[Definitive Edition] Looking Back at the Legendary Kamen Riders Born in the Showa Era
Kamen Rider was born in the Showa era and has captured the hearts of children as a hero of justice.
Its battles tinged with a touch of humor, the powerful showdowns with monstrous foes, and the unforgettable transformation poses remain deeply etched in the memories of many to this day.
The stories, brimming with love and courage, have become legends passed down across generations.
In this article, we will introduce the Kamen Riders born of the Showa era and share their enduring appeal.
- [Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories
- Actors of the Showa era who performed countless iconic scenes. Introducing the legendary masters of the craft.
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- Special feature on popular anime from the Showa era. Looking back at the hit shows of the time!
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
- Nostalgic cars from the Showa era: A special feature on memorable classic cars spotted on street corners
- Have fun with classic Showa-era games! Simple yet profoundly engaging traditional pastimes
- Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- A compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: the beauties who captivated countless fans.
- A roundup of nostalgic Showa-era home appliances, including rare ones you don’t see anymore!
[Permanent Edition] Looking Back at the Legendary Kamen Riders Born in the Showa Era (1–10)
Kamen Rider Amazon
Kamen Rider Amazon is the fourth installment of the Kamen Rider series, which aired from 1974 to 1975.
The wild, nature-raised protagonist, Daisuke Yamamoto, who grew up in the South American Amazon, transforms into Kamen Rider Amazon through the ancient Incan secret arts and fights against the evil organizations Geddon and the Garanda Empire.
Considered an outlier within the series, this entry became a topic of conversation for its animalistic, feral fighting style, distinctive roars, and intense depictions.
Its unique design, special finishing moves such as the Great Cut, and storylines themed around friendship and trust are among its charms.
Despite its short broadcast run, it remains a work that continues to enjoy strong, enduring support.
Kamen Rider Stronger
Kamen Rider Stronger is the fifth installment of the Kamen Rider series, which aired in 1975.
After the evil organization Black Satan kills his close friend, the protagonist, Shigeru Jo, deliberately infiltrates their hideout and volunteers to undergo modification surgery, becoming an electric-powered human.
With that power, he becomes Kamen Rider Stronger and confronts the organization with the force of justice.
Stronger is a Rider who uses electrical energy, known for signature finishing moves like Electro Fire and Den-Kick.
The partnership with the female warrior, Electro-Wave Human Tackle, who appears partway through the series, as well as the tragic turns of the story, left a powerful impression on viewers.
Kamen Rider Super-1
Kamen Rider Super-1 is the seventh entry in the Kamen Rider series, broadcast from 1980 to 1981.
The protagonist, Kazuya Oki, undergoes surgery in the United States to become a cyborg designed for space development, but the laboratory is destroyed by the evil organization known as the Dogma Empire.
Returning to Japan, he confronts foes such as the Dogma Kingdom and Jin Dogma.
Super-1’s defining feature is his combat style that makes full use of five dedicated devices called the “Five Hands,” enabling him to adapt to any situation with a wide range of abilities.
The series also shines with human drama, including action infused with kung fu and the bond with his mentor, Benkei.
[Permanent Edition] Looking Back at the Legendary Kamen Riders Born in the Showa Era (11–20)
Colonel Zol
Colonel Zol is one of Shocker’s executives who appears in the original Kamen Rider series broadcast in 1971, characterized by a cold-blooded, militaristic personality.
With a German, soldier-like appearance, he is always clad in a uniform and cap, and is portrayed as a stiff character who favors salutes.
He is one of the executives dispatched to Shocker’s Japan branch, using science and strategy to corner Kamen Rider.
He can also transform into the monster “Wolfman Zol,” making him a formidable foe with high combat ability.
Colonel Zol’s calm yet relentless nature left a strong impression on many viewers, making him one of the most memorable villains of the early Kamen Rider era.
Kamen Rider Black
Kamen Rider BLACK is the eighth installment of the Kamen Rider series, broadcast from 1987 to 1988, and is one of the most popular works among the Showa Riders.
The protagonist, Kotaro Minami, is remodeled by the evil organization Golgom but retains his will, standing up against their ambitions as Kamen Rider BLACK.
This entry marked the franchise’s first truly serious direction, unfolding a dark, weighty world and rich human drama.
The fateful clash between Kotaro and Shadow Moon—his best friend turned enemy—captured the hearts of many viewers.
Kamen Rider Black RX
Kamen Rider BLACK RX is the direct sequel to Kamen Rider BLACK, which aired from 1988 to 1989, and it is the final entry in the Showa-era Kamen Rider series.
The previous protagonist, Kotaro Minami, returns, gains new powers, and evolves into Kamen Rider BLACK RX to confront the Crisis Empire, an interdimensional empire plotting to invade Earth.
RX is the first Rider in the series to introduce form changes, and its diverse combat styles and ever-growing hero figure are major attractions.
It is regarded as an important work that serves as a bridge to the next generation of Kamen Rider series.
Dr. Shinigami
Doctor Shinigami is a high-ranking officer of Shocker who appears in the original 1971 broadcast of Kamen Rider and is one of the franchise’s most iconic villains.
He is recognizable by his eerie appearance: a pure white suit, black cape, and cane, and, as his name suggests, he is a cold and cunning character reminiscent of a “grim reaper.” A genius scientist overseeing Shocker’s scientific division, he is also the mastermind who created many of the organization’s monsters.
A master strategist, he devises ingenious plans that corner Kamen Rider psychologically as well.
He can also transform, taking on the form of the monster Ikadevil to fight.
Doctor Shinigami’s terror lies in his intellect and tenacity, and he is known as one of the greatest foes to torment Kamen Rider No.
1 and No.
2.
Considered a prototype for later evil executives, he remains a memorable, classic villain cherished by fans for many years.