Tokyo, Japan – The latest installment of the highly anticipated anime series, “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider,” with Episode 7 airing on November 16, 2025, in Japan, delved deep into the origin story of the antagonist Hachiro Nakao, revealing the heartbreaking motivations behind his admiration for the villainous Shocker organization. The episode culminated in a pivotal moment, as Nakao seemingly met his end at the hands of the monstrous Man-Spider, only to re-emerge as a Shocker combatant himself.
The anime, which premiered in October 2025, is based on the popular manga series by Yokusaru Shibata and has quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of tokusatsu homage and mature storytelling.
Nakao’s Troubled Upbringing Shapes His Villainous Path
Episode 7, titled “Nakao Faces Kumota, but Things Take a Deadly Turn,” provided a poignant look into the past of Hachiro Nakao, a recurring yakuza member known for orchestrating “Shocker Robberies”. The narrative peeled back layers of his hardened exterior, revealing a childhood scarred by abandonment and hardship. Nakao, much like the protagonist Tanzaburo Tojima, was raised by a single parent. However, unlike Tojima’s mother, who diligently worked to make ends meet, Nakao’s father pursued a risky dream, ultimately falling into debt with the yakuza and abandoning his son.
This traumatic experience instilled in a young Nakao a cynical worldview: if no heroes appeared to save him, then “the bad guys win in the real world”. This belief became the cornerstone of his life, leading him to embrace villainy, first by pretending to be Shocker on the playground and later by joining the mob. His story serves as a stark contrast to the series’ heroes, particularly the Shimamura brothers, who, facing similar tragedies, chose to become heroes themselves.
Confrontation with Man-Spider and a Dark Rebirth
The episode’s climax featured a tense confrontation between Nakao and Kumota, who terrifyingly transformed into the Man-Spider. During the ensuing chaos, Nakao, attempting to avenge his boss and protect his subordinates, was brutally impaled by the creature’s fangs.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Nakao later awoke on a park bench, miraculously unharmed and with no memory of how he got there. This mysterious resurrection strongly implies that Nakao, having previously expressed a desire to join Shocker, was transformed into a Shocker combatant after pledging his loyalty to the Man-Spider. This development marks a significant turning point for the character, solidifying his role as a genuine antagonist within the Shocker organization.
Tojima’s Heroic Stand and Series’ Unpredictable Tone
Earlier in the episode, the long-awaited showdown between Tanzaburo Tojima and the Man-Spider unfolded. Embodying the spirit of his idol, Kamen Rider, Tojima bravely stood his ground, declaring, “Kamen Riders never run away!” He unleashed his signature “Rider Punch,” forcing the Man-Spider to retreat to avoid drawing further attention. Following this victory, Tojima and his companions celebrated their success at Izakaya Futaba, the restaurant owned by Futaba Shimamura.
The episode further highlighted the series’ unique and often unpredictable tone, which seamlessly blends humorous moments with over-the-top action and profound emotional depth. This genre-bending approach keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, unsure of what surprising twists and turns the narrative will take next.
What Lies Ahead
With Nakao’s transformation into a Shocker combatant, the stakes for Tojima and his allies have significantly risen. The series continues to explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between reality and inspiration in the world of “Kamen Rider.” The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in various regions. The upcoming “Tournament Arc” storyline is set to begin with Episode 8, promising further exciting developments.
