Template:ArticleGaimu
- "This is my stage now!"
- ―Gaim's pre-battle quotes[src]
- "We'll always be friends, Mitchy."
- ―Kouta's final words to Mitsuzane[src]
Kouta Kazuraba (葛葉 紘汰, Kazuraba Kōta), also written as Kota Kazuraba in different publications, is one of the main characters and the main protagonist as well as the titular character of the Kamen Rider Series installment, Kamen Rider Gaim.
When he accidentally finds the Sengoku Driver, he accidentally converts the Fruits of Helheim into a pair of Lockseeds (Orange and Ichigo) and gains the ability to transform into Armored Rider Gaim (アーマードライダー鎧武 [ガイム], Āmādo Raidā Gaimu), a name given to him by DJ Sagara due to his affiliation with Team Gaim (チーム鎧武, Chīmu Gaimu). By doing so, he was labeled Test Subject 01 by Ryoma Sengoku.
Later helping out the fourteen previous Kamen Riders, he inherits the name of Kamen Rider, becoming Kamen Rider Gaim (仮面ライダー鎧武 [ガイム], Kamen Raidā Gaimu, lit. "Armored Warrior"). However, it isn't until the Showa Rider vs Heisei Rider conflict does Kamen Rider 1 acknowledge him as a true Kamen Rider. For a short period, Kouta becomes Kouta-Yami (紘汰-闇 lit. "Dark Kouta") after being corrupted by Kougane.
In episode 40, after escaping from Redyue's illusion, his Over Lord powers from part of the Forbidden Fruit's power in Kiwami Arms are awakened. After accepting the Forbidden Fruit, he evolves into a new form, referred to by DJ Sagara as the Man of the Beginning (始まりの男, Hajimari no Otoko).
History
Beat Riders Saga
- "Looking back on it, that was when the gears were just starting to turn. But, we didn't realize anything at all. We didn't know that our fates were already written in stone. We just wanted the power to reach our dreams. We thought that help shape us. That's what we all believed. In the endless war that was yet to come. We would discover that for ourselves."
- ―Kouta looking back on his actions and looking back at all of his friends and rivals[src]
Kouta, a young adult, was called by Team Gaim's leader, Yuya Sumii, who wants to show him something that can help their team. However, Kouta is unable to find his old friend and is pulled into a mysterious forest with his former teammate, Mai. There, Kouta finds a mysterious belt and using it with a freshly ripened Lockseed to fight an Inves that targets him and Mai. Quickly, Kouta realizes that the Sengoku Driver is not a toy after his near-death experience with Zangetsu. Trying to find a means to put the belt to its best use, Kouta uses his newfound powers to battle Inves in the Inves Games, earning Kouta the name of "Armored Rider Gaim" as he becomes Team Gaim's official member in Yuya's stead.
Eventually, Kouta and Mitsuzane set up a new Inves Game that takes place within the Helheim Forest. During this event, Kouta and Mitsuzane manage to persuade the other Armored Rider teams to participate as a distraction (unknown to them) so that Kouta can investigate the humans present in the forest and the "White Armored Rider". From the games, Kouta learns that the Armored Riders are guinea pigs for the Yggdrasill Corporation and that the Sengoku Drivers feedback data to Yggdrasill. Learning that Sid has been using Kouta and the other Armored Riders, Kouta tells Sid that he isn't a rat in their maze. Kouta, along with Team Gaim later dance off during their Christmas event with Kouta reminiscing about being an adult and that one doesn't become one because they want to, but rather it just happens.
Yggdrasill Saga & Helheim Saga
- "What good is a future bought with the lives of that many innocent people? Don't be stupid! You can't bring hope in exchange for that kind of sacrifice! You'll just bring them despair instead!"
- ―Kouta clashes ideals with Takatora[src]
Kouta finds himself along with his fellow Beat Riders as scapegoats for the rampant Inves attacks as they naturally find their way to Zawame City. Kouta is unable to save those who are injured by these Inves and struggles with killing a human-turned Inves and former rival, Ryoji Hase. Stripped of his Sengoku Driver alongside Kaito, he meets Ryoma Sengoku, the belt's creator. Later in Kouta's cell, Kouta receives the recognition and admiration of DJ Sagara and is granted the Lemon Energy Lockseed and Genesis Core. While combating Yggdrasill's efforts to take back the Prototype Sengoku Driver, Kouta helps restore the Beat Riders' name by assuming his newfound powers, Jimber Arms, and learns the truth of the Helheim Forest and what Yggdrasill has in store for Zawame City. As Kouta wins and steals the Cherry Energy and the Peach Energy Lockseeds, he finds himself clashing with Zangetsu Shin and has a struggle between ideals of what's best for humanity. However, Kouta is ultimately broken once he realizes that his ideals are a contradiction to his actions when he discovers that he gained the Sengoku Driver by killing a human-turned Inves, Yuya Sumii.
- "I...I've been fighting because I couldn't live with what Yggdrasill was doing. But I did exactly the same thing. I claimed I was protecting people, but I had to sacrifice others to do it. Then what am I fighting for? Just to decide who would be saved and who would have to go? Can you call that protecting at all?"
- ―Kouta's conversation with DJ Sagara who reveals himself in Kouta's time of need[src]
While he is still trying to figure out what to do with the revelation that he killed Yuya, Kouta's spirit is shattered along with the ideals borrowed from both Mai and Haruto. Entrusted by DJ Sagara, Kouta receives the Kachidoki Lockseed along with a new purpose, to destroy the iron rule of the world. Through his newfound purpose, Kouta annihilates an armada of Kurokage Troopers and is able to trade blows with Zangetsu Shin. He ultimately destroys the Scalar Weapons that threaten Zawame City.
Later he is forced to reveal what he has been hiding from Mai, thinking he no longer has the right to be near Team Gaim and his friends. However to his shock, Mai comforts Kouta, telling him that he doesn't need to keep the burden to himself and that she's there for him. Gaining a job at Drupers, Mai does his shifts for him as the two start to spend more time with each other. In one of these times spent together, the two find a robot by the name of Jiro. Kouta lets Jiro stay at his apartment showing Jiro that they need to protect people. However, Jiro is overwhelmed by two conflicting processes and wishes to protect those he cares about and wants to regain his lost memories. Kouta reboots Jiro, allowing Jiro to regain his lost memories and become Kikaider, and the two gang up against Hakaider (Ryoma). In the aftermath, Kouta bids his farewell to Jiro, the latter unable to recognize Kouta, which saddens him.
Over Lord Saga
- "Right now, I need more power! Kaito...and the rest are still fighting. I can't just leave everything to them! Whether it's enough or not...can't be known. Right now...all I can do...is think about what I can do, right now!"
- ―Kouta's explanation to DJ Sagara while struggling to obtain Kiwami Lockseed[src]
Aware of the Over Lord's existence, Kouta seeks out to find them, only to realize that they have become disillusioned after centuries of boredom. As the Over Lords view the human race as apes, Kouta struggles to gain their attention to stop the invasion of the forest. However, Kouta's journey to gain the Over Lord's support runs dry as he stops the fight between Demushu and Baron. Kouta teams up with Oren as the two aid Yggdrasill from Demushu's rampage, and Kouta's unwavering resolve allows Takatora to realize that the Over Lords are the key to saving humanity rather than culling humanity through Project Ark.
Through a long chain of events to encourage the Over Lords to stop their invasion of Helheim, Kouta is faced to battle Zangetsu Shin numerous times, who in reality is Mitsuzane masquerading as Takatora to destroy their newfound friendship and trust. When a battle breaks out in the Helheim Forest with Baron, Zangetsu Shin, Sigurd, and Over Lord Demushu. Demushu escapes into the city and starts to wreck Zawame. Kouta and Kaito enter the city to stop him, but the two are overpowered and Kouta is gravely injured in the ensuing battle through Marika and the Kurokage Trooper's interference. With the help of Kaito, Kouta makes his way back to Team Gaim's garage where he listens to Kaito's reasoning for wanting to be strong before Kouta collapses due to heavy injuries and exhaustion. Coming to his time of need is DJ Sagara, prepared to give Kouta the means to become stronger with the key-like Lockseed created from the Forbidden Fruit. However, even though he heals Kouta's wounds with his abilities, he still tests Kouta to see if he really wants the power. Kouta struggles to surpass Sagara's otherworldly abilities and obtains the new Lockseed, the Kiwami Lockseed, and thus joining Baron, Knuckle, Marika, Bravo and Gridon in fighting an Enchanted Form Demushu. Kouta transforms into Kiwami Arms in battling Demushu overpowering him with ease and destroys Demushu.
Forbidden Fruit Saga
With Zawame in tatters, the remaining Riders form a group that constantly patrols the outskirts of Zawame. Kouta comes to learn Yoko's allegience and realizes that he doesn't know what he will do after the Inves Invasion. He eventually fights Zangetsu Shin once more and helps destroy Dyudyuonshu and learns that Zangetsu Shin is an imposter. While trying to figure a way to save the remaining survivors of Zawame, he loses his sister as she gets captured with the remaining survivors. Kouta and Kaito defeat Grinsha after witnessing the powers granted by the Forbidden Fruit as Rosyuo redirects warhead missiles aimed at Zawame.
Kouta eventually learns that Mitsuzane envies his optimistic, naïve nature and that he has found him unworthy of being with Mai before promptly attacking him. When Takatora stops Mitsuzane, Kouta learns that the two are siblings and Takatora later explains to Kouta that if Kouta was his brother in place of him, Mitsuzane wouldn't have become the person he is now. Kouta later tries to stop the siblings from fighting, but is interrupted by the Grasshopper Monster, a being from the future as Kouta witnesses through a Crack: his own future and his Over Lord counterpart, Lapis. When Kouta arrives at the pier, he sees Takatora's Sengoku Driver destroyed alongside the Melon Lockseed. Returning back to the Garage, he faces off against Ryoma Sengoku and appears to be on equal footing with the Professor, indicating Kouta's strength compared to their last encounter.
In a short conversation with Mai and Kaito about what they plan on doing after the Inves Invasion is over, Kouta reveals that he doesn't know what's in store for his future. This hesitation along with the fact that he cannot accept Mitsuzane as the person he currently is now allows the latter to defeat Kouta and Kaito in their next encounter when Mai is kidnapped and Peko is brutally beaten. Though, Kouta and the rest of the Armored Riders break into the Yggdrasill Tower through a secret passageway, the remainder of the Armored Riders are left behind as decoys to allow Kouta to gain entry into the tower. Kouta and Ryoma are the last ones left and the two are able to defeat Shinmugurun. The two rush to the site where the kidnapped citizens' life energy are being drained. Kouta and Ryomaencounters Redyue, but Ryoma abandons Kouta when the latter is thrown in a hallucination where Yuya's role as an Inves and Kouta's role as a Rider are reversed. In this hallucination, it reveals that the world will reject Kouta and his newfound power because he's no longer "human". Kouta, however, reveals to Redyue that he will fight, even if he's alone, for the future that he desires. Breaking through the hallucination, Kouta unintentionally generates Helheim flora around him, now finding his resolve and clearing his doubts.
Once he meets up with Kaito, the two face off against Rosyuo, who tests their abilities and their resolve. Though, Kouta is able to prove his resolve to Rosyuo, his Kachidoki Lockseed is destroyed. Rosyuo is then backstabbed by Redyue and is brutally murdered by her when she discovers that he no longer bears the second Golden Fruit. Kouta, in a fit of rage of witnessing Rosyuo's death, rejuvenates the Kachidoki Lockseed and transforms into Kiwami Arms, utilizing the power to control Helheim's flora against Redyue and kills her with an Orange Charge with the DJ Gun. Kouta later fights off against Mitsuzane, unable to injure Mitsuzane due to their past friendship. Kouta resolves to not fight against his former friend and gets himself impaled while breaking the Yomotsuheguri Lockseed. Kouta forgives Mitsuzane once more before collapsing, supposedly dying from his wounds. His body was found by Chucky and Peko as the two went to take him back to the garage. He then had a vision of Mai as the Woman of the Beginning, who told Kouta that she is no longer human and about Kaito planning to change the future once he gains the Forbidden Fruit.
Revived, he heads out to face Kaito, who in turn transforms into Lord Baron and fights Gaim Kiwami Arms. Kouta is defeated due to his wound not being fully healed, but an ally-turning Zack tells him to run, having him to be curious about his plan. After Kouta's wound has been fully healed, he would eat one of the Helheim's fruits and told Akira that he would help others despite of him losing his humanity until the rescue team arrives. Taking his sister to the team, Kouta decides to remain in Zawame to confront Kaito. Before that, Mai appears to him and having Kouta realize his future to fight for his friends. Arriving at where Kaito was, he told Kouta that he wants a world where the weak are never trampled. He would protest about it, seeing that many people have fought to protect their world as Kaito believes that it leads them to death. Kouta reiterates that true stength is not based on power alone and engages Kaito in an all out war between the two Inves factions. In the outcome in the alternate and main timelines, Kouta defeats Kaito and accepts the Golden Fruit from Mai, evolving into a new form with blonde-hair and dons Kiwami Arms-esque armor. Kouta reveals his intent to Sagara that he plans on eliminating the Inves and the Helheim invasion by relocating them to a different world, far from Earth. By doing so, he grants Kaito's wish of creating a world where the weak must suffer to become strong. Kouta, along with Mai and Sagara, departs to a new world.
Now as a Man of the Beginning, Kouta has the ability to speak to others through their dreams. He intercepts Takatora's dream to wake up from his coma, before talking with him about supporting Mitsuzane's future and redemption from now on. Kouta appears before Mitsuzane four months later to aid him against Kougane and frees the girl from Kougane's control. The two kill Kougane with a double Rider Kick. After a brief talk with Mitsuzane, he then leaves Earth. Kouta watches Mai talk to Kaito one last time before the two depart to their new world, which has been terraformed and resembles Earth.
Movies and other events
Kamen Rider Wizard Finale & Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle
Kouta later appears in the World within the Magic Stone. Summoned by Haruto and assuming Orange Arms, Gaim helps Kamen Rider Wizard and Haruto against Amadum's minions. Later, he is summoned once more by Haruto, this time, joining forces with all his other titular predecessors and inheriting the name of Kamen Rider Gaim. After this event, the Beat Riders have a dance off in a stadium filled with tons of fans, competing against each other. However, the Nepenthes Monster attacks, causing Ryugen, Baron, and Gaim to follow it via a Crack into the Sengoku Period World. Kouta and Mitsuzane become Ieyasu's replacement Bujins. With the "death" of Mitsuzane, Kouta finds himself broken, resolving to never fight again. However, he is confronted by Mai and Haruto Soma that to fight also means to protect something you care about. Taking these words to heart, Kouta uses this as his newfound inspiration to fight, gaining the resolve to beat Baron and earn his allegiance in defeating Bujin Gaim and the Nepenthes Monster. Freeing Mitsuzane from the Nepenthes Monster and Bujin Gaim, Kouta teams up with the other Armored Riders, Wizard, and Beast, destroying the two villains. In the aftermath, the group returns to Zawame, leaving the Sengoku Period World, and Helheim Forest, resuming their tournament.
Kamen Rider Gaim Hyper Battle DVD: Fresh Orange Arms is Born!
During the Hyper Battle Video, Kouta's Lockseeds become rusted. Going through a great effort to revitalize the Lockseeds with Kaito and Mai, his Orange Lockseed eventually becomes fresh. Kouta uses the Fresh Orange Arms against Ryugen Pine Arms - defeating him with a Fresh Orange Squash (Rider Kick). He also defeats Baron Kiwi Arms with a Fresh Orange Au Lait (Rider Slash) and even manages to gain the upper hand against Zangetsu Mango Arms, defeating the unrivaled White Armored Rider with a Fresh Orange Sparking (Rider Slash), shocking the latter and marks the first time Kouta defeats Takatora. In the aftermath, he reveals that his Pine Lockseed also turned fresh, despite that it was Kaito who finally has a fresh smile, a nod to the fact that Kaito's first Fruit Lockseed was Pine, not Banana.
ToQger Vs. Kamen Rider Gaim & Kamen Rider Taisen
Kouta attempts to send Mai away with the ToQgers, but she is captured by the Badan Underground Empire. He successfully saves her. During the events of Kamen Rider Taisen, he joins Mai into an abandoned construction site and meet a boy named Shu, who has otherworldly powers. The boy is targeted by both Badan and the Showa Riders, causing Kouta to watch over the boy. Eventually he faces off against the boy's father, Ren Aoi, who uses the Fifteen Lockseed and Heisei Rider Lockseed to transform into Kamen Rider Fifteen. Kouta also joins forces with the remainder of the Heisei Riders against the Showa Riders. With just Gaim and ZX left as the only two riders, ZX obtains all the Rider Lockseeds and flings them at Gaim, causing Gaim to surge with power and summon the defeated Riders causing the Showa and Heisei Riders to team up against Badan. Kouta uses the 1 Arms from the Showa Rider Lockseed to defeat Fifteen. Despite defeating Badan, Kamen Rider 1 still believed that the hate between the Showa and Heisei Riders are real. The two sides commence battle once more, but the battle ends when 1 admit defeat after seeing Gaim protecting a lone flower in the battlefield, acknowledging Gaim's will to protect life as true strength, and Gaim as a real Kamen Rider. The Riders call truce and the Showa Riders congratulate the young Riders.
- An alternate ending to this film exists where Kouta admits defeat to Hongo, realizing that Hongo had been holding back the entire fight. The battle ends, and Kouta learns from it that real strength is kindness. He is then recognized by Kamen Rider 1 as a true Kamen Rider.
The Golden Fruit Cup Event
Due to the timeline being distorted, Kouta after meeting Ryoma Sengoku and battling him after Takatora's defeat, fights against a bunch of Inves in Zawame City and notices Lapis (his equivalent Over Lord Counterpart much like Demushu is similar to Kaito, Redyue is similar to Mitsuzane, and Rosyuo is similar to Takatora) and a soccer ball. The latter asks what the ball is and learns of soccer, a fun competitive way that doesn't result in unnecessary bloodshed and creates a new world where the Beat Riders participate in Soccer rather than Dancing. This world is free from the Inves Invasion and Kouta is dragged into playing soccer. When all the Riders start to go berserk, Kouta encounters Kougane who is masquerading as Kouta's deceased ally, Yuya Sumii. Kouta is defeated by Kougane, who is bit by a grasshopper of hatred. Unlike other Armored Riders who dissolve and die, Kouta is brainwashed into Kouta-Yami as he struggles to fight his inner darkness. When Ryugen, Marika, and Baron finds Kouta-Yami, he transforms into Gaim Yami, defeating Ryugen, Baron, and Marika. However, Lapis enters his consciousness, revealing to him his reasoning for creating this new world and that he is very similar to Kouta in the sense that he was against the Femushinmu from wiping each other out. Kouta realizes that the Over Lords and the Humans aren't that different after all. Kouta breaks free of his brainwashing and transforms into Kachidoki Arms to fight Mars. Lapis uses his bracelet to create a horse for Gaim as he transforms into Kiwami Arms. Shooting Mars' horse, it revives most of the deceased Riders. Lapis himself receives a Sengoku Driver from DJ Sagara and transforms into Kamen Rider Kamuro, creating the team of: Kurokage, Gridon, Bravo, Marika, Baron, Gaim, Kamuro, Ryugen, Zangetsu Shin, Knuckle, and Kurokage Shin. Together, they defeat Mars, but Lapis is nowhere to be found and Kouta is back in the same location where he first met Lapis. In the Helheim Forest, Lapis' bracelet, his Silver Arms Weapon, and a soccer ball are seen on the ground. Kouta would later then accept Ryoma Sengoku's plan to infiltrate the Yggdrasill Tower to save Mai.
Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle
Sometimes after the end of the series at Planet Helheim, Kouta and Mai are having a peaceful day, until a mysterious enemy appears and heads to Zawame wherein it plans to release the curse of the Overlords and Helheim. What's interesting is that this being has driven Kouta who became a god-like being after the end of the series.
Kouta meets his successor Shinnosuke in a final portion. Here, they cooperate and manage to exchange forms: Drive manages to assume Type Fruit based on Gaim's Orange Arms, while Gaim manages to assume Drive Arms based on Type Speed.
Video Game appearances
Kamen Rider Batton-Line
to be added
Kamen Rider Travelers Record
Gaim appears with the rest of the Primary and Secondary Neo Heisei Riders.
Kamen Rider: Battride War II
Gaim appears in the game with his Standard Arms, Jimber (Lemon) Arms, and Kachidoki Arms. Kiwami Arms has been released as a separate DLC character. Gaku Sano voices all variations of his character in the game.
Personality
Kouta is a cheerful person who concerns himself with helping and protecting everyone and due to this, "protecting people" is his very reason in fighting when it comes to his duty as a Armored Rider. This is shown when he rescues the Yggdrasill Corporation scientists from a horde of Elementary Inves despite holding a grudge against them for using the Beat Riders dance crews and their Inves Games as tests and lab rats (this also includes the Armored Riders).
Still learning to live as an adult, his world view is very limited and as such, he is very naïve and can be oblivious to consequences and the price that comes with having great power. He does not have any interest in battling other Riders, or anyone if he can avoid it for the matter and decides that he and other Riders should use their powers to save humanity.
Initially due to his inexperience and naiveté, he foolishly and recklessly used the power of Gaim for his own personal gain such as using it for his part-time jobs (and failed spectacularly to boot) and battling at the Inves Games. As such back then, he regarded himself as nothing more than being lucky to have found the Sengoku Driver and saw the whole thing as little more than a game. But after a short encounter with Zangetsu, Kouta felt stressed and traumatized but recovered and realized the price that comes with such power.
However, during the course of the series, Kouta undergoes numerous changes, becoming a lot more assertive and serious when it comes to innocent lives being taken. Although his naiveté has yet to change, he views himself more than what he was before. Because of this confidence in him, he resolves to become stronger and stronger. When he clashes ideals against Takatora during their second encounter, his resolve and beliefs overpower Takatora. However, Kouta undergoes a breakdown after realizing Yuya died by his hands, destroying his beliefs along with him.
Even after recovering from this breakdown, Kouta's naïve concerns of protecting others allows him to become a wild card in DJ Sagara's plans as he knows that Kouta's act can be almost unpredictable and Kouta himself has no ulterior motive compared to his fellow Armored Riders and New Generation Riders. Despite this unwavering resolve, Yoko asks Kouta what will become of him after he protects everyone to which he has no real way of responding to that.
Despite Kouta wanting to protect people and stop unnecessary bloodshed, Kouta himself isn't without his dark moments. After defeating Sid in a fit of rage realizing that Yggdrasill intends to destroy Zawame City if they ever found out about the Helheim Forest, he intended to take Sid out after his transformation was canceled if it were not for Ryugen summoning an Inves to save Sid. However, since the realization of Yuya's death, Kouta resolves not to kill and not to have unnecessary bloodshed. This is most evident when he had multiple opportunities to kill Sid when trying to find the Over Lords along with the opportunity to kill Yoko Minato after he canceled out her transformation when he was in Kachidoki Arms. In both scenarios, he showed restraint and moved on to more important matters at hand. Along this fact, he tried to cancel the fight between Demushu and Baron and later the fight between Zangetsu Shin (Mitsuzane) and Lemon Energy Arms Baron (Kaito). In his final battle against Kaito, however, he is forced to kill the latter as the latter threatens to destroy the world by obtaining the Golden Fruit, thus making Kaito the only person Kouta kills intentionally.
In his final appearance in the series as the Man of the Beginning, Kouta's friendly, pacifist personality remains the same, but his bearing has changed to that of a ruler, with a constant aura of dignity, power and authority surrounding him. He is more soft-spoken and more mature, able to reassure the doubts of the Kureshima brothers after the events of the final battle strained their relationship.
During battle, he would announce, "This is my stage now!" (ここからは俺のステージだ!, Koko kara wa ore no sutēji da!)
Powers and Abilities
- Imagination
- Being one of the few adults possessing imagination, he can see the Ressha of the ToQgers.
- Over Lord Powers
- Being affected by the Forbidden Fruit's powers, Kouta gains some of the Over Lords' abilities, which are then further increased when he eats the Fruit of Helheim:
- Helheim Plant Generation
- He has shown the ability to turn an empty lot into a field of Helheim plants.
- Helheim Plant Control
- He can freely control Helheim flora, and even override other Over Lords' manipulation over the flora.
- Fruit Transmutation
- He can turn a broken Lockseed back into its fruit form, before restoring its intact state.
- Healing Factor
- He has increased health regeneration, allowing him to take lethal damage and still able to recover shortly afterwards.
- Crack Creating
- He can open countless cracks to summon Inves from the Helheim Forest. Kouta gains this ability when he eats the Fruit of Helheim to stop Kaito's rampage.
- Godlike Powers
- After eating the Forbidden Fruit, Kouta gains godlike powers, which can reimagine the world at will.
- Enhanced Crack Creating
- He can open a huge crack which leads to a planet at the edge of the universe.
- Reality Manipulation
- He can globally control any number of objects, bypasses all physical laws. He used this power to drag all Inves and Helheim flora around the world to the huge crack.
- Dream Walking
- He can penetrate anyone's dreams to communicate with them, even through Kouta himself currently is at the edge of the universe.
- Healing
- He can heal someone from serious brain damage, even through Kouta himself currently is at the edge of the universe.
- Teleport
- He can turn himself into energy and travel to another planet via his huge crack.
- Exorcism
- He can remove Kougane from his human host effortlessly.
- Transformation
- He can transform into Kiwami Arms directly without the need of a Sengoku Driver or having the Lockseeds on hand. The Driver with attached Lockseeds appear on his waist though, with full functionality.
- Attack Cancellation
- He effortlessly stopped and cancelled a Darkness Squash from Kamen Rider Jam.
- Telepathy
- He can read other people's thoughts and telepathically communicate with them.
- Mediumship
- He can see and presumably communicate with souls.
Arms
Like his fellow Lockseed-using Armored Riders, Kamen Rider Gaim's forms are called Arms (アームズ, Āmuzu). His personal Lockseeds are styled with a mix of Japanese words and English words. With the exception of Suika Arms, all of Gaim's Japanese Samurai, Ninja, and Shogun-themed Arms' helmets share the title Kabuto (カブト lit. "Helmet"), while his visors are called Pulp Eye (パルプアイ, Parupu Ai).
Gaim's Sengoku Driver plays Japanese horagai music and announces "Soiya" (ソイヤ ) before every transformation, except when he transforms into Kiwami Arms. By pressing the Sengoku Driver's Cutting Blade down on the Lockseed after transforming from one to three times, he can activate one of three finishing moves based on his current Arms form: Squash (スカッシュ, Sukasshu), Au Lait (オーレ, Ōre), or Sparking (スパーキング, Supākingu).
This form is briefly seen during Gaim's transformation sequence, before the armor attaches or when he changes Arms. However, this form is completely vulnerable to any incoming attacks when shot at directly in the suit, rather than at the Arms that is descending down on the Rider.
During the events of Kamen Rider Taisen, Kouta briefly fights Kamen Rider Fifteen in this form while transforming into Ichigo Arms.
Kamen Rider Gaim's standard Arms' ending theme is entitled "E-X-A (Exciting×Attitude)".
- "Soiya! Orange Arms: Hanamichi on Stage!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 203 cm.
- Weight: 105 kg. (231 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[1]:
- Punching power: 6.7 t.
- Kicking power: 10.2 t.
- Maximum jump height: 28 m. (91 ft)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.9 sec.
Orange Arms (オレンジアームズ, Orenji Āmuzu) is Gaim's default orange-based armored Japanese Samurai form. Accessed through the Orange Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Daidaimaru, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Dai Kabuto (ダイカブト lit. "Orange Helmet"). This form debuts in episode 1.
This form is Gaim's most balanced form. Because of that, Gaim often uses this form, due to it not suffering from any significantly statistic power up or down.
When Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Squash function, he can execute one of two finishing attacks.
- Daidai Ittou (大橙一刀 lit. "Great Orange Sword Strike"): Gaim charges his Daidaimaru with energy before unleashing a series of slashes on the target.
- Burai Kick (無頼キック, Burai Kikku): Gaim jumps into the air, engulfed by an orange energy passing through a line of orange slices with a high concentration of orange energy focused on his right foot as he strikes the target with a powerful kick. Alternatively, if Gaim peforms the Burai Kick from a long distance away, the line of orange slices do not appear.
- A variation of the Burai Kick is used in the Golden Fruit Cup Soccer Tournament.
When Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Sparking function, he can temporarily convert his Orange Arms' Armor Part into its fruit form, which can be spun and used as a shield to bounce off an enemy's attack.
Appearances: Wizard 52-53, Episodes 1-9, Sengoku Movie Battle, 10-24, ToQger Vs. Gaim, Kamen Rider Taisen, 25-30, 34-37, The Golden Fruit Cup!, 38-39, 44-47, Movie War Full Throttle
- "Soiya! Pine Arms: Funsai Destroy!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 119 kg. (262 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[2]:
- Punching power: 8.7 t.
- Kicking power: 10.2 t.
- Maximum jump height: 22 m. (72 ft)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 6.5 sec.
Pine Arms (パインアームズ, Pain Āmuzu, short for "Pineapple Arms") is Gaim's pineapple-based armored Japanese Samurai form. Accessed through the Pine Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Pine Iron, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Spine Kabuto (スパインカブト, Supain Kabuto, lit. "Spine Helmet"). This form debuts in episode 2.
In this form, Gaim becomes a little more powerful than Orange Arms. However, only the punching power increases, while the kicking power remains the same. His maximum jump height and running speed also decrease. However, in this form, Gaim achieves more defense than he had in Orange Arms.
This Arms has two finishing attacks.
- Iron Breaker (アイアンブレイカー, Aian Bureikā): After Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Squash function, he throws/kicks the Pine Iron at the opponent, growing it if he needs it to. Once the Pine Iron is attached to the opponent's head, he strikes the target with a powerful side kick.
- A variation of this attack is present: Gaim launches the Pine iron to encase the target in a pine aura passes through a line of slices of pine and slams into the target with a powerful side kick. If the Pine Iron is unavailable or is already being used, Gaim just passes through the line of pine slices and kicks the target as usual.
- When used in conjunction with Mango Au Lait, the Pine Iron expands on the target's head, mixed with Mango energy and crushes the target.
- Iron Breaker can be used without the side kick, causing the Pine Iron to become an explosive projectile instead of attaching to the target's head.
- Pine Musou Zan (パイン無双斬, Pain Musō Zan, lit. "Pineapple Unrivaled Slash"): After Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Au Lait function, he restrains the opponent with the Pine Iron and charges the Musou Saber with pineapple-shaped energy before slashing the enemy.
Appearances: Episodes 2, 4, 8, Sengoku Movie Battle, 18, 28
- "Soiya! Ichigo Arms: Shushutto Spark!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 100 kg. (220 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[3]:
- Punching power: 6 t.
- Kicking power: 10.2 t.
- Maximum jump height: 33 m. (108 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.5 sec.
Ichigo Arms (イチゴアームズ, Ichigo Āmuzu, lit. "Strawberry Arms") is Gaim's strawberry-based armored Japanese Ninja form. Accessed through the Ichigo Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Ichigo Kunai, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Berry Kabuto (ツブテカブト, Tsubute Kabuto, lit. "Berry Helmet"). This form debuts in episode 5.
In this form, Gaim has less punching power than even Orange Arms. However, like his other forms, his kicking power is unaffected. What he gains in this form is slightly faster running speed and higher max jumping height when compared to Orange Arms.
This Arms' finisher is the Kunai Burst (クナイバースト, Kunai Bāsuto). By placing the Ichigo Lockseed into the Musou Saber, Gaim can unleash a giant energy-shaped strawberry that explodes into countless kunais that rain down on the enemy. This can be done in multiple swings and isn't limited to one swing.
Appearances: Episodes 5-6, 9, Sengoku Movie Battle, 11, 16, Kamen Rider Taisen, 26
- "Soiya! Suika Arms: Odama Big Bang!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- "Yoroi/Odama/Gyro Mode!"
- ―Mode change announcement[src]
- Height: 311 cm.
- Weight: 523 kg. (1,153 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[4]:
- Punching power: 33.2 t.
- Kicking power: 51.8 t.
- Maximum jump height: 3 m. (9 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 9.8 sec.
Suika Arms (スイカアームズ, Suika Āmuzu, lit. "Watermelon Arms") is Gaim's colossal mecha-like watermelon-based armored Japanese Samurai form. Accessed through the Suika Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Suika Sojinto, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Suika Head (スイカヘッド, Suika Heddo, lit. "Watermelon Head") with an unspecified visor. This form debuts in episode 7.
This form can interchange into three modes.
- Yoroi Mode (ヨロイモード, Yoroi Mōdo, lit. "Armored Mode"): Suika Arms' warrior mode, which equips Gaim with the Suika Sojinto for combat. This mode debuts in episode 7.
- Odama Mode (大玉モード, Ōdama Mōdo, lit. "Big Ball Mode"): Suika Arms' watermelon mode, which encases Gaim's entire body to use either for offensive/defensive purposes or as a mode of transportation. This mode debuts in episode 7.
- Gyro Mode (ジャイロモード, Jairo Mōdo): Suika Arms' flight mode, which allows Gaim to fire seed-like bullets from the fingertips. This mode debuts in episode 11.
Suika Arms is the most massive Arms Change, and it shows by having the most monstrous punching and kicking power once in Yoroi Mode. Consequentially, it also has the worst jumping height in all of Rider history, and any Rider can practically outrun it. Though this is rendered moot thanks to Odama Mode and Gyro Mode. Also, after a utilization, the Suika Lockseed's color becomes grey, indicating that its energy is low and needs time to recharge back to its green color before it can be used again.
This Arms' finisher is the Twin Bladed Slice (双刃割り, Sōba-wari), which is activated via the Squash function on the Sengoku Driver. Gaim first traps the target in a watermelon energy ball, then slashes the "watermelon" all over until it blows up, raining fire and "watermelon flesh" as the target is destroyed.
Appearances: Episodes 7, Sengoku Movie Battle, 10-11, Kamen Rider Taisen
These Arms involve Lockseeds that are normally used by a different Armored Rider. With the exception of Banana Arms, all of these forms debut in Kamen Rider Gaim the Movie: The Great Soccer Match! The Golden Fruit Cup!.
- "Soiya! Banana Arms: Knight of Spe~ar!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 204 cm.
- Weight: 108 kg. (238 lbs.)
Ability Perimeters[5]:
- Punching power: 7.7 t.
- Kicking power: 10.2 t.
- Maximum jump height: 26 m. (85 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.9 sec.
Banana Arms (バナナアームズ, Banana Āmuzu) is Gaim's banana-based armored European Knight form. Accessed through the Banana Lockseed (reserved for Baron), this form's Arms Weapon is the Banaspear, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Burn Casque (バーンカスク, Bān Kasuku, a pun on "Banana") with the Burn Sight (バーンサイト, Bān Saito, see "Burn Casque") visor. This form debuts in episode 13.
In this form, Gaim receives more punching power than Orange Arms, though he suffers from a slightly lower jumping height. However, his other stats have not been touched, making it a good substitute for Orange Arms.
This Arms' finisher is the Gaim Banana Bullet (鎧武(ガイム)バナナブレッド, Gaimu Banana Buretto), which is activated via the Au Lait function on the Sengoku Driver. Gaim releases a spear-shaped beam of energy from the Banaspear to thrust at the enemy.
Appearances: Episode 13, The Golden Fruit Cup!
- "Soiya! Donguri Arms: Never Give Up!!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight:
Ability Perimeters:
- Punching power:
- Kicking power:
- Maximum jump height:
- Maximum running speed:
Donguri Arms (ドングリアームズ, Donguri Āmuzu, lit. "Acorn Arms") is Gaim's acorn-based armored Medieval Squire form. Accessed through the Donguri Lockseed (reserved for Gridon), this form's Arms Weapon is the Donkachi, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Dome Casque (ドームカスク, Dōmu Kasuku) with the Nut Eye (ナットアイ, Natto Ai) visor.
Appearances: The Golden Fruit Cup!
- "Soiya! Durian Arms: Mr. Dangerous!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 210 cm.
- Weight:
Ability Perimeters:
- Punching power:
- Kicking power:
- Maximum jump height:
- Maximum running speed:
Durian Arms (ドリアンアームズ, Dorian Āmuzu) is Gaim's durian-based armored Roman Gladiator form. Accessed through the Durian Lockseed (reserved for Bravo), this form's Arms Weapon is the Duri Noko, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Duriking Casque (ドリキングカスク, Dorikingu Kasuku) with the ReduSight (レデューサイト, RedyūSaito, short for "Reducer Sight") visor.
Appearances: The Golden Fruit Cup!
The Jimber Arms (ジンバーアームズ, Jinbā Āmuzu) are upgraded versions of Gaim's Orange Arms that he can access by replacing his Sengoku Driver's Rider Indicator with the Genesis Driver's Genesis Core and inserting an Energy Lockseed into it. In these forms, Gaim is equipped with the Sonic Arrow and he wears the Jimber Kabuto (ジンバーカブト, Jinbā Kabuto, lit. "Jimber Helmet") helmet. Even though all 4 Jimber Arms share the exact same stats, each form has its own enhanced skill.
In these forms, Gaim's power has increased exponentially, putting him on par with Yggdrasill's New Generation Riders. He attacks with more strength than even Bravo in Durian Arms, and is nearly as fast as Ichigo Arms. However, his maximum jumping height is slightly lower than the jumping height in Orange Arms due to the cumbersome armor, which incidentally resembles a "jinbaori" (陣羽織 ), a type of haori specifically made for armored samurai to wear. If Gaim suffers an attack which deals heavy damage, he will revert back to Orange Arms.
Kamen Rider Gaim's Jimber Arms' ending theme is entitled "Toki no Hana".
- "Soiya! Mix: Jimber Lemon! Ha-Ha!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 110 kg. (243 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[6]:
- Punching power: 13.7 t.
- Kicking power: 17.9 t.
- Maximum jump height: 25 m. (82 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.6 sec.
Jimber Lemon Arms (ジンバーレモンアームズ, Jinbā Remon Āmuzu) is Gaim's orange/lemon-based armored Japanese Samurai form, which is accessed through the simultaneous use of the Orange Lockseed and Lemon Energy Lockseed. This form debuts in episode 16.
The enhanced skill of this Jimber Arms is strength, allowing Gaim to receive an extra boost in power. Because of this, it is the most suited for close combat among the Jimber Arms, making this form Gaim's primary Jimber Arms of choice.
This Arms has three finishing attacks.
- Sengoku Driver finishers
- Orange & Jimber Lemon Squash: Gaim floats into the air and spins around. Afterwards, he uses the Sonic Arrow, powered by the Orange Lockseed, to create an alternating row of lemon slices and orange slices, which appear in a line in front of the target. Gaim, powered by the Lemon Energy Lockseed, then initiates a more powerful version of the Burai Kick (無頼キック, Burai Kikku) by leaping through the line of slices and passing through each one before he hits the target.
- Orange & Jimber Lemon Au Lait: Gaim fuels all the energy from the Orange Lockseed and Lemon Energy Lockseed into his body, which is then converted into his Sonic Arrow before he executes a spinning lemon projectile slash on the target.
- Sengoku Driver + Sonic Arrow finishers
- Orange Squash + Lemon Energy: Gaim pulls the Sonic Arrow back to its fullest width. All the energy then pools into the arrowhead of the Sonic Arrow, making an alternating row of orange slices and lemon slices appear to form a line in front of the target. Once the charge is done, he lets go, sending a bolt of great power, fueled by the power of both the Orange Lockseed and Lemon Energy Lockseed to pass through the line of slices, slamming into the target. Alternatively, if the target is within a close-quarters radius, the alternating row of slices will not appear.
Appearances: Episodes 16-19, 21-22, Kamen Rider Taisen, 27, 29-31, 33, 37, The Golden Fruit Cup!, 38, 42, 45
- "Soiya! Mix: Jimber Cherry! Ha-Ha!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 110 kg. (243 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[7]:
- Punching power: 13.7 t.
- Kicking power: 17.9 t.
- Maximum jump height: 25 m. (82 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.6 sec.
Jimber Cherry Arms (ジンバーチェリーアームズ, Jinbā Cherī Āmuzu) is Gaim's orange/cherry-based armored Japanese Samurai form, which is accessed through the simultaneous use of the Orange Lockseed and Cherry Energy Lockseed. This form debuts in episode 22.
The enhanced skill of this Jimber Arms is speed, allowing Gaim to move at a blinding pace. Because of this, it can be used either to defeat hordes of enemies or as a quick getaway.
Appearances: Episodes 22, 24
- "Soiya! Mix: Jimber Peach! Ha-Ha!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 110 kg. (243 lbs.)
Original Ability Perimeters[8]:
- Punching power: 13.7 t.
- Kicking power: 17.9 t.
- Maximum jump height: 25 m. (82 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.6 sec.
Jimber Peach Arms (ジンバーピーチアームズ, Jinbā Pīchi Āmuzu) is Gaim's orange/peach-based armored Japanese Samurai form, which is accessed through the simultaneous use of the Orange Lockseed and Peach Energy Lockseed. This form debuts in episode 24.
The enhanced skill of this Jimber Arms is auditory, allowing Gaim to hear from a great distance. Because of this, it can be used to sense an enemy's location. However, it is unable to handle higher-pitched sound waves. Due to its particular enhancements, Jimber Peach Arms is most frequently used outside of battle, instead being typically used in locating rather than engagement.
Appearances: Episodes 24-26, 29
- "Soiya! Mix: Jimber Melon! Ha-Ha!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 206 cm.
- Weight: 110 kg. (243 lbs.)
Ability Perimeters:
- Punching power: 13.7 t.
- Kicking power: 17.9 t.
- Maximum jump height: 25 m. (82 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.6 sec.
Jimber Melon Arms (ジンバーメロンアームズ, Jinbā Meron Āmuzu) is Gaim's orange/cantaloupe-based armored Japanese Samurai form, which is accessed through the simultaneous use of the Orange Lockseed and Melon Energy Lockseed. This form was possible in the Summer Movie when Kouta obtains Takatora Kureshima's Melon Energy Lockseed, but was never used in either the movie or the series.
The enhanced skill of this Jimber Arms is unknown, as it has never been used in the series. However, unlike the other Jimber Arms, this form shows the exterior of the fruit rather than the slices of the Energy Lockseed used.
- "Soiya! Kachidoki Arms: Iza Shutsujin! Ey, Ey, Oh!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 215 cm.
- Weight: 128 kg. (282 lbs.)
Ability Perimeters[9]:
- Punching power: 16 t.
- Kicking power: 21.4 t.
- Maximum jump height: 16 m. (52 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 7.2 sec.
Kachidoki Arms (カチドキアームズ, Kachidoki Āmuzu, lit. "Triumph Arms") is Gaim's orange-based completely armored Japanese Shogun form, as well as the evolved form of Orange Arms. Accessed through the Kachidoki Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the DJ Gun, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Kachidoki Kabuto (カチドキカブト lit. "Triumph Helmet"). Gaim also wields twin orange sashimono marked with his emblem in black called the Kachidoki Bata (カチドキ旗(バタ) lit. "Triumph Flags"), which are normally attached to his back. This form debuts in episode 23.
In this form, Gaim's power has increased exponentially, making him stronger than even Yggdrasill's New Generation Riders. He attacks with more strength than his Jimber Arms. However, his speed and jumping height are visibly affected due to its bulky armor. As a trade-off, this set of Arms sports impressive defensive power, which is enough for him to withstand the firepower of dozens of Dandeliners with no ill effect. The defensive power of this Arms also allows him to withstand the power of two Suika Arms units attempting to crush him.
In Kamen Rider Battride War II, Gaim can perform the Flags Wild Dance (旗乱舞, Bata Ranbu) attack, where he slashes the enemy with the Kachidoki Bata. This move also acts as Gaim's finishing attack.
Kachidoki Arms' ending theme is entitled "Rise Up Your Flag".
Appearances: Episodes 23, ToQger Vs. Gaim, Kamen Rider Taisen, 24-26, 28, 30-34, 36-37, The Golden Fruit Cup!, 38-39, 41-42, 44-46
- "Lock Open! Kiwami Arms: Dai, Dai, Dai, Dai, Dai Shogun!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
- Height: 215 cm.
- Weight: 113 kg.
Ability Perimeters[10]:
- Punching power: 14.5 t.
- Kicking power: 20.4 t.
- Maximum jump height: 20 m. (65 ft.)
- Maximum running speed: 100 m. per 5.8 sec.
Kiwami Arms (極(きわみ)アームズ, Kiwami Āmuzu, lit. "Extreme Arms") is Gaim's fruit basket-based Japanese Shogun evolved and true form of Kachidoki Arms, as well as his ultimate form. Accessed through the simultaneous use of the Kachidoki Lockseed and Kiwami Lockseed via the Senyo Joint, which replaces his Sengoku Driver's Rider Indicator during the activation of the Kiwami Lockseed. This form debuts in episode 32.
Unified by all of the basic and Energy Armor Parts, Gaim purges both his Kachidoki Arms' Armor Part and Pre-Arms suit to create a silver-white armor suit that bears the Kiwami Kabuto (キワミカブト lit. "Extreme Helmet") helmet and a long cape, which has been shown to be removable for various uses (i:e bullfighting). Both sides of Gaim's belt are replaced with 6 of his base Lockseeds (3 normal Lockseeds (Orange, Pine, and Ichigo) on his right side and 3 Energy Lockseeds (Lemon, Cherry, and Peach) on his left side), as every available weapon becomes part of the Kiwami Lockseed's weapon summoning arsenal.
In this form, Gaim has lost some of his physical might from Kachidoki Arms, but is far more flexible than Kachidoki Arms and still performs better compared to a Jimber Arms. Also, he gains more speed compared to Kachidoki Arms. To make up for the slightly weaker stats, Gaim receives the ability to summon and utilize any of the basic Arms Weapons, as well as any weapon with an attachment slot designed for the Lockseeds, simply by accessing their power through the Kiwami Lockseed. In order to do this, he must turn the Kiwami Lockseed once, which causes the Sengoku Driver to announce the name of said weapon. As an added bonus, Gaim is capable of doing this multiple times to summon different weapons simultaneously if necessary, which can also allow him to fire off the summoned weapons as projectiles against the enemy. Gaim has also been shown to maintain summoned weapons from a different Arms if he transforms directly into Kiwami Arms. In addition, Gaim is also able to bring forth a different weapon in place of his current weapon without turning the Kiwami Lockseed. The attack power of a weapon summoned by this ability, as well as the force of its finishing attack, is far superior than when they are normally wielded by an ordinary Armored Rider or New Generation Rider, allowing Gaim to inflict damage upon an Enhanced Over Lord Inves when any of them are unable to. It is later revealed that using the Kiwami Lockseed is stripping Kouta of his humanity by slowly transforming him into an Over Lord, granting him additional powers, such as manipulation of Helheim's vines and the ability to regenerate damaged Lockseeds. Once Kouta became the Man of the Beginning, he is able to transform directly into Kiwami Arms with a simple call of "Henshin".
This Arms has four finishing attacks.
- Sengoku Driver finishers
- Burai Kick (無頼キック, Burai Kikku): After Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Squash function, he leaps into the air in a somersault and flies in with pure energy coating his foot before making contact with the enemy.
- Spear Victory (スピアビクトリー, Supia Bikutorī): After Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Squash function, he stabs the Banaspear into the ground, causing multiple banana-shaped projections to encase the enemy.
- This finisher has a variation. Like Baron's Banana Squash, Gaim releases a spear-shaped beam of energy from the Banaspear to thrust at the enemy.
- Hinawa Daidai Musou Zan (火縄大橙無双斬, Hinawa Daidai Musō Zan, lit. "Matchlock Great Orange Unrivaled Slash"): After Gaim activates his Sengoku Driver's Au Lait function, he charges the DJ Gun in Taiken Mode with energy surrounded by image projections of fruits before slashing down the target. The fruit image projections scatter on impact.
- Attachment slot weapon finishers
- Fruit Basket Charge (フルーツバスケットチャージ, Furūtsu Basuketto Chāji): After Gaim inserts a normal Lockseed into the DJ Gun's Drive Bay and locks it in place, he fires a powerful blast surrounded by a projection of multiple fruits at the enemy, which envelopes and soon destroys the target.
Kiwami Arms' ending theme, entitled "Ranbu Escalation", also doubles as the ending theme for Kamen Rider Baron's Lemon Energy Arms.
Appearances: Episodes 32-37, The Golden Fruit Cup!, 38-44, 46-47, Movie War Full Throttle
These Arms are based on other Kamen Riders. With the exception of Wizard, 1, and Drive Arms, all of these forms are exclusive to Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing. However, some of these forms are also used in the norm by other Armored and New Generation Riders.
- "Soiya! Wizard Arms: Shabadoobi Showtime!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Wizard Arms (ウィザードアームズ, Uizādo Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Wizard's Flame Style. Accessed through the Wizard Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the WizarSwordGun.
It is unknown what kind of finishing attack Gaim can perform in this form. He also never activated a function on his Sengoku Driver. The Wizard Lockseed's phrases for the Sengoku Driver functions are in the toyline.
- Squash: Chōīne, Saikō (チョーイイネ, サイコー lit. "Very nice, the Best")
- Au Lait: Special, Please (スペシャル, プリーズ, Supesharu, Purīzu)
- Sparking: Slash Strike (スラッシュストライク, Surasshu Sutoraiku)
An apparent side effect of the Legend Rider Lockseeds is channeling the represented Rider's personality, with Kouta proclaiming "Now, it's showtime!" (さあ、ショータイムだ!, Saa, shōtaimu da!) alongside the real Wizard.
This form is exclusive to Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle, though it also appears in the video game Kamen Rider Travelers Record, which was released before the movie.
- "Soiya! 1 (Ichigō) Arms: Waza no Ichigō, Let's go!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
1 Arms (1号アームズ, Ichigō Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider 1. Accessed through the Showa Rider Lockseed channeling the 1 Lockseed, this form has no Arms Weapon.
Before the Rider 1 Armor Part opens up to form the armor, its "mouth" can be used to bite enemies, as seen in Gaim's battle with Kamen Rider Fifteen. Despite having no weapons, this Arms is shown to be more powerful than Kachidoki Arms in that Gaim can defeat Fifteen Gaim Arms in this form, while Gaim Kachidoki Arms lost against Fifteen Gaim Arms.
This Arms' finisher is the Rider Kick (ライダーキック, Raidā Kikku), which is activated via the Squash function on the Sengoku Driver. Gaim jumps up into the air, and does the very same sort of Rider Kick that Kamen Rider 1 does, with holographic versions of Gaim in Orange Arms and Rider 1 appearing by his side, in a vein similar to Kamen Rider Fourze Fusion States' Rider Fusion Drill Kick.
An apparent side effect of the Legend Rider Lockseeds is channeling the represented Rider's personality, with Kouta shouting "Toh!" while performing the Rider Kick in midair.
Unlike other Legend Rider Arms, while his helmet is modified to resemble that of the represented Rider, he does not sport armor in the form of Rider 1's chest. Instead, a large Rider 1 face is located on his chest. This design seems to have come from Shotaro Ishinomori's concept art of Kamen Rider Super-1, as well as the fact that the only difference between Riders 1 and 2 are the color of their gloves, and on occasion, their helmets.
This form is exclusive to Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai.
- "Soiya! Drive Arms!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Drive Arms (ドライブアームズ, Doraibu Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Drive's Type Speed. Accessed through the Drive Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapons are the Handle Sword and Door Gun.
This form is exclusive to Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle.
- "Soiya! Ryuki Arms: Tatakawanakereba Ikinokorenai!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Ryuki Arms (龍騎アームズ, Ryūki Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Ryuki's default form. Accessed through the Ryuki Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Drag Saber.
- "Soiya! Den-O Arms: Iza Climax!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Den-O Arms (電王アームズ, Den'ō Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Den-O's Sword Form. Accessed through the Den-O Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the DenGasher Sword Mode.
- "Soiya! Decade Arms: Hakaisha on the Road!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Decade Arms (ディケイドアームズ, Dikeido Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Decade's default form. Accessed through the Decade Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Ride Booker.
In Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing, it is locked to a special Gaim Pine Arms Ganbarizing Card.
- "Soiya! Double Arms: Cyclone, Joker, Ha-Ha-Ha!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Double Arms (ダブルアームズ, Daburu Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Double's CycloneJoker form. Accessed through the Double Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Trigger Magnum.
In Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing, it is locked to a special Gaim Ichigo Arms Ganbarizing Card.
- "Soiya! OOO Arms: Tatoba, Ta~To~Ba!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
OOO Arms (オーズアームズ, Ōzu Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider OOO's Tatoba Combo. Accessed through the OOO Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Medajalibur.
In Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing, it is locked to a special Gaim Ichigo Arms Ganbarizing Card.
- "Soiya! Fourze Arms: Seishun Switch On!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Fourze Arms (フォーゼアームズ, Fōze Āmuzu) is a Legend Rider Arms based on Kamen Rider Fourze's Base States. Accessed through the Fourze Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is the Rocket Module.
In Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing, it is locked to a special Gaim Pine Arms Ganbarizing Card.
The Fresh Arms (フレッシュアームズ, Furesshu Āmuzu) are sparkling versions of Gaim's normal Arms. These forms are exclusive to Kamen Rider Gaim Hyper Battle DVD: Fresh Orange Arms is Born!.
- "Soiya! Fresh Orange Arms: Hanamichi on Stage!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Fresh Orange Arms (フレッシュオレンジアームズ, Furesshu Orenji Āmuzu) is a sparkling version of Gaim's Orange Arms. Accessed through the Fresh Orange Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is a pair of twin Daidaimarus, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Dai Kabuto (ダイカブト lit. "Orange Helmet"). He can also wield two Musou Sabers.
The Fresh Orange Arms is one of the few Arms to recolor the Pre-Arms suit of its user, recoloring small portions of Gaim's suit orange.
This Arms' finisher has three variations depending on which function Gaim activates from his Sengoku Driver.
- Squash: Gaim executes a stronger version of the Burai Kick (無頼キック, Burai Kikku).
- Au Lait: Gaim executes a series of power energy-filled slashes from both his Musou Saber and two Daidaimarus.
- Sparking: Gaim executes a powerful energy-filled slash from his Daidaimaru Naginata Mode.
- "Soiya! Fresh Pine Arms: Funsai Destroy!"
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Fresh Pine Arms (フレッシュパインアームズ, Furesshu Pain Āmuzu, short for "Fresh Pineapple Arms") is a sparkling version of Gaim's Pine Arms. Accessed through the Fresh Pine Lockseed, this form's Arms Weapon is a pair of twin Pine Irons, while the helmet Gaim wears is the Spine Kabuto (スパインカブト, Supain Kabuto, lit. "Spine Helmet").
As of now, this Arms is hypothetical, meaning it has yet to actually make an appearance.
This form is briefly seen during Gaim Yami's transformation sequence, before the armor attaches or when he changes Arms. However, this form is completely vulnerable to any incoming attacks when shot at directly in the suit, rather than at the Arms that is descending down on the Rider.
- "Soiya! Mix: Jimber Lemon! Ha-Ha! "
- ―Transformation announcement[src]
Black Jimber Lemon Arms (ブラックジンバーアレモンアームズ, Burakku Jinbā Remon Āmuzu), more notoriously known as the Black Jimber Arms, is Gaim Yami's default orange/lemon-based armored samurai form, which is accessed through the simultaneous use of the Dark Orange Lockseed and Dark Lemon Energy Lockseed.
Similar to Jimber Lemon Arms, the enhanced skill of this Jimber Arms is strength, allowing Gaim Yami to receive an extra boost in power. Because of this, it is best suited for close combat. However, unlike the normal Jimber Arms, Gaim Yami does not use the Sonic Arrow in this form, leaving him to utilize the Musou Saber as his only weapon instead. He does however use the Sonic Arrow in Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing.
This form is exclusive to Kamen Rider Gaim: The Great Soccer Match! The Golden Fruit Cup!.
- Height: 230 cm.
- Weight: 157 kg.
In a dream placed by Redyue, Kouta had his role with Yuya Sumii reversed, causing him to become the Byakko Inves (ビャッコインベス, Byakko Inbesu, White Tiger Inves) and Yuya to become Kamen Rider Gaim. Kouta eventually managed to escape and fight Redyue.
Appearances: Episode 40
After Kouta receives the Forbidden Fruit and eats it, he turns into a white haired and silver armored version of himself which looks similar to Kiwami Arms with a chest plate resembling part of Matsubokkuri Arms' breastplate. His right eye also becomes red in colour, similar to the Woman of the Beginning. This is Kouta's most powerful form in that it has Godlike powers. Shortly after this transformation, Kouta sends all Helheim plants and Inves to a distant planet and leaves with Mai to terraform said planet into a new Helheim.
When Kouta returns to Earth, he is able to transform directly into Gaim Kiwami Arms.
Appearances: Episodes 46-47
Equipment
Devices
- Sengoku Driver - Transformation device
- Removable slots for additional Lockseeds:
- Genesis Core - Essential to access a Jimber Arms
- Senyo Joint - Essential to access Kiwami Arms
- Removable slots for additional Lockseeds:
- Lockseeds - Gives access to Gaim's Arms changes, depending on which lock is used
Weapons
- Musou Saber - Gaim's side weapon in every single one of his forms
- Arms Weapons - Weapons that come with the Arms, besides the Musou Saber:
- Gaim:
- Daidaimaru - Gaim Orange Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Pine Iron - Gaim Pine Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Ichigo Kunai - Gaim Ichigo Arms' personal weapons and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Suika Sojinto - Gaim Suika Arms' personal weapon in Yoroi Mode and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Banaspear - Gaim Banana Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Donkachi - Gaim Donguri Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Duri Noko - Gaim Durian Arms' personal weapons and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Sonic Arrow - Gaim Jimber Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- DJ Gun - Gaim Kachidoki Arms' personal weapon and one of Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Mango Punisher - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Budou Ryuhou - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Kiwi Gekirin - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Melon Defender - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Kagematsu - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Kagematsu Shin - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Kurumi Bombers - One of Gaim Kiwami Arms' personal weapons
- Rosyuo's greatsword - A weapon Gaim Kiwami Arms briefly used during his battle with Redyue.
- WizarSwordGun - Gaim Wizard Arms' personal weapon
- Handle Sword - One of Gaim Drive Arms' personal weapons
- Door Gun - One of Gaim Drive Arms' personal weapons
- Drag Saber - Gaim Ryuki Arms' personal weapon
- DenGasher Sword Mode - Gaim Den-O Arms' personal weapon
- Ride Booker - Gaim Decade Arms' personal weapon
- Trigger Magnum - Gaim Double Arms' personal weapon
- Medajalibur - Gaim OOO Arms' personal weapon
- Rocket Module - Gaim Fourze Arms' personal weapon
- Gaim Yami:
- Musou Saber - Gaim Yami Black Jimber Arms' personal weapon
- Gaim:
Vehicles
- Lock Vehicles - Vehicles that unfold from special Lockseeds:
- Sakura Hurricane - Gaim's main Rider Machine. It is lost during the final battle against Kaito Kumon.
- Dandeliner - Gaim's second Rider Machine. Loses it during the the battle against Bujin Gaim, but later receives another one from DJ Sagara. It is lost during the final battle against Kaito Kumon to an evolved Seiryu Inves
- Tulip Hopper - Gaim's third Rider Machine
- Rose Attacker - Gaim's unused Rider Machine, which is given to Decade to get Shu Aoi escape with him while Gaim prevents Fifteen from taking his son away from the lighthouse where Saki Aoi is.
List of Appearances
- Kamen Rider Wizard
- Episode 52: The Kamen Rider Rings (debut)
- Episode 53: Neverending Story
- Kamen Rider Gaim
- 1-47
- Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle
- Kamen Rider Gaim: Sengoku Battle Royale
- Sengoku Movie Battle
- Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai
- Kamen Rider Gaim: The Great Soccer Match! The Golden Fruit Cup!
- Kamen Rider Gaim Hyper Battle DVD: Fresh Orange Arms is Born!
- Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle
Behind the Scenes
Portrayal
Kouta Kazuraba is portrayed by Gaku Sano (佐野 岳, Sano Gaku), 2011 Junon Super Boy Contest Grand Prix winner. Sano said that he grew up wishing he could be the character from Kamen Rider Kuuga, and now that he will portray Kamen Rider Gaim which he hopes that he will inspire a new generation of boys.[11][12]
As Kamen Rider Gaim, his suit actor is Seiji Takaiwa (高岩 成二, Takaiwa Seiji), who has been the suit actor for the majority of leading Heisei Kamen Riders (except Kuuga and Hibiki).[13]
Rider No.
As the leading Rider protagonist of Kamen Rider Gaim, Kouta Kazuraba (Kamen Rider Gaim) is labeled Kamen Rider #30 (仮面ライダー30号, Kamen Raidā Sanjūgō) and Heisei Rider #15 (平成ライダー15号, Heisei Raidā Jūgogō). [Quiz! Decade Countdown!!]
Notes
- Kouta is the first primary Rider since Tsukasa Kadoya who does not make his debut as a cameo appearance in the Summer Movie of his predecessor, instead debuting in the final episodes of that series.
- He is also the first primary Rider since Wataru Kurenai who does not meet his successor before the end of his own series at any point.
- As the fifteenth leading Heisei Rider, the Heisei era now equals the Showa era in main Riders, as Kamen Rider J is officially considered the 15th Showa-Era Kamen Rider. Thus, Gaim is also the 30th main Rider overall.
- The back of Kouta's Team Gaim jacket has a picture which consists of a samurai that resembles Kamen Rider Gaim's Orange Arms. Considering the half moon crest and one missing eye, the samurai can be proved to be famed warrior and tactician Date Masamune.
- This also means that Kamen Rider Gaim is also based from Date Masamune.
- Kouta's first transformation occurs without him saying "Henshin" first, similar to Yusuke Godai when he willingly transformed into Kuuga Growing Form for the first time.
- Kouta is the first Neo-Heisei Kamen Rider to reveal his transformation to someone close to him; in this case, his sister.
- Kouta's birthday is revealed to be January 30. Like Kaito, he is 20 years old. With a text message placing the first episode as having taken place on its airdate, October 6th 2013, Kouta's birth year would be 1993.
- In real life, Kouta's actor, Gaku Sano was born on April 3rd, 1992.
- Gaim is the first fruit-based Rider introduced since Den-O's Sword Form.
- Gaim's Kachidoki Arms' battle catchphrase "Iza Shutsujin!" is similar to the battle catchphrase "Iza Mairu!" from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, as both catchphrases are references to battle cries used by the ancient Feudal samurai to lead their armies to the battlefield.
- The appearance of Kiwami Arms was inspired by the armor of Oda Nobunaga.
- Black Jimber Arms are similar to previous dark Kamen Riders: specifically, Kamen Riders Ryuga and Dark Kabuto, blacked out versions of the main Rider. Ironically, this means Kouta is the first primary Rider to be his own evil Rider counterpart.
- Kouta is the first Neo-Heisei Kamen Rider whose Final Form does not have its own exclusive weapon. Even though Kiwami Arms can use all of the Arms Weapons, it does not possess its own personal Arms Weapon.
- Kiwami Arms is similar to Kamen Rider Kiva's Emperor Form: Both are Final Forms based on figures of royalty (The former a shogun, the latter a vampire king) and both forms use weapons from all previous forms. Unlike Kiva however, Kiwami Arms has no unique special weapon of its own (apart from the toy-only DJ Sojinto), while Emperor Form had the Zanvat Sword.
- Kiwami Arms' ability to summon weapons from thin air and launch them seemingly via telekinesis resembles the Gate of Babylon power possessed by Gilgamesh, a character from the visual novel Fate/stay night by Kinoko Nasu. Kamen Rider Gaim's head writer Gen Urobuchi is good friends with Nasu and has written for the Fate series, in particular authoring the prequel novel Fate/Zero.
- Out of all the Armored Riders, Gaim has used the most Lock Vehicles with three.
- Kouta eventually shared similarities with Yusuke Godai, Kazuma Kenzaki and Eiji Hino as they are the main characters of their respective series and portrayed as naive and air-headed but kind and heroic people. They are also willing to sacrifice themselves for a greater good, even if it costs them their humanity. Out of these four, Kenzaki still remained a monster, Godai never fully transformed and Eiji regained his humanity. Kouta thus has traits from both Kenzaki and Eiji and seemingly will return if humanity is in danger. The two even shared the same blue dominant color, though in Kenzaki's case, he is navy.
- He also has a similarity to A.R. Kuuga/Yusuke Onodera during a summer movie, such as being brainwashed by the villains. Although Tsukasa's sister, Sayo Kadoya, was temporarily a villain, until she realized her brother did care for her and was manipulated by their own butler and Dai Shocker, into doing their dirty work.
- Kouta's costume as the Man of the Beginning contains recycled parts from Gaim's Kiwami Arms, as well as Kurokage's Matsubokkuri Arms chest piece.
- Kouta can be considered as the second primary rider after Tsukasa Kadoya to imitate the primary Rider's abillity. However, in crossover movie only.
- He is the first primary Heisei Rider to be dubbed a Kamen Rider by an opponent Monster, although Kamen Rider Beast did indirectly refer to him as one beforehand.
Legend Rider Lockseeds
- The following Legend Rider Lockseeds are styled for Gaim, as well as Kurokage, Bujin Gaim, and Kamuro:
- 1 - "Waza no Ichigō, Let's go!"
- 2 - "Chikara no Nigō, Let's go!"
- Riderman - "Kagakusha Met On!"
- ZX - "Jūgō Cyborg Ninja!
- Black - "Seiki Oh Black Sun!"
- Shin - "Kaizou Heishi Level 3!"
- J - "Shingeki Jumbo Formation!"
- Shocker - "Jigoku no gundan on Parade! Eeeee!"
- Great Leader - "Shihaisha of the World!"
- Kabuto - "Ten no Michi My Way!"
- Den-O - "Iza Climax!"
- Den-O Climax Form - "Denkamori Climax!"
- Decade - "Hakaisha on the Road!"
- Skull - "Otoko-michi Hardboiled!"
- Fourze - "Seishun Switch On!" (Despite being canonically used by Zangetsu)
- Wizard - "Shabadoobi Showtime!"
- Wizard Infinity Style - "Kirakira Infinity!"
- Gaim - "Fruit Yoroi Musha on Parade!"
References
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/orangearms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/pinearms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/ichigoarms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/suikaarms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/bananaarms_g_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/jimberlemonarms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/jimercherryarms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/jimberpeacharms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/kachidokiarms_00.html
- ↑ http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/gaimu/rider/kiwamiarms_00.html
- ↑ "仮面ライダー:最新作「鎧武/ガイム」発表 モチーフは“武将とフルーツ” - MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ)" (in Japanese). Mantan-web.jp. 2013-07-25. http://mantan-web.jp/2013/07/25/20130725dog00m200031000c.html. Retrieved 2013-07-25.
- ↑ "新生『仮面ライダーガイム』はフルーツと戦国武将が合体 ジュノンボーイ佐野岳が初主演 ニュース-ORICON STYLE". Oricon.co.jp. 2013-07-25. http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/2026955/full/. Retrieved 2013-07-25.
- ↑ Hobby Japan, November 2013