Yuzuki Hirakawa Wraps Up 'Kamen Rider Z-ETS' on Her Birthday as Fans Mourn Character's Shocking Exit

Actress Yuzuki Hirakawa, who appeared in the tokusatsu drama series Kamen Rider Z-ETS, has officially completed filming for the production, according to posts on Toei's official social media accounts. Hirakawa played the role of Kureha Miyamoto (Code Number: Six), a pivotal character who left a lasting impression on viewers as a cool and composed warrior.

According to the official announcement, the day Hirakawa finished filming—known in the industry as her "all-up"—also happened to be her birthday. On this special day, which marked both a major milestone in her career and the beginning of a new year of her life, she was met with warm celebrations on set. Fans responded with enthusiasm, commenting, "It's so dramatic that her filming wrap and birthday fell on the same day," and "What a perfect way to end it."

On the other hand, many fans expressed deep sorrow over the shocking exit of her character, Kureha Miyamoto. Kureha had served as a close friend and ally to the protagonist, Nasuka, but met a ruthless end in the latest episode. Social media has been flooded with grieving messages such as "I wanted to see more of her in action" and "Is there no chance for a revival?" with many holding out hope for a reappearance. Fans also specifically praised Hirakawa's husky, commanding voice, her dignified presence, and her skill in intense action sequences.

Following her notable role in the Super Sentai series Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger, Hirakawa successfully made her mark in the Kamen Rider franchise. Having now performed in two of Japan's major tokusatsu series, attention is shifting to her future endeavors. Among some fans, expectations are high that she might eventually appear in the Ultraman series to complete the "Big Three" tokusatsu franchises.

Having masterfully navigated demanding stunts and a tragic character arc, Yuzuki Hirakawa’s departure from the series is bittersweet for the audience. While her exit is sad news for fans of the show, there is immense anticipation for the next stage of her career as an actress.

The Context: Japan’s "Big Three" Tokusatsu Franchises

In Japan, the term "tokusatsu" refers to live-action films or TV shows that utilize heavy special effects, typically involving superheroes or giant monsters. The three most iconic and long-running franchises in this genre are Kamen Rider, Super Sentai (the source material for the Western Power Rangers), and Ultraman. It is relatively rare and highly celebrated for an actor to play major roles in more than one of these franchises. Yuzuki Hirakawa gained significant popularity playing Rita Kaniska in 2023's Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger, and her move to Kamen Rider was seen as a major step in her career. The term "all-up" is a common Japanese industry term derived from "wrap up," signifying that an actor has finished all their scenes for a production.