Kento Handa and Kohei Murakami, who appeared in the special effects drama "Kamen Rider 555" that aired from 2003 to 2004, appeared at the opening ceremony of the event "NARIKIRI WORLD 2023" held in Akihabara, Tokyo on October 19th. In "Kamen Rider 555", Handa played Takumi Inui (Kamen Rider Faiz), and Murakami played Masato Kusaka (Kamen Rider Kaiza).
At the event, it was announced that the new transformation belt toy ``CSM Faiz Driver NEXT'' from "Kamen Rider 555 20th: Paradise Regained'', the sequel to ``Kamen Rider 555'', will be released. Regarding the smartphone-type LCD transformation belt, which is the first to be equipped with a touch panel, Handa said happily, "It's extremely futuristic. I've finally graduated from my flip phone. I've been waiting for it," and said of the transformation scene, "It's smart and time-saving."
The new work is an "orthodox sequel" that takes place 20 years after the final TV episode of "Kamen Rider 555." It will be screened for a limited time in movie theaters from February 2, 2024, and will be released on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in the same year.
Regarding the new work, Murakami said, ``It's the first time in 20 years that I've transformed. It's a vintage transformation after 20 years,'' and Handa said, ``I hope that fans and those seeing it for the first time will be excited to watch it.'' It's a work that I would like to see. Maybe it's a good thing it took 20 years to make. It's matured a lot."
Actor Tatsuomi Hamada, who played Riku Asakura (Ultraman Geed) in ``Ultraman Geed'' also appeared at the opening ceremony.