My Reaction To Kamen Rider Zeztz's Characters And Plot
I was looking at the updates from The Tokusatsu Network. This is also the plot according to UkiyaSeed, one of the many sites where I get updates from. As always, take note I STOPPED guest-writing for JEFusion to focus on my PERSONAL LIFE.
One day, after facing the threat of an unknown monster called Nightmare in his dream, he obtains a mysterious transformation belt from "CODE", the organization that has been sending him command in his dreams. From then on, he begins working as "Kamen Rider Zeztz" and protecting people from Nightmare.
Kamen Rider has been known for its nightmare fuel, early on. Kamen Rider BLACK RX had excessive humor BUT several episodes create terrible nightmare fuel. Kamen Rider BLACK the superior sequel was known for its unusual amount of nightmare fuel. Kamen Rider had its revival in 2000 (and it's 25 yeras ago) with Kamen Rider Kuuga. We had the first seven Kamen Rider Heisei era seasons to be full of NIGHTMARE FUEL. The trend was somewhat cut off with Kamen Rider Den-O (which may have been written with Changerion in mind). Kamen Rider Kiva was well-balanced with its tones. Eventually, Kamen Rider had one Darker and Edgier series in Kamen Rider Build -- the ending may have been nothing more than a Copout. Kamen Rider Ryuki was obviously going to kill everyone -- except Executive Meddling caused the Reset Button!
This makes me wonder if Zeztz would have the opportunity to explore Darker and Edgier storylines. Kamen Rider Geats was practically a more serious storyline. However, Geats lacked the bloody fest that was often offered in the earlier days. Kamen Rider Gotchard and Kamen Rider Gavv return to more balanced tones. If the enemies were known as the Nightmares, would the show explore more nightmare fuel then? However, given certain censorship rules would mean that Kamen Rider would have to be creative in exploring how to make the Nightmare work their way.
I. Now, for the initial release of heroic characters
As always, I can only expect a much younger cast. It's all about getting younger talent for the heroes. Older actors fall into supporting roles or antagonistic roles too.
Baku Yorozu / Kamen Rider Zeztz
Baku possesses the power of “lucid dreaming” which allows him to always be aware of his dreams and controls them at will. While Baku is an ordinary, good-natured young man in real life, in his dreams he transforms into the “invincible secret agent” he has always dreamed of being.
One day, after facing the threat of an unknown monster called a Nightmare in his dream, he obtains a mysterious transformation belt from “CODE,” a secret organization that has been sending him orders through his dreams. As Kamen Rider Zeztz, Baku fights to protect people from Nightmares.
Baku is played by Ryutaro Imai, who made his pre-series debut in Kamen Rider Gavv: Invaders of the House of Snacks.
Lucid dreaming is actually a real-life phenomenon. This idea of becoming the "invincible secret agent" almost throws me back to Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger. Sure, Akibaranger was nothing more than a Super Sentai spin-off. However, I'm kinda excited to see what can be done IF the concept was placed into Kamen Rider. This power may also be kinda similar to what was used in Ressha Sentai ToQGer (which I only enjoyed years later) and Mashin Sentai Kiramager. So how will he protect people from Nightmares? Hmmm...
Nemu
Nemu is a popular actress whose face is seen all over town, on every screen. Due to her fame and popularity, Nemu is the type of person who appears in dreams the moment you see her. Nemu does her best to fulfill her role in each dream and to help each dreamer. Baku is also an admirer of Nemu.
Nemu is played by Maho Horiguchi.
Would she be a love interest or not? Love interests aren't always necessary in Tokusatsu. In fact, I've learned that the hard way more than once. Right now though, would Nemu be aware of Baku's alter ego as Zeztz?
Minami Yorozu
Minami is Baku’s younger sister and talent manager. She lives with Baku and believes in regular healthy lifestyle routines. Minami is unaware of Baku’s activity as Kamen Rider Zeztz and scolds him for constantly oversleeping.
Minami Yorozu is played by Miki Yagi.
This is a typical trope that plays into several superhero shows. Spider-Man featured Aunt May, not knowing that her nephew-by-marriage is actually the titular hero. This trope plays itself where superheroes must hide their identity, EVEN FROM THEIR LOVED ONES. It's all about the rule of secrecy. It's not an easy thing keeping a secret identity!
Tetsuya Fujimi
Tetsuya is a police inspector at the Department of Paranormal Cases who handles unsolved “black cases.” Tetsuya is an old-fashioned detective with a strong sense of justice and responsibility.
Tetsuya is played by Kenta Mishima.
I'm just wondering how this will work out. I hope that this guy becomes an important ally. How will this guy play his part? Will he end up like Kaoru Ichijou from Kuuga? Maybe, maybe not.
Nasuka Nagumo
Nasuka is a fellow officer of the Department of Paranormal Cases. She passed the civil service exam with at a young age with high scores, but considers her assignment solving “black cases” to be a waste of her time.
Nasuka is played by Rina Onuki, known for her as Sae Ganaha / Kamen Rider Lopo in 2022’s Kamen Rider Geats.
Right now, she might be that annoying protagonist. She might end up as a female version of Hojo Toru from Kamen Rider Agito.
Zero
Zero is the head of the CODE organization, and Baku’s boss. Zero can transform from a robotic form to Baku’s motorcycle.
Zero is voiced by Jay Kabira.
This is ONE strange new concept. Honestly, what was Toei thinking in making a Kamen Rider's boss also his personal vehicle? Is that a new idea of sending support to your subordinates? I find the idea LMAO. It might be best to prepare for crazy comedy moments more than serious stuff.
So far, the only villain known
Nox
Nox is a mysterious man who operates in the shadows with the Nightmares. His background is a complete mystery. Nox’s goal is to turn people’s nightmares into a reality.
Nox is played by Yuki Furukawa.
Kamen Rider has been known for slowly introducing villains. I remember how BLACK had Gorgom only started with the three Gorgom priests, and they had NO footsoldiers. Kuuga's Grongi barely had ANY generals. In fact, the villains were often introduced and later killed off. Right now, only Nox is known though more new villains may surface.
Other details
The show’s theme song “Visions” will be performed by the musical group NAQT VANE.
Show and Staff Information Staff
- Original Work: Shotaro Ishinomori
- Screenplay: Yuya Takahashi
- Directors: Kazuya Kamihoriuchi
- Action Director: Jun Watanabe
- Special Effects Director: Hiroshi Butsuda
- Producers: Takehiro Ohkawa, Keisuke Shibataka (TV Asahi), Sota Takasaki, Toshinari Yanaka, Yousuke Minato (Toei)
- Composer: Go Sakabe, Hiroshi Takaki
Kamen Rider Zeztz is the seventh entry of the Reiwa-era Kamen Rider series. It is scheduled to premiere on September 7, 2025. The series will be available to watch in various countries. Follow the Kamen Rider Global Official X account for more details.
As of right now, I'm skeptical whether Takahashi could still pull it out. Burnouts do happen more often than not. Who can remember the worst moments of writers like Hirohisa Soda, Yasuko Kobayashi, and Toshiki Inoue for a start? Inoue showed signs of decline during Kamen Rider Faiz and ended up in low-tier moments with Kiva and Shogeki Gouraigan. Inoue managed to pull off Avatar Sentai Donbrothers though. Kobayashi fell off during ToQGer though it still managed to be Vindicated by History. Soda also had no idea what to do with Chikyu Sentai Fiveman. However, Fiveman still managed to be Vindicated by History even when Kyukyu Sentai GoGoFive was just SO. MUCH. BETTER!
It might be too early for Takahashi to be in a writer's burnout, though. Also, unlike Soda, Takahashi may have had more breaks. Inoue was somewhat overused during the Kamen Rider era. Inoue could've been give a break from Kamen Rider and work on Super Sentai episodes. What might be good is to give Takahashi some decent assistance.
Just my thoughts for now!
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