 According to creator Shotaro Ishinomori (qv), "Kikaider" is a  cross between the Japanese word "kikai" (Japanese for "machine") and  the English word "rider" (as in Ishinomoris other famous superhero,  Masked Rider/_"Kamen Raidâ" (1971)_ (qv)). However, these two  "rider" superheroes are different by theme; Masked Rider is a  cyborg, and Kikaider is an android.