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This article is about a/an hero in Android Kikaider.

"Change, Switch On! 1,2,3!!!"
―Jiro's transformation call.[src]

Jiro (ジロー, Jirō), otherwise known as Kikaider (キカイダー, Kikaidā), is the protagonist and eponymous character of the tokusatsu series Android Kikaider. He is a denim-clad wearing robot created by Dr. Komyoji to stop the evil organization known as DARK.

Installed with an incomplete "Conscience Circuit", Jiro possesses full sentience; essentially being human in spirit. This serves as his greatest strength and weakness, something represented by his blue and red battle form.

Taking advantage of Jiro's incomplete Conscience Circuit, Professor Gill can use his hypnotic flute as a means to influence Jiro, causing the latter great pain from its corruptive effects. Once he changes into Kikaider though, Jiro is completely resistant to its effects.

Often times Jiro makes his appearance by strumming a somewhat melancholic tune on his signature red guitar, which his enemies take as a sign that he is nearby.

Appearance

Etymology

  • An interview reveals that the design for Kikaider takes inspiration from a human body model mannequin (more specifically the science room mannequins commonly found in school ghost stories).
    • His overall designs and motif is based off of humans, machines and human nature, as quite obviously shown.
  • A thing to note is that the original name is Jinzo Ningen Kikaider a cross between the Japanese word for machine and English word rider.
    • Kikaider is also a Japanese phrase meaning "It's a machine"

Personality

Jiro is an honorable figure, being compassionate and selfless. Believing that people can change for the better, he is sympathetic to troubled souls, consoling them without discrimination[1]. Furthermore, he is not afraid to show emotions when saddened, shedding tears in moments of grief[2].

Determined to protect the innocent as Kikaider, Jiro also possesses a firm sense of justice. Thus, he constantly strives to do the right thing, even when it is the hardest path to take. Many of his peers take note of this, regarding him as a stalwart knight; powerful and unyielding.

Initially though, Jiro viewed himself to be an outcast among humanity and machinery. Combined with a strong fear of rejection, Jiro usually distained from revealing his mechanical nature to others, including his human friends.

Gradually though, Jiro overcame this despair, learning to appreciate his life as Kikaider. Notably, unlike his brother Saburo/Hakaider, Jiro did not feel a sense of emptiness upon completing his given mission, instead seeing it as an opportunity to live a new life.

History

A hero that Dr. Komyoji created to thwart the evil organization known as DARK, Jiro first appeared in front of their members when they attacked a dam. Easily fighting off the Android Men, Jiro transformed into Kikaider to fight Grey Rhino King. Escaping the evil robot via the Side Machine, Jiro went back to DARK's base, regrouping with Dr. Komyoji and his daughter. Speaking to them about his Conscience Circuit, Jiro was about to have it completed when the sinister Professor Gill spoke through a mike, revealing that he knew Dr. Komyoji betrayed him. The base was then set on fire, with Komyoji disappearing in the flames. Although Jiro and Mitsuko escape unharmed, they were unable to regroup with Dr. Komyoji, the latter being alive but amnesic.

Later on, Grey Rhino King kidnapped Masaru, using him as a trap against Jiro. Transforming into Kikaider, Jiro engages his foe in combat once more. Although Jiro won, this was only the start for the long battle between him and DARK. Afterwards, Jiro would continue to fight against DARK's other Destructoids and destroy them, sometimes with varying results in terms of the situation.

This would continue on for some time until he fought Black Crow, whose reinforced armor was too tough for Jiro to penetrate. This forced Jiro to get an upgrade, making him even stronger than he previously was, allowing him to destroy the Destructoid with ease. While it seemed that things turned back into its usual state, this was soon about to change.

The sinister Destructoid known as Purple Starfish plotted to kidnap Dr. Komyoji so he would build a powerful warrior to use against Jiro. With Jiro trying to stop the robot and the Android Men, the nefarious Gill used his flute to thwart Jiro's progress. In the midst of the chaos, Dr. Komyoji regained his memories, and went to Jiro for help. Despite this however, Jiro malfunctioned from prolong exposure to Gill's flute and choked Dr. Komyoji into unconsciousness. Shortly afterwards, Jiro became paralyzed with guilt and couldn't stop DARK from taking away his creator. Eventually regaining control over his body, Jiro went after Purple Starfish while he himself was being chased by the police, who wrongly accused him as a criminal. Found by his friends, Jiro was fixed by Mitsuko only to find that his voice was lost. This was due to the guilt he felt for unwillingly attacking Dr. Komyoji. Despite this drawback though, Jiro still opted to face against DARK, wishing to stop them from causing further harm.

When Jiro did find Purple Starfish, who also kidnapped a little girl that witnessed itself, he immediately fought the evil monster until the police arrived. Finding the police to be another obstacle to his plans, Purple Starfish retreated. Just when it seemed that the day has been saved, Gill used his flute on Jiro, causing him to choke the little girl despite his will, causing the police to deem him as insane. This led to Jiro being arrested for attempted murder.

Questioned by an police chief, Jiro was unable to explain his innocence due to his malfunction, causing said officer to accuse him as a madman. This was later followed with Jiro's identity as a robot being revealed to the entire police force, allowing them to gather a group of scientists to dismember him.

Though unwilling at first, Jiro was eventually forced to free himself from captivity, beating up his captives in the process. Soon afterwards, Hakaider revealed himself to Jiro once the latter broke out of prison, challenging his older brother to a duel. Although Jiro was able to hold his own against his younger brother (despite having a malfunction at the time), he was ultimately defeated once Hakaider used the White Crow's missiles. Hakaider then almost succeeded in killing Kikaider, but was forced to stop fighting due to his time limit.

Being heavily injured, Jiro went to a spare parts shop, using a note to get the items needed to repair himself. While hiding from the police, Jiro was caught by Masaru and Hanpei, the duo arresting him. Still not able to talk, Jiro was held in Hanpei's office, where Mitsuko found him. Told of the situation by Masaru, Mitsuko tried to fix Jiro again. While that was going on, Mitsuko Masaru and Hanpei didn't notice the dark shadow looming over them, until Jiro finally regained his voice and warned them.

The shadow's owner revealed to be Purple Starfish, with Jiro facing it in combat. Thinking Jiro to be vulnerable due being chained, Purple Starfish carelessly approached the robot. Easily breaking free of his chains and giving the Destructoid a devastating punch, Jiro knocked it down. Angered and ready to fight, Purple Starfish then charged at Jiro, when a mysterious whistling sound appeared. The whistler was Saburo, whom Purple Starfish despised. Repulsed by Saburo's presence, Purple Starfish retreated, with Jiro following after it.

Managing to find one of DARK's base by following the Destructoid, Jiro found Dr. Komyoji's body. Told by Gill through a speaker phone of Komyoji's situation, Jiro realized he couldn't fight Hakaider without killing their creator in the process. This was followed with a trap Gill set up, which Jiro managed to escape from as well as defeat Purple Starfish once and for all.

After defeating Purple Starfish, Kikaider was approached by Hakaider, who challenged his brother for a rematch. Despite Kikaider`s unwillingness to fight him, Hakaider left him no other choice by pointing his Hakaider Shot towards him. The robotic cyborg then told Kikaider that he prefers to not use weapons against an unarmed opponent, before launching a series of vicious attacks. Trying to end the battle as quick as possible, Kikaider used a weakened version of his Ginga Hurricane against Saburo, defeating him without inflicting fatal injury. This allowed Kikaider to escape from their duel, to Hakaider's dismay.

Things did not look good for Jiro at this time, not only because of Hakaider's presence and the police, but also because Masaru went after him as well, wrongfully thinking him to have murdered Dr. Komyoji like the police officers.

When Masaru wrongly confronted Jiro over killing his father, Saburo appeared in the midst of his confusion, with Masaru siding over him. Jiro asked his younger sibling of his identity, with Saburo revealing his human persona's name and their relation as brothers. Jiro did not believe Saburo's words, unaware of the truth. Acting very cocky, Saburo then referred to Jiro as a piece of junk and tauntingly challenged him to a duel. Despite his willingness to fight, Jiro decided to retreat when Mitsuko pleaded him not to fight.

Later on, Jiro rescued Mitsuko, Masaru and a small child named Akira from some Android Men, while also learning that the Destructoid known as Brown Angler Fish had kidnapped some children to use as test subjects. Despite Mitsuko telling Jiro that if he goes now, the police will catch and dismember him, the heroic robot went to go rescue them.

Riding his Side Machine with Akira tagging along to tell him the location, Jiro was ambushed by Brown Angler Fish and a few grunts. This was followed with Gill's tormenting flute, with Jiro narrowly managed to change into his battle form, thus escaping this predicament. Immediately afterwards, Hakaider with his White Crow chased Kikaider, shooting missiles relentlessly, despite the fact that Akira was still riding alongside Jiro on the Side Machine. Cleverly escaping the barrage of missiles and Hakaider, Kikaider rescued the children and fought DARK's agents.

Just when it seemed like Brown Angler Fish had the upper edge with his flamethrower attack, Hanpei used a fire extinguisher to help Kikaider. Swiftly using the situation to his advantage, Kikaider used his Ginga Hurricane attack, which was too much for Brown Angler Fish to handle and causing its explosion.

Turning back into human form, Jiro raced off on his Side Machine about the same time Masaru led the police to the place so they can arrest the robot. The children Jiro saved then waved goodbye as he left, stating their thanks as well.

Encountering a Destructoid named Grey Grasshopper, Jiro fought it when Masaru appeared. Masaru then used the Death Whistle on Kikaider, turning the robot back into his human form. Now vulnerable, Jiro was toyed around by Grey Grasshopper, who gleefully attacked him in sadistic joy. Being beaten around, Jiro saw his chance to escape just as Masaru called for Saburo, switching places with his attacker. Although Jiro managed to escape though, he was greatly injured. Luckily though. Jiro was found by Mitsuko, who fully repaired him.

Despite Masaru's actions, Jiro continued to protect him and his sister from Grey Grasshopper's ambush. Saburo would soon attack him as well, before deciding to wait for Grey Grasshopper to be defeated by his older sibling. In their duel though, Jiro was forced into complete submission from Gill's flute, as Grey Grasshopper's speaker amplified it by 3000 fold. Jiro then faced Saburo in combat, forcing the latter to reveal himself as Hakaider. Not having control of his actions, Jiro easily overwhelmed Saburo, the latter being gradually overwhelmed by his elder brother's might.

Their battle soon ended once Mistuko and Masaru interrupted Grey Grasshopper, allowing Jiro to regain his sanity. Despite Mistuko and Masaru being chased by Grey Grasshopper though, Saburo would not allow Jiro to end their fight to save them. In a struck of luck however, Saburo's time-limit for his blood infusion came, forcing him to retreat. Not willing to let his friends get hurt, Jiro swiftly defeated Grey Grasshopper. Jiro then told Masaru of his sadness of being mistrusted by him, convincing the child to regain his faith in Jiro.

With none of his soldiers proving capable of defeating Jiro, Professor Gill sent a mail to the Komyoji siblings as a trap. Easily seeing through Gill's plot, Jiro went to DARK's base in their stead. Unfortunately though, Saburo appeared in front of them and Hanpei, where he told them Jiro won't make it there, and encouraged them to go despite Jiro's words. The cyborg then transformed into battle form and chased after Jiro with his White Crow. Asked by Jir if he plans on interrupting again, Hakaider snidely confirms he will until he defeats his archenemy. He then forced Jiro to fight him again, which ends with the older sibling unwittingly knocking him off a cliff. Horrified at he had done, Jiro somberly stated to Saburo to not die from any injuries while departing from the scene.

Arriving at Dark's base, Jiro faced Red Mine Toad, who had the ability to explode others through touch. This caused Jiro's defeat, not knowing about his foe's full capabilities. With Jiro defeated, Red Mine Toad ordered the Android Men to search for their foe's exploded parts. The exploded parts of Jiro were then found by Hanpei, who collected them to be fixed.

The Android Men soon found Hanpei, with Red Mine Toad demanded him to give Jiro's destroyed parts. When Hanpei was about to fully comply, Saburo appeared and threw his knife in Red Mine Toad's chest. From this, Red Mine Toad's explosive powers were rendered unusable. Enraged at Jiro's supposed death, Saburo then challenged Red Mine Toad to a duel.

Without his main ability, Red Mine Toad proved to be little to no threat for Hakaider, who easily dominated him in battle. Unwilling to admit his defeat, Red Mine Toad repeatedly boasted of his victory against Kikaider and in a last ditch effort, tried to use his bomb attack. Before Red Mine Toad could release his bomb however, Saburo used his Hakaider Shot to shoot the bomb causing it to explode along with Red Mine Toad himself. While that was going on, Hanpei sent Kikaider's broken parts to Masaru and Mitsuko, who were kidnapped by DARK's members. Realizing that Jiro was not yet dead and capable of speech, Mitsuko turned his plug on, asking him how to repair his body.

While Jiro was being repaired by Mitsuko, Saburo went insane from Jiro's supposed death and was tricked into killing Dr. Komyoji by Gill. Just when the enraged robot cyborg was about to murder his creator, Jiro revealed himself to his younger sibling. 

Jiro convinced Saburo to not murder Dr. Komyoji by accepting his duel to the death. His body now in one piece, Jiro fought Saburo in the Komyoji family's cell, both androids in human form. While that was happening, Hanpei arrived in the scene, with Jiro telling him and the Komyoji siblings to carry Komyoji's body to the surgery room while he kept Saburo busy. With Jiro proving too formidable for Saburo to defeat in human form, the latter turned into his battle form. Jiro then attempted to do the same, only to find out that his transformation circuit was still broken.

The fight was luckily interrupted by Android Men who attacked both of them. Fighting through the hoard of grunts, Saburo and Jiro split up, not knowing about the last Destructoid's presence nearby. Ambushed by White Bone Flying Squirrel,Saburo was easily defeated by it. The defeated Saburo then fell on the ground where he was found by Jiro. Warning Jiro about White Bone Squirrel, the fallen warrior voiced his respects to Jiro as a worthy adversary before succumbing to his injury. Jiro then carried his fallen sibling to the surgery room while fighting off the hoard of Android Men in the darkness. Turning on the light, Jiro instructed his friends to find the blueprints to the transplantation of Dr. Komyoji's brain in Hakaider's body, hoping to reverse the process. When Masaru found it in a drawer, Jiro told Mitsuko to perform the surgery, telling her that if she didn't, then both Saburo and Dr. Komyoji would die.

Just when Mitsuko decided to do the surgery to revive her father, White Bone Flying Squirrel appeared in front of them, with Jiro luring the Destructoid as far away from his friends. The Destructoid eventually caught up with Jiro, telling him to fight. Wit Jro unable to transform into his battle form, White Bone Flying Squirrel decided to torment him out of malice. The defeated Jiro was then pushed off a cliff by the Destructoid, who thought the robot had perished. Managing to survive, Jiro called his Side Machine, using it to go to his the Komyoji family's' location. The Komyoji family found Jiro while escaping, the latter being near the brink of death. With Dr. Komyoji being fully revived, he then fully repaired Jiro.

The underlings of DARK however, found them before Jiro regained consciousness. Dr. Komyoji and his children decided to hid Jiro and surrender themselves, hoping that the android would come to save them later on. Just when the Komyoji family were about to be executed, Jiro revealed himself to Professor Gill and his subjects, now fully restored. Saving the Komyoji family, Jiro Faced White Bone Squirrel in battle. Despite White Bone Squirrel's formidable powers, Jiro proved to be more powerful, soundly defeating the Destructoid, avenging Saburo's death. Realizing his defeat, Gill decided to self-destruct the base while sitting on his throne, hoping it would kill Jiro and his friends. Despite the madman's efforts however, Jiro and the Komyoji Family all escaped unharmed, while the rest of DARK's members got caught in the explosion. With the battle over, Dr. Komyoji explained to the police what really happened, clearing up Jiro's good name. The police chief then shook hands with Jiro while apologizing for his accusations, which the goodhearted robot responded by forgiving him.

Deciding to go to Switzerland, the Komyoji family packed up to go, with Hanpei helping them. While this happened, Jiro told Dr. Komyoji he will remain in Japan so he can train and become a stronger person. He then saw the family's plane from far away, before going on his next adventure.

Abilities and Arsenal

Med-rah-kikaider

Kikaider

Jiro is programmed with superhuman abilities far beyond any regular human. Being sentient, he also has unlimited potential, growing stronger from each battle fought.

In human form alone, he is immune to gunfire, can withstand heat over 5000 degrees[3], and able to slightly outmaneuver Saburo in a duel, the latter armed with a special knife[3].

Kikaider is Jiro's alternate form; used to activate his full capabilities. As Kikaider, Jiro is far stronger than DARK's Destructoids, each possessing well over several million horsepower[4].

  • Side Machine: Jiro's motorcycle that comes with a sidecar. Jiro is able to control it through his mind.
  • Air Craft (エアークラフト, Eā Kurafuto): Kikaider has rocket boots in the soles of his feet, primarily used for flight.
  • Genius-Level Intellect: Jiro can analyze data akin to a supercomputer, allowing him to decipher encryption in a matter of seconds.
  • Appearance Disguise: Jiro can mimic the appearance of others, much like DARK's Destructoids[5].
  • Music Manipulation: Kikaider can emit the same tune that he plays with his guitar, even while disguised[5].
  • Suction Powers (吸着機能, Kyūchaku Kinō): Jiro has the ability to walk on walls as if they were the ground.
  • Radar Detector: A radar which allows him to pinpoint a person's location.
  • Arm Buzz Saw: A saw on Jiro's arm.
  • Analysis Circuit: A circuit inside Jiro that allows him to understand and modify any type of substance.
  • Repair Ability: An automatic self repair ability.

Attacks

  • Denji End (電磁エンド, Denji Endo): Kikaider's signature attack. An electromagnetically-charged cross karate chop which can cleave robots apart and fry their circuitry.
  • Double Chop (ダブルチョップ, Daburu Choppu): Kikaider's Two-Handed karate chop. This attack can sever a limb of an opponent.
  • Giant Swing Throw (大車輪投げ, Dai Sharin Nage): Kikaider grabs his enemies and lifts them up over his shoulders, tossing them into the air spinning around several times, and then hitting them hard on the ground.
  • Spinning Attack (回転アタック, Kaiten Atakku): Kikaider jumps on top of the opponent after knocking them down and proceeds to beat them.
  • Kikaider Top Spin (キカイダー独楽回し, Kikaidā Koma Mawashi): Kikaider grabs a log then rotate it to create a vacuum vortex around him to deflect projectile weapons such as shuriken.
  • Super Clean (スーパークリーン, Sūpā Kurīn): A water based move. Kikaider gets inside the water then spins around cleansing it.
  • Red Beam (赤色光線, Akairo Kōsen): A beam that shoots out of Kikaider`s eyes which shows if or not the target is in a disguise.
  • Feather Return (フェザー返し, Fezā Gaeshi): A move in which Kikaider returns a barrage of weapons back onto the opponent.
  • Ultra Kick (ウルトラキック, Urutora Kikku): A kick move where Kikaider kicks the opponent with both his legs.
  • Kikaider Spark (キカイダースパーク, Kikaidā Supāku): Perhaps his most powerful attack, Kikaider crosses his hands and shoots a strong beam of light from both his hands onto his opponent.
  • Ginga Hurricane (銀河ハリケーン, Ginga Harikēn, lit. "Galactic Hurricane"): Another powerful move where Kikaider flies and spins around his opponent, while proceeding to attack said opponent.
  • KIkaider Throw (キカイダー投げ, Kikaidā Nage): A more powerful throw move than the Giant Swing Move where Kikaider slams the opponent on the ground.
  • Escape Screw (脱出スクリュー, Dasshutsu Sukuryū): Kikaider musters his strength then breaks whatever is keeping him binded.

Team Attacks

There are attacks that Jiro can only perform when with Kikiader 01 and/or Bijinder. One of the dangers of using these attacks is that the combined energy could overload and destroy the bodies of the androids if not released fast enough.

  • Double Brother Power: Kikaider and 01 link together and fire powerful twin bolts of energy.It was first used on Episode 18 to destroy Giant Devil.
  • Kikaider Triple Circle Power: The three androids link their arms, jump into the air and spin at high speed destroying the target. It was used to completely destroy Zadam and Gill Hakaider at once.

Transformation

Jiro transforms into his battle form by first using his right hand's fingers to portray the number three. He then stretches his arms to their respective sides and then activates his arm switches from right to left by crossing them together. Immediately afterwards, Jiro raises his arms high in the air. A burst of energy then surrounds Jiro as he changes into his battle form.

Appearances in other media

Gorenger vs. J.A.K.Q.

Kikaider in JAKQ VS Gorenger

Kikaider as seen on a map showing the fight against the Fistfighter Army in Mongolia

JIro was mentioned alongside Kamen Riders V3 and Amazon with all of them being stated as fighting evil around the world. It is likely that the events took place after defeating their respective foes.

38

Jiro in OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders

Kikaider Kikaider 01 Inazuman Zubat

Kikaider with Kikaider 01, Inazuman and Zubat

OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen RidersIcon-crosswiki

Kikaider has a cameo in OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders where he teams up with Kikaider 01, Inazuman and Zubat to destroy General Shadow as he attempted to escape from the Riders.

Video Games

Super Hero Tactics

Super Hero Tactics Daidal's ambitions

Tokusatsu Adventure Action Drama Super Hero Biographies

Super Tokusatsu Taisen 2001

Kikaider appears as a playable character with Kikaider 01, Bjinder, and Waruder, in the Sony PlayStation crossover strategy game Super Tokusatsu Taisen 2001Icon-crosswiki.

Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbaride

Kikaider in Ganbaride

Kikaider in Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbaride.

Kikaider appears as a guest character in the arcade game Kamen Rider Battle: GanbarideIcon-crosswiki.

Gallery

Behind the scenes

Portrayal

Jiro was portrayed by Daisuke Ban (伴 大介, Ban Daisuke), who later portrayed Kyujiro Maeno in the 2014 film Kikaider REBOOT. A veteran tokusatsu actor, Ban also portrayed, among others, Goro WatariIcon-crosswiki as InazumanIcon-crosswiki, Daisuke IzumoIcon-crosswiki in Ninja CaptorIcon-crosswiki, and Makoto JinIcon-crosswiki in Battle Fever JIcon-crosswiki.

In the 2011 film OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen RidersIcon-crosswiki, Kikaider was portrayed by voice actor Tomokazu Seki (関 智一, Seki Tomokazu), who previously provided the voice of Jiro's incarnation from Android Kikaider: The Animation, and suit actor Hisanori ŌiwaIcon-crosswiki (大岩 永徳, Ōiwa Hisanori).

Recognition

Kikaider is featured as #44 in the 1986 archive compilation video Toei 100 Great Heroes Super FightIcon-crosswiki.

Notes

  • KikaiderIcon-crosswiki is mentioned in the Super SentaiIcon-crosswiki team up movie, J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai vs. GorengerIcon-crosswiki and makes a cameo appearanceIcon-crosswikiin the Kamen RiderIcon-crosswikimovie Let's Go Kamen RidersIcon-crosswiki alongside Kikaider 01, Inazuman and Zubat, three more Ishinomori creations.
  • Notably, Jiro is less gentle at the start of the series, using a cruder, more masculine form of Japanese (ex. using "ore" instead of "boku" to refer to himself) in general.
  • Much like Ichiro/Kikaider 01, Jiro's method of energy consumption is inconsistent. Though once shown using an energy cartridge[6], official explanations state that Jiro does not require external energy or matter for sustenance.

In Popular Culture

Louis Koo Kkd
  • A Kikaider toy package had appeared in a 2016 Hong Kong film Line Walker.


PopTeamEpic Kikaider


Appearances

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