■ The existence of one and only. "The beginning man", Takeshi Hongo

Kamen Rider Takeshi Hongo is a remodeled human—this is a passage from the opening narration that should be familiar to all long-time Kamen Rider fans. Combined with the intelligent and cool tone of the narrator, Shinji Nakae, it is a famous haiku that reluctantly inputs the scheme of <Kamen Rider = Takeshi Hongo> into the minds of those who watch it. Even if there was a temporary withdrawal due to an unexpected accident on the way, there is no doubt that Hiroshi Fujioka, who plays the main character, and Takeshi Hongo, who plays the role of Takeshi Hongo, is the only one who can be called the "man of the beginning". .

Today, Takeshi Hongo has a legend-class presence that makes you realize that, but it can be said that it was the “New No. 1” from episode 53 onwards that made its popularity unwavering. MASKED RIDER 2 Hayato Ichimonji, played by Tsuyoshi Sasaki, who was playing the leading role as Fujioka's successor, was replaced by Kamen Rider No. 1, Takeshi Hongo, who returned from Europe, and once again defended his homeland, Japan.
Toru Hirayama, who attended the preview as a Toei producer at the time, recalled: “Finally, Fujioka-kun’s full-fledged comeback has come true! To that extent, Takeshi Hongo's comeback was the heartfelt wish of the staff, fans, and all those who love Kamen Rider.

And Hiroshi Fujioka who played the speed return to the program with imposing healing power to put a tongue troublesome rehabilitation on himself, even a doctor tongue-winding, Takeshi Hongo to perform. Hong Kong, who was sneaky in his own destiny and had a weakness somewhere, changed in a different way from the "old No. 1" era, Hongo after the return took full advantage of the powerfulness and powerfulness as a hero . As if it represents Fujioka's own gallant who overcame the edge of actor life ... ....

Thus, the fans applauded on the appearance of "Takeshi Hongo, returning home" with unparalleled braveness. As if to support it, in June 1972, the affiliated office of the time "Fujioka Hiroshi Association" presided over as many as 60,000 member registrations, mainly children. In addition, as soon as I started a telephone service that Fujioka's own message can be heard, there is even anecdotal that the telephone line of the former telephone company has been punctured.

Of course, there is no way other people are watching Fujioka's popularity as an actor. Fierce drama appearance offers from other stations gradually took up Fujioka's precious time, which allowed him to concentrate on "Kamen Rider". In particular, in the second half of the series, before and after the "Gel Shocker arc", Fujioka's appearance scene was reduced due to the situation of "Takeshi Hongo, life or death unknown?" It was.

However, there are genuine MASKED RIDER 1 and Takeshi Hongo fans who are familiar with past empirical rules. <It doesn't matter how many scenes Fujioka appears in. However, as long as he continues to be Takeshi Hongo, that's fine." While embodying the image of a reliable hero, Takeshi Hongo continued to have a fragile existence. In hindsight, the true appearance of <Mr. Kamen Rider>, which is still talked about passionately to this day, may have been hidden in such a deep character that can be seen as hard and soft.

Writing / prototype advisor: Takahashi Wako (Tarcas)