Untitled

Publication: April 1, 2026

"When did you receive the offer for the film?"

Kaname: Even after Agito's TV series ended, all of us G3 Unit cast members go out regularly for meals with Scriptwriter Inoue Sensei and the Producers. The trigger for this film began when one of the cast members suddenly said, "How about we do Agito again after all this time?" So rather than calling it an offer, it's probably more accurate to say that it was a counter offer from us performers (laughs).

"How did you feel when it was decided that the film would enter production?"

Kaname: During the time of that meal where we were discussing it, I never thought it would actually materialize, so I was shocked when I heard about the decision to actually produce it. For the past 25 years, the G3 team has been doing their best without a single member leaving, and since I've always thought, "I'd love to work together with this team again someday," it was genuinely moving that this film materialized. It's almost impossible for the same cast to perform together again in the same roles, you know? The fact that everyone's schedules lined up perfectly just might've been a gift from God.

"What were your thoughts as you played Hikawa Makoto for the first time in 25 years?"

Kaname: Back then, us actors were newcomers, but we've gained alot of experience, and I believe the production staff have also worked on tons of projects. Because of that, I think the quality that we're able to deliver to you has improved. However, and I'm sure everyone felt this way, but since 25 years have passed, it felt less like I was reprising my character from back then, and more like I was playing "the current Hikawa Makoto" as a completely new character. Still, this version of Hikawa is essentially the same as he was back then, so he's as clumsy as usual. If he isn't clumsy, then that's not Hikawa Makoto, right? (laughs). The Director of the film is Tasaki-san, which was the same for the TV series, so it's great to see classic gags like "not being able to pick up tofu with chopsticks" make a proper reappearance. If my image of Hikawa was wrong, I think Director Tasaki would've pointed it out to me.

"What were you conscious of as you performed during Agito's initial broadcast?"

Kaname: As a newcomer, my main concern was to "not cause problems for everyone else." Because of that, I'd give it my all even while getting scolded. At any rate, I would memorize the script and go to the set, but since my acting skills weren't very good, we'd end up reshooting countless takes. This time too, we all pushed ourselves so that we could convey the staff's vision as much as we could. What's more, I was able to think from a different perspective than I did back then, where I'd be like, "This performance will be better if I do it this way."

"In this film, Hikawa is locked up in prison right from the start, which is a shocking setup, but what was your initial impression when you first read the script?"

Kaname: Inoue Sensei wrote the script with twists. The actors and staff would sometimes bring up the topic of "wanting to act out a story like this" in our LINE group, but it was impossible to predict what kind of story Inoue Sensei would actually write. He's the Scriptwriter who understands us the best, so all of the cast members trust Inoue Sensei's scripts. That's why we were able to naturally accept even the most unexpected developments, thinking, "This is how Agito is now."

"Were there any ideas suggested by Kaname-san?"

Kaname: If I did something like that, Inoue Sensei would angrily say, "How insolent" (laughs). I once jokingly brought up the idea to Producer Tsukada that they should make Hikawa appear like he belongs to a criminal organization, when in reality he's performing an undercover investigation. Still, the locked up in prison development goes way beyond that and was truly shocking.

"Has Kaname-san ever suggested any ideas for Agito based on the script?"

Kaname: During "Project G4," I added the line, "That's enough…..that's enough already!" So I made the suggestion, "Why don't we include a heart wrenching cry again this time around?"

"Did you have a chance to talk with Kashu Toshiki-san on set?"

Kaname: Of course. It's really been 25 years since I last saw him, huh? It was the same as back then, talking to each other with a carefree attitude, as if we were students. Our relationship hasn't changed at all in these 25 years (laughs). It's strange, even though we're all more than halfway through our 40s, whenever we meet, it instantly feels like we've gone back to those days. When I entered the set, the staff from back then were gathered together, which felt bizarre, almost like I was dreaming. Agito was my debut work, so a Kamen Rider set was my starting point as an actor. It was like returning to my parents house, as I felt a sense of security.

"The scene where the G3 Unit members assemble will also make the fans from back then happy."

Kaname: We had the exact same kind of atmosphere even during our private time back in the day, so we acted with the same unchanged feelings as back then. That's also why I had so much fun on the film set, as I thought, "I wish this moment could last forever."

"How was it working with Yuchami-san and the other younger cast members?"

Kaname: I imagine it must've been intimidating to join a group with well established vibes, but they actively joined in. If anything, they really helped liven up our adult team, so they were of huge help.

"In this film, Hikawa transforms into the new Kamen Rider G7, but what did you think of the evolution from manual to automatic attachment?"

Kaname: Since this is an upgrade 25 years later, it's evolved considerably. It can be remotely attached from anywhere. It doesn't require the need of the G-Trailer! That was to be expected from Producer Shirakura. I was impressed and thought, "I never would've thought of that!" I really put my all into my first automatic attachment scene, but I had to work in sync with the camera man, so it was also pretty stressful.

"Please tell us what your impressions of G7's design were when you saw it."

Kaname: It's simply cool. The use of CG for transformation scenes in recent Kamen Riders makes them really cool, don't you think? Being able to join the most recent Riders as Kamen Rider G7 made me happy. Compared to 25 years ago, all sorts of filming techniques have advanced. Even for my performance after the transformation, they were able to capture my facial expression from inside G7's mask. It made me feel the progress in those kinds of filming techniques.

"How did it feel to reunite with G3 and G3-X, the forms you transformed into during the series?"

Kaname: It was somewhat embarrassing, you know? (laughs). It was as if I were performing together with my family, which gave off a sort of ticklish sensation.

"Was there anything challenging about working on a tokusatsu production after such a long time?"

Kaname: The action scenes for locations like the prison were really tough. The Action Director was the younger Fujita, so he came up with some really cool action sequences. I could feel how the set had changed in this regard as well.

"Please tell us about the film's highlights from Kaname-san's perspective."

Kaname: Of course, the entire thing's a highlight, but if I had to choose, it'd be the attachment scene that was mentioned just now. And then personally, I'd say the scene where "Hojo Toru gets wrapped up." I want you to watch out for that. This film also has those "typical tropes" from the TV series, so even when there's a dire situation, I found myself laughing while watching the footage (laughs). I think a commemorative film that brings together the entire cast of a show from over 25 years ago is unlike anything else in the world. I'd also like for you to watch out for the characters who appear for just a single scene. Those connected to the Kamen Rider and Super Sentai series will also be appearing, so I hope you'll keep an eye out for them.

"And now, please give a message to the readers who are looking forward to the new film Agito: Psychic War."