The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yokusaru Shibata’s popular manga, “Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to be a Masked Rider” (Tōjima Tanzaburō wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai), has unveiled its second promotional video, alongside significant additions to its voice cast and production staff. Fans can mark their calendars as the series is officially set to debut in October 2025. This latest announcement builds on the initial reveal at AnimeJapan 2025, further hyping the unique story of a 40-year-old man’s unwavering dream to become a Kamen Rider.
Second Promotional Video Showcases New Glimpses
The newly released second trailer offers an extended look into the world of Tanzaburo Tojima, providing deeper insights into the animation style, character interactions, and the tone of the upcoming series. This video is crucial for fans eagerly awaiting more visuals beyond the first teaser, which premiered in March. The trailer effectively highlights the blend of action and comedy inherent in the narrative, giving viewers a taste of what to expect from LIDEN FILMS’ animation work.
Expanding the Voice Cast Ensemble
While Katsuyuki Konishi was previously announced to voice the titular protagonist, Tanzaburo Tojima, the latest update introduces several prominent voice actors joining the cast. New additions include Ai Kayano, Fairouz Ai, Kenichi Suzumura, and Soma Saito. These talented individuals are expected to bring depth and nuance to the supporting characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Konishi, known for roles such as Tengen Uzui in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, expressed his long-standing appreciation for Shibata’s works and his enthusiasm for portraying Tanzaburo, a character driven by a passionate, lifelong dream.
Key Production Staff Details
The core production team behind “Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to be a Masked Rider” remains consistent, with several experienced names helming the project. Takahiro Ikezoe is directing the anime, bringing his expertise from works like Show By Rock!!. The series composition is handled by Toko Machida, while Cindy H. Yamauchi is responsible for character design. The music for the series is being composed by TeddyLoid, promising an engaging auditory experience. Animation production is managed by LIDEN FILMS, a studio recognized for its dynamic visual storytelling. This combination of staff aims to faithfully adapt the manga’s unique blend of humor, action, and heartfelt dedication.
Anticipated October 2025 Debut
The anime is now confirmed to premiere in October 2025, setting it up as one of the highly anticipated releases of the Fall anime season. This definitive release window provides fans with a clear timeline for when they can immerse themselves in Tanzaburo’s journey. The production committee’s strategic staggered release of information, from the initial announcement to the second video and cast reveals, has steadily built anticipation for its launch.
Background of “Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to be a Masked Rider”
The anime is based on the manga by Yokusaru Shibata, created in collaboration with Toei and Ishimori Productions. The manga first began serialization in Monthly Hero’s magazine in May 2018. Following the magazine’s closure in October 2020, its serialization continued on the Comiplex website from November 2020 onward. As of April 2025, sixteen tankōbon volumes of the manga have been released.
The narrative centers on Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man who, despite his age, remains fiercely committed to his childhood dream of becoming a Kamen Rider. Just as he contemplates giving up on this lifelong aspiration, he unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a high-profile crime spree involving a group calling themselves the “Fake Shocker” gang. This twist of fate thrusts Tanzaburo into a real-life scenario where his passion for heroism might finally be put to the test, turning his imaginative play into a dangerous reality. The series explores the theme of balancing childhood dreams with adult reality, presenting a hot-blooded and passionate tale that resonates with anyone who has ever held onto an unwavering dream.
What to Expect from the Anime
“Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to be a Masked Rider” is poised to be a unique entry in the Fall 2025 anime lineup, particularly for fans of the Kamen Rider franchise and tokusatsu genre as a whole. The anime is expected to be a heartfelt homage to classic hero shows, emphasizing the heroic spirit rather than simply parodying a fantastical ambition. With a dedicated production team and a strong voice cast, the adaptation aims to capture the essence of Shibata’s original work, delivering a story that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant. The series promises an “all-out, no-holds-barred game of ‘real Kamen Rider’ played from the soul,” inviting viewers to shout along with Tanzaburo in his pursuit of justice.
