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Kamen Rider Gotchard: Final Stage | Pamphlet (pages and translations below, long post)

Motojima Junsei (Ichinose Houtaro)

Q. If you were to call out to Ichinose Houtaro now?

A. Thank you so much for your energy over the past year! In the beginning, there were alot of things we didn't understand about each other (laughs). I was able to live as Ichinose Houtaro, and Houtaro's determination to never give up reached those who support Kamen Rider, and I myself was always encouraged by Houtaro. For the moment I get to live as Houtaro again somewhere, thank you.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Gotcha taught me the importance of facing the obstacles in front of you, never giving up, the importance of working together with my friends, and the feelings of everyone who supports you! Going forward, I'll keep this in mind as I continue on!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. Episode 27's "Gotcha! Crosshopper!" is my absolute favorite! Thanks to Houtaro's power of belief and determination to never give up, everyone believed in him and risked their lives to pass the baton to him. Houtaro was able to tell the Chemies and himself, "Don't give up!!," so I think that Houtaro was also able to show a huge amount of growth in this episode.

-I get the feeling that the story of Ichinose Houtaro and his friends isn't over yet-

This past year has truly "gone by in the blink of an eye." During filming of Kamen Rider Gotchard I had almost no experience in acting, and I was starting from a place where I didn't know what was right and what was left, but thanks to the support of the many staff members, cast, and fans, I managed to successfully finish filming. Every day, I had many things to reflect on, and there were times when I felt like falling apart, but the many voices of support was a source of power for me. It was a pleasure to play the character of Ichinose Houtaro. I feel like I want to do it for another year (laughs).

We finished filming with the scene after we enter into the cube in the final episode. The flow was that it went from Houtaro's parting with Clotho, to his anger toward Glion and his transformation. I was incredibly happy that filming ended with the transformation. With the final enemy also being Glion, I naturally got into things. After meeting his future self in the film "The Future Daybreak," Houtaro also knows what'll happen if he loses to Glion. With an enemy he can't afford to lose to, Houtaro goes into a decisive battle. Still, in the beginning, Houtaro was one of the newest students at the Alchemy Academy, but over the past year, the number of his friends has increased. I think Houtaro himself has become stronger, but it's more important that he's now able to work together with everyone. This is also something I can say about myself, since I've met so many people through the filming of Gotchard. In my own way, I think I was able to change.

Clotho's last words were also memorable. I feel that the gradual change in the relationship between the Three Dark Sisters was an interesting aspect of Gotchard's drama. Alittle while ago, Miyahara-san and I had the opportunity to train together at the gym. At that time, I was told, "You've worked really hard this past year," and even during the performance, Houtaro and Clotho give me a supportive push……I experienced a feeling that Houtaro and myself were linked.

In the final episode, there's a scene where Houtaro's mother sends him off to battle, knowing that he's a Kamen Rider. Minamino Yoko-san, who plays Tamami, sent me a LINE after we finished filming our last scene together. She wrote, "I'll always stand by Junsei-kun's side no matter what happens, you did your best this past year." True to her word, Minamino-san has encouraged me countless times. I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart for her treating me so kindly like a real mother.

I was surprised at the development that Houtaro would end up creating a New Earth. It's surprising that he's become such a great alchemist, but as I read the script like usual I was like, "What do you mean?!" (laughs). I think Houtaro will be exploring the New Earth with his friends at the Alchemy Academy from now on, and since I want Gotchard to remain in the hearts of the fans even after it finished airing, I was happy with this last scene. The battle may be over, but I get the feeling that the story of Houtaro and his friends isn't over yet, so I wonder if people will be imagining what to expect next. Of course, I'm personally looking forward to seeing the "continuation" of the story in some form.

Playing the role of Ichinose Houtaro made me realize that the profession of an actor is fun and rewarding. I think I was supported more by everyone in this work. I also received many messages of support and appreciation from those who truly enjoy Gotchard's broadcast. I'm amazed that a production I was involved in, or a role I played can give power and excitement to someone……From now on too, I want to encounter productions that can have a positive impact on someone's life, and for this reason, I intend to continue my efforts and growth. I'll always remember the words of advice that Director Tasaki gave me, such as, "A character is driven by the heart's engine" and "Let the cup (of emotion) overflow on set."

I'm very excited about the Final Stage. We start with Osaka, then Fukuoka, Aichi, and then Tokyo, four cities in total. I've been to several events in the past, and was able to directly meet with everyone who supported me in person, and I've really enjoyed all of them. This'll be the final time, and although I'm sad, I want to express my gratitude to everyone with all of my heart. Please burn the image of an energetic Ichinose Houtaro into your memory, as I want to do this for the next 100 years.

Please make sure to look forward to it. And with that, I'll see you at the venue!

Matsumoto Reiyo (Kudo Rinne)

Q. If you were to call out to Kudo Rinne now?

A. I'm glad I was able to live as Rinne! Thank you!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Gotcha means "heart"! It was a year in which I could feel everyone's love, and I was really happy that Kudo Rinne was loved by everyone. From now on, I'll work as hard as I can to return the favor!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 48! "No matter how hard it gets, the way you live your life is decided through your own heart!" I really love that line, and Rinne taught me something very important. And, seeing Rinne's growth made me very happy.

-I think that "Matsumoto Reiyo" disappeared from my mind and I became "Kudo Rinne"-

When I was cast to perform in Kamen Rider Gotchard, what I kept in mind was to perform each and every scene with great care. In particular, as filming progressed into the second half of the show, I felt that my concentration on set had increased.

When we filmed "The Future Daybreak" in Shimane, we filmed until the very last minute, just in time to catch our flight back home, but while I was acting, I had completely forgotten about such things. I wasn't consciously trying to forget, but I think at that time, "Matsumoto Reiyo" disappeared from my mind and I became "Kudo Rinne." I was scared beforehand because it was Rinne's final moments, but when it came time to perform the real thing, as Rinne, I couldn't stop crying. I have tons of other memories from the film. The cuts where I was suspended in the air were fun, and I enjoyed being in that state while constantly asking the people around me, "How many more cuts are there now?" and "It's not over yet, is it?" It's an experience you don't get to have very often, and the moment when the height gradually increased was a great feeling (laughs). However, the setup was that I was captured, so I was careful not to let my joy show on my face. All the staff members knew though (laughs). If there's another opportunity, I want to be suspended in the air again.

Similarly, I enjoyed riding behind Kamen Rider Gotchard on his bike. Being suspended and riding on a bike, for me it was like a treat. Even if you appear in the Kamen Rider series, it's not something you're always guaranteed to experience, so I think it was a valuable experience.

I was surprised when I read the final part of episode 47 in the script. I also didn't know that the model for Atropos was Rinne, and there was a line (by Gaelijah) that by doing the ritual, the model would die, so I was worried and was like, "Rinne-chan, are you going to die again?!" And so from there, until I got the final script……even before I received the scripts for episodes 48 to the final episode, I received only bits and pieces of information, which made me even more worried. I heard something about a new form called Twilight Majade, but it was the appearance I took after absorbing Atropos, so I wondered, "What does it mean by absorb?"

So, when I received the final script and read it, I read it alone as I was prepared to cry. The parting scene with Atropos still hurts. However, the scene where Rinne (Majade) says to Gaelijah, "No matter how hard it gets, the way you live your life is decided through your own heart!," was very moving.

Even during filming, I put alot of effort into the scene where Atropos disappears. Just like in the film, I was able to concentrate so much, that I forgot the camera was there, but on take 1. Director Tasaki said to me, "You haven't quite worked through your emotions yet, huh?" I felt alittle inadequate, so I was grateful to be given another chance. That scene was given the OK on take 2.

When she's not in character, Okita Itono-chan, who plays Atropos, is a really adorable girl. And yet, she has the power to put on a real performance, and there were many scenes between Atropos and Rinne, but they were always serious matches that I learned alot from. Twilight Majeed was a form born from the heartfelt connection between Itono-chan and Atropos……and so I took great care in performing each and every word during the dub recording.

In the end, I was also glad that she was properly reunited with her father. Now that they can finally be together as parent and child, I want Rinne to be spoiled by her father as much as possible. As myself, I was happy to see Ishimaru-san's scene, as it naturally put a smile on my face.

Unlike usual, (for filming of the final scripts) I tried to avoid it as much as possible, and avoided discussing the fact that we were going to finish filming those three episodes at the same time, but before I knew it, I found myself at the final day of filming. Especially at the endgame, we had alot of days where it'd be like, "Today's the important scene for this person," so we'd try not to talk to that person in order to make it easier for them to concentrate. It wasn't something that anyone in particular decided on, but before I knew it, that was just the way things were going. The wrap up for Rinne was the scene in episode 49 when Lachesis dies. We were all tired from crying that day (laughs), but when we were returning from the location site, we all saw a rainbow from the bus. Everyone got excited and said, "Amazing!" Fujibayashi-san was the most excited about it (laughs).

I'd like to make the Final Stage a fun one to "repay" everyone who's supported me. And as Matsumoto Reiyo, I'd like to continue to make firm decisions on how I want to live my life, just like Kudo Rinne.

Fujibayashi Yasunari (Kurogane Spanner)

Q. If you were to call out to Kurogane Spanner now?

A. Be nice to everyone!! Also, I know you like it, but wearing a leather jacket during the Summer is dangerous!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's all the cast members, who are my friends and good rivals that I've seen almost every day for a year, it's all the staff members who've supported this, and it's all of you who are reading this.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 3! It's because there's a scene in the dojo that I did at my audition, and this is the episode that started it all for me as Spanner.

-In the endgame, I think it was a fantastic collaboration-

When filming wrapped up, I cried more than anyone else (laughs). That day, I had already declared it from the makeup stage, and in fact, I was crying while getting my makeup done. Seeing me like this, the makeup artist was in a predicament. They couldn't progress with their work……I want to apologize for the inconvenience I caused.

I've been auditioning for the Kamen Rider series for the past 8 years, until I encountered this role of Kurogane Spanner. It's been a frustrating experience, but the Kamen Rider Gotchard project came to life, and that's where the character Kurogane Spanner was, which made it possible for me to appear in this way. No matter how great an actor is, it's important that they fit the role, so I was very lucky that Spanner appeared in front of me.

I was really happy, for a whole year, I'd be able to enter the set that I had admired. I didn't even have the mindset of "Let's do our best"……it may be misleading to describe it like that, but it was completely normal, and I just enjoyed being on this set. That's why I can't think of anything when people ask me, "Did you ever have a hard time?" (laughs). I think I was more excited than anyone else, and was enjoying the atmosphere of the set to the fullest.

Still, it was abit of a strange feeling……I couldn't be objective about my situation until the very end. I didn't really feel like I was in the Kamen Rider series, which during Saturday nights as a kid, I couldn't wait for them to start. This may be because we were often filming on Sunday mornings, when there's a broadcast happening. I couldn't equate myself with the "cool adult actors" who appeared in the shows I was watching (laughs). I've always felt that discomfort.

I was very happy to see Spanner portrayed so intensely in the final episodes. There was a time halfway through when Spanner didn't appear in the show that much, but from that time on, Producer Minato told me, "Not to worry." He didn't explain the fine details of this development, but I was told that I would be featured during the endgame of the show. I too was excitedly waiting for it. As a result, there was alot of excitement in store for me, I had a fight with Houtaro in episodes 46 and 47, my parting with Lachesis in episode 49, and the appearance of Kamen Rider Valvarad Kurogane. As expected, I felt alot of pressure, but being able to show the culmination of Spanner's work made them very gratifying episodes. I got into a fighting spirit.

While playing Spanner, I was always conscious of the difference in the way of thinking between Houtaro and Spanner. Houtaro speaks from his own thoughts, but Spanner is looking at reality. You could say Houtaro's flexible, but that Spanner has firm beliefs. I think sometimes these elements of conflict tend to be lost in the process, but I was glad to see that it didn't come to that, and that they were able to depict it all the way to the point where the two of them finally had a fist fight toward the end. Once it became clear that episodes 46 and 47 would be one climax, as myself, I began a "running start" from the Sabimaru's episodes (42 and 43). The confrontation with Houtaro was, in my opinion, even more climactic than the appearance of Valvarad Kurogane. We both gave it our all during the dub recording, almost to the point of running out of air, but it was worth it and I felt a good response. I feel that I've built up such a strong relationship of trust with Nakata Yuji-san that I could almost say we're "one and the same," and I think that by the endgame, including Valvarad Kurogane, it had become a fantastic collaboration.

The Lachesis scene in episode 49 was……sad. In the last part of the episode, Arisa-chan in particular seemed to be possessed by Lachesis, and it seemed like we'd cry if we made eye contact with each other even for a moment. Aside from during the actual performance, I tried to avoid looking at her face as much as possible. In playing the character of Spanner, I was constantly helped out by Kyoka-san's Fukuda Saki-san and Lachesis's Sakamaki Arisa-san. I was also moved by the line, "Lachesis smiles while drawing her last breath." As an actor, I'm satisfied to have been able to do that scene.

Looking back, Minato Sensei's Kumaki-san and I had talked during the beginning of filming for the first episode, saying, "We've already started," and "That means it'll end someday, huh?" (laughs). I didn't want to feel sad, so I had to "mentally prepare myself" somehow, but when the end actually came, I couldn't handle it. It was hard to think that we wouldn't be able to gather at this set as we had done in the past. The night of the wrap up, I slept for 14 hours, and when I woke up, I had two pimples.

I think the Final Stage is the place where I'll express my gratitude to everyone. I look forward to meeting you all. And as for future ambitions……Itono-chan said that she wants to do a 10th anniversary, so that's one goal. Everyone I worked with in Gotchard were good rivals. I hope we can continue to have a relationship where we can help each other grow, and I hope we can work together again in another production.

Abe Oto (Icho Renge)

Q. If you were to call out to Icho Renge now?

A. How are you doing as a landlady in Kokonotsu Village? Please invite everyone from the Alchemys Union to Kokonotsu Village so they can relax in the hot springs and heal from the daily battles!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's bonds. Throughout the past year of filming together, I've formed invaluable bonds with the cast members and staff.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episodes 28 and 29. These are the first episodes to focus on Renge, and she's the only one on the Alchemy team who doesn't transform, but it's really wonderful that she fights for her grandmother using the alchemy she's trained so hard to use.

Tomizono Rikiya (Tsuruhara Sabimaru)

Q. If you were to call out to Tsuruhara Sabimaru now?

A. Sabi~!! It's alright! You're having a Gotcha time with your friends in a fun future! Sabi is also a hero! Do what you love and keep on growing!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. The experiences and friendships!! I was able to experience many things, including being on location, on set, on a bike, being suspended, action, dub recording, and transforming. And then there's the friends who ran with me as fast as they could through both the hard and fun times. I'm really grateful for everything.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 43! I can't believe Sabimaru was screaming and fighting like that…!

Kumaki Rikuto (Minato)

Q. If you were to call out to Minato now?

A. Can you imagine a future like this? "Belief" is a difficult thing to do, but it's the only thing that'll bring you an exciting future that you can't even imagine!! The future is bright!!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's "youth"!! The best Gotcha ever was spending time with my Gotchard costars and staff, which reminded me of my school days, or maybe even more so!!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. There are so many, that I feel like I'd answer this question differently every day…but I'd still have to go with episode 27! There was the all out battle, and I'm so happy that Minato was able to come back to everyone, so this episode is very special!

Fukuda Saki (Kyoka)

Q. If you were to call out to Edami Kyoka now?

A. Chomp on cilantro!! Thank you for your hard work!! It's fine to be enthusiastic about research, but make sure you get a good nights sleep!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Youth!! They were all honest and kind kids, and I had alot of fun messing around with them 🙂 I enjoyed every day!! I wish everyone can spend each and every day happy!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It'd have to be episode 21, which is the episode where Spanner transforms into Kamen Rider Valvarad. It was also an important episode for his character!! That flaming Valvarusher!! And his transformation scene was so cool!!

Kanon Miyahara (Clotho)

Q. If you were to call out to Clotho now?

A. You're clumsy, yet your passionate feelings for your family are being conveyed to everyone. You were able to grow alot by fighting and struggling together throughout the past year. Thank you!! I love you 🖤

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's sisterly love! As an only child, I've been thinking about the two of them all the time this past year, both on set and in my private life. I'm so happy to have met such loving and precious people! It's because of the three of us that I was able to live as Clotho of the Three Dark Sisters.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 32. Of course, I was able to do a bunch of my favorite actions, but it's an episode where Clotho fights alongside Houtaro, talks with him, and realizes what she wants, allowing her to think more about the three sisters! I also love the scene where they're running away while "What's your FIRE" is playing 🖤🖤

Sakamaki Arisa (Lachesis)

Q. If you were to call out to Lachesis now?

A. Lache-chan said, "I want to be human!" and she did her best, as she was more human than anyone else 😊. Right up until the end, you did a great job.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. "The greatest warriors!!" The cast members were very passionate about the performance and could bring out the best in each other's scenes!!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. What can I say, it's episode 33!! It's the episode where Lachesis becomes Kurogane for the first time 😊🖤. Her joint fight with Spanner was also very hot.

Amon Kabe (Kajiki Ryo)

Q. If you were to call out to Kajiki Ryo now?

A. Best friend representative, thank you for your hard work over the past year. I was so worried because you lost so much of your memory……Despite being an ordinary civilian, I was impressed by how you fought to protect others, both physically and mentally.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Creating a role throughout a whole year. I was able to experience alot of approaches that were different from regular movies and dramas.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episodes 9, 10, 44 and 45. I didn't expect a Kajiki episode to come so early on…and I didn't expect a Kajiki episode to come so late…I hope that his growth as a person has become apparent.

To Everyone Who's Supported Us

Thank you so much for your support of Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! Let's have a great time at the Final Stage!! - Ichinose Houtaro's Motojima Junsei

Thank you!! Thank you so much for one year of Kamen Rider Gotchard!! I was really happy and enjoyed living as Kudo Rinne. Even though I went through some tough times, thanks to everyone's support, I was able to persevere! It was a very long but short year, and I was incredibly happy. Rinne-chan was loved, and as Reiyo, I couldn't be happier 🧡🧡. Majade is cool, right?! I was uneasy about some things, but it was alot of fun! Thank you very much! - Kudo Rinne's Matsumoto Reiyo

Thank you so much for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! Couldn't do it without your support!! Thank you again, Let's make Final Stage the best event, I love you all!! - Kurogane Spanner's Fujibayashi Yasunari

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year ❤️. It was very encouraging to receive your warm messages after every episode's broadcast!! I love you all! Let's have fun at the Final Stage! - Icho Renge's Abe Oto

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year!! I truly had alot of fun every day, and I got to experience so many different things! I'd be happy if you'd continue to send me the power of your support! Let's make a ton of memories! I'll do my best to be everyone's "power"! - Tsuruhara Sabimaru's Tomizono Rikiya

Thank you so, so much for your support over the past year!! Thanks to all of you, I've felt the most love in my life, and I was able to enjoy filming every time!!! Let's have fun until the very end!!!! - Minato's Kumaki Rikuto

Thank you for your encouragement in Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! I'm glad so many people loved Kajiki 💚. Let's meet again somewhere - Kajiki Ryo's Amon Kabe

Thank you for the past year 🖤. I had days filled with so much love!! I love you all!! I look forward to your support from now on 🖤 - Lachesis's Sakamaki Arisa

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! It was a very happy time for me as Clotho of the Three Dark Sisters!!! Please remember to keep supporting me from now on 🖤. If you forget, it's a high kick for you!! - Clotho's Kanon Miyahara

Everyone!! Thank you for all the love!! A world where there's nothing but love for Kamen Rider Gotchard!! I'm really happy to see you all at the Final Stage!! Let's make some memories!! Happy~ 💜 Cilantro~ 💜 - Kyoka's Fukuda Saki

Scriptwriter Uchida Hiroki Special Interview

I've been participating in the Kamen Rider series since "Kamen Rider Saber," but Kamen Rider Gotchard was the first time I was involved in a project from the startup stage. What I thought after I finished writing the final episode is that it's amazing that Toei continues to make such year long shows every year. Of course, the Producers and Scriptwriters change every year, but a majority of the staff on set have been working together for many years. I was able to witness a single production from beginning to end, and I could feel the weight of its history.

I've been involved in anime multiple times in the form of "head writer," but in the case of Toei's tokusatsu productions, this head writer position is also handled by the chief Producer in charge. For Gotchard, this was Minato Yosuke-san. Minato-san was an Assistant Producer for Saber, but Gotchard was his first production as chief Producer. Since he approached me with, "If I can be of any help to you," we've been "running" together up to this point.

After working as the Main Writer for a whole year, I think it was easier than when I was a Sub Writer (laughs). I didn't have to think that much about the show as a whole, as my main job was to put together the episodes I was requested to make in my own way. There were various elements that I thought up and added myself, but I was like, "It'd be nice if someone picks up on this later on." When this becomes the main focus, I can't be irresponsible (laughs). If I didn't put much thought into it, I'd be digging my own grave later on.

On the other hand, I felt a sense of fulfillment that only the Main Writer can experience. I think it's partly because it was a production with a younger cast, but the span of a year allowed me to feel the growth and progress of these actors. Since I'm relatively close in age to the cast members, I made it a point to visit the film site as much as possible to interact with everyone, and as I did so, my love for each and every one of them naturally grew deeper. This is a feeling that's difficult to experience as a head writer of anime, which are often broadcast in the length of seasons (three months). Writing of the script and filming was happening at the same time to some extent, and sometimes I'd use what I talked about with the cast as a reference for the script. I love the entire cast and characters of Gotchard, so I was also always conscious of being able to focus on as many characters as possible. I can't judge for myself whether my skills as a Scriptwriter have improved over the past year, but I think the fact that I was able to devote myself entirely to a single production was a big deal for me.

-A true to life main character that you'll want to cheer for-

Out of all the appealing characters, I considered Ichinose Houtaro, the main character, to be the most important to the success of this production. The main character who transforms into a Kamen Rider tends to be depicted in a somewhat superhuman way, but I wanted to avoid going in that direction as much as possible, as I wanted to portray Houtaro as a "true to life high school student." Putting it another way, he's a main character whose perspective is as close to the children who watch the show. I wanted to make a main character that they'd instinctively cheer for. I was consistent with this from the beginning, as it was also a way to differentiate it from the more recent "Kamen Rider Geats." I was relieved to hear that both the show itself and Houtaro actually have many child fans.

Still, Houtaro doesn't have any elements of "me" in him (laughs). I personally wasn't a high school student like Houtaro. If I had to say, I guess he's one of the ideals that I wanted to be like? Houtaro's abit of a weirdo, but……(laughs). Personally, I was hoping to get power from Houtaro while writing him. After all, I'm not always happy with my work. When I was having trouble coming up with ideas or moving forward, Houtaro's cheerfulness saved me. Motojima Junsei-kun as Houtaro really surprised me, as I was very impressed with his performance, which improved with each episode. We talked alittle on the day of the wrap up, and we both agreed, "Let's do this for another year" (laughs).

-What a Grand Alchemist Produces-

Episodes 1 and 2 were written together with Hasegawa Keiichi-san, and the first time I wrote independently was episodes 7 and 8, with the Chemy called Saboneedle. Since that was the first time Gotchard had a two part story, I packed in alot of things I wanted to show in the episodes during this time, and it centered on the interactions between Houtaro and a slightly rude boy. Not just Houtaro, but Rinne, Spanner, the Three Dark Sisters……If I'm not mistaken, I believe that I also discussed with Minato-san during this time the idea of having the story end with Houtaro creating a "New Earth." The words "Grand Alchemist" come up, and Houtaro talks about big dreams, so I thought that eventually, he'd do something spectacular. Then we'd talk about what exactly that is, and we'd be like, "Maybe he'd do something like create an Earth through alchemy" (laughs). It wasn't decided there, and it was alittle strange to write in that direction. In the end, the "New Earth" is produced with alchemy. I wrote this without having any idea of how it'd be filmed (laughs).

After that, I was put in charge of the Winter film. I wrote about how Houtaro gets into a fight with Tamami-san, his mother, over something petty and runs away from home, and it seems that Motojima-kun himself had a similar experience. It was kind of like I interviewed him and wrote it (laughs). I wrote the scene between Houtaro and Tamami-san in the final episode with the impression of it being an expansion from the Winter film. As a matter of fact, initially, in episode 49 written by Hasegawa-san, there was originally a scene where Glion visited Kitchin Ichinose, and after he left, there was supposed to be a conversation between the mother and son. However, since it had been quite some time since the "welcome home" scene in the Winter film, I talked with Hasegawa-san, and we decided to use it in the final episode that I wrote. I decided that Tamami-san already knew that her son was a Kamen Rider. I put alot of effort into writing this script, not only for Minamino-san, but also for Motojima-kun's performance, as he had grown so much.

-Dawn and Legend-

Episodes 16-18 aired from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year, and the curtains rose on a new development. By the time I wrote that series of episodes, I believe that episodes 5 and 6 had finished airing, and I remember writing them while reflecting on the opinions of those around me. At the time of writing, I was alittle worried about Gotchard Daybreak's character. To begin with, I didn't see how elements like "from the future" would fit well in Gotchard. However, by the end of the shoot, there was already a good response on set, which led to talks about doing a proper Daybreak episode at some point. As you know, this came to fruition as the Summer film written by Hasegawa-san.

I wrote "Kamen Rider Gotchard VS Kamen Rider Legend" at the same time as episodes 7 and 8. I didn't intend on ending this as a one shot spinoff, and had already decided that it would be included in the TV series at some point. Still, I had decided that Kaguya lives in another world, and it's not easy to meet up with him, so I finished episodes 32-35 based on that setting. There was plenty of action shown, and they were quite literally "gorgeous" episodes, but in reality, there was alot more drama written in. I regret that I couldn't fit all of it in.

Episodes 42 and 43 were Sabimaru's episodes, and since it was decided that the next episode I'd write would be the final one, I included various elements that would connect to the final stages of the series. When it comes to episodes of this scale, it's hard to write a story that's independent of the whole flow. Still, there were the Renge episodes during the middle of the show, and I wanted to do a Sabimaru episode. Originally, the development of Sabimaru becoming Kamen Rider Dread in the beginning was my idea, and the idea came from the fact that I wanted to do a story about Houtaro helping his friends. I wanted to differentiate Sabimaru's episodes from Renge's episodes, so I tried to touch on the origin of his connection to alchemy. I also reflected on what Director Taguchi, who also shot the Renge episodes, wanted to do.

-Final Stage ~ With Gratitude-

As for the last three episodes, 48-50, it was Minato-san's idea to ask Inoue Akiko-san to write the Rinne story of episode 48, and for Hasegawa-san to write the Spanner story of episode 49 while I'd write the final episode. Minato-san and I discussed the overall flow of the episode, and we'd communicate with each other on what we had decided on. Also, Minato-san, Director Tasaki and I discussed the final drafting process, and in episodes 48 and 49, when parts needed to be corrected, I asked Inoue-san and Hasegawa-san for their permission and then made the necessary changes.

The deep involvement of each of the three sisters and each of the main characters, such as Rinne and Atropos, Spanner and Lachesis, and Houtaro and Clotho, wasn't what I had in mind at first, but as the story progressed, it seemed to come naturally. The final three episodes were written by each Writer, but there was never any talk of separating the responsibilities for this. Still, both episodes 48 and 49 by Inoue-san and Hasegawa-san were "rich in color." I think it has something to do with the fact that Inoue-san started her career as a novelist, but the way she delved into the characters felt deep. For example, I think this was evident in the Hopper1 Malgam episode (37). Also, since she joined Gotchard later than me and Hasegawa-san, her sense of distance from the work and characters was alittle different from ours, and I think that was also an advantage. If I had been in charge, I might not have written the fist fight between Houtaro and Spanner in episodes 46 and 47 that way.

Hasegawa-san's a veteran and has alot to offer, but he's also naturally skillful. Even now that he's become a veteran, he still has a clear will to "write about what he wants to write about." I felt this even more this time than when we worked together on Saber. He's very energetic, and his written works really show an author's touch. I thought that was to be expected.

When I was writing the final episode, I naturally pictured the faces of each of the cast members. I put my heart into each and every line, and also felt a sense of loneliness. In the Final Stage's story, I hope to show my gratitude to those who supported Gotchard, as well as to the cast members who received my scripts and performed them. I hope you enjoy this traditional "after" story of Gotchard performed by the original cast.