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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • TV Series

Kamen Rider

Kamen Rider is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero media franchise created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kamen Rider is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero media franchise created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. It began in 1971 with the original television series and has since expanded into television, films, manga, and anime. The franchise centres on motorcycle-riding heroes with insect-inspired motifs who fight supervillains known as kaijin.

Origin

The Kamen Rider franchise started in 1971 with the original Kamen Rider television series. The first story followed college student Takeshi Hongo and his struggle against the Shocker organisation.

Premise

Kamen Rider media usually centres on costumed heroes who transform from ordinary people into masked fighters. These characters commonly ride motorcycles and are designed with insect-inspired visual themes.

Media expansion

What began as a television series developed into a long-running franchise across multiple formats. It has included films, manga, and anime alongside repeated television entries.

Cultural significance

Kamen Rider is one of the best-known tokusatsu superhero franchises from Japan. It is closely associated with the broader henshin hero tradition, in which characters transform into powered forms.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the 1971 television series Kamen Rider.
  • It was created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.
  • Kamen Rider stories typically feature motorcycle-riding heroes with insect-like motifs.
  • The heroes fight supervillains often called kaijin.
  • The franchise includes television programs, films, manga, and anime.
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Canadian context

Kamen Rider has an audience in Canada through imported Japanese television, home media, streaming, and fan communities, though it is primarily a Japanese franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kamen Rider?
Kamen Rider is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero franchise that began in 1971 and includes television series, films, manga, and anime.
Who created Kamen Rider?
It was created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.
What is the original Kamen Rider about?
The original series follows Takeshi Hongo, a college student who fights the Shocker organisation.
What are Kamen Riders usually like?
They are typically masked, motorcycle-riding heroes with insect-inspired designs who fight supervillains.
What kind of franchise is Kamen Rider?
It is a tokusatsu superhero media franchise, meaning it uses live-action special-effects storytelling.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamen_Rider
    Supports: Franchise origin, creator, general premise, and media formats.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamen_Rider_(1971_TV_series)
    Supports: Original series premiere date, network, episode count, and Takeshi Hongo premise.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0156214/
    Supports: Original television series title and original air dates.