Uchusen Vol.192 (Spring 2026)
Kamen Rider Zeztz
ft. Main Cast Member Interviews
(translations below)
Publication: April 1, 2026 (before episode 29)
Imai Ryutaro (Baku) x Yagi Miki (Minami)
"This is Yagi-san's first appearance in this magazine. First, could you tell us your impressions of the Kamen Rider series?"
Yagi: The main feature of the Kamen Rider series is that it includes explosions and action scenes, which you don't tend to see in a typical drama. I thought those elements were really cool, and had always wanted to appear someday. Including as a guest character, I auditioned about three times, with this one being the first time that dream of mine came true.
"What did you think of Zeztz's story and setting?"
Yagi: I think this particular Kamen Rider is one that's enjoyable to watch while speculating. The fun part is that viewers can watch it while solving the mysteries and think, "Ah, so it's like that!"
"We understand that during initial planning, the audition for the role of Minami was that of an older sister, not a younger one."
Yagi: At the time of the audition, the role was for "Baku's older sister," so most of the people who came to audition were around 24 or 25 years old. I was the only one who was 17, so I was trembling anxiously (laughs). However, halfway through, I snapped out of it and got into a mood where I was like, "I'll just do whatever!," and that made me feel abit better.
"Imai-san, Yagi-san, what were your first impressions of each other?"
Imai: The first time we met was during that audition, right?
Yagi: Right, right.
Imai: I remember her adding some insane adlibs, and that the person playing her partner was at a complete loss (laughs). It was pretty bold of her to insert adlibs during an audition, so I had no doubt that she'd get the part.
Yagi: That's what you thought?! (laughs). I was thinking the same thing, that "this person was definitely going to be Baku." He was already into the role, as he was the only one leaning back all arrogantly in his chair, and he had an incredible aura to him (laughs).
Imai: No, no! I wasn't leaning back like that!
Yagi: He was arrogantly leaning back! I wonder if there's any footage of the audition? Seeing him like that, I thought, "Is he a scary person?," but once he started acting, he wasn't scary at all, so I was relieved (laughs).
Imai: I guess I was really immersed in the agent role (laughs). There's a scene early on featuring the siblings that we had also performed during the audition, and filming that scene really brought us closer together.
Yagi: It felt like we were "creating the performance together."
"From first impressions to the start of the broadcast, it's been six months. How have your impressions changed since then?"
Imai: Yagi-san is seriously loved by everyone in the cast. In fact, she seems even younger than Nem-chan (Maho), who's actually is younger than her, so she really gives off "the youngest child" vibes.
Yagi: I'm still older than Nem-chan! (laughs), but you know Imai-san, you're in no position to say that! After every shoot wraps up, he always acts spoiled and says "wait for me" to everyone……and yet everyone just leaves ahead of him (laughs). He acts so much like "the youngest child," that I can't even begin to describe myself.
"Do either of you actually have any brothers or sisters?"
Imai: I have a younger brother.
Yagi: I'm an only child. That's why I didn't know how to interact with an older brother as a younger sister, which made things difficult for me.
Imai: That would certainly be challenging.
Yagi: I had asked him, "What's it like having a brother?"
Imai: There are certain ways of communicating, like with "punches" or "kicks," that are only acceptable since we're brothers, you know?
Yagi: I've made use of that within the story though (laughs).
Imai: You even hit me with a ladle. Shoots like those are fun (laughs).
Yagi: When filming first began, we discussed how we wanted to make our "sibling dynamic much stronger."
"There's been alot of dream sequences in Zeztz, but so far there hasn't been any scenes where Minami appears in a dream."
Yagi: Baku and Nem-chan are fighting within their dreams, so I find myself thinking, "I wish Minami could join them in that world too." In the beginning, I wanted to "talk with the Paranormal Affairs Division" as well, but since that's already happened, I hope her inclusion in the dream world will materialize someday too.
"Out of all of Zeztz's Forms, which one is Imai-san's absolute favorite?"
Imai: It'd be Catastrom! It feels really great to be able to let out wild sounding screams during post recording. The transformation pose where I strike the Capsem is also pretty cool. However, there was one time when I hit the Capsem too hard and sent it flying. Suit Actor Kenta-san also did the exact same thing (laughs).
"Which Zeztz Rider is Yagi-san's favorite?"
Yagi: I really like Dawn's color scheme. The combination of purple and pink is so good. I just love purple.
Imai: Eh~~? But isn't Zeztz's Paradigm Wonder also purple?
Yagi: Crap! Wonder's also like that, huh? (laughs). I of course like Zeztz too! Cata-chan (Catastrom) is all bulky and looks really cool too.
"Yagi-san, do you want to transform too?"
Yagi: Of course I want to! I want to be able to say something like "Henshin!" or "Disguise!" too. If I could transform, I could fight alongside Baku within our dreams.
Imai: A tiny Rider might make an appearance. One around 150cm or so (laughs).
Yagi: I'm not that short! (laughs), I'm 160cm!
"Please share any memorable stories from the film set."
Yagi: Everyone gets along really well on set, and even during breaks between filming, the atmosphere in the Zeztz Room is totally relaxed. The moment someone says, "Alright! Ready……," everyone instantly gets into character, which is pretty funny too.
Imai: Minami is quick to smile during filming. Take a good look at the scenes she appears in. Even during serious scenes, she can't help but fight back the urge to crack a smile.
Yagi: Those are my serious faces! (laughs). Even though I'm making a completely serious face, Mishima-san will also tease me by saying, "You're smiling."
Imai: That's because while everyone else has a serious look on their face, you're the only one with a "fufu~n" kind of look on yours (laughs).
Yagi: That's not true at all!……but if that is the case, then it's just because everyone else's faces look so funny (laughs).
Imai: See, there you go! Please make absolutely sure that you include what she just said in the article.
Yagi: I'll be more careful from now on (laughs).
Imai: In episode 16, there's a scene where Nasuka kicks Fujimi and Baku gets hit with a tray by Minami as they make up, but in the scenes during the broadcast, where only Baku and Fujimi's faces are shown, Minami and Nasuka were actually laughing uncontrollably.
Yagi: I really tried to endure it, but……When the four of us perform together, I just can't help but laugh (laughs).
Imai: The sound the tray made was funny too.
Yagi: It was! The sound used in the broadcast was the actual sound it made. Also, the time you smashed your forehead was……(laughs).
Imai: In episode 26, for the scene where Fujimi shakes Baku while he's sleeping, the plan was for Minami to support his head, just like in the actual broadcast. We did it that way during the rehearsal, but during the actual shoot, she didn't support me, so I hit my head really hard.
Yagi: Your head felt even heavier than it did during the rehearsal, don't you think? (laughs).
Imai: No, no, to begin with, you didn't even have your hands on me! (laughs).
Yagi: Just maybe, the shape of your head changed, and it ended up slipping right through my hands? I feel really remorseful about that, but it was also incredibly hilarious (laughs).
"In episode 24, it was revealed that everything that had happened up to that point was just a dream, and the story entered a new phase. Have there been any changes in your acting or anything else?"
Yagi: When we reshot the hospital room scene from the first episode in episodes 24 and 25, I acted while desperately trying to recall my memories from back then. Still, Director Kamihoriuchi told me, "You've become accustomed to acting." Trying to recreate the innocence I had back in the first episode was incredibly challenging.
Imai: I found it difficult to perform the scenes where I'm the only one who "remembers something that everyone else has forgotten." Also, there's a scene in the first half of episode 24 where I tell Minami, "I'm not your brother anymore," so even after understanding that it was all a precognitive dream, I struggled with whether I should continue to interact with Minami as Seven.
Yagi: His gaze was gentler in the first episode. In episode 25, it felt more like, "Are you really my big brother?"
Imai: That's what I thought. I tried my best not to make eye contact. I said some really terrible things to everyone, and the image of a "gentleman agent" that I originally envisioned for Seven had changed, so I found myself wondering how I should play the role from then on. That's why it was incredibly difficult.
"With the situation constantly changing again and again, how did Yagi-san feel?"
Yagi: My own emotions were also blurred. Baku had already made up his mind to fight, so not even Minami could stop him. Even with that sadness, she had to protect their home. Given the situation, I didn't know what to prioritize as Minami. Still, I wanted her to stay cheerful when they were together. That emotional turmoil was really tough.
"Please also tell us about "Agent Minami," which is available through the TTFC."
Yagi: With the TV series, the Director usually has alot of specific ideas about how things should be done, but with "Agent Minami," we were told that we could just do whatever we wanted. So, it was just the two of us doing adlibs (laughs). That's why I think it's a work that really captures the essence of their sibling relationship.
Imai: They really have a natural older brother little sister dynamic. I can't do much adlibbing in the TV series since it has alot of serious developments, but that's why I really enjoyed working on "Agent Minami," as I had so much creative freedom. However, the scene where I drank that green soup in episode 2 was rough.
Yagi: Eh? Wasn't that just herb soup? I thought it was really tasty.
Imai: It had gone cold by the time I drank it, and there was also film that had formed on the surface, making it look wrinkled. I wasn't really a fan of that green, wrinkly look.
Yagi: He had a look on his face that seemed like he found it really disgusting (laughs).
Imai: It was a scene where I drank it "like that," so that also helped (laughs). The yakizakana that appears during the meal scenes in the TV series are always delicious though.
Yagi: The running scene was also difficult. I thought I was running seriously and giving it my all, but was told, "We don't need any comedy here" (laughs).
Imai: Weren't you running while smiling? (laughs).
Yagi: Even though I was taking it seriously, I became abit flustered when I realized that it was coming across that way.
"Speaking of running scenes, there was a scene in episode 4 of the TV series where the two of you were jogging at the park, right?"
Yagi: We ran while wearing blue and red track suits. That scene was surprisingly challenging, as I remember us having to run countless times.
Imai: It was difficult trying to time our lines while running. Also, I was supposed to be running slowly, but because Minami's stride was so short, I caught up to her right away.
Yagi: I don't know how to run (laughs). I'll practice more!
"Did Imai-san also visit the film set of Agent Minami?"
Imai: Even when it wasn't my turn to perform, I went to check out filming. It was for the sake of my little sister (laughs).
Yagi: You're just a lonely guy is all (laughs). It's because you feel lonely being all by yourself in the dressing room that you go over to where everyone else is, right?
Imai: She's always quick to tease me like this (laughs). I think it's nice that we normally have such sibling vibes.
Yagi: For sure. We probably act the most like siblings when we're just talking normally.
"In episode 27, Amano Kousei-san makes his entrance as Sieg, but if you have any stories about working Amano-san, please share them with us."
Imai: He's an incredibly kind person, as he gave me a matching neck warmer. It made me happy, and I've been wearing it to the set every day. We invited him to go out for a meal, but since Amano-san's appearance hadn't been officially announced yet, he sadly said, "I can't make it~."
"Finally, please give a message to our readers and tell them what to look forward to going forward."
Imai: Having realized that everything that's happened so far was a premonition, Baku is trying to change the future. Still, including the appearance of Sieg, new incidents will occur. Please keep an eye on how Baku will come to terms with himself from here on out.
Yagi: Now that Baku has chosen his path, how will Minami come to terms with it as his sister? How will she come to understand the events that are based in a world she knows nothing about? I think her image as the little sister we've seen so far will change going forward. I hope you'll watch to see how their sibling relationship and their relationship with the Paranormal Affairs Division evolve. I think you'll enjoy it even more if you rewatch it starting from the first episode.
Imai: While you're at it, make sure to check out Minami's smiling face (laughs).
Yagi: Hey! (laughs).
Amano Kousei (Sieg)
"First, please tell us how you became involved in this production."
Amano: It was abit strange. To begin with, I actually had the opportunity to play the opponent to the main character and heroine of Zeztz during the auditions. At that point, there weren't any specific plans to have me perform, but Director Kamihoriuchi, who assisted me during "Kamen Rider Fourze" and "Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger," offered me the role of the opposing character. It was my first time experiencing something like that, so I casually accepted the offer while thinking, "Sounds interesting," but when I told my family (actress Hinagata Akiko) about it, she said, "That's a huge responsibility, don't you think?," which is when I realized just how serious it was. Just as auditioning for "Blade" changed my life, my performance could potentially change the lives of these young actors. Since I had to deliver the same performance equally to every single participant, I approached my role as their partner with great care and focus.
"So that means you were also responsible for playing Imai Ryutaro-san and Horiguchi Maho-san's partner, right?"
Amano: That may have been the case, but during the time of the auditions, I deliberately chose not to look at any of the participants profiles. Knowing that information in advance might've influenced my judgment in some ways, you know? Even after the audition, without knowing who had passed or failed, I looked forward to the start of the program, thinking, "I wonder who they decided on for the main character?" Then, alittle while before the program began, I received the offer to perform in it.
"Was there any explanation given in regards to the role of Sieg?"
Amano: When I was first given the offer, I thought it'd be a villain role like Grodie from King-Ohger, but I was surprised when they told me that "it'd be the role of a Kamen Rider." Why? After all, I've already played a Kamen Rider once before! I ended up asking, "Will that be alright?!" There are those who have played the role twice before, but I'm already 47 years old, so you know (laughs). I never thought I'd be asked to do it again at my age. However, as those who have watched the show will know, Sieg doesn't fit the typical image of a pure Kamen Rider that most people would have in mind, so I thought it'd be possible to pull off.
"Amano-san, have you seen the Kamen Riders of recent years?"
Amano: My friend Hojo is a Kamen Rider fan. You may also know him under the names of either Mutsuki or Leangle, but (laughs), while I don't watch them every year like he does, I do check out the ones that catch my interest. This year's Zeztz reminds me of the series that were referred to under the term known as "Heisei first phase." Recent Kamen Riders have a cheerful style that gives off an impression similar to Super Sentai, but including Blade, which I appeared in, I feel that the first generation of Heisei era Riders were clearly different from Super Sentai. I think Zeztz is cool in both its design and action, so it's a production that adults can enjoy watching just as much as children. My ideal Kamen Rider is the kind that "adults can enjoy too."
"You've performed in both Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, but how is this time on the set of Zeztz?"
Amano: Sieg's first appearance was in an episode directed by Sugi-san (Sugihara Teruaki), but Sugi-san was actually an Assistant Director during Blade. We've known each other for over 20 years since then. I had also previously worked with Director Shibasaki and Director Yamaguchi, who were Assistant Directors during Blade too, but this was the first time I was filmed by Sugi-san.
"Were there any specific orders when it came to playing Sieg?"
Amano: Sieg was created through discussions between Sugi-san and I. He's a character born from half of Sugi-san's requests and half of my ideas (laughs). My first time being filmed as Sieg was for the flashback scene, and at that time, I was so preoccupied with developing his character that I ended up feeling like a lost child. At that point, Sugi-san advised me with, "Performing in a brighter, cheerful way will actually make you come across as scarier," and when I did exactly that and watched my performance on the monitor, I realized, "Ah, so it's that kind of image!" and finally grasped the direction I needed to take with creating his character. Sugi-san explains things thoroughly, so I completely trust him while thinking, "If Sugi gives it his OK, then I'll go with that direction." The real challenge is how much I can expand upon that direction we've decided on.
"With Principal Hayami in Fourze and Grodie in King-Ohger, you've continued to play villainous characters, but is there anything in particular that you focus on when developing these villainous roles?"
Amano: I don't like being told, "It's similar to the villain you played in that other work," so I make a conscious effort to avoid repeating myself by creating "a type of villain I've never played before." For example, even though Grodie was a dangerous character just like Sieg, he was gloomy, sluggish, and never smiled. Compared to him, Sieg is the "cheerfully violent type" (laughs). I enjoy performing cruel actions, but I'm also conscious of trying to make the viewers wonder, "Is there actually something deeper going on?" Principal Hayami was a refreshing character who always had a smile on his face, but Sieg has plenty of scenes where he smiles too. However, unlike Principal Hayami, who had a refined smile, Sieg smiles in a vulgar way (laughs). Of course, he's a completely different character from Tachibana Sakuya as well.
"How was Sieg's costume decided on?"
Amano: We initially planned on him having a flashy getup, but it just didn't work out. While discussing the costume with Sugi-san, we decided on it with, "Since it's a show themed around dreams, how about pajamas?" and, "Pajamas alone might be abit too weak, so let's have him put on a robe as well." I'm sure the costume department was caught off guard when I suddenly asked for that (laughs). They found a suitable looking costume, and when I tried it on, it actually fit perfectly. From there, we worked things out as we went along, like adding a harness similar to Baku's so I could equip the sword on my lower back. It's abit different from the other characters, but I think you'll get used to it eventually.
"We never imagined Amano-san would have blonde hair. Your painted nails are unique too."
Amano: Sugi-san told me that "a lighter hair color would suit Sieg's image best," so I made it blonde. Maintaining blonde hair is fairly challenging, so I go to a beauty salon once every two weeks. Since all of the characters in Zeztz give off a serious image, I'm determined to completely break out of that framework. Also, since it was decided from the start that my nails would be painted, I thought, "If they're gonna be painted, it'd be best if the colors don't all match up." I flick the Capsem with my finger during the transformation, so I hope you'll take a look at them then.
"Please share your thoughts on when you saw yourself transform into Kamen Rider Dawn."
Amano: Up until now, I've liked Zeztz's Physicam Impact and Catastrom, but I naturally feel an attachment to the Rider I've transformed into, so he looks exceptionally cool to me. Dawn has a great design, but I especially like his sleek style. Actually, Dawn's design is connected to Sieg's past. I can't reveal exactly what that past is yet, but I think it'll become clear in a future broadcast, so please look forward to it.
"Transforming using the sword (Breakam Dawn) is also one of his special features."
Amano: The other Riders and Lords transform using belts, but Dawn is the only one who doesn't. Still, it's interesting that he's still got a belt on his chest after transforming. Also, since he doesn't ride a bike, he has a completely different vibe from older Kamen Riders. The only thing that really feels like a Rider is the part where he says "Henshin!" and transforms. The Breakam Dawn used for the transformation is also being released as a toy, so I'll do my best to get a CSM version for adults released someday, just like with the Garren Buckle and Garren Rouzer. I'm already aiming to appear in its promotional video. I want to skillfully show it off this time around! (laughs).
"Garren is a Rider whose weapon is a gun, but now you're using a sword, so you seem to use a different weapon every time."
Amano: Libra Zodiarts used a staff as his weapon, while Grodie used a scythe (laughs). The Breakam Dawn used during filming is pretty heavy and just as difficult to handle as Grodie's scythe.
"It's established to be a greatsword afterall. Putting it simply, it's like two swords put together. Will there be action scenes even before the transformation?"
Amano: I'll be doing quite abit. However, the action scenes feature a gun instead of the sword for some reason, so there'll be alot of gun action too.
"Do you have any discussions with Suit Actor Takada Masashi-san, who plays Dawn?"
Amano: Performance plans differ between each Suit Actor, as when I was playing Garren, Oshikawa-san would adapt his performance to mine, and for Libra, Jun-kun and I both had the stance of "doing what we wanted to do." This time, just like I did with Jun-kun, we're working things out together, discussing the gestures leading up to the Rider Kick and sharing details like my performance plan and the mannerisms I'll do when delivering lines.
"How did you come up with the transformation pose?"
Amano: The transformation itself is a simple action of "spinning the Capsem and breaking the sword apart," so I spent alot of time thinking with Sugi-san about how to perform it. So, in terms of his character image, it was suggested that it'd be best to perform the "lift, spin, and break" sequence with a natural flow. While it's standard to operate the transformation belt without looking, it's typical of Sieg to deliberately look at his hands while loading the Capsem, you know? (laughs).
"How did you decide on poses like the one where you press your finger on your temple?"
Amano: During filming of the opening footage, Director Kamihoriuchi told me to "try striking a pose that emphasizes being close (up)," with that pose being the one I came up with on the spot. The idea was to convey the image of "distorting dreams to create lots of bad dreams." He also told me, "Use more hand gestures to show off your colored nails," so I'm also making a gesture that looks as if I'm praying.
"There are many mysteries surrounding Sieg, but going forward, which development do you hope for, one where he becomes friends with Baku, or one where they remain enemies?"
Amano: I don't think Sieg needs any friends. Sieg exists as a loner, so I hope he'll just keep charging down the path he's chosen. I don't think of Sieg as a villain, as I believe that he has his own sense of "justice," so I hope he stays true to that until the very end. How will his words and actions clash with those of Baku and Nox, and what kind of outcome will that bring? Please look forward to that.
"If Amano-san has any stories related "dreams," please share them with us."
Amano: Actually, and this is unrelated to my appearance in Zeztz, but I've practiced trying to have lucid dreams. To be certain if I was dreaming, I tried turning the lights on and off within my dream. That said, mama Iroki (his wife) is actually better at lucid dreaming than I am, as she says she can fly freely through the sky within her dreams. Out of everyone I know, mama is definitely the one best suited to be a CODE agent (laughs).
"Finally, please give a message to the readers."
Amano: To all of the Uchusen readers, Amano has returned once again! (laughs). I'm truly grateful that I've received so much support from those who still love Tachibana Sakuya. But, from now on, I'm doing my absolute best to be seen not as "Tachibana-san," but as "the guy who played Sieg." I wonder if my Blade comrades will be upset with me? (laughs). Sieg is a character who'll gain more depth as the story progresses, so please be sure to keep an eye on his actions going forward!
dededos
2087
annaxmalina
yousharknotpass
turnnoffyourmind
pixelskylines
jacobvanloon
blakekathryn
