Kamen Rider Showa era

Kamen Rider and the Power of Transformation

Growing up, I was always drawn to Japan, its culture, design, toys, and television shows. Among all those influences, Kamen Rider has always held a special place in my heart, especially the riders from the Showa era.

What I loved most was the idea of transformation.

A hero could be defeated and left with almost no hope. Then, with one movement and one word, Henshin, everything changed.

It made me believe that even when you feel powerless, another version of yourself may still be waiting to emerge.

Growing Up With Black and RX

The riders I connected with most were Kamen Rider Black and Kamen Rider Black RX.

I grew up watching their transformation sequences, motorcycles, creatures, and battles. Kamen Rider Black felt darker and more emotional, while Black RX was brighter and more futuristic.

As a child, I loved the action. As an adult and a designer, I began noticing the visual details.

The bold colours, helmets, belts, logos, motorcycles, and strong silhouettes created a complete world. Without realising it, Kamen Rider influenced the way I looked at graphic design.

It showed me how colour, shape, and symbols could create an unforgettable identity.

Ishinomaki

During a trip to Japan, I travelled to Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture to visit the Ishinomori Manga Museum.

Sadly, I arrived after it closed at 5 p.m.

Even so, I enjoyed exploring the town and discovering Kamen Rider statues throughout the streets. It felt like Ishinomori’s characters had stepped out of the television and become part of the city.

Although I missed the museum, the journey still felt like a personal pilgrimage.

We Can Always Transform

I think the reason I still love Kamen Rider is simple.

It reminds me that transformation is always possible.

Sometimes it happens quietly, when we begin again, continue after failure, or turn the things we loved as children into something we create as adults.

When hope feels distant, perhaps we are not at the end.

Perhaps we are only waiting for the moment to transform.

Henshin.

Pras