Monday, January 23, 2006

Naming in Kamen Rider #1


(Hibiki & Asumu waving to Hitomi)

This kid in orange is Asumu. He's a thirteen year old just entering his first year in high school. As I've mentioned before, everyone in this series has a name appropriate to their concept.

Asumu looks to find his way in life and is in need of guidance on his way to becoming a man. Fortunately for him he meets Hibiki on a fated trip to visit relatives, which in turn pushes his thoughts about where his future will be to the fore. The kanji for his name (明日夢) can be read as Tomorrow's Dream. It's not uncommon to see him staring off into space contemplating where he is in his life and the possibility of becoming an Oni when he's older.

After their fated meeting, Asumu discovers that he lives near Hibiki. Awed by Hibiki's casual presense and fighting capabilities, Asumu decides he must learn more and sees Hibiki as not only a life mentor but also a father figure as well. Since at this time Hibiki has no apprentice, he takes Asumu under his wing and shows him the ways of life. His kanji reads (響鬼) "Echoing/Reverberating Demon" it's no wonder his weapons are bachi (taiko drumsticks)! As the title character he gets the most power ups and cool toys ^_^ I just love his salute.



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