In order to capture the feel of watching a real Kamen Rider series, and hopefully make this an enlightening as well as entertaining experience, I like to throw in Japanese words and set phrases wherever possible. And sometimes, just because it looks cooler. In any case, in addition to providing translations in each episode's production notes, I will compile all the various Japanese words used in the series here, by episode, for quick reference.
Episode #1
- Denkô = Lightning
- Kirimomi = Tailspin
- Kaijin= Strange/Weird/Mysterious Person.
- Senpai = Senior, Superior, Elder. A word used for showing great respect to a teacher or mentor, used exclusively by their student/apprentice/whatever. It is not commonly used to refer to an actual educational teacher (Sensei) however, but perhaps a senior student who acts as a teacher to someone else.
- Oyasuminasai = “Goodnight”
- -san = -san is attached to a person's name (It is customary in Japan to use last/ family names, though there are plenty of exceptions.) Other versions you'll see are "-kun " and "-chan", usually used for children.
- Hasami = Scissors
- Bae = Pun on “Hae” = Housefly
- Onore = Literally, "You…!” in an insulting manner. More extreme rendition: "You @#$%^&*!".
- Henshin = Transform, Metamorphosis
- Manji = "Falling in swirls", or Swirling. It’s important to note that the Kanji used for this word resembles (and also means) the fylfot or gammadion, more commonly known in the west as the swastika. In Japan, the symbol is used to denote the location of Buddhist temples on maps, in addition to its meaning as used here.
- Ari = Ant
- Kaizô-Ningen = Reconstructed Human, i.e. cyborg
- Kumo = Spider
- Kômori = Bat
- Sasori = Scorpion
- Kame = Turtle
- Ika = Squid (or Cuttlefish)
- Shimatta = an exclamation usually indicating something bad. It’s been translated as “Oh no!”, “Damn it!” or even “Oh, $#%@!” depending on the context.
Episode #2
- Kuuchuu = Midair, Aerial
- Kaiten = Revolving
- Ohayô Gozaimasu = “Good Morning”
- Shuryô = Chief or Leader. Also the shortened version of the Japanese name used to describe the Great Leader (Dai Shuryô) who additionally often goes by the name of the organization he’s running (i.e. “Leader of Shocker”, etc.) Used by both the heroes and villains. In this particular context, I opted for the Japanese word rather than just the English translation of “Leader” to give it a more smooth-flowing feel. Also I like to think it’s become something of an endearing nickname.
- Sai = Rhinoceros
- Genshibakudan = Atomic Bomb
- Botaru = pun on “Hotaru” = Firefly. This same pun is used in the name of a classic Kamen Rider monster, Elekibotaru, from episode #70.
- Ikuzo = Commonly-heard phrase in Tokusatsu, akin to “Let’s go!” or “Let’s do it!”
- Keiji = Inspector or Detective. Keiji-san is kinda like saying “Mr. Detective”, but it’s also the respectful way of saying it.
- Tobidashinaifu = Switchblade
Episode #3
- Gokurosama Deshita = Basically “I appreciate your efforts.”
- Konnichiwa = “Good Afternoon”
- Irasshaimase = “Welcome” as used in stores, shops, etc. Usually accompanied by a bow.
- Oyassan = “Pops”, and the name that the original seven Kamen Riders used for Tachibana. Basically a slang term for father or more commonly a father-like figure.
- Ojiisan = Grandfather, also a respectful term for elderly men.
- Kômori = Bat
- Kamisori = Razorblade
- Saiminjustsu = Hypnotism
- -kun = In hierarchal Japanese, the suffix -kun is used for boys or in some cases, by older adults to younger adults (similar to using -san.)
- Yoshi = “OK!”, “Alright!”, or a similar phrase implying something really good. Kôhei’s “Yoooooooooooosha!!!” is a bit like saying “Yeeeeeeeesssss!”
Episode #4
- Kumonosu = “Spider Web”
- Jigoku = “Hell”
Episode #5
- Kugigan = “Nail Gun”
- Harinezumi = “Porcupine” or “Hedgehog” (Literally, “Needle Mouse/ Rat”)
- Yôsetsu = “Welding” or “To Weld” (and in this case, “Welder”.) A funny little bit of trivia is that Yôsetsu also means “Premature Death”!
- Shimauma = “Zebra”
- Kissaten = “Coffee Lounge”, basically a coffee/snack shop where one can idle the time away reading, talking, using their laptop, and not necessarily drinking or eating anything.
- Naruhodo = ““I see” or “Indeed”. I used the Japanese here to really stress Tachibana’s understanding.
- Shitsureishimasu = “Excuse me. I’m sorry for interrupting you.” is the technical version. Actually, it’s an everyday saying in Japan, akin to “Pardon me”. It is also used as a parting in formal situations such as this.
- Enka = “Modern Japanese Ballad” a certain style of music that’s distinctly Japanese, but there are similar styles in probably every country. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve heard some of it before, but it’s very popular even today and will doubtlessly remain so for a very long time. I’d venture to say a few of the slower Rider songs have an Enka feel to them.
- Ikuzô = Slang meaning “Let’s go!”
- Kôhiimame = “Coffee Bean”. Hey, Tachibana’s places were called “Amigo” and “COL”, so what do you expect?
Episode #6
- Dôitashimashite = “You’re Welcome”/ “Don’t Mention It”
- Ohayô = A shortened version of Ohayô Gozaimasu (“Good Morning”)
- Hara Heta = Slang for “I’m Hungry”, equivalent to “I’m Starving!”.
- Sennuki = “Corkscrew”
- Ja ne = Informal parting, like “Bye!” or “Later!”
- Kisama = A very, very impolite way of saying “You”, that will probably get you punched in the face if you use it in Japan. It’s a favorite of both heroes and villains towards each other when they get really upset.
- Kyűshin = Centripetal
