Android Kikaider Blu-ray Release 2025: Legendary Tokusatsu Hero Returns—Complete 43-Episode Series from Shotaro Ishinomori

Discover the iconic Japanese tokusatsu series Android Kikaider, created by the legendary manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, as it returns in a highly anticipated Blu-ray release on May 27, 2025. This complete collection features all 43 episodes that follow Jiro, the heroic android who disguises himself as a wandering guitarist while battling Professor Gill’s DARK forces. Presented in its original Japanese with English subtitles, this release revives the classic action, profound philosophical themes, and thrilling storytelling that have captivated generations of fans.

JAPANESEROBOTSSUPER-HERO

Geek Richard

3/10/20252 min read

Android Kikaider (Jinzō Ningen Kikaidā) is a groundbreaking Japanese tokusatsu television series that aired from July 8, 1972, to May 5, 1973. It was created by the prolific manga artist Shōtarō Ishinomori, who is well-known for works such as Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009. Toei Company produced the show in collaboration with Ishimori Productions and broadcasted it on NET (now TV Asahi).

The narrative focuses on Jiro, an android posing as a wandering guitarist. Secretly created by Dr. Kohmyoji to fight the evil organization DARK and its leader, Professor Gill, Jiro becomes the heroic Kikaider to thwart their plans for world domination. Throughout the series, Jiro faces DARK's Destruction Corps, a group of monstrous androids determined to ensure his defeat. The storyline explores themes of identity, free will, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence, showcasing Ishinomori's visionary storytelling.

The series occupies a special place in the hearts of fans, especially in Hawaii, where it ignited the imagination of an entire generation. Its distinct blend of action, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry has solidified its status as a classic in the tokusatsu genre.

Discotek Media has announced the upcoming Blu-ray release of the original Android Kikaider TV series, which is exciting news for enthusiasts and collectors. Scheduled for release on May 27, 2025, this complete collection will feature all 43 episodes presented in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. The set is rated for audiences aged 13 and up, falls within the action and science fiction genres, and will be available in a 4-disc Blu-ray format with an aspect ratio of 4:3. The runtime of the main feature totals approximately 1,075 minutes. Pre-orders are available through various retailers, including Crunchyroll and Amazon.

If you purchase through this Amazon Link , you'll help support this site.

References

Discotek Media. (2025). Android Kikaider Blu-ray release announcement. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/discotek_media/p/DGv_QQABr4k/

RangerBoard. (2025). Amazon pre-order link for Android Kikaider Blu-ray. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/RangerBoard/status/1898080495033786834

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Android Kikaider. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Kikaider