The press conference for Kamen Rider Gotchard premiered on August 9th, 2023, in which the cast and characters were revealed. In addition, the theme song artist information was also revealed during this event.
Kamen Rider Gotchard, the next instalment in the Kamen Rider series following Kamen Rider Geats, unveiled its cast and storyline during a press event on August 9th, 2023. The event was streamed live on YouTube via the Toei Tokusatsu YouTube Official channel and the Bandai Official channel. Viewers got their first glimpse of the show’s talented cast and received intriguing details about the plot. Furthermore, the event featured the exclusive reveal of the theme song and its artists, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming series. The theming of this rider will be based on Alchemy.
Plot
“Alchemy” is a field often labelled as a pseudo science, attempting to replicate the process of creating “gold” through experimentation with various combinations. One of these experiments involves bringing to life a group of beings artificially and the story unfolds during a period when these covert experiments are being conducted.
The narrative centers on the concept of imbuing artificial lifeforms, referred to as the “Chemys,” with human like qualities. These creations, crafted to mimic real world entities like grasshoppers, are the outcome of advanced alchemical techniques. Each of these entities is meticulously safeguarded within “Ride Chemy Cards” until an unforeseen event leads to their unintentional release into the wild.
The protagonist, Houtarou Ichinose, is tasked with the Gotchardriver and an assignment to retrieve the scattered Chemys. Some of these entities are well matched for companionship with humans. Through a resonance with a compassionate heart, Houtarou can merge with them, undergoing a transformation into Kamen Rider Gotchard. However, there is a potential risk that those influenced by negative human emotions could give rise to monstrous entities known as the Malgam. This narrative explores the intricate relationship between good and evil, showcasing how these opposing forces are intricately connected.
The core question in the story revolves around whether Gotchard will achieve success in collecting the one hundred and one Chemys or if his inadvertence will trigger catastrophic consequences for the world.
Cast and Characters
Junsei Motojima As Houtarou Ichinose / Kamen Rider Gotchard
“In ‘Kamen Rider Gatchard’, I will play the role of Houtarou Ichinose, the main character! Houtarou is a lovable 17-year-old high school student who is extremely positive and a little out of it. Every day is a happy day of filming, being involved in the historical Kamen Rider work. I will do my best for one year. thank you!”
Junsei Motojima
Houtarou Ichinose, takes on the role of the central protagonist in Kamen Rider Gotchard. As an alchemist in high school, he undergoes a remarkable transformation into the formidable Kamen Rider Gotchard (仮面ライダーガッチャード). Houtarou is typical sophomore in high school, not the top academic performer but excelling in sports. Dedicated to aiding his mother in the management of her restaurant, he actively innovates with his culinary creations. However, his personal aspirations remain uncertain to him. Following his encounter with Hopper1 Chemy and obtaining the Gotchardriver from Kudo Rinn, Houtarou discovers a newfound sense of direction in his life as he transforms into Kamen Rider Gotchard.
His Suit Actor will be Eitoku who previously played many previous Riders and Sentai warriors such as Kamen Rider Tycoon, Kamen Rider Vice and Deka Break. This will be his first sole main Rider role.
Yasunari Fuzibayashi As Kurogane Spanner / Valavard
Spanner Kurogane serves as an A-Class alchemist assigned to the Alchemist Academy. In contrast to Houtarou, he holds the belief that Chemy are instruments and should not possess independent volition. He receives credit for crafting the Valvarad system, an armored suit more than a Rider system. Consequently, he does not fall into the category of a Rider. His frequently used phrase is “This joke is not funny.”
His suit actor is Yasuhiko Imai who has historically played many rival type and anti heroic sentai warriors with his most recent role being OKuwagataOhger.
Matsumoto Reiyo as Rinne Kudo
Rinne Kudo is a fellow student of Houtarou and she conceals her identity as an alchemist. Her father also practiced alchemy and is the one who presented Houtarou with the Steamliner and Hopper1 Cards. She attends the Alchemist Academy, which is a hidden institution situated beneath Houtarou’s high school.
Oto Abe as Renge Ichou
Also an alchemist and a fellow classmate of Rinne, Oto seeks to create gold through her alchemical studies to help her family who is poor. She is also a longtime classmate and friend of Sabimaru, detailed next.
Rikiya Tomizono as Sabimaru Tsuruhara
An intelligent but aloof alchemist who is a fellow classmate classmate of Rinne. Carrying an AI known as ‘Issac,’ he houses the entity within his tablet and engages in spoken interactions with it. Similarly to Houtarou, Sabimaru has a soft spot for Chemys.
Rikuto Kumaki as Minato
Minato, a seemingly unremarkable middle aged history instructor at Houtarou’s school, actually holds the role of a teacher at the concealed Alchemist Academy situated beneath the school’s premises.
Amon Kabe as Ryo Kajiki
A fellow classmate of Houtarou’s who is a devoted fan of the occult and reads the “Supernatural Planet” occult magazine.
Yoko Minamino as Tamami Ichinose
Hotaro’s mother independently manages a traditional meal establishment on her own. She holds unwavering faith in her husband, who explores foreign lands as an adventurer, and lovingly takes care of her son.
Kanji Ishimaru as Fuga Kudo
Rinne’s exceptional alchemist father had been safeguarding the Chemy against the threat of the Three Dark Sisters. However, when he found himself in a difficult situation, he handed over the Gotchardriver to Houtarou.
Three Sisters of the Underworld
The primary antagonists of the show are the Three Dark Sisters, an enigmatic faction employing alchemy from the shadows. Their focus lies on acquiring the 101 Chemy and the Gotchardriver hidden by Fuga. These sisters, arranged from left to right, consist of:
- Alisa Sakamaki as Lachesis, the youngest sibling. Her unique alchemical abilities are triggered by the tone of her voice.
- Itono Okita as Atropos, who has the appearance of a young girl but holds the position of the eldest sister. She wields formidable alchemical powers.
- Kanon Miyahara as Clotho, the middle child excelling in combat prowess.
Theme Song
Title: CHEMY×STORY
Artist: BACK-ON
Lyrics: Seiko Fujibayashi
Composition/Arrangement: Hi-yunk (BACK-ON)
Production Staff
Takehiro Ohkawa – Producer (TV Asahi)
- Keisuke Shibako – Producer (TV Asahi)
- Yousuke Minato – Producer (Toei)
- Ryuta Tasaki – Director
- Keiichi Hasegawa – Main Writer
- Hiroki Uchida – Main Writer
- Hiroshi Takagi – Music Composer
- Hiroshi Butsuda – SFX Director
- Hirofumi Fukuzawa – Action Director
Trailer
Here is the trailer for Kamen Rider Gotchard:
Kamen Rider Gotchard is the fifth entry of the Reiwa era Kamen Rider series. Gotchard will premiere on September 3rd at 9:00 am (JST) on TV Asahi.
Gotchard toys will be available on The Toku Source very soon so keep your eyes peeled for preorders and special announcements.
Sources: TV Asahi
