Yeah, let's watch anime: Episode 244 is "Tōjima Dansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider," based on a manga by Yokosaru Shibata. A 40-year-old single man takes his "Kamen Rider pretend play" seriously.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/338/G033856/20251007038/
Editorial Department: maru | 2025/10/15 23:00 (UTC)
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.014 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata
The manga artist Yokusaru Shibata, known for works like “Air Master” and “Hachinan Diver,” has been serializing his superhero comic, “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” in the monthly magazine Heroes since its launch. Currently, it is being published on the webcomic site Comiplex.
Thus, the title of this episode of “Let’s Watch Anime!” (Episode 244) is the anime adaptation of that very work: “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” airing every Saturday at 24:30 on TOKYO MX and other channels. The production is handled by Leyden Film, with series composition by Makoto Mita, known for Shōwa Meirokukotsu Zenshū and Shin Saito Den YAIBA, while the director is Takahiro Ikuzumi, who previously directed “SHOW BY ROCK!!” and “Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion Z.”
“Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider”
Tōjima Tansaburō (CV: Katsuji Kobayashi), who idolizes the tokusatsu hero “Kamen Rider,” lives a rigorous lifestyle—working odd jobs, then retreating into the mountains to train his body relentlessly in pursuit of becoming a real Kamen Rider.
Over time, he has developed combat skills strong enough to fight bears. Yet despite all this effort, Tōjima is now 40 years old. The thought of his beloved Kamen Rider merchandise being left behind after his lonely death—thrown haphazardly into a trash bag—becomes unbearable, and he ultimately lets go of everything.
Then, a news report catches his eye: “Shocker Appears!” It turns out to be nothing more than a robber dressed as a Shocker combatant. Devastated by the revelation, Tōjima is startled when fate intervenes during a summer festival—where he unexpectedly encounters the very same Shocker robber.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata Thumbnail image for Gallery No.004 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata
Unable to contain his passion any longer, Tōjima buys a “Kamen Rider 1” mask from a street vendor. Putting it on, he undergoes an unexpected transformation—achieving even greater physical abilities than before—and effortlessly defeats the Shocker robbers.
However, one woman watching the news report titled “Kamen Rider Appears!” feels bitter and uneasy. She is Okada Yuriko, a female teacher who idolizes “Tackle,” a character from Kamen Rider Stronger. She had hoped to be the first to catch the Shocker robber herself.
Wanting to Become Kamen Rider
The original “Kamen Rider” debuted in April 1971 and ran until February 1973—over fifty years ago. It exploded in popularity among children at the time, evolving into a national hero that continues today with titles like Kamen Rider V3, Kamen Rider X, and even the latest release of Kamen Rider Zetsu in the Reiwa era.
Tōjima, too, was once an ordinary boy who dreamed of becoming such a hero. But unlike most fans, his path diverged sharply: he dedicated his entire life until age 40 to physical training solely to become Kamen Rider.
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.008 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata
Of course, countless adult fans collect Kamen Rider merchandise and remain devoted to the franchise. But Tōjima takes this obsession to an extreme—his dream isn’t just fandom; it’s becoming the hero himself.
As a result, he never married, held no stable job, and now lives alone as a 40-year-old single man. Yet fate intervenes when he encounters a real event—and steps into genuine, earnest “Kamen Rider cosplay.”
This series portrays the passion of adults who still dream of being heroes, capturing their emotional intensity and the humorous yet heartfelt contrast between fantasy and reality. For reference, Tōjima’s idol is Kamen Rider 1, while “Tackle” refers to a female cyborg character from Kamen Rider Stronger.
Full-On Yokusaru-Style Animation
The original manga artist Shibata is renowned for his unique dialogue style and chaotic worldbuilding, earning him a loyal fanbase. His signature traits include exaggerated close-ups of faces and poignant scenes featuring adult tears—elements the production team has carefully preserved in this anime adaptation.
On its official X account, the show released before-and-after comparison images showing how facial effects and visual processing transform key moments. Be sure to check out how Tōjima’s ultimate “Rider Kick” from Episode 1 evolves through post-production.
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#TōjimaRider
Episode 1? Processing??━━??＿??━━
We’ve released side-by-side comparisons of the first episode’s final scene, showing how visual processing changed the image. https://t.co/kzeAzgQlWx pic.twitter.com/VzxLBNkFqu
— Official Anime “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider” (@tojima_rider) October 6, 2025
Additionally, with full support from Ishinomori Productions and Toei, the anime is packed with clever nods that longtime fans will appreciate. In Episode 1, actor Hiroshi Fujika, known for his role as Son Goro in Kamen Rider, appears as a special guest voice actor portraying the character on-screen.
In addition to Fujika’s appearance, an exclusive video message from Katsuji Kobayashi—the voice of Tōjima himself, who also played a Shocker combatant in the movie Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders vs. Great Shocker (2009)—has been released.
Fans of V3 and Riderman Join In
In Episode 2, Yuriko Okada, a woman who admires Tackle, appears. According to the third promotional video, more characters are on the way: Kazumichi Shimamura (CV: Ken’ichi Suzumura), aiming for Kamen Rider V3, and Mikoto Shimamura (CV: Sōma Satō), a fan of Kamen Rider Man.
Moreover, real Shocker members—and even monsters—are expected to appear. Centered around Tōjima, an increasingly intense group of passionate individuals gathers, promising unpredictable storylines. Whether viewers connect with their overflowing “Kamen Rider love” is up to them—but one thing’s certain: this is undeniably a show for “middle-aged man fun.”
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.011 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / “Let’s Watch Anime”: Episode 244 features “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider,” a heartfelt “Kamen Rider cosplay” journey by a 40-year-old single man, based on a work by Yokusaru Shibata
Official Website for “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider”
Official X Account for “Tōjima Tansaburō Wants to Become Kamen Rider”
Broadcast Schedule: October 2025 – Every Saturday at 24:30, TOKYO MX and other channels
Cast
Tōjima Tansaburō: Katsuji Kobayashi
Okada Yuriko: Ai Kayano
Kazumichi Shimamura: Ken’ichi Suzumura
Mikoto Shimamura: Sōma Satō
Yukarisu: Filleuze Aoi
Nakao Hachirō: Kensuke Tsuda
Ito Satoshi: Satoru Tsuruga
Ishimori Fukushi: Yoshitsugu Akagawa
Sato Daizuke: Daisuke Sakaguchi
Staff
Original Work: Yokusaru Shibata (Heroes Comics, serialized on Comiplex)
Cooperation: Ishinomori Productions & Toei
Director: Takahiro Ikuzumi
Series Composition: Makoto Mita
Character Design: Cindy H. Yamauchi
Key Animator: Shintaro Shimizu
Prop Design: Yoshiki Ujihara
Art Direction: Yukiharu Shibuya (Ishigaki Pro), Ayano Aizuma (Ishigaki Pro)
Art Supervision: Masaru Sato (Ishigaki Pro)
Art Supervision Assistant: Kanae Kawasaki (Ishigaki Pro)
Art Setting: Yuhiko Tanai
Color Design: Ryo Ko
Camera Direction: Junpei Takatsu
Camera Direction Assistant: Satoshi Suzuki
Editing: Kumiko Sakamoto
Sound Director: Takayuki Yamaguchi (Moubuwabu)
Sound Effects: Kyōsei Koyama
Music: TeddyLoid
Animation Producer: Yukinori Yokota
Animation Production: Leyden Film
Opening Theme: “Wanna be” by TeddyLoid feat. Shigeru Matsuzaki & TOPHAMHAT-KYO
Ending Theme: “One More Time” by TeddyLoid feat. Yoshiji Tokunaga
(C) Yokusaru Shibata / Heroes Tojima Rider Project (C) Ishinomori Productions & Toei