Film & TVBackground

Kamen Rider debuts on Japanese television in April 1971

Toei's live-action tokusatsu series Kamen Rider first aired in Japan on 3 April 1971, launching one of the country's longest-running franchises.

6 Nov 2026, 13:121 min read

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Kamen Rider premiered on Japanese television on 3 April 1971. It was produced by Toei, the studio behind many live-action children's and action programmes, and was based on an original concept by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.

The series followed Takeshi Hongo, a man turned into a cyborg-like grasshopper-themed hero by the criminal organisation Shocker. Rejecting its aims, he fought it while riding a motorcycle and wearing a helmeted costume. It belonged to tokusatsu, Japan's genre of live-action shows built on special effects, suits and practical stunts.

The show became a hit and led to a long line of sequels, with new riders and storylines appearing across successive eras. The franchise grew into films, merchandise, stage shows and, more recently, streaming projects. Its character designs and toys became a major business for Toei and its partners. In 2026 the franchise marked 55 years, which is why its history is again relevant as the studio sets rules for generative AI and prepares its first video games.