Kamen Rider exhibition zooms into KL, revving up nostalgia and action

The Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur celebrates the show's 50-year legacy, since its 1971 TV premiere. Photo: The Star/ M. IRSYAD

The Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition, which opens in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (Jan 10), is a celebration of the legendary Japanese superhero franchise that has captivated fans for generations.

The (ticketed) exhibition at Fahrenheit88 mall in Kuala Lumpur, running until March 16, gives Malaysian fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and evolution of Kamen Rider, from its 1971 debut to its contemporary iterations.

The exhibition – the largest in the franchise's history – first opened in Nagoya in 2022, and has since toured cities across Japan, including Fukuoka, Tokyo and Kagoshime, before making its international debut in Hong Kong last September.

A visitor takes a photo of Electro Wave Human Tackle, also known as Denji Shojo, a character from the original 'Kamen Rider' series. Photo: The Star/ M. IRSYAD

At today’s exhibition preview, visitors were treated to a walkthrough of the second floor of Fahrenheit88, featuring over 30 life-sized replicas of Kamen Riders from the franchise’s Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.

Incubase Arena Malaysia, known for hosting anime exhibitions like Attack On Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, is presenting the Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition in KL.

The exhibition, with its archiving homework in place, brings the Kamen Rider characters to life through original costumes, iconic props, and reproduced manga panels. These elements create a multi-layered fan experience.

The exhibition offers a closer look at the props from the Kamen Rider series, highlighting the hero's role as a masked vigilante, concealing their true identity while battling evil. Photo: The Star/ M. IRSYAD

There are also videos with interviews and features about the franchise’s long history, while sketches and storyboards offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

The exhibition also goes beyond mere viewing – it’s about active engagement. Visitors can participate in a stamp rally, exploring every corner of the exhibit while collecting Rider-inspired stamps.

Themed photo zones offer a chance to step into the Kamen Rider universe, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.

To top it off, meet-and-greet sessions with Riders in full costume allow fans to connect with their heroes up close.

'Henshin,' the Japanese word for 'transform,' is shouted by the Rider just before or during their transformation. It has since become the iconic catchphrase of the franchise. Photo: The Star/ M. IRSYAD

For the faithful, you will see how the Kamen Rider franchise has evolved significantly across its three eras.

The Showa-era featured gritty, rebellious heroes fighting oppressive forces with straightforward narratives.

The Heisei-era embraced intricate storytelling, deeper character development, and dynamic aesthetics. The Reiwa-era highlights cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Kamen Rider fans won't be "riding home" empty-handed. They can explore the exhibition’s exclusive store, featuring limited-edition figures, apparel, and Malaysia-only items – a must-visit for collectors and casual fans alike.