 This article is about a character in Kamen Rider Gavv.
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Soji Shioya (塩谷 壮士, Shioya Sōji) is a freelance writer and Hanto Karakida's late mentor.
History[]
Soji met Hanto when he was in high school, being a delinquent. When they first met, Soji records the fight between Hanto and other thugs, expressing the reason why they fight in the news report. Soji voluntarily takes over the role of Hanto's caretaker from his grandmother who'd passed away. During this period, Hanto was inspired by Soji where he later becomes a freelance writer, following Soji's footsteps
Although Soji frequently assigned Hanto various cases to investigate, he permitted him to prioritize the inquiry into the Granutes and the disappearance of his mother, even offering assistance in the process. Despite their efforts, however, the investigation yielded little beyond the realization that the Granutes were attacking humans. Later, when Soji learned of Kenzo Suga through Hanto—who possessed extensive knowledge about the Granutes—he cautioned Hanto against placing too much trust in the scientist.
When Soji urged Hanto to investigate an illegal casino operating within a bar, Hanto diverted his attention to following Sachika’s tips about the Granutes. Consequently, Soji undertook the investigation alone. While observing the bar from outside, he was ambushed by Granute Otake and became a Human Press offscreen. By the time Hanto arrived at the scene, only the upper half of the press remained visible, while the lower half had already fallen into the possession of Nyelv Stomach.
Ever since the incident, Hanto kept the upper half of Soji's Human Press as a memento, while the lower half's whereabouts remains unknown after Nyelv's death, although it can be assumed the explosion also destroyed the lower half.
Personality[]
Soji was regarded as a journalist of high moral standards, viewing journalism not merely as an occupation but as a vital means of conveying the truth that the public deserves to know. He often accepted offers to write reports on various issues, even though these reports might not provide him with a livelihood; nevertheless, he was still willing to undertake them.
He was a good mentor to Hanto, not only teaching him essential journalistic skills and offering professional guidance, but also instilling in him the importance of treating others with respect, while also having a soft side that let Hanto to prioritize his own investigation of the Granute over their journalist interview job.
Abilities[]
- Investigative journalism: As a writer, Soji has well‑developed investigative skills, enabling him to detect clues and inconsistencies that Hanto either overlooked or misinterpreted.
Relationships[]
Friends & Allies[]
- Hanto Karakida/Kamen Rider Valen: He shared a relationship with Hanto that resembled that of a father and son, and he consistently offered guidance whenever Hanto faced uncertainty or questioned the direction of his investigations.
Enemies[]
- Granute Otake: His killer.
Others[]
- Kenzo Suga: Although he had never met Kenzo in person, Soji harbored deep distrust toward him because of the vast amount of information he possessed about the Granutes, suggesting that the scientist was either delusional or concealing something from Hanto. Tragically, Soji’s suspicions proved accurate when Kenzo conspired to bring about his downfall with Nyelv’s assistance.
Behind the Scenes[]
Portrayal[]
- Soji Shioya is portrayed by Toshimasa Komatsu (小松 利昌, Komatsu Toshimasa), who previously portrayed Shogo Kano in Kamen Rider Amazons.
Etymology[]
- His surname Shioya (塩谷) contains kanji for salt.
Concept Art[]
to be added
Notes[]
- Ironically, Soji's demise mirrors that of Komatsu's previous role as Shogo Kano, which both characters are forcefully bisected to death. Interestingly, their upper body is retrieved by a character on the heroic side (Shogo is presumably found by Reika Mizusawa; Soji is found by Hanto Karakida), while their lower body parts are kept by villains (Shogo is presumably eaten by Chihiro; Soji is kept by Nyelv Stomach).
Appearances[]
Kamen Rider Gavv
- Episode 1: A Snack Kamen Rider!?
- Episode 2: Happy Zakuzakuchips
- Episode 3: Soda Punch Is a Guilty Pleasure
- Episode 4: More Marshmallows Please!
- Episode 5: The Memories Are Painful
- Episode 6: Transformation Is Bitter Chocolate (death)
- Episode 27: Sour and Sweet to the Point of Burning (flashback)
- Episode 28: Chocolate Frappe of Bonds! (flashback)
- Episode 47: Happy Dystopia (flashback)
References[]
External Links[]
to be added