The Kamen Rider Series is a popular Japanese tokusatsu franchise created by Shotaro Ishinomori. It features masked heroes known as Kamen Riders who transform to fight against various villains, often called Kaijin or Shocker. The series began in 1971 and has since spawned numerous television shows, movies, and merchandise, becoming a significant part of Japanese pop culture. Each Kamen Rider typically has a unique theme, powers, and transformation device, such as a belt. The stories often explore themes of justice, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. The franchise has a dedicated fanbase and continues to evolve with new installments and characters.