FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE THIS 3-PART SPECIAL & WANT AN ALTERNATIVE TO TV-NIHON... The special has been translated by 2 different groups:
Scull &
Vanir.
If RiderTime has any plans to sub this, they have not yet done so. Over-Time has shown interest, but have not subbed this yet either.
If I have to make a recommendation, I like giving new groups a chance, so I recommend Vanir. Unless some other group finishes this series first.
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So far, I've only seen the first episode. And yeah, I have to agree with everyone so far. The idea of embracing the ninja way just to save the environment is really dumb...
To be fair to the show, they try to justify it. Basically, Japan has become like the world of Naruto. Everyone has ninja super powers. The show basically implies that with everyone using elemental ninja powers, the people of Japan can stop using industrialization as much. However, they are still making smart technology and holographic technology, not to mention the Rider gear. So I doubt becoming a ninja society is really doing anything... Also, this premise puts Kamen Rider Shinobi and Hattari's abilities in question. If everyone has ninja super powers, what makes Kamen Riders all that special? Oh, right, the show says they are the best, so I guess they are! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Iroha is secretly this ninja princess, and not even she knows of her own lineage. And Rentaro is trying to keep his identity as Kamen Rider Shinobi a secret. Well, I can understand him wanting to down-play his abilities when he's a civilian. But letting Iroha, a ninja prodigy, take place in a huge ninja competition? Wouldn't that make her stand out more, and thus an easier target for the Rainbow Snake organization? Seems like Rentaro has some mixed priorities here...
I don't know, everyone... I like the idea of a ninja-themed Kamen Rider (We had Gaim, so why not?). I even like the idea of making him purple, and many other details too. But it seems like this mini series is going in the same wacky direction as Ninninger. I know they are using an actor from that show, but that doesn't mean they have to go in a similar direction. But so far, if anyone is looking for a ninja Rider with a slightly more serious plot, I'd say wait for Toei to make a real TV show out of it. It just seems weird that Ryuki's special was so respectfully handled, but this is just silliness. Did the creative staff think that kids would probably be more interested in new Riders rather old ones?