KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9  — The tokusatsu (live-action Japanese dramas relying on special effects) genre never seems to lose its spark in Malaysia, where, after many decades, fans continue to fuel this shared passion, keeping the legacy of Japan’s most beloved heroes alive.

As tokusatsu continues to thrive locally, so does the legendary Kamen Rider franchise — a series that has gained a cult following for 50 years.

Even in 2025, the love for the masked heroes remains strong among Malaysians of all ages, evident during the franchise’s 50th anniversary exhibition earlier this year, and again at today’s fan gathering, which also celebrated the opening of Malaysia’s first official Kamen Rider Store at Incubase Arena, Fahrenheit88.

The store opened to the public on October 17, 2025, and will run until December 7, 2025.

Inside the Kamen Rider Store: Why its arrival in Malaysia matters

For those unfamiliar, the flagship official Kamen Rider Store first opened in Tokyo Character Street, located in the basement of Tokyo Station, back in 2020.

The pop-up version of the store has made limited-time appearances across Asia, including in Hong Kong, and now, for the very first time, in Malaysia.

While local stores have long sold Kamen Rider merchandise, this marks a major milestone as its the first official Kamen Rider Store in the country, dedicated exclusively to Kamen Rider products.

For the first time, fans can get their hands on authentic, exclusive items and collectibles brought directly from Japan.

This not only guarantees genuine merchandise but also gives fans a unique opportunity to experience the world of Kamen Rider up close — officially on Malaysian soil.

Fans’ love for the series and opinions on the Malaysia Store

Fans of these masked heroes came well prepared today in full spirit — donning rider-inspired outfits, replica henshin belts, and cosplays representing Riders across generations.

Muhamad Nadhir, 38, shared that he has always enjoyed the series for its compelling storylines and thrilling fight scenes, especially in Kamen Rider Ryuki, which remains his favorite.

Firmi, 28, said he particularly enjoys the Heisei-era (second production era of Kamen Rider) stories, especially Agito, which he described as “a more mature, adult-based story” with realistic fight scenes.

Watching Kamen Rider has inspired him to travel — especially to Japan, a country he has now visited seven times — to learn more about the series’ origins and its culture.

“The store opening in Malaysia is a good thing,” he said.

“It shows that we have a strong fan community here that truly loves Kamen Rider.”

Fizan, a big fan of Ryuki and Decade, said he enjoys both the stories and the intense battles as well, stating, “I’m really excited that the store is open,” he shared, adding that it was already his second visit since the launch.

“Describing the store, he called it “cool and awesome.”

Danny, 21, praised the franchise for its impressive fight choreography and storytelling.

He noted that while he is excited that the store has arrived in Malaysia, he hopes it can be upgraded in the future with more items and a bigger space.

Naz, 28, shared that the new store makes it much easier for fans to get authentic Kamen Rider merchandise.

He described the long-running franchise in one word — immortal.

Kenny, a representative of Incubase, explained that the store’s launch in Malaysia was always intended to be a limited-time event, which has left some fans wondering whether it might become permanent in the future.

While the store itself won’t be a permanent fixture, Kenny reassured fans that this isn’t the last they will see a Kamen Rider-related exhibition in Malaysia, as there are plans for future exhibitions already underway.

With this momentum, the Kamen Rider franchise is expected to gain an even larger cult following, and its spirit will continue to grow nationwide.