The Heisei era of Kamen Rider is often split into two phases. Phase 1 runs from 2000 to 2009, covering eight series that redefined what a tokusatsu show could be. These weren't just superhero shows for kids — they were character-driven, tonally complex, and willing to take risks. From murder mystery to time travel comedy, Heisei Phase 1 ran the full spectrum. Here's a breakdown of all eight series and why this era remains a landmark in tokusatsu history.
Kamen Rider Kuuga (2000)
Kuuga kicked off the Heisei era with a grounded, gripping cop drama. Yusuke Godai transforms into Kuuga to battle the Grongi Tribe, an ancient race of monsters hunting humans for sport. What set Kuuga apart was its focus on the police investigation running alongside the hero story. Inspector Ichijou builds a genuine partnership with Godai — and the human cost of every monster attack is felt in full. The show takes its time, which is exactly why it works.
Kamen Rider Agito (2001)
Agito followed Kuuga with a similarly grounded tone but layered in mystery. Three different people develop Rider powers independently, and the story spends much of its runtime figuring out why. The police unit G3 feels like a direct evolution of the Kuuga squad, and the slow-burn reveals around the Unknown enemies give the series real weight. A quieter show, but one that rewards patience.
Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002)
Ryuki threw out the monster-of-the-week formula entirely. Thirteen Riders are forced into a survival game — the last one standing gets their wish granted. Alliances form and collapse. Characters you like die. The show has a cynical streak that feels ahead of its time, and the Mirror World concept made every fight visually distinct. Ryuki introduced stakes that the franchise hasn't matched since.
Kamen Rider 555 / Faiz (2003)
Faiz is bleak in the best way. The Orphnoch are humans who died and came back as monsters — and the show refuses to let you ignore the tragedy in that. Takumi Inui, the main Rider, is cold, antisocial, and reluctant to be anyone's hero. He wears the Faiz gear because someone has to, not because he wants glory. The result is one of the most distinctive protagonists in the franchise.
Kamen Rider Blade (2004)
Blade has an uneven first half but delivers one of the strongest finales in Phase 1. Kenzaki and Chalice — a human and an Undead — develop a bond the show builds its entire endgame around. The card-based system, where defeating Undeads seals their power into Battle Fight cards, is a satisfying mechanic that pays off directly in the story itself.
Kamen Rider Hibiki (2005)
Hibiki takes the biggest creative swing of the Phase 1 era. Riders here are called Oni and use sound-based weapons rooted in Japanese mythology and folklore. The mentorship between Hibiki and teenager Asumu is the emotional core. Despite production changes mid-run, the first half especially offers something genuinely different from everything else on this list.
Kamen Rider Kabuto (2006)
Kabuto introduces Souji Tendou — arguably the most self-assured protagonist in the franchise. Tendou believes he is the man closest to heaven, and the show rarely contradicts him. Clock Up, the ability to move at near-light speed, makes every fight feel like a cut above. Kabuto is confident, stylish, and never boring.
Kamen Rider Den-O (2007)
Den-O closes out Phase 1 on a lighter note. Ryotaro is a spectacularly unlucky human whose body gets possessed by four Imagin with very different personalities. The result is a comedy-heavy adventure through time that still lands emotional gut-punches when it needs them. Den-O became a massive commercial hit and spawned more films than any other Kamen Rider series.
Personal Favorites
Of the eight, three series stand out above the rest.
Kuuga earns the top spot because of how it frames the hero story. This isn't just about punching monsters — it's about the people trying to protect the public alongside Godai. The police procedural running in parallel gives the show a weight that most tokusatsu never attempts. Every battle has consequences you can actually feel.
Faiz works because Takumi works. He's not charming, not eager, and not interested in being a symbol. He fights because the situation demands it, and that reluctance makes every moment he commits feel earned. His chemistry with the rest of the cast slowly thaws into something genuine — the show just makes you wait for it.
Kabuto is pure confidence on screen. Tendou walks into every scene like the outcome is already decided, and somehow it usually is. The Clock Up sequences still look incredible, and the show's aesthetic — sharp suits, gourmet cooking, unshakeable cool — makes it one of the most rewatchable in the franchise. Browse our Kamen Rider collection to find your next piece.
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