Imagine a world where the heroes of your childhood exist not just in fiction, but as an aspirational reality. For Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old construction worker, that reality is Kamen Rider. This beloved franchise takes an intriguing turn in Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, a manga-turned-anime that explores the fervent desires of adults who long to embody their masked heroes in a world suddenly facing real-life “Shocker” threats. Episode 10, titled “Risking Your Life,” delivers a powerful and unexpected showdown that delves deep into the essence of what it truly means to be a Kamen Rider.
The Premise of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is a Japanese manga series penned and illustrated by Yokusaru Shibata, with official cooperation from Toei Company and Ishimori Productions, making it an authentic spinoff of the iconic Kamen Rider franchise. The story centers on Tanzaburo Tojima, a man who, despite turning 40, steadfastly holds onto his childhood dream of becoming a Kamen Rider. His secluded physical training takes an unexpected turn when he learns of a crime wave perpetrated by individuals mimicking the villainous organization “Shocker,” reigniting his desire to become a true hero. An anime television series adaptation, produced by Liden Films, premiered in October 2025, bringing Tojima’s heartfelt journey to a global audience.
Episode 10: “Risking Your Life” Overview
Episode 10, officially titled “Risking Your Life” (命を懸けるの, Inochi wo Kakeru no), aired on December 7, 2025, in Japan and December 6, 2025, on Crunchyroll. This installment is a pivotal part of a tournament arc within the series, focusing intensely on the third match: a fierce contest between Tanzaburo Tojima and Yuriko Okada. The episode not only showcases intense action but also serves as a profound character study, exploring the psychological and emotional depths that drive these adult fans to embody their chosen heroes.
A Clash of Ideologies: Tojima vs. Yuriko
The central conflict of “Risking Your Life” is the battle between Tojima and Yuriko. Both are dedicated to their Kamen Rider ideals, but they approach the concept from different angles:
Tojima’s Unyielding Power and Belief
Tojima’s strength is described as purely physical and raw. He has spent years honing his body through heavy labor and mimicking the moves of the original Kamen Rider show, rather than formal martial arts training. His power stems from an unextinguishable fire in his heart – a profound belief that when he wears his mask, he is Kamen Rider. This conviction allows him to push his body far beyond normal human limits, demonstrating an otherworldly endurance. He embodies the Rider’s spirit of never giving up and never retreating, even when physically battered. His “Rider Punch” is depicted as incredibly powerful, capable of knocking down even monstrous foes.
Yuriko’s Skill, Devotion, and Breakthrough
Yuriko Okada, a 24-year-old high school teacher, grew up admiring Electro-Wave Human Tackle from Kamen Rider Stronger. Unlike Tojima, Yuriko is a skilled fighter with actual martial arts and wrestling training, making her a far more technical combatant. Initially, she struggles against Tojima’s sheer resilience, feeling like an “ineffective glass cannon” against his relentless assault.
A pivotal moment for Yuriko in this episode is her emotional breakthrough regarding Tackle’s death in Kamen Rider Stronger. She had long held frustration over Tackle’s sacrifice, and unleashing this bottled-up emotion allows her to unlock a deeper level of power. She realizes that, like Tojima channeling Kamen Rider, she too can embody the spirit of Tackle, driven by her profound love for the character.
The Power of Belief: Channeling the Riders
Episode 10 highlights a core theme of the series: the power of belief in manifesting heroic abilities. Both Tojima and Yuriko’s fighting capabilities seem to transcend normal human limits not through supernatural means, but through an intense psychological identification with their idols. Tojima’s unwavering conviction that he is Kamen Rider allows him to endure incredible punishment and deliver devastating blows. Similarly, Yuriko’s realization that her love for Tackle can be a source of strength enables her to “embody Tackle” and fight with renewed determination, even seemingly mimicking some of Tackle’s signature electrical attacks. The episode strongly suggests that the depth of one’s belief and love for the Kamen Rider spirit is what truly enables these individuals to become heroes in their own right.
The Unexpected Outcome and Future Implications
“Risking Your Life” culminates in a surprising and emotionally charged finish. Despite Tojima’s relentless determination and seemingly unbreakable spirit, Yuriko manages to achieve victory. After pushing Tojima to his absolute limits, with both combatants bleeding and their masks shattered, Yuriko delivers a decisive blow, reportedly a “double armed DDT variant” or an “electric wave throw,” that knocks Tojima out.
This outcome is significant for several reasons:
- Subversion of Expectations: Many viewers expected Tojima, as the titular character and seemingly the physically strongest, to dominate the tournament. Yuriko’s win demonstrates that genuine belief, combined with skill and emotional resolve, can overcome raw power.
- Yuriko’s Growth: This victory is a major character development for Yuriko, validating her dedication to Tackle and her own heroic aspirations. She moves on to the finals of the tournament, where she is set to face Mitsuba (Rider Man).
- Tojima’s Resilience: Even in defeat, Tojima’s unwavering spirit is emphasized. A humorous post-credits scene shows that he can only be revived by having his Kamen Rider mask placed back on him, underscoring that his identity and power are intrinsically linked to his heroic persona.
Episode 10 of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is hailed as one of the best episodes of the series, not just for its action, but for its deep exploration of character, conviction, and the profound impact of heroism. It solidifies the show’s unique take on the Kamen Rider legacy, proving that the heart of a hero can burn brightly in anyone who truly believes.
