Takeshi (Kamen Rider)

Takeshi (猛士^?) is a fictional secret organization in the Japanese tokusatsu production Kamen Rider Hibiki. It has been defending Japan against the threats imposed by an assortment of monstrous creatures called Makamou for at least hundreds of years.

Organization

Headquartered in Yoshino, Nara, Takeshi has offices and agents all over Japan. Each office is assigned a number of combatant agents called Oni and a backup team for intelligence, research, logistics, etc. Takeshi has been around for nearly 200 years as stated in Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven Senki. The group was originally started as a partnership between the original Oni warriors and humans named in honor of the departed Takeshi, student of the Hibiki of that time and brother to the founder of Takeshi, Asumu. Today the group is more of a training and support group for the Oni.

Personnel

• Ichiro Tachibana (立花 勢地郎, Tachibana Ichirō^?) - The Current Head Official of TAKESHI's Higashitsukuba branch. A cheerful man who sends the Oni out on their missions and gives them thoughtful advice before they go into battle. He researches on the Makamou with the library at his disposal.
• Kasumi Tachibana (立花 香須実, Tachibana Kasumi^?) - The elder of the Tachibana sisters. A very intelligent individual, like her father. She is usually acts a field support for the Oni providing supplies and extra disc animals. She is liked by Ibuki, though early on she just ignores him.
• Hinaka Tachibana (立花 日菜佳, Tachibana Hinaka^?) - The younger of the Tachibana sisters. Her cheerful demeanor makes up for her lack of intelligence like her older sister. She usually hangs around TAKESHI Headquarters to track the Makamou and rarely goes out into the field. She has a crush on Todoroki, but he is usually clueless about her approaches.
• Akira Amami (天美 あきら, Amami Akira^?) - Ibuki's apprentice. Her parents were killed by Makamou and only choose to become an Oni in her quest for revenge. During her training as an Oni, she was able to transform into one, later named Kamen Rider Amaki (仮面ライダー天鬼, Kamen Raidā Amaki^?) in the Kamen Rider Decade series, in an attempt to save Ibuki. She eventually chose to give up her goal of being an Oni and resumed a normal life.
• Midori Takizawa (滝澤 みどり, Takizawa Midori^?) - TAKESHI's Equipment and Weapons designer. She is responsible for creating the sound weapons for the Oni and the Disc Animals. She is an old friend of Hitoshi, who have been friends since childhood and joined TAKESHI to aid him once he became the current Hibiki.
• Konosuke Kogure (小暮 耕之助, Kogure Kōnosuke^?) - The Head of TAKESHI's Weapon Design section and Midori's mentor, a former Oni who is said to defeated twenty Makamou single-handedly. He is also a singer in his spare time. Much of TAKESHI, including Ichirō, fears him because of his strict disciplinary personality (with an exception of a few people). When he is angered, he chases his "victim" and hits them with a paddle. He arrives to also travels using a motorcycle with the newly improved Armed Saber which he made and was almost too powerful for any Oni to control, causing them to lose their transformation abilities for a month. When Torodoki and Hibiki were affected by the Armed Saber, Kōnosuke trained the two with his special training to improve their powers. The training, utilizing energy from the gut while singing, paid off for Hibiki because it enabled him to wield the Armed Saber. After that, Kōnosuke left for Yoshino.
• Kyosuke Kiriya (桐矢 京介, Kiriya Kyōsuke^?) - Asumu's rival in being mentored by Hibiki. In the aftermath of Orochi, Kyosuke becomes an Oni.

Oni

An Oni is an exceptional athlete who has acquired amazing fighting abilities through intensive training and the use of advanced weaponry. His or her most powerful equipment is both a weapon and a musical instrument, whose 'pure' sounds are the only means to purge the evil spirits of the Makamou. Oni follow a one-master-one-apprentice tradition.

Upon the retirement of their master, an apprentice will inherit the responsibilities as well as all equipment from his or her predecessor. He or she will often inherit the master's title too, but there are exceptions. When a person transforms into an Oni, the persons' clothes are often burnt up or sliced to pieces in the process, though there are ways to learn how to not let them be destroyed. If an Oni fights relying on his or her anger, the forehead emblem will grow over the face. When an Oni becomes evil, the headquarters decide if they should be eliminated. If they decide to eliminate the Oni, they send someone from the head family to carry out the task. In the TV series, there are a total of 113 active Oni in Japan, a total of eleven active Oni operate in the Kanto region, but only eight have shown up in the series. Also 3 other Oni are later introduced and another one is mentioned as the show proceeds. Five more Oni are introduced in The Seven Fighting Demons, the movie spin-off of the TV series.

Disk Animals

Produced mainly for reconnaissance purpose, the Disk Animals (ディスクアニマル, Disuku Animaru^?) or Onshikigami (音式神^?) are an advance version of the shikigami that Oni had used in the past. The Disk Animals can switch between their compact discs form and animal forms like origami, and can turn invisible at will. They record the noises made by Makamou and return to their master to reveal the monsters' location in the area.
The following kinds of Disk Animals are featured in the TV series:

List and Description of Disc Animals

• Akanetaka (茜鷹, "Madder Hawk"^?): One of the most used Disc Animals among the Oni. The falcon is light weight and suited for covering terrain from the air, with its sharp wings it is capable of cutting attacks in both of its forms. Its weak point is both its duty and recording time is cut short from the energy it consumes from flight. It is also to be noted that among the Disc Animals, this is the only one proven to have a former Shikigami incarnation, which is bigger and flies faster (based from the movie). Voiced in the Hyper Video special by Hiroshi Masuoka
• Ruriōkami (瑠璃狼, "Azure Wolf"^?) With its four-legged design, it is best for ground terrain, especially dense brush and rock areas. When sent out in numbers they usually travel in packs. It has a sharp, fanged mouth for attacking targets. Has a long duty and recording time and is very durable. Voiced in the Hyper Video special by Bin Shimada
• Ryokuōzaru (緑大猿, "Green Ape"^?) This disk animal has the special function of video recording images and sound because its intelligence is a little higher than normal. It's acrobatic and suited for through branches in forested areas. It's very strong and delivers a power punch for attack, because of this it can also guard and protect victims from danger.
• Kihadagani (黄檗蟹, "Yellow Crab"^?) Is best for recording both above and below water and is suited for travel in wet areas (beaches, swamps, etc.) or underwater. Its large pincer claw is strong enough to cut a steel cable and can turn into a drill than can bore through a concrete wall. Its durable design can withstand falling rocks or powerful water currents. It was upgraded very recently from its old design.
• Kiakashishi (黄赤獅子, Orange Lion^?) Is capable of video recording and has a very long duty and recording time. Can travel through dense brush and rocks. It has a sharp fanged mouth for attacking. Voiced in the Hyper Video special by Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
• Asagiwashi (浅葱鷲, "Light Blue Eagle"^?) A updated version of the Akanetaka, it has greater duty and recording time plus can record video as well. Because of its higher intelligence it's capable of united formation with a group of Disk Animals when attacking a monster. It attacks with its sharp wings for cutting attacks in both forms.
• Nibiirohebi (鈍色蛇, "Black Cobra"^?) Is capable of amphibious travel and can record underwater. Because of its design its recording abilities is less than other disc animals. Is best suited for small, tight areas it can move through with its slender body. It can coil around the enemy and tightly squeeze them. Because of this it can be used as handcuffs or a rod, it also has a dangerous bite for attacking Makamou.
• Seijigaeru (青磁蛙, "Celadon Frog"^?) can function best underwater where it is able to travel up to speeds of nearly mach 1. When used in a battle underwater, this Disc Animal can slice almost anything in half within a matter of seconds. Voiced in the Hyper Video special by Taiki Matsuno
• Koganeōkami (黄金狼, "Gold Wolf"^?): The upgrade version of Ruriōkami.

Movie Only Disc Animals

Shikigami that were an ancestral basis for the design used for the Disc Animals. Unlike the present series counterparts, the Disc Animals used in the movies were gigantic in size. Each being roughly as large as a tree.

Movie Only Disc Animals	Motif	Meaning	Japanese
Keshizumigarasu	Crow	Charcoal gray Crow	消炭鴉
Iwabenishishi	Lion	Rock crimson Lion	岩紅獅子
Shironeriōzaru	Ape	Snow white Ape	白練大猿

Takeshi Gear

The Takeshi Gear existed long before the human-Oni Kamen Rider alliance. It is not stated how the original Oni Kamen Riders received their transformation items and weapons. After the human-Oni Kamen Rider alliance known as "Takeshi" was formed, human science was used to help improve the usefulness of the Oni Kamen Rider weapons and transformation devices. These have gone on to be code named as Takeshi Gear after the original Armed Saber crafted by Takeshi Asumu.

Primary Systems

Transformation Tuning Fork

The Transformation Tuning Fork (変身音叉, Henshin Onsa^?) is an item resembling a tuning fork. It is the most commonly used transformation device among the Oni Kamen Riders, usually those whose arsenal revolves around the Taiko. It is said to be the simplest of all transformation devices to make, yet has the capability to unlock the greatest power within all Oni that use it. During the events of the movie, the Onsa was used by all Oni and possessed a katana mode called the Echo Sword Onsaken (鳴刀・音叉剣, Meitō Onsaken^?).

Transfromation Whistle

The Transfromation Whistle (変身鬼笛, Henshin Onibue^?) is considered the most difficult of the Takeshi Gear to create. It is used mainly by Kamen Riders who wield weapons based on the use of wind such as a trumpet or flute. These are also the only of the Takeshi Gear that the Head Family of the Takeshi organization uses. The color of the Henshin Onibue usually defines the color of the Oni. For example Ibuki's is gold with blue accents and so is his armor color (mainly face and gloves are blue).

Transformation String Brace

The Transformation String Brace (変身鬼弦, Henshin Kigen^?) is used mainly by the string instrument based Kamen Riders. These are considered to be uncommon, but neither as rare as the Onibue or as common as the Onsa. The Henshin Kigen is a wrist device, attached the wrist, the user pulls on a chain that lifts a face plate on the Henshin Kigen. The user then plucks the strings and their body is filled with a powerful burst of lightning as they transform. The strings of the Henshin Kigen are the color of the ornamental strings on the Oni's armor. For example the strings on Todoroki's Henshin Kigen are red as are the ones on his armor.

Special Systems

Aside from the basic three transformation devices, there is also a number of other devices that the Oni Kamen Riders can use to either transform or power up into a new form. Most Takeshi Gear that fall into this category are man-made items.

Armed Saber

The Armed Saber (アームドセイバー, Āmudo Seibā^?) is an ancient sword that was once wielded by the ancestor of Kamen Rider Hibiki. Over the years it was improved with the use of human technology, eventually becoming the sword that it is today. The Armed Saber is equipped with a built in megaphone that allows for Hibiki to use stronger attacks. This weapon can also only be used by advanced Oni, anyone who tries to use it when not yet of the proper skill will lose their transformation abilities for usually an entire month.

Rekkū

The Rekkuu is a long staff-like flute. It is only shown to be used by Habataki in the movie. It is much like the weapon of Kamen Rider Ibuki in that they both have a similar attacking style and both allow for powerful long range attacks.

Onifugu Daigo

The Onifugu Daigo is one of the larger of the Takeshi Gear. It is only used by Kamen Rider Shouki. It is a large weapon that is attached to its users' back and can be fit with different ends, allowing for large attacks or a sniper like attack. It was only made for the S.I.C toy line.

OniTenku Tenku

The OniTenku Tenku is essentially a large trombone. It can be fit with either a normal trombone end that allows for wind based attacks or an end that allows for spider-like projectiles to be launched from it. It is uses by the series' counterpart to Kamen Rider Touki. It was only made for the S.I.C toy line. The weapon debut in the Hibiki Journey of Kamen Rider Decade, which was used as Ibuki's alternative weapon.

Other Oni Arsenal

Taiko-Based

• Hibiki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): Onkaku
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Kaentsuzumi, Bakuretsu Kaentsuzumi
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Rekka
  • Ongekida: Kaen Renda no Kata, Ikki Kasei no Kata, Gouka Renbu no Kata, Mouka Dotō no Kata, Bakuretsu Kyōda no Kata
• Hibiki Kurenai/Hibiki Crimson
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): Onkaku
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Kaentsuzumi, Bakuretsu Kaentsuzumi
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Rekka
  • Ongekida: Shakunetsu Shinku no Kata, Bakuretsu Shinku no Kata
• Armed Hibiki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): Onkaku
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Kaentsuzumi, Bakuretsu Kaentsuzumi
  • Ongeki Zōhuku Ken (Saber): Armed Saber
    • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Rekka
  • Ongekida: Kishin Kakusei, Hibiki and Hibiki Kurenai's Ongekida
• Danki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Mikageban
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Nachiguro
  • Ongekida: Hasai Sazareishi
• Eiki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Hakuryoku
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Rokushō
  • Ongekida: Hissatsu Hiccyū no Kata
• Gouki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): Kongō
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Gōriki
  • Ongekida: Gouwan Musō, Bakuretsu Randa etc.

Wind-Based

• Ibuki
  • Henshin Onibue (Flute Whistle): Onteki
  • Ongekimei (Trumpet Buckle): Narukaze
  • Ongekikan (Trumpet Gun): Reppū
    • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Yamase
  • Ongekisha: Shippū Issen
• Shouki
  • Henshin Onibue (Flute Whistle): unknown
  • Ongekimei (Trumpet Buckle): Kazataba
  • Ongekikan (Trumpet): Taifū
  • Ongekisha: Bōfū Ikki
• Touki
  • Henshin Onibue (Flute Whistle): unknown
  • Ongekimei (Trumpet Buckle): Tsumuji
  • Ongekikan (Trumpet): Arashi
  • Ongekisha: Fūjin Dohatsu

String-Based

• Todoroki
  • Henshin Kigen (String Brace): Onjō
  • Ongekishin (Guitar Buckle): Raigō
  • Ongekigen (Guitar Lance): Retsurai
    • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Rakurai
  • Ongekizan: Raiden Gekishin
• Zanki
  • Henshin Kigen (String Brace): Onka
  • Ongekishin (Guitar Buckle): Zantetsu
  • Ongekishingen (Guitar Lance): Retsuzan
  • Ongekizan: Raiden Zanshin
• Sabaki
  • Henshin Kigen (String Brace): unknown
  • Ongekishin (Guitar Buckle): Gokuraku
  • Ongekigen (Guitar Lance): Enma
    • Kogata Ongekigen (Guitar Daggers): unknown
    • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Syakubyōshi
    • Ongekikan (Trombone): unknown
  • Ongekizan: Enma Sabaki
• Banki
  • Henshin Kigen (String Brace): unknown
  • Ongekishin (Guitar Buckle): Jigoku
  • Ongekigen (Guitar Lance): Toōgenkyō
  • Ongekizan: Meifu Madō
• Shuki
  • Henshin Kigen (String Brace): unknown
  • Ongekishin (Guitar Buckle): unknown
  • Ongekigen (Harp): Kitara
  • Ongekisō: Shinten Douchi

Movie Only

• Kabuki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): unknown
  • Ongekibō (Drum Sticks): Ressui
  • Ongekida: Gōka Kenran
  • Meitō Onsaken (The Onsa's sword form)
• Touki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): unknown
  • Ongeki Kanabō (Gong Stick): Rettō
  • Ongekiou: Ichigeki Dotō
• Kirameki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekimei (Trumpet Buckle): unknown
  • Ongeki Cymbal: Retsuban
  • Ongekihyou: Keichō Fubaku
• Nishiki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekiko (Taiko Buckle): unknown
  • Ongeki Triangle: Ressetsu
  • Ongekikyou: Irasshai
• Habataki
  • Henshin Onsa (Tuning Fork): unknown
  • Ongekimei (Trumpet Buckle): unknown
  • Ongeki Flute: Rekkū
  • Ongekisha: Senpū Issen

Oni Techniques

• Ki Tōjutsu Onizume -Claws that protrude from the Oni's fist.
• Ki Tōjutsu Raigeki Ken -An electric charged punch/jump kick.
• Ki Tōjutsu Senpū Jin -A wind covered chop/flying crescent kick.
• Ki Hōjutsu Onibi -The Oni opens its mouth and breaths out a large flame.
• Ki Bōjutsu Rekka Dan -Taiko sticks flame up creating a torch flame, which can shoot fireballs.
• Ki Bōjutsu Rekka Ken -Taiko sticks flame up creating a blade covered in flame.
• Ki Sanjutsu Ressui Gasa - A Taiko stick turns into a defensive umbrella.
• Takeshishiki Onike^[1] - A powerful striking attack with one foot, similar to the traditional Rider Kick.

Takeshi Vehicles

• Gaika - HONDA Valkyrie Rune
• Tatsumaki - HONDA Shadow 750
• Shiranui - HONDA Element Red
• Raijin - HONDA Element Green
• HONDA CR-V

1. ^ Attack not used in the Hibiki series itself, but in later movies and tv shows. The name of Hibiki's Rider Kick comes from the Ganbaride card 4-014.