Tokusatsu icon Kamen Rider turns 55 this year, and Toei Company Ltd. is celebrating in a massive way with a major global expansion initiative that includes a streaming relaunch and a new series announcement.
Toei relaunched Toei Tokusatsu World Official (TTWO) today, its official YouTube destination for Japanese “tokusatsu” content. As part of this Kamen Rider franchise expansion, the channel will begin streaming full legacy Kamen Rider series for the first time!
Per the official press release, beginning Sunday, April 12 (JST), Toei will roll out Kamen Rider AGITO, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Kamen Rider KABUTO, which marks its 20th anniversary. The first two episodes of both series are already available, and Episode 3 will debut on April 12 as a YouTube Premiere, followed by two new episodes per week.
Each episode will be available with English subtitles for a limited four-week window.
Kamen Rider AGITO sees “Makoto Hikawa, a member of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Squad Against Unidentified Lifeforms, dons the powered suit G3 to confront them, but he is quickly overwhelmed by their immense power. At the height of his struggle, a golden warrior known as AGITO suddenly appears. Meanwhile, strange changes begin to affect Shoichi Tsugami, a young man suffering from amnesia, and Ryo Ashihara, a former swimmer. As the mysteries surrounding AGITO, the Unknown, and ancient artifacts intertwine, a new battle unfolds, gradually revealing Shoichi’s hidden past.”
Kamen Rider KABUTO follows “the secret organization ZECT develops the Masked Rider System, which enables Clock Up, a form of ultra-high-speed combat. Regardless of ZECT’s intentions, the system chooses its destined warrior, Souji Tendo. Acting entirely on his own terms, Tendo begins fighting as Kamen Rider KABUTO. Featuring a cast of cool and highly distinctive characters, this series stands out for its sharp action and unique sense of humor, offering a style and tone unlike those of previous Kamen Rider entries.”
But that’s only the start of the 55th-anniversary festivities.
New series Kamen Rider MY-TH has also been announced. While it’s set to succeed the currently airing Kamen Rider ZEZTZ, plot and character details remain under wraps at this time.
In addition, Toei also announced the creation of three film labels:
THE KAMEN RIDER CHRONICLE — Focused on series inspired by earlier Kamen Rider titles. Following its first project, “AGITO”, at today’s event, Toei unveiled a new Kamen Rider DEN-O feature film, adding another major chapter to the franchise’s expanding legacy.
THE KAMEN RIDER ANIMATED — Dedicated to high-quality animated projects for anime fans around the world. The first project is a collaboration between Aniplex —the powerhouse behind hit series such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “Fate/Grand Order”— and Shirogumi, featuring the VFX team behind “Godzilla Minus One,” the winner of the 2024 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Details regarding the title and project content will be revealed in future announcements.
THE KAMEN RIDER PREMIUM — Designed for large-scale productions aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers, with a focus on globally oriented blockbuster entertainment.
Kamen Rider is a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture that debuted on April 3, 1971. Created by Shotaro Ishinomori, the franchise has produced over 30 television series and numerous films. It stands alongside Super Sentai (the basis for the Power Rangers franchise) as one of Toei’s most enduring intellectual properties.
Expect to hear a lot more from Toei about Kamen Rider for its 55th anniversary this year.
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