Kamen Rider 2
► Kamen Rider, 1971~1973, 98 episodes (Rider 2
starred in episodes #14~52)
► Played by Sasaki Takeshi (in-suit in #14,15,21)
► Stunts by Nakamura Bunya, Okada Masaru,
Choda Keisuke, Ôsugi Yuutarô, Kawarazaki Hirô
仮面ライダー２号
Ichimonji Hayato
Kamen Rider 2 didn't just redefine the Rider franchise, he basically
saved it from falling into obscurity. Seriously.
At the time of Fujioka Hiroshi's accident, Kamen Rider's ratings
were lower than Toei wanted, despite the pilot's well-received
performance. But with the departure of the title star, somebody had
to step into his shoes. Toei had a number of different options,
including just casting a new actor as Hongô or starting the whole
thing over from scratch. Thankfully, they ultimately decided on having
a new hero be created in the existing Rider world, and that meant
another chance for success for the series we already knew and
loved. Luckily for Toei, that new hero proved more successful than
they could have possibly imagined. And luckily for us, the
introduction of Ichimonji Hayato, aka Kamen Rider 2, meant the
Rider franchise would continue to go on and grow even bigger &
better into what it is now.
After defeating the revived Shocker Kaijin and newcomer
Tokageron in episode #13, it was claimed that Hongô Takeshi left
Japan to fight Shocker in other parts of the world, namely Europe.
On the way, he encounters and rescues Ichimonji Hayato, a
freelance cameraman who had been captured by Shocker. Shocker
planned to make Ichimonji into another Kamen Rider, and have him
fight against Hongô. Hey, second time's a charm too, right?
Name: Kamen Rider 2
(Nigô)
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Human Identity:
Ichimonji Hayato
Rider Machines:
Cyclone (Custom),
New Cyclone (also
known as "Cyclone 2"
and "New Cyclone 2")
Henshin Belt:
Typhoon
Henshin Phrase:
"Henshin!"
Enemies: Shocker,
Gelshocker
Combat Techniques:
-Rider Kick
-Rider Punch
-Rider Kaiten
(Revolving) Kick
-Rider Gaeshi
(Reversal)
-Rider Manji (Swirling)
Kick
-Rider Ni-Dan
(Two-Step) Gaeshi
-Rider Power/Rider
Fight
-Rider Hôden
(Electrical Discharge)
-Rider Jump, etc.
Additional New Kamen
Rider 2 combat
Techniques:
-Rider Nage (Throw)
-Rider Kick (ver. 2)
-Rider Punch (ver. 2)
-Rider Gaeshi (ver. 2)
-Rider Kirimomi
(Tailspin) Shoot
-Rider Chop
-Rider Hanten (Return)
Screw Gaeshi
-Nigô Rider Kick,
etc.
See More Details
Combination attacks
with Kamen Rider 1:
-Rider Double Kick
-Rider Sharin (Wheel,
2 versions)
-Rider Gaeshi
-Rider Hammer Kick
-Rider Double Punch
-Rider Double Chop
-Rider Nage
-Head Crusher
-Rider Zen (Complete)
Energy Hôshutsu
(Release)
-Rider Double Jump
-Rider Hanten Double
Kick etc.
See More Details
Special
Equipment/Weapons
& Powers:
-Often considered the
most physically
powerful Kamen Rider
of all, and able to
withstand pretty much
anything. Well, so can
Rider 1, but even he
has to at least pause
momentarily.
But the mighty H intervened, and instead of ending up with their own evil Kamen Rider, Shocker ended up with another enemy. In
one version of the story (albeit not seen or mentioned on TV), they do actually turn him evil, and Ichimonji is saved only after
getting a Rider Kick in the head! Ichimonji swore to protect Japan in Hongô's absence, and set about getting acquainted with
Tachibana Tôbei & Taki Kazuya. Rider 2's (or at that time, he was known simply as "Kamen Rider") baptism by fire was to tango
down with Saboteguron & his explosive cacti bombs (episodes #14~15), a story which has one of the most ironic endings ever
when the cactus-man from Mexico blows himself to bits by charging into a wall as Rider 2 jumps out of the way.
With Kamen Rider 2 came a whole host of new concepts to the series. First of all, the iconic "Henshin" move, used by nearly
every Rider thereafter, was first developed by Ichimonji, which made the process of getting in a fight a lot quicker. Secondly, the
tone of the show changed greatly. While the serious, hard-hitting "gothic" feel of the early episodes was retained, it was balanced
with a more lighthearted and madcap mood that reflected Ichimonji's personality. The wicked sense of dark humor established
early on was upped, and suddenly anything, no matter how wacky, worked. A greater sense of scale to the story was added with
Taki Kazuya's FBI ties, and expansion on the world-wide factor of Shocker. Action, pacing and excitement took top priority, and
while the plots were usually fairly simple (Bad guys try to kidnap scientist; steal plans for peaceful device that can be used for evil;
blow up oil refinery, etc.) the acting and action helped to keep them interesting and entertaining. And, no matter how evil the bad
guys were, there was something about their over-the-top villainy that made you secretly kind of root for them, more than ever
before. This leads the third big addition of regular major villains, who are arguably one of the best parts of the entire original series,
and who turned out solid performances that many of the current baddies continue to emulate. The culmination of this tonal
overhaul comes in episode #35, which has possibly my favorite moment in the entire original series. I'll let curious viewers check it
out for themselves, but let's just say it comes right when Ichimonji & Taki are asked to give the password to enter the secret
Shocker base. Only in Kamen Rider can something like that work.
Kamen Rider 2 drove a variation of Rider 1's Cyclone, now known as the "Custom" Cyclone. His basic attacks were the same as
Rider 1's, but he added plenty of new ones here & there as the series progressed to set him apart. During his time as star of the
show, Kamen Rider 2 confronted the Shocker Officers Colonel Zol (Episodes #26~39) & Dr. Shinigami (Episodes #40~52.)
He also gets to fight against Ambassador Hell (episodes #72~73) and Black Shôgun
(#93~94, #98.) And of course, the big man himself, the Leader of Shocker.
But hey, they didn't forget about ol' Hongô! He returned in episode #40, for a guest
role, and was now known as Kamen Rider 1 (before hand he had just been "Kamen
Rider", as with Ichimonji.) He appeared in a 2-part story, notable for a climactic
battle between Riders (Rider 1 was hypnotized by Doctor Shinigami temporarily) in
which Rider 2 had to snap his namesake out of the trance, whilst also fighting Ghoster
& revived Shocker Mutants Armadillong & Mogurang.
Ichimonji continued to helm the show after that, until episode #52. Rider 1 returned
again to assist in episodes #49 & #51~52, and by then you can tell Rider 2 was
nearing the end of his turn. The episodes between #40~52 have a somewhat darker
feel to them, with Rider 2 & Taki often getting their butts kicked big time before the
tide turns. That, plus there's mega-creepy dude Doctor Shinigami in the house.
In episode #52, Shocker's mutant Gilgaras unleashes the Dead Man Gas, and
manages to severely weaken Rider 2. Doctor Shinigami, who had been cornered by
Hongô, manages to escape to South America. Ichimonji decides he will follow him,
and returns the safety of Japan to Hongô's hands.
He then leaves, in an emotional farewell for the man many kids who had
gotten hooked on the show late knew as "the" Kamen Rider. Supposedly, in
another off-screen debacle, Rider 2 trained in South America and allowed
himself to be bitten by every poison animal under the sun to build up an
immunity against them. He strengthened his body so that when he
returned...well, see below!
Hongô Takeshi/Kamen Rider 1 carried the rest of the show (episodes
#53~98), but they didn't just forget about Ichimonji either! He makes a
surprise return in episode #72, now powered-up after having spent time
training in South America (see, I told ya!) He was now known as "New"
Kamen Rider 2. Sporting red gloves & boots, as well as new powers, (New)
Kamen Rider 2 still drove his own trusty Cyclone (though will later get a New
Cyclone like Rider 1.) Ichimonji sticks around for episode #73, before leaving
again to fight Shocker in other parts of the world.
Rider 2 returns yet again when Kamen Rider 1 needs him most: in the battle against those evil impostors, the Shocker Riders. In
fact, Ichimonji saves everyone's bacon in a big way– he seems to be the only character who realizes that Shocker Rider #1 (who
has been running around pretending to be Rider 1) doesn't look quite right. Together, the Double Riders manage to defeat their
malevolent dopplegangers thanks to some coaching by Tachibana Tôbei. At this point Ichimonji also seems to have spent some
time in the States: he wears a cowboy hat for no particular reason other than to look cool when walking up and surprising
everyone. He's also got some more new tricks, like his own version of the Rider Kirimomi Shoot.
The final story takes place in episodes #97~98, and Rider 2 shows up to
help in the final episode after Gelshocker conveniently forgets all about him
(really, he even says "You forget about Rider 2!" as he comes crashing into
the base and starts kicking everyone's butts.) The Double Riders meet and
defeat the Leader of Shocker, and a happy ending is inevitable from there.
Hongô & Ichimonji bid an emotional farewell (there are many throughout the
various Kamen Rider series) to Taki Kazuya, who returns to the USA, and
it's all good.
Kamen Rider 2 (and Rider 1) both appeared in the first episodes of Kamen
Rider V3 and would play significant roles in getting the story for that series
off the ground. Kamen Rider 2 would then continually pop up along with the
other Riders for team-ups, including putting in a lot of appearances in for
New Kamen Rider. Those latter episodes are collectively referred to as "The
Ichimonji Wars" by yours truly.
An interesting aside: There were two versions of the New Rider 2 costume
seen here (he kept the thicker silver stripes until #93) and in many later
appearances Rider 2 (and sometimes Rider 1) would have darker blue/green
helmets, rather than the silvery ones from the later episodes of Kamen Rider.
Currently, most places distinguish between the two by giving Rider 2 the dark
green helmet in drawings, comics, toys, models, etc.
As far as the original goes, Kamen Rider 2 carried the series on long enough for Rider 1's return, and together they made TV
history and created one of the most lucrative and successful super hero franchises in Japan to date. And rightfully so, Kamen
Rider 2 was worked into Ishinomori Shotaro's comic version of Kamen Rider. Not bad for a guy who wasn't even originally
intended to be in the show. And hey– Kamen Rider 2 even returned to the big screen in Fall 2005 along with Rider 1 in Kamen
Rider THE FIRST, a retelling of the original Kamen Rider story with new actors portraying the heroes, and new updated suits that
pay respect to the classic originals seen here. This time around, the Ichimonji's story is closer to that of the comic, where Rider 2
starts out playing for the wrong team before having an eventual change of heart and turning good. He also now wears Shocker
eagle logos on his gloves and back. He's also really Kamen Rider Raia, but you didn't hear that from me.
Movies/Specials & Guest Appearances/Cameos
~TV Series~
Kamen Rider (1971~1973)
Episode 72: Makes a surprise return to the series to help Rider 1 fight Mosquiras, and save Hongô from severe blood loss.
Episode 73: Ichimonji hangs around and helps Rider 1 defeat Shiomaneking. I like how Shocker forgets he was just in #72.
Episode 93: Insanity ensues as the Double Riders take on the 6 Shocker Riders! Only Ichimonji can recognize the fake guys!
Episode 94: The Double Riders settle the score with their rip-offs, and defeat Ei-Dokuger & Namekuji-Kinoko.
Episode 98: The grand finale has our heroes confronting the Leader of Shocker himself. But before that, an all-out battle royale
with Black Shôgun & revived Gelshocker mutants!
*Sasaki Takeshi appears in all above episodes.
Kamen Rider V3 (1973~1974)
Episode 1: Along with Rider 1, Rider 2 has a beefy role in setting up the story for V3, as well as performing the cybernetic
operation that makes the green guy who he is! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 2: Kicks Destron butt along with Rider 1. Both Riders appear to die by blowing up along with Kame-Bazooka in order
to save Tokyo from being reduced to itty-bitty subatomic particles as part of Destron's "Operation Tokyo Annihilation". *Sasaki
Takeshi appears!
Episode 21: V3 gets a little life-saving telepathic help from Riders 1 & 2, via the Double Rider's Pendant they express-mailed him
the previous episode. Sasaki Takeshi's voice appears!
Episode 33: Surprise! They're not dead! Riders 1 & 2 show up just in time to save V3's bacon and join the fight against Yuki-
Ookami. *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 34: All three Riders take on Genshi-Tiger. Ichimonji saves everybody in this one! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Kamen Rider X (1974)
Episode 27: Tachibana recalls his days at the side of Rider 2, and later our hero joins fellow Riders Rider 1, V3, Riderman, & X-
Rider to fight some revived GOD Kaijin in what seems to be a crowd-pleasing finish to Tachibana's story hour. *Sasaki Takeshi
appears via stock footage!
Episode 33: Joins X-Rider & V3 in fighting Mukade-Yôkihi. *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 34: The 3 Riders (Rider 2, V3, X-Rider) take on Tiger-Nero. In an especially ironic moment, all of GOD's evil plans for
the last half of the series are utterly screwed when Ichimonji sabotages the all-important RS device everyone's been after.
*Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Kamen Rider Stronger (1975~1976)
Episode 38: Along with Rider 1, join forces with Stronger to fight the Delzer Army. Interestingly, the Double Riders are at first
dismissed as mere "legends" by Generalissimo Machine. This is really the start of "dark helmet" Rider 2, and he generally appears
as such from here on out (aside from in Kamen Rider BLACK RX.) *Sasaki Takeshi's voice appears!
Episode 39: Kamen Rider 2 and his six Riders-in-arms take on the big man himself, the Great Leader of the Delzer Army.
*Sasaki Takeshi appears!
New Kamen Rider (1979~1980)
Episode 27: Rider 2 and the cavalry arrive just in time to help Skyrider from becoming cannon fodder.
Episode 28: The 7 Riders join forces with Skyrider, fight a whole bunch of revived Neoshocker mutants, and give the main man
a power-up by stomping all over him. Brutal.
Episode 36: Ichimonji trails Kiginger to Japan, eventually meeting up with Skyrider as well as the villainous Dragon King. See
Ichimonji get arrested (by Neoshocker goons posing as cops, of course) for refusing to pay for lunch (long story.) *Sasaki
Takeshi appears!
Episode 37: Having broken out of prison last episode (awesome scene), Rider 2 gives Skyrider a hand in defeating Dragon King,
before the sky guy has a showdown with Kiginger. Rider 2 also teams up with GanGan G! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 39: Our man Hayato swings by Japan again, to help Skyrider with Neoshocker monsters Bonze Okappa & Unidemon.
See Ichimonji speak English! (Which basically involves adding "Mister" onto people's names.) *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 40: Escapes from Bonze Okappa's death grip and settles things with Unidemon. Rider 2 pulls out some new moves in
this one! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 53: Rider 2 comes home once more to help Skyrider, who's going through a little paternal crisis. Later, they team up
with Stronger against Admiral Majin himself! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Episode 54: Joins the other 7 Riders in defeating the Leader of Neoshocker. *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Kamen Rider BLACK RX (1988~1989)
Episode 41: Rider 1 calls Rider 2 and the boys to Arizona for some training.
Episode 42: The Riders are still chillin' in Arizona, and training for the big battles to come.
Episode 43: Yet more training in the desert. Rider 1 & 2 show they're still the man...er, the men.
Episode 44: The gang heads back to Japan to save RX from getting hammered into the ground by Granzairus.
Episode 45: Rider 2 helps RX fight Crisis along with like every other character who's good in the show.
Episode 46: The Rider team, Rider 2 included, help RX as the end draws near.
Episode 47: Rider 2 & his 9 fellow Riders leave the last battle for RX, but they're around for the ending.
~Movies/Specials/Other~
Kamen Rider vs. Shocker (1972): Joins Rider 1 in fighting a whole army of revived Shocker mutants AND new bad boy Zanjio
in this great flick. At one point, Rider 2 takes on Hae-Otoko, Saboteguron & Mogurang– 3 of the nastiest Shocker mutants ever–
all by himself! *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Kamen Rider V3 (1973): A big-screen, cropped version of episode #2. *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
Kamen Rider V3 vs. Destron Kaijin (1973): Riders 1 & 2 show up (prior to their return on TV) to help V3 thrash Doktor G's
revived mutant army and the new evil dude Taihô-Buffalo. Sasaki Takeshi's voice appears!
5 Riders vs. King Dark (1974): As the title suggests, Kamen Riders 1 through X-Rider take on King Dark, and an army of
revived GOD mutants & the obligatory movie-only guy, Kômori-Franken. Rider 2 appears to punch Ulysses halfway across
Japan, but he somehow lands a mere 5 feet away. *Sasaki Takeshi appears both in voice and via stock footage!
Back Together Again! 7 Kamen Riders!! (1976): Rider 2 and the old gang join together to fight a new group and talk about
the good old days with Tachibana. *Sasaki Takeshi appears!
8 Riders vs. Milky Way King (1980): Rider 2 & the other 7 Riders take on Ginga-Ô, aka the Milky Way King, as well as an
entire legion of revived Neoshocker mutants.
Kamen Rider Super-1 (1981): Rider 2 & the gang arrive just in time to save Super-1 from a revived-Kaijin-induced demise.
Number Ten's Birth! Kamen Riders Back Together Again!! (1984): Rider 2 & the other 8 welcome ZX to the family, and
defeat the evil Badan Empire. Sasaki Takeshi does Rider 2's one or two lines of dialogue! Sasaki Takeshi's voice appears!
Kamen Rider: SD Riders (1993): Rider 2 appears briefly at the end along with Amazon & Stronger.
Kamen Rider Live 2000 (2000): Sasaki Takeshi sadly couldn't make it for the concert, but he's there in spirit, as Rider 2 joins
Rider 1, V3 & Kuuga in fightin' evil!
Kamen Rider: Genealogy Of Justice (Sony Playstation 2, 2003): Yeah, so it's just a game, but it may as well be cannon, it's
THAT good. Proving he's still the man after all these years, Sasaki himself voices Ichimonji/Rider 2, who gets to save Rider 1 and
together they engage in some good old Double Rider butt-kicking action. And you even get to control Ichimonji for part of the
game! *Sasaki Takeshi's voice appears!
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