I can't say for sure, it's just when it comes to SHFs Sakurajima came out almost immediately whenever they made an Ichigo as a variant, while the original design was never made.

And while I don't know if it can be considered as an example, the reboot Ichigo seen in Zi-O's Final Stage was in his The Next suit, which is based more than Sakurajima. It's a shame because The First Ichigo looks far more beautiful.

Ah, that reminds me of another one I can add to this topic: I actually like the "The First" Suits for KRs 1 and 2 more than the originals. I felt they were great (at the time) modern updates to their classic looks, as well as helping to make the two easier to tell apart.

Granted, I've never heard anyone say they out and out hate the movie suits, but still.

I'd love to see that. I think the blue-green and pink eyes of original Ichigo is such a unique and iconic look, I'd love to see it used more. I was really happy that Ichi-Gata used those colors

I'll go on record to say I like the Sakurajima suit and it is my favorite of all the Ichigo variants.

I prefer the white belt over the red version by a longshot. I've also never been a fan of the double stripes on the arms. I suspect the design of Ichigo we see more often now (silver gloves) was an attempt to make him look more heroic for kids. First appearance Kamen Rider as well as Sakurajima look like they could be villians, which is in keeping with Ishinomori's idea of a hero born from something originally created for evil.

No epic BGMs.

I would say the reason it has its following is because it is an iconic suit variant that commemorates the return of Takeshi Hongo during the original Kamen Rider show. Because let's not forget, Fujioka had that accident during filming and had to temporarily leave for 30-something episodes, so returning to the show after so many months is enough to get fans fired up for the grand rebirth of the first rider ever. Plus it is a nice color scheme. :lolol

I'm sick of the whole secondary riders personally being the whole "I'm the asshole antihero that is a jerk to everyone and becomes friends later on" cliche. Birth is one of my favorite secondary riders because he felt like a chill guy and was not OOO's arch enemy.

Beast Morphers is still a Neo Saban season. Praising Hasbro for Beast Morphers other than the toys isn't really warranted.

Although to be fair you can clearly tell Dino Fury is going to be the first full fledged Hasbro season.

Don't forget Magical Girl Beast. :lolol

^Oh yeah, I almost forgot about Beast. I enjoy a good anti-hero secondary rider like Knight, Accel, and Zeronos because those characters have more going for them. Secondary riders like Specter was so bland because he follows the typical cliche anti hero from Kamen Rider and other Shonen anime.