Soshi Kawamoto

*"Now, I am truly in my element!"*

-Soshi's pre-battle catchphrase

**Soshi Kawamoto** (川本 素子 *Kawamoto Soshi*) is the main protagonist of *Kamen Rider Element*. He is the inventor of the Element Tiles, who uses them to transform against the Nocterrors as **Kamen Rider Element** (仮面ライダーシリーズエレメント *Kamen Raida Erumento*).

## General Information

Motifs:

* Periodic Table of Elements
* Chemical Beaker
* Stalk-Eyed Fly

Rider Type: Protagonist, Hero

## History

When Soshi was born, it was quickly discovered that he was a child prodigy of chemistry and technology. This caused him to be discovered by the nefarious organization Helix Cluster. They controlled every aspect of his childhood, from his education to his hobbies. He eventually worked for the company itself creating the Element Tiles and various bits of technology interacting with it. Akio was horrified to learn the truth: his boss was planning to use the Element Tiles to create an army of monsters and take over the world. Barely escaping the company using the Element Driver, he becomes Kamen Rider Element to fight against Helix Cluster and reclaim all of his Element Tiles.

## Personality

Soshi is a genius who wants to use his inventions to protect the world. After Helix Cluster betrayed him, he has trouble trusting people. Because he grew up under Helix Cluster's control, he has difficulty understanding the outside world.

Soshi's personal catchphrase is **"Now, I am truly in my element!"** (*Ima, watashi shika mo ni ga yoso ni imasu!*)

## Forms

Soshi transforms into a form called a **Mode** (モード *Modo*) by inserting the appropriate Element Tile into the Element Driver and spinning the large disc. This covers him in a vortex of colored smoke that forms the suit.

Soshi activates a **Dynamic Strike** (ダイナミック ストライク *Dainamikku Sutoraiku*) finisher by spinning the disc a second time.

#### **Hydrogen Mode**

*"Hydrogen! Hy-Hy-Hy-Hydrogen! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (electronic music)"*

First Foe: Wolf Nocterror

**Hydrogen Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's hydrogen-based primary fighting form, accessed by using the Hydrogen Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form is his most balanced in terms of stats.

Element Driver finishers:

* **Hydrogen Dynamic Strike**: A spinning vortex of red smoke exits the driver and gathers on Element's foot. He runs foward and forms a flying side kick.

Chemicalibur finishers:

* **Hydrogen Dynamic Slash**: Element slashes diagonally twice and then spins around for a final slash. This forms a letter H around his opponent.

#### **Oxygen Mode**

*"Oxygen! Ox-Ox-Ox-Oxygen! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (techno trumpet fanfare)"*

First Foe: Firefly Nocterror

**Oxygen Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's oxygen-themed alternative fighting form, accessed by using the Oxygen Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form is the fastest, while also being the most frail.

Element Driver finishers:

* **Oxygen Dynamic Strike**: A spinning vortex of blue smoke exits the driver and gathers on Element's back. This allows him to sprint all around the opponent for hit-and-run attacks. He does this loads of times until the enemy explodes.

Isoshooter finishers:

* **Oxygen Dynamic Blast**: Element shoots a giant cloud-like drill at the foe.

#### **Sulfur Mode**

*"Sulfur! Su-Su-Su-Sulfur! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (techno drums)"*

First Foe: Rhinoceros Nocterror

**Sulfur Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's sulfur-based alternative fighting form, accessed by using the Sulfur Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form grants him the power to manipulate stone to summon sharp spikes, erect defensive walls, or launch boulder projectiles at his foes.

Element Driver finishers:

* **Sulfur Dynamic Strike**: A spinning vortex of mustard yellow smoke exits the driver and attracts a swarm of rocks around his lower leg. He then performs a flying Rider Kick. An alternative version gathers the rocks around his hands instead, allowing him to perform multiple powerful Rider Punches.

Chemicalibur finishers:

* **Sulfur Dynamic Slash**: A storm of rocks gather in extension of the Chemicalibur's blade. Element then runs his palm across the physical blade, sending yellow energy down its length and sharpening the rocks into a larger blade. This allows for a Rider Slash with a wide radius to destroy a multitude of foes at once.

#### **Xenon Mode**

*"Xenon! Xe-Xe-Xe-Xenon! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (epic sci-fi music)"*

First Foe: Spider Nocterror

**Xenon Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's xenon-based upgrade fighting form, accessed by using the Xenon Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form grants Element the ability to fire sky blue lasers from his palms. When wielding the Isoshooter, he can channel these lasers into the weapon instead for empowered blasts of energy. It also possesses a winged jetpack to grant flight.

**Element Driver** finishers:

* **Xenon Dynamic Strike**: This finisher has two variations.
	+ Element shoots a large energy beam at his foe to tear them apart.
	+ Element jumps into the air and curls up into a ball while spinning around to turn into a massive rainbow-colored meteor that slams down on an enemy.

**Isoshooter** finishers:

* **Xenon Dynamic Blast**: Element shoots a large planet-shaped energy bullet at his foe, trapping them in place. Any attacks used against this planet will cause it to explode like a supernova, destroying the foe within as well.

#### **Iron Mode**

*"Iron! I-I-I-Iron! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (bass-heavy dubstep)"*

First Foe: Bat Nocterror

**Iron Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's iron-based super form, accessed by using the Iron Element Tile in the Element Driver. This is the bulkiest form in Element's arsenal, possessing high offensive and defensive abilities. This form's unique ability is to erect silver-colored forcefields around Element that increase his already impressive defenses even further. This form's greatest weakness is its weight, which makes it very slow. Its weight also puts strain on Soshi's body, though repeated usage of this form has negated this.

Element Driver finishers:

* **Iron Dynamic Strike**: Element summons a purple vortex of smoke that splits apart and gathers into both fists. He then charges at his foe and pummels them repeatedly, each punch creating a shockwave for additional damage. After wearing down the enemy, he channels the purple energy into one of his legs and finishes his foe with a roundhouse kick and one last massive shockwave.

#### **Uranium Mode**

*"Uranium! Ur-Ur-Ur-Ur-Uranium! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! To the MAX! (metal with screaming crowds)"*

First Foe: Cobra Nocterror

**Uranium Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's uranium-based final form, accessed by using the Uranium Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form was created by weakening the Uranium Tile's radioactive properties with energy from his other five Element Tiles.

This form actually less defensive than Iron Mode, but makes up for it with higher attack power. This form can mimic the abilities of the other Modes Element possesses, with Uranium's versions being superior to the original.

Element Driver finishers:

* **Uranium Dynamic Finish**: Element summons a green vortex of smoke that surrounds his entire body in a green energy aura. Element then shoots five colored energy shots behind himself before charging at his foe. He then performs a flying Rider Kick before the energy shots connect with his foe.

#### **Neon Mode**

*"Neon! Ne-Ne-Ne-Neon! (standby loop, followed by spinning the wheel) Ionize! (hip hop music with record scratches)"*

**Neon Mode** is Kamen Rider Element's neon-themed Hyper Battle Video form, accessed by using the Neon Element Tile in the Element Driver. This form is the frailest form of Element, with its stats being comparable to Kuuga's Growing Form or Ryuki's Blank Form. Its unique ability is to draw neon colored lines in mid-air to create solid matter. These lines can also be grabbed out of the air after being drawn to be used as a bludgeon, allowing this form to survive without using any of Element's sidearms. However, the weak physical stats caused Soshi to not use this form again after its initial usage.

Element Driver finisher:

* **Neon Dynamic Strike**: Element summons a orange vortex of smoke in front of him, physically grabbing it to surround it in blue lines. After spinning in place once, he throws the vortex at his foe like a frisbee, the edges extending spikes to turn the vortex into a buzzsaw that slices through its target.

## Equipment

**Devices**

* Element Driver: Transformation Device
* Element Tiles: Collectible Devices

**Weapons**

* Chemicalibur: Primary weapon, especially in Hydrogen and Sulfur Modes
* Isoshooter: Main weapon in Oxygen and Xenon Modes

**Vehicles**

* Enjishinki: Element's Rider Machine

## Legend Rider Devices

### Heisei Era Legend Rider Devices

**KamenRide: Element**: This Rider Card can be used to transform a Decade-type Rider (Decade himself or Eon) into Element Hydrogen Mode. When used by a Diend-type Rider (Diend or E-Vade), it summons a duplicate of Element to fight alongside the summoner.

The **Element Switch** is a Circle-type Astro Switch that arms Fourze with the Chemicalibur-themed **Element Module** on his left arm, which allows him to perform his own version of the Dynamic Slash.

The **Element Ring** is a Wizard Ring which summons Element when scanned onto a Wizard's belt.

The **Element Lockseed** is a Japanese-style Legend Rider Lockseed which can be used in the Sengoku Driver or Genesis Driver to access Element Arms.

Transformation Announcement: *Mixture no Kagaku, Yeah!* (Mixture of Elements, Yeah!)

The **Signal Legend Element Bike** is a special Signal Bike based on the Enjishinki. When used by Drive, it accesses the Tire Exchange form called **Drive: Element**.

The **Element Ghost Eyecon** is one of the Seigi Legendary Eyecons which is primarily used by Kamen Rider Specter to access Element Damashii. Its Startup Time is labelled S01, its Transformation Time setting depicts Element Hydrogen Mode's face, and its Move Invocation Time setting is a depiction of Element's personal symbol.

The **Chemical Master Element Gashat** (*Kemikaru Masuta Eremento Gasshatto*) is a Legend Rider Gashat based on Kamen Rider Element. When used in the Gamer Driver's first slot, it transforms the user into a form called Element Gamer.

* *(Digital beeping) Element!*
* *Miyo! Kagaku genso to tatakau seigi no Rider wa...(clock ticking noise) Element da!*

Translation: Behold! The Rider of justice who fights with chemical elements is... (clock ticking noise) Element!

* *Rider Time! Ionize! Element!*
* *(Right-hand Ridewatch's announcement) Armor Time! Ionize! Element!*
* *Finish Time! Dynamic Time (Break/Burst/Jack/Snap/Surge)!*

The **Element Ridewatch** is based on Kamen Rider Element Hydrogen Mode and can be used in the left-side of the Ziku-Driver to access Element Armor.

The **Another Element Ridewatch** is a twisted version of the Element Ridewatch which can be used to transform into Another Element. It can also be created by corrupting the Zi-O Element Tile.

### Reiwa Era Legend Rider Devices

* *Reaction!*
* *Element's ability!*
* *Progrise! Chemical mixture! Ionizing Element! An innocent victim with dangerous substances.*

The **Ionizing Element Progrise Key** is a Legend Rider Progrise Key based on Kamen Rider Element. Its ability is "Reaction" and its transformation announcement is based on Punching Kong.

* *Kagaku Ronbun no Element!*
* *Toaru tensai wa, kagaku to ketsui o tsukatte kare ga hikiokoshita ayamachi o tadasou to shite imasu.*

Translation: A certain genius seeks to right the wrongs he caused using science and determination.

The **Kagaku Ronbun no Element Wonder Ride Book** (Scientific Paper of Element) is a red-colored Wonder Ride Book of the Legend category based on Kamen Rider Element and his forms. The book's name is shortened to "Element" in the Swordriver's announcements.

The **Dolphin Vistamp** is a Seigi-type Vistamp based on Kamen Rider Element and the bottlenose dolphin. It is primarily used by Kamen Rider Oni to access his Dolphin Genomix.

### Seigi Era Legend Rider Devices

The **Element Beast Heart** is a red-colored Legend Rider Beast Heart which contains the power of Kamen Rider Element. It would allow the user to control the chemical elements and bend them to their will. If used in a Shiro Driver, it would presumably unlock access to the hypothetical Element Tower. The Awakening Button is emblazoned with Element's personal symbol.

The **Element Jumon Onpu** (Element Music Note; Based on Kamen Rider Element and experimental pop) is a red-colored Legend Rider Jumon Onpu which can be used in the Gosenfu Driver to access the hypothetical Element Gakusho.

The **Element Planet Pod** is a red-colored Legend Rider Planet Pod based on Kamen Rider Element which was made on the planet Charon by a Deliverer who loved Kamen Riders.

## Symbolism

Like previous Kamen Riders, Soshi has direct connections to his enemies. He created the Element Tiles that Helix Cluster uses to create Nocterrors and uses them as a Kamen Rider.

Each of Element's forms are based on a specific chemical element as well as a classical element. Each also possesses a minor design motif fitting the form's abilities.

* **Hydrogen Mode**: Hydrogen (水素 *Suiso*), Water, Scientist
* **Oxygen Mode**: Oxygen (酸素 *Sanso*), Air, Track Runner
* **Sulfur Mode**: Sulfur (硫黄 *Iou*), Earth, Coal Miner
* **Xenon Mode**: Xenon (キセノン *Kisenon*), Space, Alien
* **Iron Mode**: Iron (鉄 *Tetsu*), Metal, Medieval Knight
* **Uranium Mode**: Uranium (ウラン *Uran*), Nuclear, Pro-Wrestler
* **Neon Mode**: Neon (ネオン *Neon*), Light, Graffiti Artist

## Etymology

**Soshi** is a Japanese word with many meanings that can also be used as a masculine given name. The kanji used here refers to an "element", specifically an individual component of a machine. Other meanings include "humble fare", "ancestral city/town", "founder of a religious sect", "basic ambition", and "prevention".

**Kawamoto** is a Japanese surname which most often means "the river's origin".

Element's Rider name is an English word which originates from the Latin word *elementum*, meaning basic principle. It has various different meanings depending on the context it is used in. Each one listed has symbolic meaning when related to Soshi (indicated in italics).

* In general terms, elements are the simplest parts that make up any individual concept. *Soshi learns that he was a part of Helix Cluster's larger scheme to take over the world.*
* In chemistry, the elements are basic substances made up of atoms that cannot be decomposed. *Kamen Rider Element, as a season, is primarily based on the Periodic Table of Elements that lists every chemical element currently known.*
* In ancient philosophy and alchemy, the four elements are the basic forms of matter that make up the universe: fire, water, earth, and air. *Three of Element's forms are based on these elements (Hydrogen Mode represents water, Oxygen Mode represents air, and Sulfur Mode represents earth. The fourth element of fire is represented by Element's partner, Kamen Rider Blazen.)*
* In law, an element is a necessary component or aspect of a lawsuit that must be fulfilled. *Soshi was the most crucial component to Helix Cluster's evil plan, as it would have failed without his involvement.*
* Some can use this term to refer to poor weather conditions, as seen in the phrase "exposed to the elements". *Element empowers himself using smoke vortexes that resemble hurricanes.*

Soshi's Rider Machine is modeled after the Honda CMX500 Rebel, and is based on a centrifuge. Its name is a combination of *enji* (meaning engine) and *enshinki* (the Japanese word for centrifuge).

## Notes

* Element's Rider design takes a lot of design cues from Kamen Rider Build, such as his color scheme and the slickness of the design.
* Element originally only had six forms (Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sulfur, Iron, Uranium, and Neon). Xenon Mode was added later, and replaced Iron Mode as Element's first-quarter power-up.
* Unlike many previous Riders, Element can not use any of the Element Tiles possessed by his partner Blazen. Blazen's tiles are activated through heat, which the Element Driver can't produce normally.
* Similarly, Element wouldn't use any of the Element Tiles used by the Nocterrors because the process of corrupting them permanently taints them and drastically decreases their power when not used as a Nocterror. However, Ganbarizing and concept art would show what these forms would hypothetically look like.
* Soshi's catchphrase is a pun on his chemical and philosophical element theme, as the phrase used refers to a state where one is best suited to survive.