A New Hero Awakens: *Kamen Rider Zettsu* Unveils Its Cast and Global Ambitions!

Get ready, Tokusatsu fans! The latest installment in the iconic *Kamen Rider* television drama series, *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, is set to premiere on September 7th. Ahead of its much-anticipated broadcast, a production announcement press conference was held on August 7th at the SUMMER FES LIVE Arena in Roppongi Hills Arena. The event featured the series’ lead actor, Imai Ryuutaro, who took the stage alongside the newly revealed main cast to share their excitement and aspirations for the show.

Meet Kamen Rider Zettsu: The Hero and His Powers

At the heart of *Kamen Rider Zettsu* is the protagonist, Yorozu Baku, who transforms into Kamen Rider Zettsu. He serves as an agent for CODE, a top-secret defense organization tasked with infiltrating human dreams to carry out their missions. A significant highlight that has already garnered considerable attention is the Zettsu Driver, the Rider series’ first-ever transformation belt worn around the chest. During the press conference, Imai Ryuutaro proudly debuted the transformation pose for the first time. As Imai-san donned the Zettsu Driver around his chest and struck a cool pose, complete with a gesture of wiping his lips, enthusiastic cheers erupted from the children and fans in the audience.

After completing such a monumental reveal, Imai-san let out a sigh of relief, admitting, “My heart was pounding! I was worried my hands might be shaking (laughs).” It was a truly electrifying moment for everyone present.

The Star-Studded Cast

The press conference also welcomed five additional main cast members, whose roles were officially announced that day. Horiguchi Maho will portray Nemu, a nationally beloved talent who appears in Baku’s dreams. Mishima Kenta takes on the role of Fujimi Tetsuya, a detective investigating mysterious “kaiji” (strange incidents). His subordinate, the rookie detective Nagumo Nasuka, will be played by Onuki Rina. Yorozu Minami, Baku’s younger sister, is brought to life by Yagi Miki, and Furukawa Yuuki steps into the shoes of Nox, a mysterious man who wanders through dreams.

Adding to the excitement, it was revealed that Kawahira Jiei will lend his voice to Zero, the commander of CODE who issues missions to Zettsu, while the renowned Yamadera Kouichi will provide the system voice for the powerful Zettsu Driver.

The Creative Minds Behind the Series & Theme Song

The theme song for *Kamen Rider Zettsu* has been confirmed as “VISIONS,” performed by NAQT VANE, a talented team project under the total production of the esteemed Sawano Hiroyuki. The creative team behind the series boasts an impressive lineup of veterans from the *Kamen Rider* franchise. Takahashi Yuuya, known for his compelling narratives, is handling the script, while Uehoriuchi Kazuya, a skilled director, takes the helm as the main director. This formidable combination ensures a powerful and engaging story for fans.

A Global Release and Aspirations

In a groundbreaking move, *Kamen Rider Zettsu* is also poised for a simultaneous global release, with broadcasts and streaming scheduled to begin around the same time in various Asian countries and the United States. This marks a significant step for the franchise, bringing the hero’s journey to a wider international audience.

Closing the press conference, Imai Ryuutaro expressed his heartfelt commitment to the project: “Each and every one of us aims to create a work that conveys our feelings, joy, and happiness to everyone who watches.” He reaffirmed his dedication to pouring his full effort into making the series a success. *Kamen Rider Zettsu* will air every Sunday starting September 7th at 9:00 AM JST on TV Asahi affiliates.

Full Comments from the Cast and Staff

Imai Ryuutaro (Yorozu Baku / Kamen Rider Zettsu)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
Yorozu Baku is a man with a strong core, capable of standing up against any evil… that’s the kind of strong man he is.

—What are your thoughts on performing the transformation pose?
My heart was pounding! I was worried my hands might be shaking (laughs).

—What was your first impression when you heard the theme song?
I thought it was incredibly cool. It really fits the atmosphere of *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, and it made me feel like I was fighting alongside the Rider myself.

—Do you have any “heroes” close to you?
I grew up watching *Kamen Rider W* when I was little, and it gave me so much aspiration and dreams. I hope I can become such a “heroic presence” for all of you. As for people close to me, it’s definitely my parents. Their cool demeanor, their warm hearts… I hope to become an adult like them. When I told my parents about *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, they were so incredibly happy… it makes me a little teary-eyed right now. (To his parents…) Thank you always. I’ll do my best to become a wonderful adult like you. Please continue to support me.

—Do you have a message for the attendees and viewers?
Today, thank you for coming despite the heat. For everyone who watches *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, each and every one of us aims to create a work that conveys our feelings, joy, and happiness. Please look forward to *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, which starts in September.

Horiguchi Maho (Nemu, National Idol)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
Nemu-chan, whom I play, is a nationally popular talent, so popular that she even appears in everyone’s dreams! She’s a bright and friendly girl. Nemu-chan has a signature line, “Oyasumi gozaimasu” (Good night!), and I hope everyone remembers it. I’ll do my absolute best for the next year to make *Kamen Rider Zettsu* a huge success.

—What was your first impression when you heard the theme song?
When I first heard it, it was so cool that I got goosebumps. Every time I listen to it, it’s exciting and uplifts my mood, so I really want everyone to hear it soon.

—What are the key points of your character?
Nemu’s costume and hair and makeup change depending on the dream world she’s in, so I think that’s a key point. However, in my private life, I often wear sneakers, but for Nemu-chan’s outfits, I’m almost always wearing high heels, so I struggle a bit with walking and running. Sometimes the heels even get stuck in the dirt, which makes it difficult!

Mishima Kenta (Fujimi Tetsuya, Manager of Public Safety Bureau Kaiji Division)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
I play the manager of the Public Safety Bureau Kaiji Division, who chases after inexplicable incidents called “Black Cases” that occur in the world. This series isn’t just made by the members here; an incredible number of staff are working to make it a great work. We’re striving to create the best possible work that can move the hearts of as many people as possible, so please support us for the next year.

—What do you think about *Kamen Rider Zettsu*’s worldview of a “hero who protects from nightmares”?
When I first heard “a hero who protects from dreams,” I got chills. Dreams are universal, transcending countries and ages, so I thought this would be a work that resonates with many people. Hearing that we’re truly aiming to fight on a global scale filled me with a renewed sense of responsibility and gratitude.

—What are the key points of your character?
Fujimi-san has been constantly chasing “Black Cases,” and no matter what happens, he never gives up. As you can see from his costume, he’s a detective with a “Showa era” spirit. I think there will be interesting points where he acts in ways that modern generations might not, so please look forward to it. On the very first day of filming, I dashed so hard that the sole of my shoe came off. That’s how incredibly motivated I am!

Onuki Rina (Nagumo Nasuka, Rookie Detective of Public Safety Bureau Kaiji Division)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
Nasuka is a rookie detective who will be assigned to the Public Safety Bureau Kaiji Division. She’s a very excellent individual with a career-track background. Mishima Kenta-san plays Manager Fujimi, and I often act alongside him. Both the manager and Nasuka are inspectors… I hope you enjoy the dynamic between these two, who are of different ages but the same rank. *Kamen Rider Zettsu* is scheduled for simultaneous global distribution. I will work diligently so that *Kamen Rider Zettsu* reaches and delights everyone around the world who is looking forward to it, so please give us your support for the next year.

—What do you think about *Kamen Rider Zettsu*’s worldview of a “hero who protects from nightmares”?
I also appeared in *Kamen Rider Geats*, which was written by Takahashi Yuuya-san, and I’m savoring the joy of being able to act in a Takahashi script again this time. I look forward to receiving the script every time, and the story makes me want to see what happens next quickly! So please look forward to it.

—What are the key points of your character?
Nasuka is a character that viewers can easily empathize with. I think there will be many scenes where you can feel the same emotions as Nasuka, so I hope you look forward to that. Also, I can’t go into detail, but I’d like you to pay attention to Nasuka’s “kicks.”

Yagi Miki (Yorozu Minami, Baku’s Sister)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
Minami-chan is Baku’s younger sister, but in reality, she’s so reliable that you might think, “Isn’t she more like an older sister?” She acts as an alarm clock when her older brother can’t wake up in the morning. I hope you enjoy the playful chaos between the siblings and the gap between her home life and when Minami-chan is at work.

—What is the charm of *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, which combines innovation and origin?
When Zettsu transforms, his appearance reminded me of the early Kamen Riders, so I felt a bit of nostalgia. He’s also stylish and cool, making him a visual that can be loved by children and adults alike. We’re all working hard to create content that’s just as good, so please look forward to it.

—What are the key points of your character?
It feels like I’m struggling every day, truly. I have many scenes with my older brother, and there are things that only siblings can say or actions they can take. I think there will be many scenes that will make you chuckle, so please pay attention to those as well.

Furukawa Yuuki (Nox, Mysterious Man)

—Please tell us about your role and your enthusiasm.
I play Nox, the mysterious man. Filming is still ongoing, but a truly wonderful work is coming together. Not only the cast members present today, but also the staff who have been involved with *Kamen Rider* for many years, and the suit actors, are pouring their love and passion into creating this. I am certain it will turn out to be a great work, so please wait a little longer until the broadcast. And since the broadcast will continue for a year, I hope to build excitement together with all of you. I would be happy if you support us.

—What is the charm of *Kamen Rider Zettsu*, which combines innovation and origin?
As Director Uehoriuchi Kazuya-san mentioned, I believe the content will be enjoyable for people of all generations. I recently filmed with the director, and he always directs in a way that truly understands the actor’s feelings and the character’s emotions. I am always grateful for his help on set.

—This work is confirmed for simultaneous broadcast and streaming in various Asian countries and the United States. What are you looking forward to with its global expansion?
I lived overseas for 11 years, and during that time, I met many people who loved *Kamen Rider*! I think it’s an incredibly popular franchise. I would be very happy if people not only in Japan but all over the world can enjoy this work.

Kawahira Jiei (Voice of Commander Zero)

When the *Kamen Rider* series first began broadcasting in 1971, I watched it with immense excitement. I was absolutely captivated. So, when I received this offer, I was quite surprised, feeling like, “Eh? Me?”

When I saw the footage, I was astonished by how high-quality it was — it was truly eye-opening, seeing how far it has come! Usually, I receive offers for roles that are more “Kooooh!” — high-tension and energetic — so I believe this is a challenging job for me personally. I’m setting myself the mission of erasing “Kawahira Jiei” in a good way, becoming possessed by Zero, and maintaining a mysterious, “quiet” Kawahira Jiei.

Yamadera Kouichi (Zettsu Driver System Voice)

For me, at 10 years old when the first broadcast began, *Kamen Rider* was the ultimate hero. What’s more, the original creator, Ishinomori Shoutarou-sensei, was from the same Miyagi Prefecture as me! There was no way I wouldn’t be obsessed.

Years later, I was thrilled to be in charge of the narration for *Zero-One* in 2019, but this time, I am very proud to be granted the honor of being the voice of the transformation belt! I was surprised by various evolutions, including the innovative style of wearing it on the chest.

While struggling a bit with the English and complex rhythms, I’ve had a lot of fun during recording. There are also calls that include homages to past Riders. Please pay attention not only to the main story of *Kamen Rider Zettsu* but also to the voice of the “Zettsu Driver”!

NAQT VANE (Theme Song Artists)

Sawano Hiroyuki (NAQT VANE Total Producer)

When producing “VISIONS” this time, what I particularly focused on was the sense of speed. I hope everyone enjoys the song along with the energy and worldview of *Kamen Rider Zettsu*.

Yunoa (Vocal)

I am very honored to be in charge of the theme song this time! “VISIONS” has a longer rap part than NAQT VANE’s previous songs, with two parts — and since it’s a speed rap, I would be happy if you pay close attention when listening. I originally like figures, and I also own figures from the Kamen Rider series. I particularly like the designs of the early Riders, and *Zettsu* is so cool, reminiscent of them! Please listen to “VISIONS” a lot and remember it.

Harukaze (Vocal)

We, NAQT VANE, are now in charge of the theme song for *Kamen Rider Zettsu*. When we heard this news, both of us were surprised, shouting “Eeeh!” and were truly happy from the bottom of our hearts. It is an honor for NAQT VANE to be able to contribute music to the historical world of Kamen Rider.

(C)2025 Ishimori Production・TV Asahi・ADK EM・Toei
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