Katsuhiko Yano


 * For the version from the original Kamen Rider series, see Hayato Ichimonji.

Hayato Ichimonji (一文字 隼人), formerly known as Katsuhiko Yano (矢野 克彦), is an alternate version of the original Hayato Ichimonji from Kamen Rider, the original series.

The First
In Kamen Rider The First, unlike the series, Hayato Ichimonji was completely rewritten. Formerly known as Katsuhiko Yano, the lover of Asuka Midorikawa, Katsuhiko was killed by the Shocker Inhumanoid Spider, with his lifeless body recovered and turned into a cyborg similar to Hongo. His brain was altered to believe he was a man named Hayato Ichimonji in competition for Asuka's affection. Like all Inhumanoids created by Shocker, Ichimonji suffers the wasting disease that results from being experimented on and needs a transfusion only Shocker scientists can execute to survive. Ichimonji originally served as Hongo's enemy, and later as a hesitant ally who fights to uphold his own principles. He disappears at the end of the movie, leaving his helmet on the road.

The Next
Ichimonji returns in the sequel Kamen Rider The Next. He has apparently managed to survive the two years following The First, and lives the lifestyle of a popular bar regular in Ginza. Like Hongo, his Hopper uniform has become scarred and dented, including the scratched out remains of the Shocker logo on his gloves and back. However, he still suffers from his body rejecting its reconstruction. Without Shocker's aid to manage his body, the effects on Ichimonji had become more life threatening and debilitating. By the time he returns to support Hongo, he insists on aiding him in spite of his condition. Towards the end of the film, his condition has become so severe that he coughs up blood through the mouth of his mask, and was nearly killed if not for V3's intervention. After the battle, he leaves in a similar manner to the first film, carrying his helmet over his shoulder. Soon after, Ichimonji finally accepts his inevitable death, and dies peacefully in the company of women in the same club he visited at the start of the movie.

Portrayal
This version of Hayato Ichimonji was portrayed by Hassei Takano (高野 八誠). Hassei Takano previously played Miyuki Tezuka/Kamen Rider Raia in Kamen Rider Ryuki. As Hopper 2, his suit actor was Mark Musashi (マーク 武蔵). In his return in Kamen Rider The Next, Kamen Rider 2's suit actor was Tomohiko Akiyama (秋山 智彦).