Veteran actor Hiroshi Fujioka, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Takeshi Hongo, the original Kamen Rider #1, is set to reprise his legendary role in the upcoming anime adaptation of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. Fujioka will lend his voice to the character in the first episode of the highly anticipated series, which is slated to begin broadcasting in Japan on October 4, 2025. Crunchyroll has also confirmed that it will stream the series as part of its Fall 2025 anime simulcast lineup.
This announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans, marking a significant return for the actor who first donned the mantle of the masked hero in the original 1971 Kamen Rider TV series. Fujioka’s enduring legacy as Kamen Rider is a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture, making his involvement a special event for the new anime.
The Return of an Icon: Hiroshi Fujioka as Takeshi Hongo
Hiroshi Fujioka is synonymous with the Kamen Rider franchise, having originated the role of Takeshi Hongo, a brilliant biochemist transformed into a cyborg by the evil organization Shocker, who then rebels to fight for justice. His powerful performance and dedication to the character established the foundation for a global phenomenon.
Fujioka’s reprisal in Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider sees him once again embody Takeshi Hongo, bringing his authentic voice and experience to the character that defined a generation of tokusatsu heroes. His involvement adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia, connecting the modern anime directly to the roots of the franchise.
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider: A New Era of Fandom
The Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider anime is based on a popular seinen manga series written and illustrated by Yokusaru Shibata, with cooperation from Toei and Ishimori Productions. The story centers on Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man who harbors an intense, lifelong obsession with the Kamen Rider franchise and dreams of becoming a hero himself.
Tojima’s mundane life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a group of robbers dressed as Shocker combatants, forcing him to confront his aspirations and change his fate. The anime explores themes of heroism, passion, and the enduring appeal of the Kamen Rider legacy through the eyes of a dedicated fan.
Creative Team Behind the Anime
The anime adaptation is being brought to life by a talented production team:
- Director: Takahiro Ikezoe (known for Show By Rock!!) is at the helm.
- Animation Studio: LIDEN FILMS is handling the animation.
- Series Composition: Toko Machida is responsible for the series scripts.
- Character Designs: Cindy H. Yamauchi is designing the characters.
- Music: TeddyLoid is composing the score.
Katsuyuki Konishi, a well-known voice actor, stars as the protagonist Tanzaburo Tojima. The collaboration between Fujioka and Konishi was highlighted in a special comment video where both actors discussed their recording experience and even delivered Kamen Rider’s signature “Rider Kick!”
Broadcast and Streaming Information
The Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider anime will premiere on Tokyo MX and other stations in Japan on October 4, 2025. For international audiences, Crunchyroll will be simulcasting the series, making it accessible to Kamen Rider fans worldwide. Additionally, early preview screenings of the first five episodes are scheduled to run for one week in Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo and T-Joy Umeda in Osaka, starting October 3.
This blend of classic legacy with a fresh narrative and a dedicated production team promises to deliver an exciting new chapter in the expansive Kamen Rider universe. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see Hiroshi Fujioka reprise his seminal role and witness Tanzaburo Tojima’s journey to embrace his inner hero.
