Kamen Rider Hibiki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Kamen Rider Hibiki | |
|---|---|
 Title screen. |
|
| Genre | Superhero action/adventure |
| Running time | 24-25 minutes (per episode) |
| Creator(s) | Shotaro Ishinomori |
| Starring | Hosokawa Shigeki, Tochihara Rakuto, Shibue Jyoji, Kawaguchi Shingo |
| Opening theme | "Hajimari no Kimi e" by Akira Fuse |
| Ending theme | "Shounen Yo!" by Akira Fuse |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Original channel | TV Asahi |
| Original run | January 30, 2005–January 22, 2006 |
| No. of episodes | 48 |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
Kamen Rider Hibiki (仮面ライダー響鬼 Kamen Raidā Hibiki?), Masked Rider Echo Demon in English, is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the fifteenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider franchise of tokusatsu programs. It is a joint collaboration between Ishimori Productions and Toei. Kamen Rider Hibiki first aired on January 30th, 2005 and aired its final episode on January 22nd, 2006. This series is noted for introducing new themes and styles yet unseen in other shows. Unlike other shows in the franchise, Kamen Rider Hibiki focuses heavily on character development rather than an overreaching season-long plots.
The main themes of the series was the use of "pure sound" to defeat demons.
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
Kamen Rider Hibiki's main focus is the story of the teacher and apprentice-like relationship of Adachi Asumu and the title character. Adachi Asumu is a young boy who is unsure of his own skill and worth, and at a crossroads in his life as he transitions to high school. As the series progresses, he learns what it is to be a man, more confident in his own power. The secondary focus of the series is the age old battle of the Kamen Riders (referred to as Oni in this program) and the Makamo, demons that can only be defeated using "pure sound". The series follows the training and changes of the four main Oni, Hibiki, Ibuki, Todoroki and Zanki.
[edit] Staff changes
Kamen Rider Hibiki began with Shigenori Takadera as the Toei producer, however, Shinichiro Shirakura, having participated in other Heisei Rider series, had no involvement whatsoever in the Hibiki production, was appointed producer of the movie Kamen Rider Hibiki and the Seven War Demons, eventually replacing Takadera in the TV production from episode 30. The writing staff also changed; Tsuyoshi Kida and Shinji Ooishi were replaced by Toshiki Inoue and Shouji Yonemura, who had worked with Shirakura in "Sh15uya" and other Heisei Kamen Rider series.
In addition, personalities such as Sensha Yoshida, a renowned manga artist, Hiroshi Yamamoto, a video-game designer and Masao Higashi, a seasoned television and movie critic, and many others published severe criticisms in their personal blogs. Even the show's star, Shigeki Hosokawa, the actor portraying Hibiki, stated in his personal website that Inoue’s scripts “needed adjustments and that this whole staff change was fraudulent”. With the first production staff, Hosokawa would join the writers meetings and give suggestions, however, due to time restraints, Hosokawa couldn’t give his opinion in the second production staff meetings.
In an interview published on TV Asahi's main website, Hosokawa stated that the script for the final episode was rewritten on the final day of filming. He later said that the script was sent in so late that it arrived on set as the final battle was being filmed. This finale was scrapped and then a new ending that, according to Hosokawa, was nothing like the intended ending, was filmed. Later in the interview, Hosokawa said that the Oni suit used by Kiriyama was a kitbash of two new suits made especially for the characters of Asumu and Kiriyama. Hosokawa said that this was the most upsetting change to him as the final script had been rewritten six times at that point and all but the filmed version contained both Asumu and Kiriya becoming Oni.
In January of 2006, at the Kamen Rider Super Live, Hosokawa stated that “The series was essentially an incomplete process” and that “It shouldn’t have ended that way, we had more than one series in mind and the initial episode order for the first series was 51 episodes”. Also, Mitsu Murata, who portrayed the Douji, declared on his blog: “I can’t forgive them, I want to continue HIS idea”, complaining about the removal of Takadera as producer. These declarations caused an unprecedented storm within the professional tokusatsu market and many of Toei's executives were berated for allowing a series to be handled in such a manner.
There has never been any official statement from Toei, but many critics point out several items might have caused it, the main reason being the alarmingly low toy sells. It is not usual for a Toei production to have two different producers for the TV series and the movie. A different producer was appointed for the movie because Toei had an unprecedented number of schedule problems with Takadera.
Many Japanese reviewers felt that while the show may not have been popular with Japanese children, it was able to convey a level of character development that most series in the franchise had failed to do in the past. It has been rumored that TV Asahi was to give the Kamen Rider slot an afternoon time slot due to many critics feeling that the show had "evolved" beyond a mere kids' show. Due to the show's less than fantastic financial success, plans for the spin off franchise are currently on hiatus.
Changes
- Asumu's opening narration at the start of every episode was removed
- A new opening was introduced
- The ending sequence was removed altogether
- Kyosuke Kiriyama was introduced to the series, Kida has said that this was somewhat like the character of "Takeshi" that would have been introduced in episode 32. Takeshi was rewritten to be Kiriyama, as Takeshi, he would have been both an Oni and Asumu's brother
- Eiki and Shouki, who were both supposed to be main cast members, had their parts removed
- The filmed final battle was removed
- The fire breathing and the Onizume (Oni claws) sequences are completely removed along with Ibuki opening his mouth for his attack and Makamou that opened their mouths too wide or spurted goo were removed too. There had had been complaints about these sequences saying that they scared children and many parent advocacy groups demanded Toei remove them. Things as complicated-to-animate CG Makamou and shooting in mountains were reduced greatly due to cost. Takadera, unwilling to change his script to adapt to these changes was unwilling removed from the project.
- A second female rider by the name of Mishiki was dropped, as was Akira's role as an Oni at the end of the series
- The fourth rider, a female, went as far as having a DX Otoukenban marketed and a prop suit made for her before she was dropped.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Riders
The combatant agents of Takeshi are known as Oni. They have been around for hundreds of years, protecting humans and fighting against the Makamou. The title of every Oni bears the -ki suffix (鬼), which is semantically identical to "Oni" in Japanese. It also has some resemblance with the real name of the Oni. Among making many changes the Kamen Rider look, Kamen Rider Hibiki introduced Kamen Rider Shuki, the first officially recognized female Kamen Rider.
| TV Series Kamen Riders | Motif | Meaning | Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamen Rider Hibiki | Taiko | Echo Demon | 響鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Hibiki Kurenai | Taiko | Crimson Echo Demon | 響鬼紅 |
| Kamen Rider Hibiki Soukou | Saber | Armed Echo Demon | 装甲響鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Ibuki | Trumpet | Majestic Breath Demon | 威吹鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Todoroki | Electric guitar | Roaring Demon | 轟鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Zanki | Electric guitar | Beheading Demon | 斬鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Sabaki | Electric guitar, Taiko (S.I.C), Trombone (S.I.C) | Judgement Demon | 裁鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Danki | Taiko | Bullet Demon | 弾鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Eiki | Taiko | Edge Demon | 鋭鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Gouki | Taiko | Strength Demon | 剛鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Touki | Trumpet, Trombone (S.I.C) | War Demon | 闘鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Shouki | Trumpet, Sousaphone (S.I.C) | Victory Demon | 勝鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Banki | Double Neck Electric guitar and Bass guitar | Barbarian Demon | 蛮鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Shuki | Harp | Vermilion Demon | 朱鬼 |
| Kamen Riders With No Appearance | Motif | Meaning | Japanese |
| Kamen Rider Kachidoki | Taiko | Enjoyment Demon | 凱鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Fubuki | Brass | Snow Storm Demon | 吹雪鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Yamabuki | Kotsuzumi | Permanent Yellow Demon | 山吹鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Genki | Guitar | Energy Demon | 弦鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Akatsuki | Guitar | Dawn Demon | 暁鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Michibiki | Kotsuzumi | Guide Demon | 導鬼 |
| Previous Generation･Kamen Rider Zanki | Guitar | Beheading Demon | 先代･斬鬼 |
| Movie Only Kamen Riders | Motif | Meaning | Japanese |
| Kamen Rider Kabuki | Taiko | Festive Demon | 歌舞鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Touki | Gong/Polar Bear | Freezing Demon | 凍鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Kirameki | Cymbals/Golden Dolphin | Shining Demon | 煌鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Nishiki | Triangle/Tiger | West Demon | 西鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Habataki | Flute/Hawk | Feather Demon | 羽撃鬼 |
| Stageshow Kamen Riders | Motif | Meaning | Japanese |
| Kamen Rider Kagayaki | Lamp | Shine Demon | 輝鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Yuki | Taiko | Brave Demon | 勇鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Jaki | Saber/Snake | Snake Demon | 蛇鬼 |
| Kamen Rider Mujaki | Microphone/Snake | Dream Snake Demon | 夢蛇鬼 |
[edit] Makamou
A list of the enemy group of the series, the Makamou. Containing descriptions of the many Makamou and their masters
[edit] Takeshi Gear
Takeshi is the name of the group that works with the Oni Kamen Riders. They create many items for use in battle, from weapons to Disc Animals.
[edit] Characters
- Hibiki (響鬼): A man once known as Hitoshi Hidaka (日高 仁志), Hibiki can transform into an Oni by tapping his transformation device (a tuning fork). Played by Shigeki Hosokawa (細川 茂樹).
- Ibuki (威吹鬼): A man once known as Iori Izumi (和泉 伊織), Ibuki can transform into an Oni by blowing into his transformation device (a pipe). Played by Jyoji Shibue (渋江 譲二).
- Todoroki (轟鬼): A man once known as Tomizo Todayama (戸田山 登巳蔵), Todoroki can transform into an Oni by plucking his transformation device (a bracelet with strings), As for Hitomi cousin. Played by Shingo Kawaguchi (川口 真五).
- Asumu Adachi (安達 明日夢): Hibiki's sidekick. Played by Rakuto Tochihara (栩原 楽人).
- Hitomi Mochida (持田 ひとみ): Asumu's classmate, As for Todoroki cousin. Played by Erika Mori (森 絵梨佳).
- Amami Akira (天美 あきら): Ibuki's apprentence. Played by Nana Akiyama (秋山 奈々).
- Kyosuke Kiriya (桐矢 京介): Asumu's classmate. Later becomes Hibiki's apprentence. Played by Yuichi Nakamura (中村 優一).
- Kasumi Tachibana (立花 香須実): Older Tachibana daughter, field tech for Hibiki. Played by Mayu Gamou (蒲生 麻由).
- Hinaka Tachibana (立花 日菜佳): Younger Tachibana daughter, informant and observer. Played by Miyuki Kanbe (神戸 みゆき).
- Douji/Kai-Douji (童子/怪童子): Played by Mitsu Murata (村田 充).
- Hime/You-Hime (姫/妖姫): Played by Sei Ashina (芦名 星).
- Zanki (斬鬼): A man once known as Zaoumaru Zaitsuhara (財津原 蔵王丸), Zanki is a former Oni who has taught Todoroki. Played by Kenji Matsuda (松田 賢二).
- Midori Takizawa (滝澤 みどり): Equipment designer of TAKESHI. Played by Umemiya Masako (梅宮 万紗子).
- Ikuko Adachi (安達 郁子): Asumu's Mother. Played by Kaoru Mizuki (水木 薫).
- Ichiro Tachibana (立花 勢地郎): Head Official of TAKESHI. Played by Atomu Shimojyo (下條 アトム).
- Tsutomu Tsumura (津村 努): A boy who decided not to become an Oni. Played by Kento Shibuya (渋谷 謙人).
- Konosuke Kogure (小暮 耕之助): Development section chief of TAKESHI. Played by Akira Fuse (布施 明).
- Shuki (朱鬼): Zanki's Master, TAKESHI, is banished. Played by Reiko Kataoka (片岡 礼子).
- Danki (弾鬼): A man once known as Daisuke Danda (段田 大輔), Danki can transform into an Oni by tapping his transformation device (a tuning fork). Played by Makoto Ito (伊藤 慎).
- Shouki (勝鬼): Shouki can transform into an Oni by blowing into his transformation device (a pipe). Played by Yoshifumi Oshikawa (押川 善文)
[edit] Music
[edit] Opening Theme
- "Radiance (輝 Kagayaki episodes 1-33)"
- "To the Original You (始まりの君へ Hajimari no Kimi e)" by Akira Fuse (布施明Fuse Akira episodes 34-47)
[edit] Ending Themes
- "Boy! (少年よ Shōnen yo episodes 1-33, 48)" by Akira Fuse (布施明Fuse Akira)
[edit] Video Game(s)
A video game based on the series was produced by Bandai for the PlayStation 2, under the name Kamen Rider Hibiki. It is a fighting game, with final attacks done with Ongeki weapons, as in the show. Players can connect their Tatacon, the controller from the Taiko: Drum Master game, to play along with the beat to defeat their enemies.
[edit] Episodes
- The Echo Demon (響く鬼 Hibiku Oni?)
- Howling Spider (咆える蜘蛛 Hoeru Kumo?)
- Falling Voice (落ちる声 Ochiru Koe?)
- Running Ichiro (駆ける勢地郎 Kakeru Ichiro?)
- Melting Sea (熔ける海 Tokeru Umi?)
- Beating Soul (叩く魂 Tataku Tamashii?)
- Majestic Breath Demon (息吹く鬼 Ibuku Oni?)
- Shouting Wind (叫ぶ風 Sakebu Kaze?)
- A Squirming Evil Heart (蠢く邪心 Ugomeku Jashin?)
- The Demon Who Stands in Line (並び立つ鬼 Narabitatsu Oni?)
- Swallowing Wall (呑み込む壁 Nomikobu Kabe?)
- Revealed Secrets (開く秘密 Hiraku Himitsu?)
- Berserk Fate (乱れる運命 Midareru Sadame?)
- Devouring Douji (喰らう童子 Kurau Dōji?)
- Weakening Thunder (鈍る雷 Niburu Ikazuchi?)
- The Roaring Demon (轟く鬼 Todoroku Oni?)
- A Targeted Town (狙われる街 Nerawareru Machi?)
- Unbroken Hurricane (挫けぬ疾風 Kujikenu Shippū?)
- The Strumming Warrior (かき鳴らす戦士 Kakinarasu Senshi?)
- The Pure Sound (清める音 Kiyomeru Oto?)
- Gathering Demons (引き合う魔物 Hikiau Mamono?)
- Becoming A Cacoon (化ける繭 Bakeru Mayu?)
- Summer Of Training (鍛える夏 Kitaeru Natsu?)
- Blazing Crimson (燃える紅 Moeru Kurenai?)
- Running Azure (走る紺碧 Hashiru Konpeki?)
- Counting the Days (刻まれる日々 Kizamareru Hibi?)
- Eternal Bonds (伝える絆 Tsutaeru Kizuna?)
- Undying Malice (絶えぬ悪意 Taenu Akui?)
- Shining Boy (輝く少年 Kagayaku Shōnen?)
- Forging Premontion (鍛える予感 Kitaeru Yokan?)
- Surpassing Father (超える父 Koeru Chichi?)
- Bursting Song (弾ける歌 Hajikeru Uta?)
- The Armed Blade (装甲う刃 Matō Yaiba?)
- Beloved BeautyV恋する鰹VKoi Suru Katsuo ({{{2}}}?)
- Fallen Angel (惑わす天使 Madowasu Tenshi?)
- Starving Shuki (飢える朱鬼 Ueru Shuki?)
- Lightning Living Again (甦る雷 Yomigaeru Ikazuchi?)
- Broken OnGeki (敗れる音撃 Yabureru Ongeki?)
- Your Beginning (始まる君 Hajimaru Kimi?)
- Nearing Orochi (迫るオロチ Semaru Orochi?)
- The Awakening Teacher and Student (目醒める師弟 Mezameru Shitei?)
- Ferocious Demons (猛る妖魔 Takeru Yōma?)
- An Unchangeable Body (変われぬ身 Kawarenu Mi?)
- Forbidden Secret (秘める禁断 Himeru Kindan?)
- Dying a Glorious Death, Zanki (散華する斬鬼 Sange Suru Zanki?)
- Mastering the Demon Way (極める鬼道 Kiwameru Onidō?)
- The Talking Back (語る背中 Kataru Senaka?)
- Dreaming of Tomorrow (明日なる夢 Asunaru Yume?)
[edit] Hyper Battle Video
The spin-off Asumu Henshin was released direct-to-video during the later half of 2005. It is special feature that Adachi Asumu plays an active part as Oni, guided by Takeshi's Animal discs. The Oni form of Asumu is identical to Hibiki. The only other Oni in the video (not counting the stock footage scenes) is Sabaki.
[edit] Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven War Demons
The movie spin-off of the 2006 Kamen Rider series, entitled Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven War Demons, takes place in the Warring States Period. The film serves as a prequel to the Makamou war and features five movie-only Oni known as Kabuki, Kirameki, Habataki, Nishiki, and Touki.
[edit] Ongeki Rider Hibiki
Many fans feel that the ending to Kamen Rider Hibiki was inconclusive while others feel that it gave the story a nice closure. There are however a few loose ends that need to be tied up story-wise, and while it may not have been the highest rated series, there are rumors of Kamen Rider Hibiki getting a second season under the name Ongeki Rider Hibiki (音波の殴打のライダーの音 Sonic Strike Rider Hibiki?) marketed as a spin off of the Kamen Rider line, and as a continuation of Kamen Rider Hibiki. This rumor is supported strongly by the fact that the Ongeki Rider franchise was one that Ishinomori had planned to do before his death. Ironically, Ongeki Rider Hibiki was also one of the production names for Kamen Rider Hibiki. Two particular things that have caused these rumors, are the appearance of Gouki, Touki, Shouki and Banki at the end of Kamen Rider Hibiki's run. Along with a two page special with the current 11 kanto Oni in a giant battle, featured in the Japanese Tokusatsu magazine "Terebi". Shouki even had the stunt actor Oshikawa Yoshifumi casted to him (As with Makoto Itoh).
[edit] References
| Kamen Rider franchise created by Shotaro Ishinomori and Toru Hirayama | |
| TV series First Generation | Kamen Rider • V3 • X • Amazon • Stronger • "New" Kamen Rider • Super-1 |
| TV series Second Generation | BLACK • BLACK RX |
| TV series Third Generation | Kuuga • Agito • Ryuki • 555 • Blade • Hibiki • Kabuto • Den'ou |
| Specials | Kamen Rider ZX • Kamen Rider Shin • Kamen Rider SD • Kamen Rider World |
| Original Films | Kamen Rider ZO • Kamen Rider J • Kamen Rider the First |
