Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, the anime adaptation of the popular manga, concluded its initial cour with Episode 12, an episode that masterfully blended celebratory moments with the looming threat of the Shocker organization. Titled “Yukarisu Senses Shocker’s Presence During a Night Out,” the episode aired on December 21, 2025, and marked a significant point in the series, confirming a surprise two-cour run with a total of 24 episodes.
The Post-Tournament Festivities
Episode 12 opens with a festive atmosphere as the group gathers at Izakaya Futaba for a belated wrap-up party, celebrating the conclusion of the “Strongest Decider Tournament.” These moments of camaraderie are central to the appeal of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, showcasing adults who deeply love the Kamen Rider franchise.
During the celebration, Ichiyo once again confesses his feelings to Yuriko, only to face a “merciless” rejection. This lighter, character-driven subplot adds a touch of humor and personal drama amidst the action. The dynamic between the characters, including the restaurant owner’s pragmatic and often comical reactions to the “Rider/Shocker nonsense,” continues to be a highlight for viewers.
Shocker’s Lingering Threat and a Fated Encounter
As the group enjoys their evening, a sudden shift in tone occurs when Yukarisu, Mitsuba’s girlfriend and an undercover Shocker combatant, senses the presence of other Shocker operatives. This heightened awareness from Yukarisu, who has a telepathic connection to other combatants, casts an ominous shadow over the celebratory night.
The episode features a confrontation between Yukarisu and Nakao Hachiro, a former yakuza member who has transformed into a Shocker combatant. Even with their brainwashing potentially worn off, Shocker troopers can still sense each other. The ensuing fight showcases Yukarisu’s prowess, though she initially gets “clobbered” before the other Riders intervene. The combatants—Riderman, Tackle, Tojima, and V3—team up to take on Nakao, demonstrating their collaborative fighting style even in the confines of a restaurant, with V3 comically hitting the ceiling during a kick.
The episode culminates with a significant development: the appearance of new, powerful enemies. A teaser video released alongside the episode’s broadcast confirmed the arrival of “Bat Man” and “Spider Man,” escalating the threats that Tanzaburo Tojima and his allies will face. This sets the stage for the upcoming second cour and promises more intense battles against the true Shocker organization.
The Series’ Broader Context and Future
Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider follows Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old construction worker who, despite realizing the fictional nature of Kamen Rider, continues his physical training, his dream of becoming a Kamen Rider re-ignited by a crime wave mimicking the villainous Shocker organization. The series is praised for being a meta-commentary on the Kamen Rider legacy and its devoted fanbase, offering a “hard reality check” while reaffirming the love for the iconic tokusatsu franchise.
The anime, animated by Liden Films and directed by Takahiro Ikezoe, premiered on October 5, 2025. With Episode 12 marking the end of the first cour, the announcement of a second cour airing in January 2026 confirms a continuous run, much to the anticipation of fans. This extended run will allow for a deeper exploration of the emerging threats and Tojima’s journey to becoming a true hero. The series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in various regions, with new episodes releasing on Saturdays.
