Press play. Cast off. And walk the path of heaven. Lost half a point only because we have to wait until Episode 2 to see his "Rider Kick" in full glory.
"Walking the path of Heaven, the one who will rule over everything."
In the present day, society lives under the constant fear of the "Unknown" (the public’s name for Worms). The secret organization (Zwei Euro Combat Tactical) fights a shadow war against them, utilizing powerful armored suits known as the Masked Rider System . kamen rider kabuto episode 1
But then, Tendou presses the button on the Kabuto Zecter.
If you are a newcomer looking to get into the series, or a veteran wanting to revisit the origin of the ZECT War, this deep dive into Episode 1 will explain why this 2006 premiere remains a landmark in Tokusatsu history. The episode opens with a flashback that sets the entire mythology in motion. Seven years before the main plot, a massive object—later identified as the meteor carrying the alien Worms—crashed into Shibuya, Tokyo. The impact was catastrophic, leveling the city and causing a timeline split for the survivors. From this wreckage emerged the Worms: shape-shifting insects capable of mimicking human beings perfectly, down to their memories and emotions. Press play
Whether you are here for the speed-gimmick, the meme-worthy protagonist, or the stunning beetle armor, this episode delivers. So, do as Tendou would do.
Tendou ignores this warning. When the Worm uses a human shield, Kabuto hesitates... and then uses a kick that phases through the human to destroy the Worm. This moment showcases the genius of the writing: Tendou rejects the system's cruelty, establishing his moral code without a single line of sentimental dialogue. Rewatching Kamen Rider Kabuto Episode 1 today, the use of practical effects is astonishing. The "Cast Off" sequence—where the heavy armored parts literally explode off the suit—was done with actual air mortars in the costume. This gives the transformation a tactile, mechanical weight that modern CGI transformations sometimes lack. Lost half a point only because we have
In a burst of explosive armor (the "Masked Form" falls away), appears in his Rider Form . The design is stunning: a sleek, crimson and dark blue suit with a horned, almost samurai-like visor. But more importantly, Kabuto can also use Clock Up.