Emu Hojo

1="I'll change (/the patient name)'s fate!"

- Ex-Aid's proclamation before transforming

2="I'll clear this with No Continues!"

- Ex-Aid's proclamation before the battle

3="Dai Henshin!"

- Ex-Aid's pre-Level 2 transformation catchphrase.

4="Dai... Dai... Dai Henshin!"

- Ex-Aid's pre-Level 3 transformation catchphrase.

Emu Hojo (宝生 永夢) is one of the main characters and the main protagonist of Kamen Rider Ex-Aid. He is a trainee in pediatrics working at Seito University Hospital and a genius video gamer who goes by the alias M. He was given a Gamer Driver and the Mighty Action X Gashat by Asuna Karino to become Kamen Rider Ex-Aid (仮面ライダーエグゼイド) and destroy the Bugster viruses, to save his patient's life.

Past
When he was only eight years old, Emu was involved in an accident, leaving him critically injured. After receiving emergency surgery, Emu was given an handheld video game device by one of the doctors as a reward for hanging on. This event would inspire Emu to become a doctor and help children like the one who saved him.

Emu would later on win numerous gaming tournaments under the gaming alias of M, earning the interest of Asuna Karino as a potential candidate for using the Gamer Driver.

Becoming Kamen Rider Ex-Aid
Emu went on to become a pediatrics intern at Seito University Hospital. One of his patients, Sota Suyama, refused to be treated for his unknown illness and attempted to escape. While trying to catch Sota, Emu ran into Asuna, who was bringing the Gamer Driver while searching for M. When Sota suddenly collapsed, Emu and Asuna noticed unusual lumps emerging from the boy's neck. Not explaining Sota's condition to Emu, Asuna had the latter bring Sota with her to CR. Much to Emu's surprise, the hospital director Haima Kagami was there as well, ordering the intern to stay out. However, Emu disobeyed, hoping to make Sota feel better by bringing him to the release of the Mighty Action X game. Asuna ran into Emu and Sota at the game (believing that M would be at the press release), much to her frustration. However, when she tried to bring Sota back, he suddenly howled in pain and transformed into a Golem-like monster. Emu finally got Asuna to explain Sota's condition: he was infected by Bugster a computer virus threatening humanity, which could only be stopped by someone capable of using the Gamer Driver and destroying the virus. Determined to save his patient, Emu took the driver (and the accompanying Mighty Action X Gashat) without permission. Much to Asuna's surprise, not only was Emu able to become a Kamen Rider and extract the Salty Bugster from Sota, but he was, in fact, the gamer she was looking for. After transforming into Level 2, Emu defeated the Bugster, saving Sota's life. After checking on the boy, Asuna finally allowed Emu to access CR, and revealed her identity as Kamen Rider navigator, Poppi Pipopapo. She christened Emu as Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, and stated that he must become the super doctor to save humanity from Bugster.

The Rival and The New Rider, Brave
Shortly after getting acquainted with CR and reaquainted with Haima Kagami, Emu met Hiiro Kagami, Haima's son and a genius surgeon, who was working at a prestigious American hospital before being called back to the fight the Bugster as Kamen Rider Brave. Hiiro wasted no time in patronizing and antagonizing Emu, saying the latter's presence was a "No thank you". This caused Emu to doubt his worth to CR. Emu's inexperience became apparent while handling the next patient, Rensuke Natori. Emu went to Level 2 immediately, not realizing he needed to be in Level 1 to extract the Bugster. The Aranbura Bugster was quickly extracted by Brave, but both Ex-Aid and Brave were attacked by the mysterious Kamen Rider Genm, allowing the Bugster to escape and leaving Rensuke in critical condition. Emu was bewildered and disgusted by Hiiro's callous approach to patients: seeing them as just things to fix, and was more concerned with eating cake than Rensuke's well-being.

Hoping to buy time by reducing Rensuke's stress, Emu went to Rensuke's ex-fiancé, Asami, to find out why she called off the wedding. Their discussion led them to the church planned for the ceremony, where they were attacked by the Bugster. Emu transformed into Ex-Aid Level 1, but the Aranbura Bugster threatened to kill Asami if he changed to Level 2. Ex-Aid and Asami were saved by Brave's interference, and the two Riders managed to defeat the Bugster (Brave finished off the Aranbura Bugster). Emu's actions helped Rensuke and Asami restore their engagement. The incident prompted Emu to stay in CR, as he wasn't willing to leave patients in the hands of a doctor who didn't care about them.

The License-less Doctor Rider, Snipe
Emu handle a patient called Yuuki who goes ill. Yuuki had a fear for doctors since he had been operated before. Emu try to convince that doctors isn't all scary by showing him his Game console, but Yuuki ran away and Emu give chase.

They arrived at a playground, Emu decide to put off his doctor coat so Yuuki didn't see him as a doctor. However, Taiga Hanaya appeared, in his doctor attire and scared Yuuki. Yuuki then turn into Revolver-like Bugster Union due of massive amount of stress and Taiga transforming into Kamen Rider Snipe Level 1. Snipe easily extracting Yuuki from the Giant Bugster, and the Bugster turns out to be Revolve Bugster, summoning many Bugster viruses in military attire. Using the Gashacon Magnum, Snipe battling the Bugster viruses. But, due of Yuuki fear, the Bugster viruses multiplies. Emu, Yuuki & Asuna then flee.

Back at CR, Emu comforts Yuuki that they'll fight Yuuki Phobia together, before going to Taiga base. There, Taiga explain that his purpose is only to collect Rider gashats, (10 in total) to become the Super Doctor. Suddenly, Emu receive phone call from Poppi Pipopapo, alerting him that Yuuki flees again. To make things worse, Revolve bugster viruses breach Taiga base. Taiga then makes a bet : Whoever finish Revolve off, the winner will take the loser gashat, which agreed by Emu.

Emu & Taiga transform into Ex-Aid Level 2 & Snipe Level 2 respectively. Hiiro, also transforming into Brave Level 2 joins the fray & attack Taiga. However, Emu reminds them to finish Revolve first, which they reluctantly agree.

They manage to destroy Bugster viruses, but since Revolve had take Yuuki as a hostage, the bugster viruses multiplies & some of them turns into Revolve clone. Revolve & his clones attack Ex-Aid & Brave until their HP bar almost depleted. Knowing that the risk is too high, Hiiro cancel his transformation. But, Ex-Aid still goes on fighting, remembering his promise with Yuuki. This ignite Yuuki courage & finally able to shook his fear of doctor, effectively stops the multiplication of the bugster viruses. Ex-Aid finish Revolve & a bugster virus using Mighty Critical Finish. However, the Revolve turns to be another clone. Taiga then finish the real Revolve using BangBang Critical Finish.

After the battle, Taiga confiscate Emu's Mighty Action X Gashat before taking his leave. Hiiro states that Emu reaped what he had sowed. But, Emu didn't care. He just glad that Yuuki had cured from Bugster disease and also his fear of doctor, before embracing Yuuki.

The pumped-up Coroner, Lazer
Emu still in daze after his Gashat was taken by Taiga, stating that he can't save his patient from bugsters without his Gashat. As he checked a profile on his computer, Kiriya Kujo appeared with the patient, Yoshitaka Nishiwaki & surprising him. Kiriya says that he want to meet with Emu, calling him an 'Expert'. Kiriya also says that he need Emu to cure Yoshitaka from Bugster virus, and in return, Kiriya will give his Gashat back from Taiga.

Sometimes later, Emu and Yoshitaka was on a park and Emu scanning him using his special stethoscope, indicating that Yoshitaka is indeed infected by Bugster. Asuna and Hiiro soons joins him, also Kiriya with Taiga not so long after. Kiriya easily says that Emu will cure him, but Yoshitaka suddenly turns into Wheel-like Bugster Union. Kiriya and Taiga transform into Lazer Level 1 and Snipe Level 1 to extract the Bugster.

Emu's still confused about why Kiriya need his help, especially since Kiriya is also a Kamen rider as well. Asuna says that the answer is quite Ludicrous before Lazer use Instigate Energy item and Extract Motors from Yoshitaka. As Motors summon his bike and stops Lazer, Snipe changed into Level 2 to chase him, only to be interfered by Hiiro, who trasnformed into Brave Level 2. As Lazer regain his senses back, Lazer decide to change into Level 2, taking a form of a Racing bike, much to the riders astonishment. Lazer orders Emu to ride him to chase Motors, but Emu decides to save the Patient first, much to the latter dismay.

At CR, Emu try to figures why did Yoshitaka was infected. Yoshitaka explained that a bugster had kidnapped his sister, Riko and infect him afterwards. Now understand the reason, Emu reassure him that he'll save him and Riko too. As he abou to departs, Kiriya appeared and complaining to Emu that he ha lost Motors Track. Emu however states that since Kiriya gashat was a racing-themed, he could actually challenge him for a race. Kiriya brightens and offer his Friendship with Emu, which he gladly agree.

Shortly, Kiriya transformed into Lazer Level 2 and challenge Motors using Stage Select, with Riko and Yoshitaka lives at stake. Emu then rides Lazer as Ex-Aid Level 2. At first, Motors seems dominating the race, but using perfect conjunction of the High-Jump Energy Item and Gashacon Breaker, Emu manage to advance and defeat Motors using Bakusou Critical Strike, saving Riko and Yoshitaka.

However, Kiriya suddenly throw Emu and Riko before reverting to Level 1. Kiriya then renounce his friendship with Emu, stating that he just 'Using' his naivety to obtain a sample of Bugster Virus, in order for further learning. But Genm appeared and destroy Motors for good before transforming into Sports Action Gamer Level 3. Using Shakariki Critical Strike, Genm manages to almost depletes Ex-Aid and Lazer's Rider Gauge off before taking his leave. Emu wonders who Genm really is as he cancel his transformation in pain.

Team-Up with Ghost
Searching for the Shakariki Sports Gashat which he needed to save the world, Ex-Aid arrived to fight a pack of Bugster Viruses which were being fought by Kamen Rider Ghost in defense of Ayumu, the mysterious boy who held the Gashat. Mistaken for an enemy by Ghost, whose friends had been attacked by his doppelganger, Ex-Aid found himself attacked but was quickly able to reason with his fellow Rider as he explained that he wished to save lives - the most important thing of all - by changing fate, a sentiment which was respected by Ghost. Alongside Ghost, Ex-Aid tended to Ayumu as they were attacked by his doppelganger, Kamen Rider Genm, who took the Gashat before leaving as soon as he came. Ghost apologized but Ex-Aid assured him that it was alright for now as Ayumu was safe. After defeating a further horde of Bugster Viruses together, Ex-Aid predicted to Takeru that they would meet again soon before leaving him an Ex-Aid Ghost Eyecon as a gift as he took his leave, with Takeru noting that he had connected to another person's feelings.

Personality
Emu Hojo is a very clumsy and yet a serious doctor to take on his job. However, his thirst for playing video games has a problem of Emu being absentminded at times. An example of this is he sometimes fails to remember his work schedule properly and it makes the nurses scold him.

As "M", his alias that he uses when playing video games, he shows a completely different side of himself. He displays a focused, calmer, and more confident demeanor. His Grammatical persona also changes from 僕 into 俺, proving to be extremely skillful at video games, to the point where he has come to be known as the "genius gamer" who never leaves any game unfinished. This carries over to his battles as Ex-Aid, as his knowledge of video games has proven to be a definite advantage in his battles.

As a doctor, Emu invests himself in the well-being of his patient, hoping to help them both physically and personally. This helps Emu to understand the reason for his patient infection, but also hinders him if the enemy is smart enough to threat the patient life.

Abilities

 * Skilled Gamer: Emu is a masterful gamer, particularly in terms of platform gaming. He has extensive knowledge of games in other genres, including BangBang Shooting.
 * High Interpersonal Skill: Despite his clumsiness, Emu's kindness has allowed him to connect with all of his patients.

Devices

 * Gamer Driver - Transformation device.
 * Rider Gashat - Transformation trinkets.
 * Kimewaza Slot Holder - Carrier strap for the Rider Gashats.
 * Robots Gamer - Ex-Aid's Support Robot.
 * Hunter Gamer - Ex-Aid's Level 4 and Level 5's support robot.

Weapons

 * Gashacon Breaker - Standard sidearm weapon, can be a hammer or a sword.
 * Gashacon Key Slasher - Double Action Gamer Level X(X)'s personal weapon.

Vehicles

 * Kamen Rider Lazer Bike Gamer Level 2 - Lazer's Rider Machine Mode that Ex-Aid can use to ride.

Ghost Eyecon
This Eyecon makes an appearance in the finale of Kamen Rider Ghost.

Portrayal
Emu Hojo is portrayed by Hiroki Iijima (飯島 寛騎). As a child, Emu is portrayed by Rai Takahashi (髙橋 來). As Kamen Rider Ex-Aid, his suit actor is Satoshi Fujita (藤田 慧) in Level 1 and Seiji Takaiwa (高岩 成二) in Level 2.

Appearances

 * Icon-ghost.png Kamen Rider Ghost
 * Kamen Rider Ghost the Movie: The 100 Eyecons and Ghost's Fateful Moment
 * Episode 50/Finale: Final Story (Special Edition): Future! Connected Thoughts!
 * Icon-exaid.png Kamen Rider Ex-Aid
 * Episode 1: I'm a Kamen Rider!
 * Episode 2: Another Prodigy with No Thank You?
 * Episode 3: BANG, That Jerk is Coming!
 * Episode 4: An Operation Called Dash!
 * Episode 5: Everyone Gathers for a Clashing Crash!
 * Episode 6: A Hollow Beating in the Heart!
 * Episode 7: The Reason for Some Lies!
 * Episode 8: Men, Fly High!
 * Kamen Rider Ex-Aid "Tricks": Virtual Operations
 * Episode 1: Ex-Aid Chapter
 * Icon-ghost.png Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Rider