For devoted fans of the Kamen Rider franchise, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider offers a unique blend of heartfelt homage and adult drama, exploring the lives of ordinary people deeply inspired by the iconic heroes. Episode 13, which premiered on December 27, 2025, delves deep into the emotional core of the series, shifting focus from grand battles against Shocker to the simmering, unresolved conflicts within the “Kamen Rider” group’s own ranks, particularly the strained relationship between siblings Ichiyo and Futaba Shimamura. This installment, titled “Futaba Explodes With Hatred and Resentment Toward Her Brother,” is a pivotal character-driven episode, laying bare years of bottled-up frustration and introducing a significant new figure in Futaba’s past.
A Deep Dive into Sibling Strife: Futaba vs. Ichiyo
The core of Episode 13 revolves around an intense confrontation between Futaba Shimamura and her older brother, Ichiyo Shimamura. While previous episodes have hinted at underlying tension, this episode brings Futaba’s deep-seated resentment to a boiling point. Her anger stems from Ichiyo’s lifelong obsession with Kamen Rider, an obsession that, from her perspective, has negatively impacted her relationships and overall life.
Ichiyo’s delusion that he is Kamen Rider V3 and that those around him are merely supporting characters in his heroic narrative has caused significant emotional damage to Futaba. He genuinely believes any anger directed at him is fleeting, a temporary setback in a hero’s journey, much like the episodic conflicts in the Kamen Rider shows he idolizes. This detachment from reality prevented him from recognizing the depth of Futaba’s enduring hatred and disappointment. The episode powerfully portrays Futaba’s struggle to make Ichiyo comprehend the real-world consequences of his actions and how his “heroic” pursuits have made him a “villain” in her personal story.
The Emotional Weight of Ichiyo’s Trauma
Beyond his Kamen Rider obsession, Ichiyo is revealed to be a character suffering from immense childhood trauma. He and his younger brother, Mitsuba, witnessed the brutal murder of their grandparents by a Shocker monster during a home invasion. This horrific event, coupled with the disbelief from authorities, cemented in his child’s mind the belief that Shocker was real and that he, as Kamen Rider V3, was destined to fight them. This trauma fuels his unwavering commitment to his delusional identity, making it nearly impossible for him to separate himself from the persona. The episode explores how this personal history, while tragic, has blinded him to the pain he inflicts on those closest to him.
The Introduction of Tiger Master and Futaba’s Fighting Style
A significant revelation in Episode 13 is the introduction of Tiger Master, the individual who trained Futaba to fight. Futaba’s unique fighting style, characterized by wrestling moves and air-based attacks, including powerful kicks and knees, is attributed to Tiger Master‘s tutelage. This backstory explains Futaba’s surprising combat prowess and adds another layer to her character. It is implied that her motivation for training was, in part, a desire to confront or even “kill” her brother due to her deep resentment.
The episode also hints at a darker subplot involving Tiger Master, suggesting that someone wants her dead, possibly a former culprit from her past as a policewoman who hunted criminals. This subplot introduces new elements of mystery and potential danger for Futaba and the larger group, broadening the scope of the narrative beyond just Shocker and the faux Kamen Riders.
Broader Thematic Explorations
Episode 13 serves as a crucial bridge in the Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider narrative, highlighting several key themes:
- The Cost of Obsession: The episode starkly portrays how Ichiyo’s all-consuming obsession with
Kamen Rider, fueled by childhood trauma, has alienated him from his sister and distorted his perception of reality. - Unresolved Trauma: It demonstrates the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma and how individuals cope with it, sometimes by retreating into elaborate delusions.
- Familial Conflict: The dramatic clash between Futaba and Ichiyo underscores the complexities of family relationships, showcasing how resentment can build over years if not addressed.
- Defining Heroism: The episode implicitly asks what it truly means to be a hero. Is it just about fighting villains, or does it also involve confronting personal flaws and taking responsibility for one’s impact on others?
While not a massive action climax, Episode 13 is a powerful character study that enriches the emotional landscape of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. It sets the stage for potentially significant character development and further exploration of the intricate personal motivations driving the series’ cast. The series is confirmed to continue with a second cour in January 2026, promising more of these compelling character arcs and meta-commentary on the Kamen Rider legacy.
