Hello Hero-Club faithful, well I, ZeltraxMillennium, am back from an extended hiatus to write for the site. Currently, I am really liking the new theme that the site has, and practically blinded myself by it. Thankfully, this new and improved version of the Hero-Club site features a ‘Dark Mode’ though. Anyway, as the title implies, today’s article is my impressions on the latest Kamen Rider series and its early episodes.
Now, the current series is titled Kamen Rider Zeztz, and the name is most likely an onomatopoeia for snoring. Especially, since this Kamen Rider is able to fight in dreams against nightmares bent on destroying reality. However, before going further into the show’s concept let me explain more details regarding its production. First, Toei has decided to copy Tsuburaya’s example with earlier filming schedules, and licensing Kamen Rider for simulcast. Albeit, the simulcast deal is limited to specific areas like North America, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. Although it is uncertain when Toei will expand further to make Kamen Rider into an actual international brand. Whereas, regarding the simulcast, Toei partnered with Shout! Factory to broadcast episodes on the TokuShoutsu YouTube and Twitch Channels.
Originally, Toei’s intent was to premiere all of the episodes as live broadcasts with limited re-runs throughout the week. However, fan backlash and complaints got Toei to reconsider the plan and allow episodes to remain on-demand as active uploads. So, the VODs are available for anyone in the selected regions or with a VPN to watch whenever they please. Although, there is a difference in time between when Kamen Rider Zeztz episodes air in Japan and the international simulcast. For example, all-new episodes premiere in Japan on Sundays at 9:00 AM JST (8 PM EST/ 5 PM PST for Americans). Whereas, the English simulcast is broadcast on YouTube and Twitch at roughly 10:30 PM EST/ 7:30 PM PST. As a result, there is a two-hour delay between the air, which is similar to Ultraman’s simulcast era on Crunchyroll. Yet, with daylight savings approaching I wonder if the broadcast time will be moved to 9:30/ 6:30 PM.
Anyway, Kamen Rider Zeztz properly premiered on September 7, 2025 in Japan, and September 6, 2025 in North America. Since then, eight episodes have aired in total for Kamen Rider Zeztz, at least when writing this article. Coincidentally, the first three episodes might have been intended to be a TV movie. As a result, I assume there might be a director’s cut version in the future for home media releases. Whereas, I am only focusing on the first seven since episode 8 starts a new multi-parter within the series. Although, I really encourage those who have yet to watch it to view all episodes before continuing reading any further. Especially, since I do wish to provide too many spoilers beyond this point, even though I plan to restrain myself. Personally, I cannot help but to reveal some aspects of the series while discussing my opinions and possible theories. Nevertheless, let that please be a warning for any newcomers, or fans that have put off watching it.
As mentioned early, our titular hero is a warrior who fights nightmares before they can affect reality. From the premise alone, Kamen Rider Zeztz already establishes itself as an unique show. Before even airing, many fans like myself were uncertain how the show would execute this concept. For example, some people thought all the action would be locked to dream sequences. Whereas, others suspected that the series would have Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, of bringing stuff into reality. Coincidentally, both theories were right as the show juggles between those concepts. Especially, since the first three episodes show what happens if a Nightmare (the MOTW) consumes their host and breaches reality. Also, it shows how Kamen Rider Zeztz’s powers can still work when our hero Baku Yorozu is awake. Interestingly, everything for our protagonist is framed around being a secret agent, private security, and detective. Specifically, since Baku (portrayed by Ryutaro Imai) idolizes a Bond-esque film franchise and dreams about being an agent. So, episodes feature Baku using his lucid dreaming skills to jump into others dreams to protect them. Then when Baku is awake he is helping police investigators on the “Black Cases” associated with Nightmare activity. As a result, Baku could be considered a modern day Kuuga or Agito for collaborating with special investigators.
Speaking of which, the pair of investigators that Baku is associated with come from the special Paranormal Affairs division. Currently, it is implied the division was thrown together haphazardly like the Special Investigation Unit in Kamen Rider Drive. For example, the lead detective Tetsuya Fujimi (played by Kenta Mishima) is seen as a nut by his peers. Unfortunately, because of these issues at work, Detective Fujimi was the first individual shown possessed by a Nightmare. Also, this led to the police department being bombed during Baku’s first true mission as Kamen Rider Zeztz. So, with restructuring occurring at the department only Fujimi and his new partner remain as the paranormal division. Coincidentally, that new partner is the up-incoming detective, Officer Nasuka Nagumo, portrayed by Kamen Rider alumni Rina Onuki. For those possibly unaware, Rina Onuki previously had a recurring role on Kamen Rider Geats, as Kamen Rider Lopo. Interestingly, it has been implied/ hinted that Rina’s character Nasuka might even become a Rider later on. Although those implications were only statements and jokes from the cast during the initial press conference to announce the show. Nevertheless, it is a possibility I look forward to, as women rarely get multiple roles as Riders. Especially, since men more commonly return to the series in new roles that also happen to be Kamen Riders.
Then as for becoming Kamen Rider Zeztz, Baku acquires his gear from a secret base called the Zeztz Room. Interestingly, it is a pocket dimension located within Baku’s bedroom closet, and it is capable of bridging dreams to reality. Within the base Baku works with Zero, a mysterious individual who controls the series’ motorcycle Code Zeroider. Like Kamen Rider Faiz’s Autovajin, the Code Zeroider can transform into a robotic assistant, but it is remote controlled. Here, Zero guides Baku, monitors his activities, and provides him new Capsem power-ups, the collectible gimmick, via gachapon machines. Also, the Zeztz Room expands into become a secondary office for Paranormal Affairs resulting in some hilarious antics. Especially since Zero seemingly has to hide their identity, so only Baku sees the bike in robot form. Currently, I assume that Zero being nonexistent to Paranormal Affairs will be a drawn out joke. Hopefully, it will not be for the entire series since it would seem really asinine. Yet, it makes me wonder if Baku’s sister Minami will stumble upon the Zeztz Room, or already aware of it.
So, having mentioned Minami Yorozu, let us begin talking about her role within Kamen Rider Zeztz’s story. Currently, Minami is Baku’s younger sister who is seemingly the more successful member of the family. Specifically, Minami has a job and pays for practically everything since Baku is seemingly cursed with horrible luck. For example, the premiere states Baku has previously been hit by a meteorite even before his “empowering” vehicular accident. As a result, Minami is even more protective of her brother since Baku is more cursed than Ryutaro from Den-O. Unfortunately, at this given point in the show, Minami is still the least explored character. Although Minami is often written as being someone who unintentionally helps Baku unravel the Black Cases. Like in “Protect the VIP Bride,” Minami drags Baku out to go jogging and he encounters people the dreamer knows. Then when interacting with these people Baku begins to understand what is causing the Nightmare to target the dreamer. Interestingly, thinking about it now, maybe Minami’s role is to be Baku’s partner in reality when working cases. Especially, since Baku’s partner in the dream world is really otherworldly given the end for this batch of episodes.
Minami - Left, Nem - Right
Specifically, since the partner I am referring to is the series’ lead female protagonist Nem, portrayed by Maho Horiguchi. Within Kamen Rider Zeztz, Nem is Japan’s biggest idol to the extent that everyone sees her in their dreams. Whereas, for Baku, Nem often appears to him as a damsel to rescue or his partner for his cases. Interestingly, Nem is able to assume any role required in dreams to either help Baku or other dreamers. Especially, since Nem is supernaturally tied to everything occurring with the Nightmares that are plaguing humanity. However, I do not wish to elaborate further to avoid possible spoilers for fans lagging behind. So, I will address Nem’s connection with the Nightmares next time if more information is revealed by then. Although I will mention that in reality Nem has been captured by the show’s current antagonist.
Surprisingly, that antagonist I am referring to is most likely Kamen Rider Zeztz’s Secondary Rider as well due to solicitations. Now, that character’s name is Nox, and he is portrayed by a Hero-Club favorite, Yuki Furukawa. From what I am told by colleagues and bosses, Mr. Furukawa starred in some of their favorite dramas. For example, he starred in Mischievous Kiss alongside Kamen Rider OOO’s Honoka Miki and Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger’s Yuki Yamada. Anyway, as Nox, Yuki Furukawa plays the mastermind behind how the Nightmares acquire their targets. Unfortunately, Nox’s motivation is unclear and rather cryptic since it appears he needs Zeztz to unlock his forms for it. So, it really leaves fans wondering what Nox’s endgame is until he is either defeated or becomes a hero.
Besides discussing the cast, the main attraction of Kamen Rider is normally its suit production and stunts. So, in regards to Kamen Rider Zeztz, his suit is very different compared to past Riders. First the main henshin belt is worn like a pageant sash rather than being a standard belt. Immediately, fans joked that this is because the deluxe toys are made for kids and do not fit adults. However there is an in-universe explanation for the position change, as it works like a pacemaker for Baku. Then the next change with the Zeztz suit is that it is sleek and form fitting on performer Kenta Niita. Like this suit might be the tightest suit we have seen for a main Rider in ages. Whereas, all of the action direction is being managed by veteran stunt actor and director Jun Watanabe. For those unaware, Watanabe began working at Toei during Kamen Rider Faiz in 2003, as part of the Japan Action Enterprises. Eventually, he was promoted to action director in 2014 where he oversaw the production of Kamen Rider Drive. Currently, Watanabe and his team have presented amazing spectacles thus far like a night battle, and an impressive motorcycle scene. Hopefully, we get more motorcycle battles as seen in Episode 3, since Rider has been lacking in that for years.
Whereas, the Nightmare monster designs we have seen thus far all look incredible and fit the aesthetic. For example, they usually incorporate an element of the dreamer’s fears or aspirations locked in their subconscious. Like in “Protect the VIP Bride,” the bride fears flying, so the Nightmare is based on a crow. So, I assume we will see many cool designs based on fears, dreams, and symbolism. Also, the Nightmares, as a concept, their execution in Zeztz is very similar to the Phantoms from Kamen Rider Wizard. Especially, given how they need to fulfill a scenario to overcome their host to fully materialize within reality. However, there is a significant difference between them since Nightmares seem to create a mist that infects others. As a result, Nightmares can produce more Nightmares akin to maybe the Bugsters from Ex-Aid. Although, I wonder how long the Nightmares will stay relevant, as some series move away from the weekly monster premise.
Overall, Kamen Rider Zeztz is off to a decent start and is a treat to behold. Especially, since this is still Toei’s first real attempt towards the brand’s global expansion. Additionally, this initial success features rumors of Toei and Bandai making attempts to distribute the toys at mass retail. However, that seems very questionable since its market is geared to hobby shops and online retailers. Anyway, for the show itself, I cannot wait to see how its world and story develops further. Currently, I cannot predict where everything is leading towards given we are still early in the show. So, hopefully in the next review we might have some inklings on where Kamen Rider Zeztz is taking us. Nevertheless, I intend to be back with another review once the next four to eight episodes have aired!
