It was revealed on July 25th that actor Ryutaro Imai will play Yorozu Baku, the main character who transforms into Zeztz , in the latest installment of the special effects drama "Kamen Rider" series, " Kamen Rider Zeztz " (TV Asahi, Sunday 9am), which will start in September. In the movie " Kamen Rider Gavv: Invaders of the House of Snacks", which was released on the same day, Yorozu Baku appeared before the TV series, and the transformation scene was also depicted.
Imai is 20 years old, born on June 2, 2005. Taking advantage of his 181 cm height, he is active as a regular model for the men's fashion magazine "FINEBOYS" (Hinode Publishing). He is a young actor who has also appeared in the TV series "Billion x School" (Fuji TV, 2024).
His role in "Kamen Rider Zeztz" was decided through an audition. Imai said, "Actually, this was my third time auditioning for a Kamen Rider production. I had made it to the final stage before, but I had always felt very disappointed. I went into the audition with the expectation that if I didn't pass this time, I might never get a chance to be a Kamen Rider... so I was really happy." He was able to grab the lead role "third time's a charm."
Zeztz has been a hot topic because he is the first Kamen Rider to transform using a "belt worn around the chest." He commented, "After I passed the audition, I was told I'd be transforming using a 'belt worn around the chest,' and my reaction when I first heard that was, 'What? It's worn around the chest...!' But I'm also happy that I'm the first, and I want to create a hero that makes people think, 'This new belt is different from what's come before, and it's cool!'"
"I want to create a work that will encourage people who have dreams and are working hard towards their goals. I will also do my best to bring fun and happiness to everyone who watches it every week," he said enthusiastically.
It has also been revealed that a production press conference for "Kamen Rider Zeztz" will be held on August 7th at Roppongi Hills Arena (Minato Ward, Tokyo) as part of the "TV Asahi Roppongi Hills SUMMER FES". The unannounced main cast will be announced and will appear on stage with Imai. Full details of the work, including the artist who will perform the theme song, will be revealed. Admission is free, and priority entry will be available through a lottery for Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club (TTFC) members, or by purchasing a "Summer Ticket" with a priority ticket. Details can be found on the TTFC official website and the "TV Asahi Roppongi Hills SUMMER FES" official website. The event will also be streamed live on "Toei Tokusatsu YouTube Official" and "TV Asahi Video".
