For long-time fans of the iconic Kamen Rider franchise, the anime “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” offers a unique blend of heartfelt homage and comedic adventure. Episode 5, titled “Let Me Be V3 Too,” which premiered on November 1, 2025, dives deeper into the growing conflict with “Fake Shocker” and introduces another unexpected hero to Tojima’s unconventional team. This installment not only showcases exhilarating battles but also injects the series’ signature humor through an unlikely romantic gesture.
The Continuing Battle Against Shocker Combatants
The episode opens with Tojima and his burgeoning team effortlessly dismantling a squad of Shocker combatants. While these faux villains possess superhuman strength in a world without real Kamen Riders, Tojima and his allies, empowered by their dedication to their Rider ideals, prove overwhelmingly superior. The ease with which they dispatch their foes highlights their growing competence and the tangible impact of their training, contrasting with their initial, more hesitant encounters. Yuriko Okada, who emulates Electro-Wave Human Tackle, and Ichiyo Shimamura, inspired by Kamen Rider V3, fight alongside the 40-year-old construction worker Tanzaburo Tojima, who has dreamed of becoming a Kamen Rider since childhood.
The Arrival of the Spider Man Monster
The relative calm of the initial skirmish is shattered with the sudden appearance of a literal monster, identified as Spider Man, a superior of Yukarisu from the “Fake Shocker” organization. This formidable foe immediately shifts the tone, reminding the self-proclaimed Riders of the genuine danger they face. Spider Man’s overwhelming strength quickly puts Tojima, Yuriko, and Ichiyo on the defensive, pushing them to their limits despite their newfound confidence.
Mitsuba’s Transformation into Riderman
Just as the heroes find themselves in dire straits, a new figure emerges: Mitsuba, Ichiyo’s younger brother, donning a helmet and an arm attachment reminiscent of Riderman from the classic series Kamen Rider V3. Mitsuba’s appearance marks his grand entrance as the fourth hero in Tojima’s alliance, bringing with him not only a much-needed boost in power but also a continuation of the series’ running comedic gags.
Mitsuba manages to restrain the powerful Spider Man with high-strength wire, creating a momentary respite. However, instead of immediately capitalizing on the advantage or strategizing a retreat, Mitsuba seizes the opportunity to deliver a lengthy exposition on his and Ichiyo’s shared backstory and his justification for choosing Riderman as his alter ego. This moment underscores the anime’s blend of action with lighthearted character-driven humor.
A Quirky Proposal Breaks a Spell
The comedic interlude proves costly as Spider Man breaks free from his restraints and uses his powers to mind-control Yukarisu, forcing her to attack Mitsuba. In a desperate and unexpectedly humorous move to break the spell, Mitsuba loudly declares his love for Yukarisu and proposes marriage to her. This earnest, if ill-timed, confession successfully snaps Yukarisu out of her trance, adding a layer of romantic comedy to the escalating battle and highlighting the unique relationships forming within the series.
Episode 5 of “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” continues to build on its intriguing premise, deepening the character dynamics while escalating the stakes with the introduction of more powerful adversaries. It skillfully balances nostalgic reverence for the Kamen Rider legacy with fresh, comedic storytelling, leaving viewers eager to see how Tojima and his team will continue to evolve in their quest to be real-life heroes.
