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Japan’s Legendary Kamen Rider Opens First Official Pop-Up Store in Malaysia

 

19 October 2025

By:Zhu Chenrui

Editor:Zheng Yuhan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 19 – Japan’s iconic superhero franchise Kamen Rider has officially arrived in Malaysia with its first-ever official pop-up Kamen Rider Store, located at the Incubase Arena store on Level 2 of Fahrenheit 88. The pop-up runs from Oct. 17 to Dec. 7, bringing nearly five decades of tokusatsu (special-effects hero) history to local fans.

First introduced in 1971, Kamen Rider is regarded as one of Japan’s national superhero franchises, celebrated for its enduring themes of justice, courage, and transformation. Its latest series, Kamen Rider ZZZ (2025), reflects a creative push toward overseas audiences, combining classic motifs with a modern, global aesthetic.

According to Cheah Zhe, a store representative at Incubase Arena, visitor numbers peaked on Sunday, Oct. 19, due to the live photo session featuring the Kamen Rider ZZZ “himself”. “The turnout was clearly higher that day,” Cheah said. “Many fans came specifically for the photo sessions. While tokusatsu fandom in Malaysia is smaller than anime, it’s full of real passion.”

Meet and greet session with the hero

Fans of different ages could be seen waiting patiently for their turn to take photos, some wearing Rider-themed T-shirts, cosplaying as the protagonist, or carrying collectible belts. The crowd cheered as Kamen Rider ZZZ made his appearance, greeting fans with his signature poses.

The hero’s appearance was held twice daily — from 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 20 — drawing enthusiastic fans eager to capture photos with the iconic character. The appearance added excitement to the otherwise calm shopping area, attracting passersby who were curious about the masked hero and his loyal fans.

Although Kamen Rider has long been familiar to Malaysian fans, this pop-up marks the franchise’s first official collaboration store in the country, offering a range of Bandai’s toy lines and exclusive collectibles imported directly from Japan’s Kamen Rider Store. In addition to regular retail Kamen Rider toys, the pop-up also features Japan-exclusive items previously only sold at the original store, including acrylic stands, blankets, file folders, and character badges. These unique goods drew collectors and long-time fans eager to obtain limited merchandise.

The store’s layout mirrors the aesthetic of its Japanese counterpart, decorated with Kamen Rider visuals and life-size displays that highlight key heroes from different eras. Even for casual visitors, the bright colors and nostalgic atmosphere evoke a sense of Japan’s rich hero culture.

Exclusive goods at Kamen Rider Store Malaysia

Though not overcrowded, the event reflected a steady, growing appreciation for Japan’s beloved masked hero and hinted at Kamen Rider’s expanding presence in Malaysia’s pop culture landscape. As global interest in Japanese media continues to grow, the success of this pop-up store may signal the beginning of more official collaborations and events that bridge Malaysian fans with Japan’s long-standing hero.

Mengenai kami

Nadi Bangi adalah portal akhbar makmal Program Komunikasi Media, Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Sebarang pandangan atau kandungan yang disiarkan tidak mewakili UKM. Ditubuhkan dengan objektif untuk menjadi suara warga kampus, Nadi Bangi menyajikan laporan berita, rencana khas, serta pandangan kritis berkenaan isu semasa yang berlaku di dalam dan luar kampus.