergoes a significant change roughly halfway through its run due to the real-world injury of actor Hiroshi Fujioka. In episode 13, a motorcycle stunt went wrong, causing Fujioka to break his leg, forcing him to take time off. To keep the show going, the character of —Kamen Rider 2—was introduced.
The 1971 series is unique for being the first in the franchise to feature two main heroes.
Merger of Shocker and Geldam; higher stakes; apocalyptic finale leading into Kamen Rider V3 . Why the English Subbed Release Matters
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