Kamen Rider Black (1987)
The classic tokusatsu series that redefined the Kamen Rider franchise with a darker tone, a deeply personal story, and an unforgettable hero-versus-brother conflict.
Kamen Rider Black - Series Information
- Original Title: 仮面ライダーBLACK
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Kids, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 4, 1987 (Brazil - 10)
- Networks: MBS, JNN
- Alternative Titles: Masked Rider Black (US), 蒙面超人Black (TW)
- Production Companies: Ishimori Production, Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Kamen Rider Black - Plot
Desperate and terrified, Kotaro Minami escaped the clutches of the ancient secret society, Gorgom—but in doing so, left behind his best friend and adoptive brother, Nobuhiko Akizuki. Both have been transformed into beings of immense power in order to serve Gorgom's dark purposes. If left unchecked, Gorgom will destroy humanity and eliminate all traces of its civilization and culture. Now the powerful cyborg known as Kamen Rider Black, Kotaro will use the powers Gorgom gave him to preserve justice and freedom, as well as to save his brother. But Gorgom has their own plans for Nobuhiko—and if Kotaro can't save him, he may have to fight him!
Kamen Rider Black - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Kamen Rider Black come to life.
Long, long ago, in the 20th century...
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Kamen Rider Black - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tetsuo Kurata
- Akemi Inoue
- Moyu Taguchi
- Takahito Horiuchi
- Masaki Terasoma
- Shozo Iizuka
- Toshimichi Takahashi
- Hitomi Yoshii
- Jun Yoshida
- Kiyoshi Kobayashi
Writers
- Shozo Uehara
- Noboru Sugimura
Kamen Rider Black - FAQs
What is Kamen Rider Black about?
Kamen Rider Black follows Kotaro Minami, a young man transformed into a powerful cyborg by the ancient secret society Gorgom. Rather than serve their dark agenda, he rebels and becomes Kamen Rider Black, fighting to protect humanity while desperately trying to rescue his brainwashed adoptive brother, Nobuhiko.
Is Kamen Rider Black worth watching for tokusatsu fans?
Widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the entire Kamen Rider franchise, Kamen Rider Black stands out for its darker tone, emotionally driven storyline, and the compelling rivalry between Kotaro and his brother. It's a must-watch for tokusatsu enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Who plays Kotaro Minami in Kamen Rider Black?
Tetsuo Kurata portrays Kotaro Minami, the hero who transforms into Kamen Rider Black. His performance brought genuine emotional depth to the role, and he remains beloved by fans decades later. The cast also includes Akemi Inoue, Takahito Horiuchi, and Masaki Terasoma as the voice of Shadow Moon.
Who is Shadow Moon and why does he matter?
Shadow Moon is Nobuhiko Akizuki, Kotaro's adoptive brother, who was fully transformed by Gorgom into their ultimate warrior. Voiced by Masaki Terasoma, he serves as the series' most emotionally charged antagonist — a dark mirror of the hero, making every confrontation between them deeply personal and tragic.
How does Kamen Rider Black differ from earlier Kamen Rider series?
Kamen Rider Black marked a bold creative reinvention of the franchise. It introduced a grittier, more serialized narrative, a single protagonist without a partner rider, and a deeply personal conflict at its core. The show's darker atmosphere and continuous story arc set it apart from the episodic, lighter tone of earlier entries.
When did Kamen Rider Black first air?
Kamen Rider Black premiered on October 4, 1987, on MBS and the JNN network in Japan. The series ran for 51 episodes, concluding in 1988. It later reached international audiences, including a broadcast in Brazil.
How many episodes does Kamen Rider Black have?
The series consists of 51 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, making the full run a manageable yet richly rewarding watch. The story builds steadily across its entire run toward a dramatic and emotionally resonant finale.
Where can you watch Kamen Rider Black online?
Streaming availability for Kamen Rider Black varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase platforms available in your area — on JustWatch, which provides up-to-date listings for where the series can be watched.
More About Kamen Rider Black
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