Hiroshi Fujioka’s Thoughts on Returning to Kamen Rider

The movie Kamen Rider 1 will premiere on March 26th 2016, making it the first time after 45 years that Hiroshi Fujioka reprises his role as Takeshi Hongo / Kamen Rider 1 in the starring role.

As we previously reported, Fujioka took part of the project from the planning phase and also helped write the script for the upcoming anniversary movie.

Fujioka has posted an entry in his blog officially announcing his role while sharing his thoughts to his fans:

When I first heard of this offer, the faces of my late teachers, the creators of Kamen Rider came to mind. Shotaro Ishinomori, producer Toru Hirayama, producer Seiji Abe, studio chief Yusaku Uchida and the many directors.

Also, my friends at the Oono Kenyukai (organization in charge of stunts at the time) that I like calling comrades in arms and each individual member of staff.

The message that everyone wanted to give was that Kamen Rider is still alive within me.

45 years, being almost half a century, and thinking of a good way to repay all the people that have supported and followed my career along the years, as well as a good chance to transmit my personal message to the people, I decided to accept this offer.

Having done charity work in dozens of countries, I want to transmit the heaviness and true value of life.

The script did not have this message at first, so we took it upon ourselves to rework it countless times for children to be able to receive this message, which lead to sleepless nights in which discussions took place as to how to incorporate this important message into the project.

We also kept the beginning stages of this legacy and included action scenes and motorbike scenes that may remind you of past experiences.

I hope you can enjoy this story of justice, love and courage with your family.

The teaser trailer for the movie can be found on the official movie website. Kamen Rider 1 features the return of Hiroshi Fujioka as Takeshi Hongo, the original Kamen Rider, as he attempts to save the granddaughter of Tobei Tachibana, his racing mentor, Mayu Tachibana. Kamen Rider 1 premieres on March 26, 2016 all across Japan.

Source: Hiroshi Fujioka’s blog