“Now, shall we begin the experiment?”

It’s a phrase used on TV Asahi’s latest series Kamen Rider Build. Kiryu Sento, portrayed by Atsuhiro Inukai, is a genuis physicist. He develops new weapons using the Law of Physics. When he uses special techniques, the formulas appear around him and mathematic formulas are also written on the blackboard in his secret base.

These formulas are developed by real physicists for each episode. Shiraishi Naoto of Keio University serves as the Physics Advisor for the program. He began as a Theoretical Physicist in the Post Doctoral Research program of the university.

In the eleventh episode, Ryuga Banjou, portrayed by Eiji Akaso, states “Your emotions can’t exceed the threshold value, or you can’t sync!” “Metastasis to Synchronization” is also a subject of Physics research. However, it’s not a sync of feelings but behaviors. A real life example would be the behavior of fireflies in Southeast Asia, who flicker their lights at the same rhythm.



On the blackboard in episode 11 are formulas related to the mathematical model once shown by Yoshiki Kuramoto (Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University). Synchro occurs from the fact that each individual has the nature of “Behaving at his own pace” and “trying to fit their surroundings”. Kuramoto showed a mathematical expression of how the two characters were balanced.

The conclusion is easy to understand and fits in well with the experiment. However, the Kuramoto model is an attempt to solve it mathmematically, which has a different outcome. There were problems that arose that have plagued mathematicians for many years, but an Associate Professor at Kyushu University used a new method to make the mathematical solution consistent with the physical observation.

The mathematical expression on the blackboard on Kamen Rider Build is often only presented in fragments. For some fans, it’s a game where fans try to figure out the expression. Every Sunday, after the program airs, Shiraishi and pther Physicicts try to explain the formulas online, and it’s increasing the interest of Science among fans.

This article is also included in the February 2018 issue of Nikkei Science Magazine.

Article Sources: Nikkei