The world of tokusatsu has seen countless heroes don the mantle of Kamen Rider, but few stories capture the enduring dream quite like Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. This anime series follows Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old construction worker whose lifelong aspiration is to become a Kamen Rider, despite the fictional nature of the heroes he admires. When a wave of “Shocker-like” crimes emerges, Tojima finally gets his chance to live out his childhood fantasy, blending heartfelt ambition with comedic situations. Episode 9, titled “The Ultimate Tournament Begins!”, marks a pivotal moment, delivering both uproarious humor and significant character development through its highly anticipated matchups.
The Ultimate Tournament Kicks Off
Episode 9 plunges viewers into the long-awaited Ultimate Tournament, an event designed to test the mettle of its eclectic participants. The episode features two primary battles that are central to its narrative and comedic thrust: the unique confrontation between Tojima and Yukarisu, and the deeply personal grudge match between the Shimamura brothers, Ichiyo and Mitsuba.
Tojima’s Quest for a “True” Shocker Fight
The opening match of the tournament pits the titular hero, Tanzaburo Tojima, against Yukarisu. However, what begins as a conventional fight quickly veers into comedic territory. Tojima, ever the purist, expresses his reluctance to fight an “ordinary girl.” His true desire is to face a legitimate Shocker combatant, reflecting his deep-seated commitment to his Kamen Rider ideals. This leads to a humorous exchange where Tojima vehemently begs and goads Yukarisu into transforming into her Shocker combatant form, creating one of the episode’s memorable moments. Once she transforms, Tojima swiftly defeats her with a single, powerful Rider Punch, satisfying his desire for a “real” fight and underscoring his formidable, if quirky, strength.
The Shimamura Brothers’ Grudge Match: Ichiyo vs. Mitsuba
Following Tojima’s brief but impactful match, the episode shifts its focus to the emotionally charged showdown between the Shimamura brothers, Ichiyo and Mitsuba. This battle serves as the culmination of a decade-long rivalry, exploring themes of sibling dynamics, recognition, and the burden of living in a hero’s shadow.
Mitsuba, who has long been relegated to the role of sidekick while his older brother Ichiyo embraced the hero persona, finally gets his chance to prove his worth. The fight is depicted with intense animation, showcasing Mitsuba’s honed skills and strategic fighting style, often parrying Ichiyo’s attacks and using his own momentum against him. This contest is more than just a physical struggle; it’s a profound exploration of their relationship, stemming from a childhood where their grandparents were tragically killed by a Shocker monster during a home invasion.
The brothers’ clash highlights their fundamental differences: Mitsuba is portrayed as a more well-adjusted individual with empathy, a stable job, and relationships, in stark contrast to Ichiyo’s more singular, almost obsessive, focus on being “the strongest Kamen Rider”. The fight reaches its climax with both brothers unleashing powerful “Rider Punches” simultaneously. Ultimately, Mitsuba emerges victorious, not just over Ichiyo in the physical sense, but in reaffirming his identity as Riderman, asserting himself not as a sidekick but as a true Kamen Rider in his own right. Ichiyo’s eventual acknowledgment of Mitsuba’s strength and status brings an emotional conclusion to their long-standing conflict.
Deeper Themes and Series Context
Episode 9 encapsulates the unique charm of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, blending comedic absurdity with genuine emotional depth and thrilling action sequences. The anime, which premiered in October 2025, is an adaptation of the manga by Yokusaru Shibata, co-produced with Toei Company and Ishimori Productions. The series resonates with fans due to its distinctive premise: a middle-aged man’s unwavering dedication to a fictional hero, and how that dedication manifests in a world where “fake Shocker” criminals begin to appear.
The show masterfully balances its satirical elements, parodying tokusatsu tropes, with moments that honor the spirit of Kamen Rider. The animation, particularly in Episode 9, has been praised for its stunning quality during fight scenes. The character development, especially for Mitsuba in this episode, demonstrates the series’ capacity for compelling storytelling beyond its humorous exterior.
Looking ahead, the tournament promises further exciting battles, with Tojima set to face Tackle next, ensuring that the blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt homages to the Kamen Rider franchise will continue. The series continues to stream on platforms like Crunchyroll, with new episodes releasing weekly.
