Most people know Kamen Rider Kuuga for being the show that made an impact to many things. The Odagiri effect is named after the main actor in Kuuga, Odagiri Joe. You can find more about the Odagiri effect online. Kuuga also helped restore the kamen rider franchise and why it is still going on today. Back in the 90s, the kamen rider franchise didn't air any series until kuuga in 2000. The difference between shows back then to today can be seen in Kuuga to many factors.

Story: The plot in Kuuga is quite simple. The monsters in the series are called Unidentified lifeforms number # (or grongi) that have revived. Godai Yusuke is chosen to become kuuga (unidentified lifeform number 4). When you watch kamen rider, you have to consider what are the goals for the villians. In kuuga it is simple, the unidentified lifeforms just want to kill humans for their game of killing a certain amount. Sounds pretty simple and cliche but it is actually dark. You see today in kamen rider or other tokusatsu shows killing people is not common anymore. In Kuuga death is common and it plays a huge factor into characters. What makes Kuuga special is how the show feels like a Japanese drama than a typical kamen rider show. It has features in it like police action and elements of human drama or slice of life. Kuuga has only one kamen rider in it compared to today, almost all kamen rider shows has more than 1 rider. Having one kamen rider in kuuga, helped made it feel unique. Kuuga felt like a big deal to the people in the city as he was their hope to defeat the ULFs. Also the police in this show are useful than other kamen riders series as they learn from the ULF and improve to help kuuga defeat the ULFs. The show is also violent in scenes of blood during some Kuuga fights. Adding scenes of blood helps the realism of the show that creates drama.

Acting/Cast/Characters : Kuuga couldn't be successful without Odagiri Joe as Godai Yusuke. Godai is a happy positive guy that makes others smile. Godai is a great main character as he balances the personality of one that isn't too comedic nor serious. There are many things about Godai that make him who is he as I remember him after. His iconic gesture of giving a thumbs up to people, his joyful smile, the 2000 skills he knows, the blue sky he adores, or just being a great human being in getting through to people who are sad/mad. Godai Yusuke would not be the character he is if not for Odagiri Joe.

In Kuuga, the supporting characters are some of the best in kamen rider. My favorite has to be Godai's elementary school teacher. His first appearnce in the 2 part episode is still my favorite episodes of Kuuga. Ichijo is a police oficer that leads the police team when the ULF appear. Ichijo is mostly called as the second "kamen rider" in Kuuga from fans due to his fearlessness of fighting along with Godai in his battles. What is great about Ichijo is that he does not always rely on Godai. Other characters are friends with Godai or his younger sister help make Kuuga great due to their connections, usefulness, or stories with Godai.

Music: The opening for Kuuga is legendary like most kamen rider openings. It fits the mood of the show well. Some memorable lyrics from the opening is "No Fear! No Pain!". Kuuga has an ending song that is rare in kamen rider shows these days. The endning song of Kuuga is a mood to calm down and feel better after watching an episode of kuuga.

Rewatch value: I finally decided to watch Kuuga as I have seen mostly all other kamen rider shows and wonder how great is Kuuga. The way Kuuga feels like a Jdrama than a normal toku show, plays a part to how I would want to watch kuuga again. Watching Godai's positive personality over again would be a joy.

Overall : If there is a goat in Kamen Rider, then Kuuga/Godai Yusuke is that goat of kamen rider. I can see why he is so popular and beloved. If you ever want to watch kamen rider then choose Kuuga as your first. If you like Jdramas, then Kuuga is right for you because it feels the closest to one.