Yusuke Godai

This article is about a rider in Kamen Rider Kuuga.

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"I don't want to let these things make anyone else cry! I want people to smile! So please, watch... my transformation! "

―Yusuke's words to Kaoru Ichijo before transforming into Mighty Form for the first time^[src]

"I want to thank you. I'm glad about it. Because... I got to meet you. "
"Godai."
" So please, watch... my transformation."

―Yusuke to Ichijo before transforming into Ultimate Form for the first time^[src]

"It'll be okay..."

―Yusuke's words of encouragement^[src]

Yusuke Godai (五代雄介, Godai Yūsuke) is a happy-go-lucky and honest young man who donned the Arcle and fought as the Unidentified Life Form #4 (未確認生命体第４号, Mikakunin Seimeitai Dai Yongō), Kamen Rider Kuuga (仮面ライダークウガ, Kamen Raidā Kūga) against the monstrous Gurongi tribe.

History

Yusuke Godai was born in Hokkaido, Japan on March 18, 1975 with a blood-type of O. When both him and his younger sister Minori were young, they lost their mother. As they were older, their father passed away in Afghanistan, leaving them in the care of his father's friend Tamasaburo Kazari.

On the day he returns from Indonesia to Japan at the airport, Yusuke's life changed the day that he visits Sakurako Sawatari (with a mask for her), who was helping in Professor Natsume's archaeological finding of the Lynt Tribe and a mummified corpse, whose disruption marked the unsealing of a strange monster that attacks the archaeologists. Receiving a distress call from them, Yusuke makes his way to the excavation site, seeing the light that marks the rebirth of the Gurongi Tribe. By the time he arrived at the scene at daybreak, he finds the police investigating the area and meets detective Kaoru Ichijo, finding a strange belt tied to the visions he's been seeing. He later meet Ichijo and he and Sakurako are brought to the police station to learn the archeologists were all slaughtered by the mysterious monster, later referred to as "Unidentified Lifeform 0", before being given the Arcle to translate the markings on it.

However, as they leave, the two encounter the Gurongi Zu-Gumun-Ba attacking the station upon being revived, Yusuke puts on the Arcle to fight him, resulting with the belt fusing onto him as he assumes Kuuga's Growing Form and saves Ichijo from the Gurongi, the detective recognizing Yusuke. After 11 hours of rest, Sakurako suggests they return to Tokyo as they are visited by Ichijo who tells him not to meddle in police affairs and go to Tokyo to see Shuichi Tsubaki. Later that night, Yusuke goes against Ichijo's wishes to help fight Zu-Gooma-Gu, only to be beaten by the stronger monster and later gets chewed up by Ichijo.

But after seeing the daughter of the late Professor Natsume cry over her father's death, Yusuke's resolve to fight for the sake of keeping people from suffering led him to assume Mighty Form, taking the name of "Kuuga" as he saves Ichijo from Gooma and destroys Gumun. Starting with inspector Kaoru Ichijo, Yusuke eventually gains the trust of the police department by receiving the TryChaser 2000 from Ichijo. While brought to Doctor Shuichi Tsubaki for a confidential check-up, Yusuke learns that the Arcle's fusion onto him is more complex as it had spread vein-like connections into his muscular and nervous systems.

During his first battle with Zu-Badzū-Ba, Kuuga assumes Dragon Form and eventually masters it with Sakurako's aid to kill Badzū. Then while fighting Me-Bajisu-Ba, Kuuga assumes Pegasus Form but was overwhelmed by his enhanced senses as Bajisu escapes, vowing revenge on Kuuga. Unable to change, Yusuke decides to help Ichijo by finding Mika Natsume, who is on the verge of being suicidal when her father's murderer not yet caught. After talking Mika into letting things resolve themselves over time, Bajisu attacks and Yusuke is able to effectively use Pegasus Form's power to kill the Grongi sniper.

While dealing with Me-Giiga-Gi, and Minori's apprehensive feelings for being Kuuga, Yusuke is able to become Titan Form to defeat Giiga after convincing Minori that it all be right. Yusuke later meets Junichi Chono, a young man who lost his faith in humanity and thought to be able to relate more the Unidentified Lifeforms. However, his encounter with Me-Biran-Gi said otherwise when Kuuga saves the boy before killing the Gurongi. During the fight however, Yusuke felt the reawakening of the Gouram as it was excavated and whirled to life to make its way towards him, providing its power for him to counter Me-Gyarido-Gi.

Later, when poisoned by Me-Ginoga-De, Yusuke manages to survive the near death experience due to the Amadam countering the poison when induced with shock therapy, allowing him to arrive to the police's aid to destroy Ginoga and later his clone. But since then, Yusuke begins to feel a numbing pain during his next few battles as Kuuga against stronger Gurongi. He learns that it may be tied to a greater power that maybe needed as he believes that stronger Gurongi will eventually appear. After training to bring out the "golden power" with Enokida's help, Yusuke's battle against the promoted Go-Garima-Ba leads to an upgraded version of Kuuga's Titan Form, Rising Titan. The next two fights allow Yusuke to become Rising Pegasus and Rising Dragon while learning that the Arcle had fused further into his body.

A dark foreshadowing — Kuuga's Ultimate Form in his subconscious

After healing from being wounded by Go-Gamego-Re, Yusuke meets Chono as he took up being an artist since their last encounter before he finds the Gurongi and kills him once achieving Rising Mighty, accidentally causing mass devastation. Because of the incident, the BeatChaser 2000 would not to be given to Kuuga as the Go-Badā-Ba finally begins to play, saving Kuuga as his final victim. While Ichijo convinces his fellow officers, Yusuke is aided by Sugita in tracking down Badā until Ichijo arrives with the Beat Chaser which allows Kuuga to destroy Badā. However, the incident with the sadistic Go-Jaraji-Da, influences Yusuke's behavior for the worse, causing him to subconsciously assume Kuuga's Ultimate Form while killing the Gurongi in a brutal rage.

Later, Yusuke goes to Enokida when she wanted to investigate the reason on how he can turn everyday objects into weapons like the Go Gurongi before going after Go-Zazaru-Ba when she went up against an evolving Gooma, worried that two Grongi fighting each other was a very bad omen. This is made worse when Yusuke learns the "Kuuga" character is not of Lynt origin, but is actually an incomplete Gurongi character and may be tied to Number 0, later revealed as the Gurongi lord N-Daguva-Zeba when he arrived to slaughter Gooma before making his way to Tokyo for end-game. Yusuke's fears of their relation were confirmed as Sakurako fully translated the Lynt text and the Gurongi characters on it, revealing his mental wellbeing during the incident with Jaraji while understanding that he'll be alright as long as he doesn't fight out of hate.

After learning from Enokida that the Gurongi may also share Kuuga's ability to change form, Yusuke leaves when Go-Jāza-Gi makes her move. During a flawed attempt to get her, Kuuga senses Daguva and got wounded while his guard was down before he finally kills Jāza in the next confrontation. After a post-discussion of the recent Gurongi/Kuuga connections after the death of Go-Baberu-Da, Yusuke makes his way to the 12 Arikawa Group Flute Competition, having brush in with Daguva before arriving to the Arikawa Group building after a hostage situation is resolved with Mika traumatized by the incident. As he escorts Mika to her train for home, Yusuke tells her not to run away even if things get scary.

During the battle with the last of the Go Gurongi, Go-Gadoru-Ba, Kuuga is overwhelmed by the Gurongi's ability to assume forms similar to his own. Severely wounded as a result, Yusuke is brought to the hospital where after a question of ethics, Tsubaki agrees to induce an electro-therapy charge after his heart gave out. By the time he leaves the hospital, Yusuke arrives to the stadium where Gadoru is fighting Ra-Dorudo-Gu. However in the ensuing rematch, Kuuga assumes the dark-armored Kuuga Amazing Mighty to kill Gadoru. With all the Gurongi warriors dead, Daguva finally reveals himself, overpowering Kuuga's Amazing Mighty and cracking the Amadam while killing numerous people before taking his leave, sparing Kuuga so he can get even stronger.

Knowing that he has no choice but to break his word and assume that form, Yusuke visits to his friends one-by-one, knowing that he may not come back, with Sakurako realizing his intentions as Daguva finally makes his move, telling Yusuke to meet him at Mount Kuro. With Ichijo joining him, Yusuke tells him to shoot him in the Arcle should he go berserk and becoming the entity that bring ultimate darkness, though the officer is reluctant to do that. Once assuming Ultimate Form, powered by his gentle nature rather than hatred, Kuuga battles Daguva to the point of exhaustion and nearly getting himself killed. As Yusuke narrowly defeats Daguva while getting his Arcle damaged, he is taunted by Daguva who hopes that Yusuke becomes as big a monster as Daguva himself. Three months after the final battle, Yusuke has begun a new adventure to travel the world, starting at a Cuban beach where he helps some kids before walking off. It was shown that the Arcle was repairing itself after the battle, proving that Yusuke will regain his powers at some point. In later sequels, Yusuke does indeed transform into Kuuga as well as gained full control without worry over Ultimate Form as well as it's upgraded form Rising Ultimate.

Other Events

As a main Heisei Rider, Kuuga frequently reappears in crossovers in his suit only, usually with no speaking lines (or voiced by a new actor). Generally, he is assumed (and sometimes confirmed) to be Yusuke Godai unless otherwise stated, though the canonicity of this is dubious and its relevance to his character nil.

Kamen Rider Agito

"it looked like Unidentified Lifeform #4"

―Makoto Hikawa referencing Kuuga^[src]

Yusuke is mentioned by Makoto Hikawa (Kamen Rider G3), under the name of Unidentified Lifeform #4.^{[Blue Storm]}

Kamen Rider Decade

In the version of Kamen Rider Decade Episode 31 shown in reruns, an unidentified Ultimate Kuuga, with black eyes, appears as one of Wataru Kurenai's companions, who antagonize Decade after he failed in his mission of saving the worlds. When more Riders appear and the Rider War starts, Kuuga seemingly reverts to Mighty Form and boards the TryChaser 2000, although he is knocked out during the conflict. In the original version of the episode, the Ultimate Kuuga in the final battle was a brainwashed Yusuke Onodera, but all references to his identity are removed in the rerun version, which just makes him appear as another member of Wataru's group. Tv-Asahi site also lists this Kuuga as a separate character.

OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders

Kamen Rider Kuuga, in Mighty Form, appears in OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders. He reappears alongside the other Heisei era Riders, fighting against Gurongi that allied themselves with Shocker and other Kamen Rider villains from the 40 years of the franchise. Kuuga defeats N-Gamio-Zeda who had become one of Shocker's executives and stops the Gurongi's offensive. Afterward, he joins up with every other Rider for a final battle against the Great Leader of Shocker.

When all the Riders board their vehicles for a combined attack against the Great Leader, Kuuga goes with the Rising BeatGouram.

Although his human form is not shown in the movie itself, has no lines, and is not listed in the credits, Kuuga is confirmed to be Yusuke Godai by the movie's official website. ^[1]

Kamen Rider Fourze

Space Superiority

The previous Riders, Kuuga among them, are remembered as urban legends. In episode 2, there's brief new video footage of four past Riders, including Kuuga. Kuuga's video footage shows him in Mighty Form facing three Gurongi who look similar to Zu-Gooma-Gu in Ultimate Form, Zu-Zain-Da and Me-Badjisu-Ba. ^{[Space Superiority]}

Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen

14 Showa KR,9 Heisei Rider & 1 Neo-Heisei Rider(with Accel)

Kuuga, Shinken Blue, X — Kuuga is blown up into the air with Shinken Blue and X as the Kamen Riders and Super Sentai are attacked by a giant Warz Gill and Akudos Gill.

Kuuga, among the majority of the Kamen Riders, was caught up in the "Super Hero Taisen" incident which resulted in the Kamen Riders and Super Sentai joining forces to defeat both Dai-Shocker and Dai-Zangyack. Kuuga is being shown when he is team-worked with Tsukasa at first (as Decade in 1 form) while riding his TryChaser 2000.

Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z

Faiz, Ryuki, Kuuga (Super Hero Taisen Z) — Faiz, Ryuki, and Kuuga as seen in *Super Hero Taisen Z*.

Kuuga was part of a force of Rider and Sentai reinforcements led by Kamen Rider 1 and Akarenger that came to assist the Riders and Sentai of recent years who were overwhelmed by the revived monster army of the Space Crime Syndicate Madou. The combined forces of superheroes were able to turn the tide against the Madou army. They lined up and used their various finisher attacks to destroy the revived monsters.

After Demon King Psycho was destroyed and the battle was finally over, Kuuga appeared standing on a cliff with all the other heroes who appeared to help, to say goodbye to the heroes of recent years before taking their leave. ^{[Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z]}

Kamen Rider Wizard

Final Forms-Decade ,Faiz ,Ryuki , Agito and Kuuga — Kuuga with Decade, Faiz, Ryuki and Agito in their Final Forms.

When a young boy and a young girl attempt to escape from the World within the Magic Stone, they use the Kamen Rider Rings to summon many Riders to help them, and among them there's Kuuga. Using the Mighty form, Kuuga takes on the Armadillo Orphnoch, Beetle Fangire and Same Yummy at the same time. However, the powerful Beetle Fangire counter attacks, stunning both Kuuga and Blade at the same time. Surrounded by the monster army alongside Agito, the three Riders are hit by many energy blasts and are temporarily expelled. ^{[The Kamen Rider Rings]}

Amadum, recovers the Rider Rings and summons all Riders from Kuuga to OOO, besides Decade, attaching them to a giant magic stone that absorbs their energy. Later, Amadum summons again all of the Riders from Kuuga to Fourze, and orders them to take on Kamen Rider Wizard. However, the Riders reveal they aren't just puppets and turn against Amadum. Kuuga fights against the Mole Imagin,Tortoise Undead and Bakeneko. Afterwards, Kuuga uses his Mighty Kick to finish off both the Hound Zodiarts and Rat Fangire at once. When the battleground changes to the air, Kuuga and Agito are left behind on the ground, but Decade uses his Final formride ability to change them into Kuuga Gouram and Agito Tornador. Kuuga is surprised by Decade's ability, while Agito tells him to ask before doing that the next time. Flying through the air, Kuuga destroys many Hydragoons.

KamenRiderWizard ep53 09 — Kuuga and the Young Boy

Facing Amadum himself, all Riders fall before him one by one, including Kuuga. Amadum attempts to open the way to Earth, but a New Rider is called to that world, Gaim. Amadum is unable to absorb Gaim's powers and loses the powers that he had absorbed before. Most Riders go to their ultimate forms while others transform into other powerful forms, with Yusuke Godai showing on screen for the first time his Rising Ultimate Kuuga form. Flying through Amadum's blasts, Rising Ultimate Kuuga and Shining Agito hit Amadum with a Rider Double Kick which knocks him down, and they're soon followed by all other Riders present, destroying Amadum. After the battle, the boy wakes up next to the chest with the Rider Rings, and Kuuga gives him a thumbs up, telling him that everything will be fine. Afterwards, he leaves that world alongside most other Riders, and the Rider Rings disappear. ^{[Neverending Story]}

Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai

Snapshot 01.35.19 -2014.08.29 22.32 — Kuuga and ZO shaking hands after the Riders settle their differences.

Kuuga was defeated by unknown means and sent to Helheim, alongside other Riders, from where they planned a surprise attack against the Badan Empire. In the beginning of the final battle against Badan, Kuuga can be seen briefly facing the Ika-Jaguar Yummy, which is shown to not have been defeated in a later scene. Afterwards, Kuuga faces Destron Combatmen and Chaps alongside the Ganikomoru. Kuuga is shown one last time during the battle taking on Badan's Combatroids when the ToQger arrive to help.

During the battle between the Heisei and Showa Riders to prove the strength of the Heisei Riders, Kuuga initially faces Kamen Rider ZO, but he takes on Kamen Rider J when the battleground changes to the coast. Kuuga's Mighty Kick and J's J-Kick match each other during the battle. Both Riders are still fighting when the battle is interrupted. Afterwards, Kuuga and ZO are seen shaking hands when both groups stand together. ^{[Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider: Kamen Rider Taisen feat. Super Sentai]}

Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3

Due to the timeline alteration caused by Shocker, Yusuke became one of the brainwashed Riders in that timeline, donning the name of Shocker Rider Kuuga.

Following the Rider Grand Prix in which Drive emerged victorious over Kamen Rider 3, who was promptly integrated into the Great Leader of Shocker's Rider Robo form, Kuuga was among the Riders who appeared to attack Zeronos Zero Form and Denebick Buster only to be fought off by the turncoat BOARD Riders: Chalice, Leangle, Blade and Garren. Ultimately, the Double Riders 1 and 2 made their appearance having survived their apparent demise from within the Rider Robo, and broke Shocker's brainwashing on the fallen Riders, enabling all Riders to unite in a final battle against Shocker.

Unfortunately, Kuuga was among the Riders whose existence was erased by the Rider Robo. This fate, however, was rendered moot when the Rider Robo was finally destroyed by Shurikenjin Tridoron, restoring Kuuga's place in history.

Kamen Rider Ghost: Legendary! Riders' Souls!

Despite not appearing in the web-exclusive series, Ghost can use the power of the 16 Heisei Riders, including Kuuga, with the Heisei Rider Damashii in the final episode.

Chou Super Hero Taisen

Kuuga appeared as part of Team Legend Hero, an unofficial Game World team that did not participate in the Chou Super Hero Taisen tournament, exclusively featuring in a promotional conference for the film. ^{[Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Chou Super Hero Taisen]}

Kamen Rider Ex-Aid "Tricks": Kamen Rider Genm

Despite not appearing in the web-exclusive series, Kuuga and the 13 Heisei Riders were in the projections of the Ganbarizing Critical Strike.

Kamen Rider Zi-O

Kamen Rider Build: Be The One

Among the first 18 Heisei Riders, Kuuga fought against numerous monsters in a melee briefly witnessed by Sento Kiryu before being caught in the crossfire as Kamen Rider Zi-O BuildArmor used his Vortex Time Break to wipe out his enemies. ^{[Kamen Rider Build: Be The One]}

Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever

Kuuga appears as a Legendary Rider in the movie, in which he helps the other Heisei Riders finish Another Kuuga with his Mighty Kick.

Other appearances

Kamen Rider Decade: The World of Tsukasa Kadoya ~The Garden Inside the Lens~

Kuuga’s world is set somewhere early in the TV show, where Kaoru Ichijo is the only person who considers Kuuga to be an ally of humanity, while the rest of the police forces consider Kuuga as a threat. Despite having the name Yusuke Godai, his personality is actually closer to Onodera’s, if anything. Godai is an airhead for the most part, to the point of having difficulty remembering the name Decade and usually goes with “Kamen Rider Dickens.” In this world, Tsukasa is dressed as a painter in Kuuga’s world. Despite being Kuuga’s world, Tsukasa doesn’t interact much with Godai.

Instead he meets a mysterious unnamed girl, with her sentences spoken in broken grammar. This girl approaches different men saying “Do you want me?” The girl is referred as Yuri after Tsukasa sees her holding a lily flower, yuri in Japanese. She asks the question to Tsukasa, but Natsumi doesn’t like it and uses her Laughing Pressure Point technique. Yuri takes a liking to Tsukasa and connects with him. Tsukasa says they are the same type of people, and relate to each other. But he reveals that he never really paid attention to her and never cared about her. From the start, Natsumi oddly suspects that Yuri is a Gurongi. This is never truly touched upon until the where Yuri reveals the truth and challenge the Riders into a fight. Her Gurongi group is not mentioned, but she’s described as a Moth, meaning she's of the Ba class of Gurongi. She causes people to explode by sticking moth scales from her wings on people. Decade and Kuuga defeat her together. Godai only uses Mighty and Dragon, but for some reason he’s using a sword while in Mighty form, which has traditionally been a form more focused on hand-to-hand combat. Decade's Final Form Ride for this Kuuga is also different: while it retains the ability to transform Kuuga into the Kuuga Gouram, the Gouram is described as a rhinoceros beetle, despite it traditionally being a stag beetle, which is also the same insect Kuuga is based on. Godai gives Tsukasa a thumbs up as they leave.

Video Game appearances

Kamen Rider Kuuga video game

Yusuke appears as Kuuga in the Kamen Rider Kuuga video game. The player may play as Kuuga in his Mighty, Dragon, Pegasus, Titan, Growing, and Ultimate Forms.

Kamen Rider Agito & Kuuga Wild Battle

Kuuga appears with Agito in Kamen Rider Agito & Kuuga Wild Battle. He is playable in all forms except Growing Form.

This was the first Kamen Rider video game to feature Kuuga Amazing Mighty as a playable character and also feature Kuuga's Rising Forms as fully playable. Rising Forms and Ultimate Form can only be selectable during battle by pressing Down (Rising Forms must select pre-existing forms first; for example Mighty Form can select Rising Mighty etc.) Amazing Mighty is only playable in Survival Mode on normal difficulty (replaces Mighty Form automatically after Mighty Form's life is lower than 30%).

Kamen Rider: The Bike Race

Kuuga appears riding the Beat Chaser 2000 in Kamen Rider: The Bike Race, a racing game featuring the majority of Kamen Riders and Rider Machines up to Kamen Rider Agito.

Kamen Rider: Battride War

Battride Wars Kamen Rider Kuuga — Kuuga (Battride War).

Kamen Rider Kuuga appears as a Main Rider in the video game Kamen Rider: Battride War, which unites the riders of the Heisei era from Kuuga to Wizard.

Kuuga's Rising Forms (with Amazing Mighty as Rising Mighty's special finisher) can accessable via normal string charge attack.

Kamen Rider: Battride War II

Chr main kuuga — Kamen Rider Kuuga in Ultimate Form in Kamen Rider: Battride War II.

Kamen Rider Kuuga reappeared in Kamen Rider: Battride War II.

Kamen Rider: Battride War Genesis

KuugaBRWG — Kamen Rider Kuuga in *Battride War Genesis*.

Kamen Rider Kuuga reappeared in Kamen Rider: Battride War Genesis

Stage Shows

Timeranger Stage Show at Double Hero Korakuen Yuenchi

In a stage show where the Timerangers are seen fighting their usual foes, a Gurongi shows up and winds up defeating them. Kuuga in Mighty Form arrives to assist the Timerangers.

Timeranger Stage Show at Super Hero Nagoya Dome

In a stage show where the Timerangers are seen fighting their usual foes, a Gurongi shows up and defeats them. Kamen Riders 1, 2, V3 & Kuuga, Aka & AoRanger & Robocon arrive to assist the Timerangers.

Gaoranger Stage Show at Super Hero Osaka Dome

In a stage show where the Gaorangers are seen fighting their usual foes, the Black Cross Führer, a Lord, and a Gurongi appear and wind up defeating them. The Gorengers, Kamen Riders Kuuga, Agito, G3-X, Exceed Gills. and 1 arrive to assist the Gaorangers.

Kamen Rider Super Live: Cho Henshin Battle

Kuuga returns in the Stageshow of Faiz. He was turned into stone statue by Bio Roid Dark, and is controlled to fight against Faiz, 1, 2 and V3.

Personality

As mentioned above, Yusuke is a happy-go-lucky and honest person that fights to protect everyone's smile. Yusuke constantly seeks to better himself and as a result, gained 2000 skills because of it. While serious about keeping his vows, Yusuke will break some if he considers it absolutely necessary. His cheerfulness sometimes also could encourage the others, particularly at dark times. Despite being in a hard situation, Yusuke never lets go of his smile and always tries being optimistic most of the time. This charity is what made Yusuke could easily befriend the others and also give them hopes. As long as it's for other people's sake, Yusuke will never hesitant to do anything, particularly after becoming Kuuga. Despite his sorrowful childhood and his own crisis as Kuuga at some point, Yusuke's smile never falters.

However, despite being an overall good person, it doesn't mean that Yusuke never shows anger. The most crucial part was at Jaraji's incident which had driven Yusuke to hate the Gurongi. After realizing that the Gurongi kill people for their own satisfaction and want to kill more innocent people, Yusuke couldn't help but feel anger. The result was he got a mental vision of Ultimate Form after killing Jaraji brutally; which was a warning of what would happen to him if he continued this path. Yusuke's hatred becomes more severe at times, especially if he is being taunted by his enemies. The revelation between Kuuga and Daguva also only worsens him.

Despite his growing hatred toward Gurongi, Yusuke assured to his friends that he will be alright as long as he doesn't fight out of hatred. He always holds back his anger with his facade smile, trying not to worry the others. He also holds back whenever he used too much force in battles. Seeing a clear self is the key to control Ultmate Form, Yusuke tried to bury his hatred as deep as possible while also raising his own mentality. His friends also always support him as best as they can, giving him much more power to not let himself fall into the darkness. He even tried his best not to use Ultimate Form until the last fight. With a strong will like this, he not only obtained, but also successfully gained full control over Ultimate Form and it's upgraded form Rising Ultimate, proving Daguva wrong and showing himself worthy as Kuuga.

Powers and Abilities

From the beginning of the series, Yusuke was already skilled at various things which presumably included some forms of fighting. After becoming Kuuga and gaining experience from fighting the Gurongi, Yusuke becomes even stronger and becomes able control Ultimate Form which he uses against their leader. He not only fought equally against Daguva as Kuuga Ultimate Form, but also defeated him in their human forms while both were equally exhausted showing how much skill, will and stamina Yusuke has. It was shown that after defeating Daguva and getting his Arcle repaired, Yusuke managed to unlock and master Rising Ultimate showing how much potential he has as Kuuga.

Kuuga was also one of the last primary Riders to have notable bike battle skills. Using his Try and Beat Chaser cycles, he was able to competently combat Gurongi by swinging the wheels and skidding them over. Combined with the Gouram, Yuusuke did very well on or off his bikes.

Kamen Rider Kuuga

"Chō henshin! (超変身！, Chō henshin! lit. "Super transformation!")"

―Yusuke's call when changing between forms^[src]

Transforming with the power of the Arcle, Kuuga accesses a variety of different forms for different situations, unlocking and upgrading them as he hones his skill. Changing his armor shape and color, Kuuga's standard forms are the balanced Mighty Form, the agile Dragon Form, the precise Pegasus Form, and the strong Titan Form. Eventually, he upgrades them into stronger Rising Form versions, even pushing Mighty Form into the black Amazing Mighty Form, before accessing his final form, Ultimate Form. Conversely, when weakened, he is forced into the ineffective Growing Form.

Like the Gurongi of the Go Group, some of Kuuga's forms can temporarily transmogrify items of a certain shape into weapons suited to his forms.

Growing Form

Rider Statistics:^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

Rider Height: 190 cm
Rider Weight: 90 kg

Rider Senses:^[6]

Eyesight: Several 10 times human
Hearing: Several 10 times human

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 1.5 t^[5]^{[note 1]}^{[note 2]}
Kicking Power: 5 t^[5]^{[note 1]}^{[note 3]}
Maximum Jump Height: 7.5 m^[5]^{[note 1]}^{[note 4]}
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 10.4 seconds^[5]^{[note 1]}^{[note 5]}

Special Attacks:

Growing Kick: 10~15 t ^{[note 6]}

Growing Form (グローイングフォーム, Gurōingu Fōmu) is Kuuga's white, weakest form. Kuuga is forced into this form when he is too inexperienced to access stronger forms or is gravely injured. In the latter case, he will be unable to transform again for 2 hours.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Growing Form was referred to as White Kuuga (白のクウガ, Shiro no Kūga). It was labeled "Unidentified Life Form #2" (未確認生命体第2号, Mikakuninseimeitai Dainigō) by police before Kaoru Ichijo learned more about Kuuga's form changing abilities.

Although his power is weak in this form, he can still use a finisher called the "Growing Kick" (グローイングキック, Gurōingu Kikku), though it only has one-third to half the strength of the Mighty Kick.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 1, 2, 8, 18, 19, 26, 30, 31, 41, 43, 45

Mighty Form

Rider Statistics:^[2]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 99 kg

Rider Senses:^[2]

Eyesight: Several 10 times human
Hearing: Several 10 times human

Ability Parameters:^[2]

Punching Power: 3 t
Kicking Power: 10 t
Maximum Jump Height: 15 m
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 5.2 seconds

Special Attacks:^[2]

Mighty Kick: 30 t

Mighty Form (マイティフォーム, Maiti Fōmu) is Kuuga's red main form. It is the most balanced out of all of his standard forms, and is thus his most used form. Unlike his other forms, it has no personal weapon, instead opting for hand-to-hand combat.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Mighty Form was referred to as Red Kuuga (赤のクウガ, Aka no Kūga). It was labeled "Unidentified Life Form #4" (未確認生命体第4号, Mikakuninseimeitai Daiyongō) by the police before Kaoru Ichijo learned more about Kuuga's form changing abilities.

In this form, Kuuga uses the "Mighty Kick" (マイティキック, Maiti Kikku), a long running kick which leaves his mark on his target, causing them to explode.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 2-5, 7, 9-18, 20-23, 27-30, Kuuga vs. Go-Jiino-Da, 31-42, 44, 45, First Dream of the New Year, Agito vs. Kuuga, Cho Henshin Battle, Kamen Rider Den-O: Lost Train, All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker, Let's Go Kamen Riders, Super Hero Taisen, Super Hero Taisen Z, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Wizard Episodes 52, 53, Kamen Rider Taisen, Super Hero Taisen GP, Legendary! Riders' Souls! Last Chapter: 1 & Heisei, "Tricks": Kamen Rider Genm Part. III: Final Legend Stage, Be The One, Zi-O Episodes 39 , 41

Dragon Form

Rider Statistics:^[2]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 90 kg

Rider Senses:^[2]

Eyesight: Several 10 times human
Hearing: Several 10 times human

Ability Parameters:^[2]

Punching Power: 1 t
Kicking Power: 3 t
Maximum Jump Height: 30 m
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 2 seconds

Dragon Form (ドラゴンフォーム, Doragon Fōmu) Kuuga's agile blue form. While it is physically weaker than any of his other forms, it is much faster and can leap incredible heights, allowing Kuuga to scale skyscrapers with ease. To make up for its weakness, Dragon Form can transform any random pole object wielded by the user into the Dragon Rod (ドラゴンロッド, Doragon Roddo) to use as a staff weapon.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Dragon Form was referred to as Blue Kuuga (青のクウガ, Ao no Kūga).

Kuuga's finishing move in this form is the Splash Dragon (スプラッシュドラゴン, Supurasshu Doragon), an aerial thrust attack to the body. This can be in the form of a simple thrust or tossing the Dragon Rod at the target.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 5-7, 14, 16, 25, 28-30, 32, 34-37, 39, 41, 43, 45

Pegasus Form

Rider Statistics:^[2]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 99 kg

Rider Senses:^[2]

Eyesight: Several 1000 times human
Hearing: Several 1000 times human

Ability Parameters:^[2]

Punching Power: 1 t
Kicking Power: 3 t
Maximum Jump Height: 15 m
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 5.2 seconds

Pegasus Form (ペガサスフォーム, Pegasasu Fōmu) is Kuuga's green sniper form with massively boosted senses, enabling him to see, hit and hear his opponents with extreme precision. However, this increased sensory stimulation overwhelms Kuuga over time, preventing him from using this form for more than 50 seconds without being forced into Growing Form and made unable to transform again for 2 hours. Pegasus Form can transform any gun-like object into the Pegasus Bowgun (ペガサスボウガン, Pegasasu Bōgan), a powerful crossbow.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Pegasus Form was referred to as Green Kuuga (緑のクウガ, Midori no Kūga).

With the Pegasus Bowgun, Kuuga performs the "Blast Pegasus" (ブラストペガサス, Burasuto Pegasasu), an arrow shot from the Bowgun after pulling the hammer back to the fullest length.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 7, 8, 22, 25, 26, 33, 39, 43-45, Zi-O Episode 40

Titan Form

Rider Statistics:^[2]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 110 kg

Rider Senses:^[2]

Eyesight: Several 10 times human
Hearing: Several 10 times human

Ability Parameters:^[2]

Punching Power: 7 t
Kicking Power: 10 t
Maximum Jump Height: 10 m
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 7.2 seconds

Titan Form (タイタンフォーム, Taitan Fōmu) is Kuuga's herculean purple form, it sacrifices speed for increased durability and strength. Titan Form's impenetrable defenses allow Kuuga to endure enemy attacks long enough to approach the opponents. He is armed with the Titan Sword (タイタンソード, Taitan Sōdo), which can be transformed from pole-like objects like the handle of Kuuga's bike or an enemy's weapon.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Titan Form was referred to as the Purple Kuuga (紫のクウガ, Murasaki no Kūga).

Titan Form's finishing move is the "Calamity Titan" (カラミティタイタン, Karamiti Taitan), a powerful sword thrust wherein Kuuga twists the blade as it is impaled.

Appearances: Kuuga Episode 10, 14, 23, 24, 29, 30, 35, 39, 42, 45

By allowing himself to be the conduit for electricity to power the Amadam, Yusuke obtained upgraded versions of his standard forms. Known as Kuuga's Golden Power for its additional gold trimmings and extensions and the mark of power (chikara (力, chikara) written in ancient Lynt) on the back of Kuuga's hands.

Initially, Yusuke could only access Rising Forms for 30 seconds before reverting back to the respective base forms or even Growing Form if he has sustained too much damage. This handicap was removed after Yusuke's second electrotherapy.

Just like the main forms and the Growing Form, the Rising mode is never called by its actual name, but is referred to as The Golden Power (金の力 Kin no Chikara).

Rising Mighty

Rider Statistics:

Rider Height: 200 cm^[4]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]
Rider Weight: 104 kg^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]

Rider Senses:

Eyesight: Several 10 times human^[4]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 5.7 t^[9]^{[note 7]}
Kicking Power: 22 t^[9]^{[note 8]}
Maximum Jump Height: 29 m^[9]^{[note 9]}
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 5.2 seconds^[7]

Special Attacks:

Rising Mighty Kick: 50 t^[4]^[5]^[6]^[8]

Mighty Form was enhanced by the golden power into Rising Mighty (ライジングマイティ, Raijingu Maiti). Compared to Mighty Form, Kuuga's punching power slightly increases while his kicking power and jumping height double.

The Mighty Anklet (マイティアンクレット, Maiti Ankuretto) is equipped in the right leg, empowering it and upgrading Kuuga's Mighty Kick to the Rising Mighty Kick (ライジングマイティキック, Raijingu Maiti Kikku). Its power is more than triple that of the normal Mighty Kick and causes the target to explode with the blast radius of a few city blocks.

Appearances: Kuuga Episode 30, 33, 42, 45, 46

Rising Dragon

Rider Statistics:

Rider Height: 200 cm^[4]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[10]
Rider Weight: 92 kg^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[10]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 1.7 t^[10]^{[note 10]}
Kicking Power: 5.8 t.^[10]^{[note 11]}
Maximum Jump Height: 50 m^[5]^[6]^[7]^[10]
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 2 seconds^[7]

Rising Dragon (ライジングドラゴン, Raijingu Doragon) is the upgraded version of Dragon Form. Compared to Dragon form, Kuuga's punching power, kicking power, and jumping height are all increased.

The Dragon Rod is upgraded to the Rising Dragon Rod (ライジングドラゴンロッド, Raijingu Doragon Roddo), turning it into a double-sided spear.

This form's finisher is the Rising Splash Dragon (ライジングスプラッシュドラゴン, Raijingu Supurasshu Doragon), in which Kuuga lunges forward and stabs a target with the Rising Dragon Rod.

Appearances: Kuuga Episode 28, 41

Rising Pegasus

Rider Statistics:

Rider Height: 200 cm^[4]^[7]^[8]^[11]
Rider Weight: 99.9 kg^[4]^[5]^[7]^[8]^[11]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 1.5 t^[11]^{[note 12]}
Kicking Power: 4.5 t^[11]^{[note 13]}
Maximum Jump Height: 20 m^[11]^{[note 14]}
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 5.2 seconds^[7]

Special Attacks:

Rising Blast Pegasus: 50 t^{[note 15]}

Rising Pegasus (ライジングペガサス, Raijingu Pegasasu) is the upgraded version of Pegasus Form. Kuuga's parameters do not change, but the amount of time he can use the form has increased by 30 seconds, for a total of 1 minute and 20 seconds.

The Pegasus Bowgun is upgrade to the Rising Pegasus Bowgun (ライジングペガサスボウガン, Raijingu Pegasasu Bōgan), lengthening it and enabling it to fire more often.

This form's finisher is the Rising Blast Pegasus (ライジングブラストペガサス, Raijingu Burasuto Pegasasu), in which Kuuga fires a large volley of shots in quick succession at a target.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 25, 26, 33, 39-41

Rising Titan

Rider Statistics:

Rider Height: 200 cm^[4]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[12]
Rider Weight: 122 kg^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[12]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 15 t^[12]^{[note 16]}
Kicking Power: 18 t^[12]^{[note 17]}
Maximum Jump Height: 13 m^[12]^{[note 18]}
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 7.2 seconds^[7]

Titan Form was the first of Kuuga's forms to be upgraded by the golden power, becoming Rising Titan (ライジングタイタン, Raijingu Taitan). Kuuga's stats and parameters do not change, but his Titan Sword is upgraded into the longer Rising Titan Sword (ライジングタイタンソード, Raijingu Taitan Sōdo). In addition of this, he can create a second Rising Titan Sword and dual wield them.

With a single sword, this form's finisher is the Rising Calamity Titan (ライジングカラミティタイタン, Raijingu Karamiti Taitan), a stronger version of the Calamity Titan. With both swords, Kuuga can execute the Double Rising Calamity Titan (ダブルライジングカラミティタイタン, Daburu Raijingu Karamiti Taitan) attack, impaling his target with two blades at once.

Appearances: Kuuga Episode 24, 30, 35, 41

Amazing Mighty

Rider Statistics:^[4]^[6]^[13]^[14]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 125 kg

Rider Senses:

Eyesight: Several 10 times human^[4]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 40 t^[14]
Kicking Power: 75 t^[13]^[14]
Maximum Jump Height: 45 m^[14]

Special Attacks:

Amazing Mighty Kick: 75 t^[4]^[5]^[6]

In need of greater power, Kuuga accessed Amazing Mighty (アメージングマイティ, Amējingu Maiti), his super form and an upgrade of Rising Mighty. This form is stronger than any of the forms that came before it, and, being another upgrade of Mighty Form, is well-balanced. This form's black and gold color scheme foreshadows Kuuga's next and final form, Ultimate Form.

As none of Kuuga's forms are called by their proper names in the series, Amazing Mighty was referred to as Black Kuuga (黒のクウガ, Kuro no Kūga).

Amazing Mighty equips Kuuga with a Mighty Anklet on both legs, allowing him to execute the Amazing Mighty Kick (アメージングマイティキック, Amējingu Maiti Kikku), a nigh-powerful drop kick version of the Rising Mighty Kick with both feet covered in electricity, causing the target exploded in a large, flaming pillar that almost pierced the atmosphere.

Appearances: Kuuga Episodes 46 & 47

Ultimate Form

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KRKu-Kuugaultimatedarkeye — Ultimate Form (Dark Eye)

Rider Statistics:^[4]^[6]^[7]^[13]

Rider Height: 200 cm
Rider Weight: 150 kg

Rider Senses:

Eyesight: Several 10 times human^[4]

Ability Parameters:

Punching Power: 80 t^[7]^[13]
Kicking Power: 100 t^[7]^[13]
Maximum Jump Height: 90 m^[4]^[6]^[7]^[13]
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 2 seconds^[7]

Special Attacks:^[4]

Ultimate Punch: 80 t
Ultimate Kick: 100 t

Ultimate Form (アルティメットフォーム, Arutimetto Fōmu) is Kuuga's final form and the combination of all of his forms' power. In this form, Kuuga is also referred to as the Supreme Warrior (最高戦士, Saikō Senshi). This form puts Kuuga at risk of losing control and becoming a monster bent on destruction like Daguva, and can only be controlled by a person of pure heart. When Kuuga loses control, his eyes change color from red to black. Thus, this state is called Ultimate Form (Dark Eye) (アルティメットフォーム（ダークアイ）, Arutimetto Fōmu (Dāku Ai))^[15]. When in battle, Ultimate Form is able to see human forms of every Gurongi (like on Daguva's case), and every one of its attacks is guaranteed to draw blood. This form has roughly the same amount of power as Daguva himself and possesses the same powers as him, as shown by his ability to use Pyrokinesis.

Ultimate Form also has the ability to use any of Kuuga's weapons, but this was never shown. Also unseen was Ultimate Form's most powerful attack, the "Ultimate Kick" (アルティメットキック, Arutimetto Kikku), which is said to be easily capable of destroying the entire world (citation needed).

In Kamen Rider Decade, Ultimate Form is also shown to be capable of the Ultimate Punch (アルティメットパンチ, Arutimetto Panchi), a punch coated with hot flames.

Appearances: Kuuga Episode 35 (vision), 40 (vision), 47 (vision), 48, Over Quartzer

Rising Ultimate

Rider Statistics:^[4]^[16]

Rider Height: 210 cm
Rider Weight: 150 kg

Rider Senses:

Eyesight: Several 10 times human^[4]

Ability Parameters:^[4]^[16]

Punching Power: 100 t
Kicking Power: 120 t
Maximum Jump Height: 110 m
Maximum Running Speed: 100 m per 1 second

Rising Ultimate (ライジングアルティメット, Raijingu Arutimetto) is a further evolution of Ultimate Form, originally accessed by Yusuke Onodera, and seen to be used by Yusuke Godai in Kamen Rider Wizard's finale episode. Being a direct upgrade of Ultimate Form, it comes with the same risks as it. Rising Ultimate surpasses nearly all of Kuuga's fellow Kamen Riders in sheer power. Presumably, it has all of the same abilities as Ultimate Form.

In this form, Kuuga's finisher is the Rising Ultimate Kick (ライジングアルティメットキック, Raijingu Arutimetto Kikku). It also has a flaming punch attack called the Rising Ultimate Punch (ライジングアルティメットキック, Raijingu Arutimetto Panchi).

This form is exclusive to Wizard Episode 53.

Kuuga Gouram

"Final Form Ride: K-K-K-Kuuga!"

―Transformation announcement^[src]

Rider Statistics

Rider Length: 270 cm^[17]
Rider Width: 120 cm^[17]
Rider Weight: 250 kg^[17]

Ability Parameters:

Maximum Flying Speed: 100 m per 0.72 seconds^{[note 19]}

Kuuga Gouram (クウガゴウラム, Kūga Gōramu) is Kuuga's Final Form Ride, a flying mechanical beetle similar to the Gouram. Decade is able to ride the Kuuga Gouram, using the Final AttackRide: Kuuga Card to perform the Mighty Kick-like Decade Assault (ディケイドアサルト, Dikeido Asaruto) on targets captured in the Kuuga Gouram's pincers.

This form was only ever assumed by Godai in Kamen Rider Wizard's finale episode.

This form is exclusive to Wizard Episode 53.

Equipment

Devices

Arcle - Transformation belt
Amadam - Power source

Weapons

Dragon Rod - Dragon Form's personal staff
- Rising Dragon Rod - Upgraded version used by Rising Dragon Form
Pegasus Bowgun - Pegasus Form's personal gun
- Rising Pegasus Bowgun - Upgraded version used by Rising Pegasus Form
Titan Sword - Titan Form's personal sword
- Rising Titan Sword - Upgraded dual swords used by Rising Titan Form
Mighty Anklet - Kick-enhancing anklet worn by Rising Mighty Form and Amazing Mighty Form

Vehicles

TryChaser 2000 - First Rider Machine
BeatChaser 2000 - Second Rider Machine
Gouram - Mechanical beetle which transforms into armor for TryChaser or BeatChaser

Legend Rider Devices

Ever since Kamen Rider Decade, Kamen Riders' arsenals have featured an assortment of Legend Rider-based collectible devices, including many for Kuuga.

Rider Cards

Several Rider Cards allow Tsukasa Kadoya/Kamen Rider Decade to access the power of Kuuga.

KamenRide: Kuuga (カメンライドクウガ, Kamen Raido: Kūga): Transforms Decade into Kuuga Mighty Form. If used by Diend, it would presumably summon Kuuga.

FormRide: Kuuga Dragon (フォームライドクウガドラゴン, Fōmu Raido: Kūga Doragon): Transforms Decade into Kuuga Dragon Form, wielding the Dragon Rod.
FormRide: Kuuga Pegasus (フォームライドクウガペガサス, Fōmu Raido: Kūga Pegasasu): Transforms Decade into Kuuga Pegasus Form, wielding the Pegasus Bowgun. Since Decade was only in this form for a few seconds, it is unknown if it would inflict the same sensory overload as Kuuga.
Form Ride: Kuuga Titan (フォームライドクウガタイタン, Fōmu Raido: Kūga Taitan): Transforms Decade into Kuuga Titan Form, wielding the Titan Sword.

Final KamenRide: Kuuga Ultimate (ファイナルカメンライドクウガアルティメット, Fainaru Kamen Raido: Kūga Arutimetto): This card adorns the chest of Decade's Complete Form when he uses the K-Touch to summon Kuuga Ultimate Form.
Final KamenRide: Kuuga Rising Ultimate (ファイナルカメンライドクウガライジングアルティメット, Fainaru Kamen Raido: Kūga Raijingu Arutimetto): In Kamen Rider Decade: The Last Story, Kuuga's Final KamenRide card is changed to Rising Ultimate, including the cards on Decade Complete Form's chest armor. As Kuuga is present, it transforms him into Rising Ultimate.

File:Final Form Ride Kuuga Gouram.jpg

Final FormRide: Kuuga Gouram

Final FormRide: Kuuga Gouram (ファイナルフォームライドクウガゴウラム, Fainaru Fōmu Raido Kūga Gōramu): This card transforms Kuuga into a creature similar to the Gouram, giving him the ability to fly. In Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider W & Decade: Movie War 2010, Kuuga gains a new stronger Final FormRide called the Ultimate Kuuga Gouram (アルティメットクウガゴウラム, Arutimetto Kūga Gōramu), which he can transform into at will in Ultimate Form, or can be triggered by Decade's Final FormRide: All Rider Card. In Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbaride, Decade uses the Final FormRide: Kuuga Ball card to change Kuuga into a dodgeball-like form to perform the Decade Dodge attack.

File:Final Attack Ride Kuuga.jpg

Final AttackRide: Kuuga

Final AttackRide: Kuuga (ファイナルアタックライドクウガ, Fainaru Atakku Raido: Kūga): Allows Decade to perform the Decade Assault (ディケイドアサルト, Dikeido Asaruto), a Mighty Kick-like attack launched from the back of Kuuga Gouram while he grabs the target in his pincers.

Several toy-exclusive Gaia Memories based on Kuuga exist.

Kuuga Memory (クウガメモリ, Kūga Memori)
Kuuga Ultimate Form Memory (クウガアルティメットフォームメモリ, Kūga Arutimetto Fōmu Memori)

The Kuuga Medal (クウガメダル, Kūga Medaru) is toy-exclusive and was never used canonically.

Demonstrated exclusively in Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing, the Kuuga Switch (クウガスイッチ, Kūga Suitchi) is a Cross Astroswitch that arms Fourze with the Kuuga Module (クウガモジュール, Kūga Mojūru) on his right leg, which increases kicking damage.

Kuuga Ring (クウガリング, Kūga Ringu): This Wizard Ring summons the original Kuuga himself.

File:Kuuga Dragon Ring.jpg

Kuuga Dragon Form Ring

Kuuga Dragon Form Ring (クウガドラゴンフォームリング, Kūga Doragon Fōmu Ringu): Toy-exclusive Ring. Presumably summons Kuuga in his Dragon Form.

File:Kuuga Pegasus Ring.jpg

Kuuga Pegasus Form Ring

Kuuga Pegasus Form Ring (クウガペガサスフォームリング, Kūga Pegasasu Fōmu Ringu): Toy-exclusive Ring. Presumably summons Kuuga in his Pegasus Form.

File:Kuuga Titan Ring.jpg

Kuuga Titan Form Ring

Kuuga Titan Form Ring (クウガタイタンフォームリング, Kūga Taitan Fōmu Ringu): Toy-exclusive Ring. Presumably summons Kuuga in his Titan Form.

File:Rising Ring.jpg

Kuuga Rising Ultimate Ring

Kuuga Rising Ultimate Ring (クウガライジングアルティメットリング, Kūga Raijingu Arutimetto Ringu): Toy-exclusive Ring. Presumably summons Kuuga in Rising Ultimate.

Nominally used by Knuckle, the Kuuga Lockseed (クウガロックシード, Kūga Rokkushīdo) is used in the Sengoku Driver or Genesis Driver to access Kuuga Arms. Its finishers are based on Kuuga's forms:

Squash: "Dragon Form!" (ドラゴンフォーム！, Doragon Fōmu!)
Au Lait: "Pegasus Form!" (ペガサスフォーム！, Pegasasu Fōmu!)
Sparking: "Titan Form!" (タイタンフォーム！, Taitan Fōmu!)

File:Signal Legend Kuuga.jpg

Signal Legend Kuuga

Based on the TryChaser 2000, the Signal Legend Kuuga Bike (シグナルレジェンドクウガバイク, Shigunaru Rejendo Kūga Baiku) allows Mach to activate a Kourin Signal Legend (レジェーンド, Rejēndo). When used in the DX Drive Driver, it gives the sound for a Tire Exchange into Drive: Kuuga (ドライブ・クウガ, Doraibu - Kūga).

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"Kaigan! Kuuga! (Arcle powering up) Chō henshin! Kawaru zenshin! (Mighty Form transformation noises)"

―Transformation announcement with Ghost Driver^[src]

"Tengan! Ghost! Mega Ulord!"

―Transformation announcement with Mega Ulorder^[src]

The Kuuga Ghost Eyecon (クウガゴースト眼魂, Kūga Gōsuto Aikon) is one of the 16 title Kamen Riders' Ghost Eyecons, with its primary user being Kamen Rider Ghost. It shows the number R01 on its Startup Time setting, Kuuga Mighty Form's face on its Transformation Time setting, and Kuuga's symbol on its Move Invocation Time setting.

Kuuga's Eyecon/Damashii is exclusive to Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing.

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"Bouken Yarou Kuuga!"

―Activation announcement^[src]

"Gashat! Let's Ride! Metcha Ride! Mutcha Ride! What's your Ride!? I'm a Legend Rider!"

―Level 1 announcement^[src]

"Gachan! Level Up! (Arcle activation noise) Mighty Form! Mighty Kick! Bouken Yaro~! Kuuga! (Proto Mighty Action X-styled song)"

―Level 2 announcement^[src]

"A Gacha! Mighty Dragon! Pegasus Titan! Rising Amazing! Ultimate! Kuuga! (Arcle finalized-transformation noise) (Mighty Brothers XX-styled song)"

―Level 3 announcement^[src]

"Kimewaza! Bouken Yarou Critical Strike!"

―Gamer Driver finisher announcement^[src]

"Kimewaza! Bouken Yarou Critical Finish!"

―Weapon finisher announcement^[src]

"Kimewaza! (Word from other Gashat's name) Kuuga Critical Finish!"

―Gashacon Key Slasher finisher announcement^[src]

Adventure Guy Kuuga (冒険野郎クウガ, Bōken Yarō Kūga): Based on Kamen Rider Kuuga. Used to activate Kuuga Gamer Level 1, advances to Level 2 after pulling the lever on the Gamer Driver.

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"(Digital beeping) Kuuga!"

―Activation announcement^[src]

"Super transform with the ancient belt! The Rider who protects smiles is... (clock ticking noise) Kuuga! (古代のベルトで超変身！笑顔を守るライダーは…クウガだ！, Kodai no beruto de chō henshin! Egao wo mamoru Raidā wa... (Clock ticking noise) Kūga da!)"

―Secondary activation announcement^[src]

"Rider Time! (Epic string music, followed by Mighty Form transformation noise) Kuuga! (Arcle post-transformation noise)"

―Transformation announcement in the Ziku-Driver's right-hand slot^[src]

"(Right-hand Ridewatch's announcement)! Armor Time! (Epic string music, followed by Mighty Form transformation noise) Kuuga! (Arcle post-transformation noise)"

―Rider Armor transformation announcement^[src]

"Finish Time! Mighty Time (Break/Burst)!"

―Finisher announcement in left-hand slot^[src]

Kuuga Ridewatch (クウガライドウォッチ, Kūga Raidowotchi): Based on Kamen Rider Kuuga Mighty Form, this Ridewatch provides access to the KuugaArmor used by Zi-O. It is dated 2000.

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"(Digital beeping) Amazing Mighty!"

―Activation announcement^[src]

"A black body with the power electric shocks! Kuuga Amazing Mighty! (電撃の力を宿した黒きボディ！クウガアメージングマイティ！, Dengeki no chikara o yado shita kuroki bodi! Kūga Amējingu Maiti!)"

―Secondary activation announcement^[src]

"(Right-hand Ridewatch's announcement)! Armor Time! (Epic string music) Amazing! (electric shocks with Arcle post-transformation noise)"

―Rider Armor transformation announcement^[src]

"Finish Time! Amazing Time (Break/Burst)!"

―Finisher announcement in left-hand slot^[src]

Kuuga Amazing Mighty Ridewatch (クウガアメージングマイティライドウォッチ, Kūga Amējingu Maiti Raidowotchi): Based on Kamen Rider Kuuga Amazing Mighty, this Ridewatch would provide access to a corresponding Rider Armor. It is dated 2000.

Kuuga Ultimate Form Ridewatch (クウガアルティメットフォームライドウォッチ, Kūga Arutimetto Fōmu Raidowotchi): Based on Kamen Rider Kuuga Ultimate Form, this Ridewatch would provide access to a corresponding Rider Armor. It is dated 2000, but shown on the Ziku-Driver's screen as FIN.

KRZiO-Another Kuuga Ridewatch — Kuuga Anotherwatch

Another Kuuga Watch (アナザークウガウォッチ, Anazā Kūga Wotchi): A twisted version of the Kuuga Ridewatch used to transform into Another Kuuga.

"Mighty!"

―Activation announcement^[src]

"Kuuga's ability!"

―Second activation announcement^[src]

"Authorise!"

―Transformation standby announcement^[src]

"Progrise! Two thousand skills! ThumbsUpping Kuuga! A new hero. A new legend."

―Transformation announcement with the Hiden Zero-One Driver^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Impact!"

―Finisher announcement with the Hiden Zero-One Driver^[src]

"ThumbsUpping (Bit/Byte/Kilo/Mega/Giga/Tera) Impact!"

―Empowered finisher announcement with the Hiden Zero-One Driver^[src]

"Shotrise! ThumbsUpping Kuuga! A new hero. A new legend."

―Transformation announcement with the A.I.M.S. Shotriser^[src]

"Mighty! ThumbsUpping Blast!"

―Finisher announcement with the A.I.M.S. Shotriser in Gun Mode^[src]

"Mighty! ThumbsUpping Blast Fever!"

―Finisher announcement with the A.I.M.S. Shotriser in Belt Mode^[src]

"Forcerise! ThumbsUpping Kuuga! A new hero. A new legend. Break down."

―Transformation announcement with the MetsubouJinrai Forceriser^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Dystopia!"

―Finisher announcement with the MetsubouJinrai Forceriser^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Utopia!"

―Secondary finisher announcement with the MetsubouJinrai Forceriser^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Strash!"

―Uncharged finisher announcement with the Attache Calibur^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Dynamic!"

―Charged Finisher announcement with the Attache Calibur^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Shot!"

―Uncharged finisher announcement with the Attache Shotgun^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Buster!"

―Charged Finisher announcement with the Attache Shotgun^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Shoot!"

―Uncharged finisher announcement with the Attache Arrow in Arrow Mode^[src]

"ThumbsUpping Kaban Strike!"

―Charged finisher announcement with the Attache Arrow in Arrow Mode^[src]

ThumbsUpping Kuuga Progrisekey (サムズアッピングクウガプログライズキー, Samuzuappingu Kuuga Puroguraizu Kī): Based on Kamen Rider Kuuga, this Progrisekey's ability is "Mighty".^[18]

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"A New Legend Kuuga!"

―Activation announcement^[src]

"Kono Senshi no Tanjou ga, Densetsu wo Nurikae Aratana Rekishi wo Umidashita...^[19]

Translation:The birth of this warrior rewrote the legend and made a new history... (この戦士の誕生が、伝説を塗り替え新たな歴史を生み出した…)"

―Story announcement^[src]

A New Legend Kuuga Wonder Ride Book (アニューレジェンドクウガワンダーライドブック, A Nyū Rejendo Kūga Wandā Raido Bukku) is based on Kamen Rider Kuuga and his forms. The book's name is shortened to "Kuuga" in the Swordriver's announcements.

Behind the scenes

Portrayal

Yusuke Godai was portrayed by Joe Odagiri (オダギリジョー, Odagiri Jō). In Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen, Kuuga was voiced by Naoki Imamura (今村直樹, Imamura Naoki). In the newly released Kamen Rider Battride War, he was voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki, who also voices his A.R. counterpart.

As Kamen Rider Kuuga, his suit actor was Kenji Tominaga (富永研司, Tominaga Kenji), his motorcycle action suit actor was Takumi Narita (成田匠, Narita Takumi). Kenji Tominaga returned to do suit work for the A.R. World Kuuga in episodes 25 and 26 of Kamen Rider Decade and in Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker. He once again served as suit actor for Kamen Rider Kuuga in Super Hero Taisen.

Etymology

"Kuuga" in Japanese comes from the readings of "clear-self" (空我, Kūga). This possibly relates to how the user of the Arcle must have a "drive" to fully use the power of the belt. "Godai" is a homophone of "ancient" (古代, Kodai) and is translates to "five generations" and is also one of the names for the five elements in Japanese philosophy. These relates to Kuuga's identity was an Ancient Lynt Warrior and Kuuga's forms have relations to the five elements. The other basis of Kuuga's name is Japanese word for stag beetle - "kuwagatamushi" (鍬形虫, "kuwagatamushi"), which is Kuuga's motif.

Rider No.

15th Kamen Rider newspaper (Kuuga) — A 1999 newspaper introducing the "15th" Rider.

As the leading Rider protagonist of Kamen Rider Kuuga, Yusuke Godai (Kamen Rider Kuuga) is labeled Kamen Rider #16 (仮面ライダー16号, Kamen Raidā Jūrokugō) and Heisei Rider #1 (平成ライダー1号, Heisei Raidā Ichigō). ^{[Quiz! Decade Countdown!!]} Before this definition in this Decade net movie, Kuuga was originally labeled The 15th Kamen Rider (第15代目の仮面ライダー, Dai Juugo Daime no Kamen Raidā), as Kamen Rider Black RX was initially seen as a form change for Kamen Rider Black rather than as a separate Rider.

In Popular Culture

In the Haiyore! Nyaruko-san OVA "How to Defeat a Kind Enemy", Nyarko paraphrases Godai's famous speech from episode 2 of Kuuga: "For the sake of protecting everyone's smiles, I will become a magical girl! So please watch!" She then performs Godai's transformation pose to change into her magical girl identity. Additionally, in episodes 1 and 6 of the 2012 anime, Nyarko performs the Mighty Kick against her opponents, complete with Godai's trademark shout "Oriyaa!".

Notes

See also: Kamen Rider Kuuga (Rider)#Notes

Kuuga appears to be based on the power of N-Daguva-Zeba. Daguva draws power from an Amadam like Kuuga and is an example of a user having lost himself to darkness and evil as risked by using Ultimate Form, as visible in the visual resemblance between Daguva and Ultimate Form. The Lynt symbol for Kuuga is also adopted from Gurongi symbols and resembles Daguva's symbol.
Not only is Kuuga the first Kamen Rider of the Heisei Era, but he is also the first Kamen Rider to have a stag beetle motif, followed by Kamen Rider G3, Garren, Gatack, and OOO's Gatakiriba Combo.
Godai is the only Heisei Primary Rider to have no secondary nor extra Riders to aid his battle, though this may have been due to the fact that Ishinomori had worked on Kuuga before his death, and the staff of the series left him to fight the Gurongi alone Rider-wise as a tribute to the creator.

Kuuga Ultimate Concept Art — Early concepts designs of Ultimate Form

Kuuga's Ultimate form is the Heisei Rider final form with the shortest number of appearances in their respective series to date, with its only appearances only as a silhouette in some episodes and its proper debut in one episode before the finale. It also doubles as the latest Final Form to debut in the franchise.
Since it is Yusuke Onodera who became Kuuga in All Riders vs. Dai-Shocker, it can be assumed that Yusuke Godai is the only original Heisei Rider who did not participate in the battle against Dai-Shocker, given that (aside from Kamen Rider Black) the other Riders like Agito, Ryuki, etc. are the original Kamen Riders themselves, rather than their AR counterparts.
Unlike Yusuke Onodera who initially lost control when he became Rising Ultimate, Yusuke Godai easily managed to control said form on his first on-screen transformation.
Kuuga Ultimate form is the only Final Form that was never summoned and/or used by Kamen Rider Decade Complete Form in the series, not counting the time when he did summon him together with the other Heisei Kamen Riders in their respective final forms in Kamen Rider Decade: Protect! The World of Televikun and the game, Kamen Rider: Battride War.
Ultimate Form's weapons were referred to in the official data, but never seen in the series proper. However, the weapons were included with the Souchaku Henshin action figure, where they were depicted as identical to the Rising weapons, with the blue/green/purple parts recolored to black.
- There were early designs that depicted Ultimate Form with its own unique weapon: an arm-mounted unit with similar design cues to the Arcle.
If Kuuga's series is indeed connected to Agito's series, perhaps the reason Yusuke did not fight the Lords was that his Arcle wasn't completely repaired at the time.
- This may also explain why he didn't officially reappear until OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let's Go Kamen Riders.
Yusuke's words of giving hope to everyone and his thumb up signature is similar to Shin Asuka/Ultraman Dyna, the protagonist from the series with the same name.
Masaya Matsukaze who played Shun Namiki (MegaBlue) in Denji Sentai Megaranger, auditioned for the role of Yusuke but was unsuccessful.
Kuuga's series of forms and upgrades would eventually set a precedent for the standard sequence of alternate forms and upgrade forms possessed by most modern Heisei Phase 2 Riders: Main Forms (Mighty, Dragon, Pegasus, Titan), Upgrade Forms (Rising forms), Super Forms (Amazing Mighty), and Final Forms (Ultimate Form). He even possesses an Extra Final Form (Rising Ultimate) and a Incomplete Form (Growing Form).