Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Episode 10, titled “Risking Your Life” (命を懸けるの, Inochi wo Kakeru no), delivers a high-stakes, emotionally charged battle as Tanzaburo Tojima faces off against Yuriko Okada in the third match of their tournament. Airing on December 7, 2025, this episode delves deep into the characters’ convictions and the power of embodying their beloved Kamen Rider personas.
The Tournament Heats Up: Tojima vs. Yuriko
The central conflict of “Risking Your Life” pits the relentless, physically imposing Tojima against the skilled and determined Yuriko Okada. Yuriko, a high school teacher who deeply admires Electro-Wave Human Tackle from Kamen Rider Stronger, enters the match with formidable martial arts and wrestling training. Her proficiency as a fighter is evident, and against a typical opponent, she would likely achieve an easy victory.
However, Tojima is no ordinary adversary. Despite lacking formal martial arts training, his lifelong dedication to physical conditioning and his unwavering belief in himself as Kamen Rider grants him extraordinary strength and endurance. Early in the match, Yuriko is taken aback by Tojima’s “Rider Punch,” a blow so potent it previously floored the monstrous Spider Man. She recognizes that a single, direct hit from Tojima could end their fight instantaneously.
The Power of Belief: Embracing the Rider Spirit
As the battle intensifies, Yuriko grapples not just with Tojima’s raw power but also with his seemingly limitless resilience. No matter how many powerful strikes or wrestling maneuvers she lands, Tojima relentlessly pushes forward, embodying the never-give-up spirit of Kamen Rider. This unwavering determination stems from his profound belief that when he wears his mask, he is Kamen Rider, allowing him to push his body far beyond normal human limits.
Yuriko, initially feeling like an “ineffective glass cannon” against Tojima’s endurance, begins to grasp the true source of his strength. She observes that Tojima’s power isn’t merely physical; it’s a manifestation of his complete immersion in the Kamen Rider persona. This realization sparks a critical shift in Yuriko’s own approach.
Yuriko’s Awakening: Becoming Tackle
Inspired by Tojima’s conviction, Yuriko understands that she, too, possesses the ability to tap into a similar power through her devotion to Tackle. Her love for Tackle is as profound as Tojima’s for Kamen Rider, and she knows that to truly succeed, she must embody her idol completely.
A pivotal moment in the episode sees Yuriko confront and release her long-held frustrations and grief over Tackle’s tragic death in Kamen Rider Stronger. This emotional catharsis serves as her catalyst, allowing her to fully embrace her identity as Tackle. She resolves to risk everything, taking hits to create an opening for a decisive counter-attack.
As the fight reaches its climax, Yuriko unleashes a barrage of powerful throws, pushing Tojima to his absolute limit. While Tojima’s incredible will keeps him conscious even after being knocked down repeatedly, the relentless assault from a fully realized Yuriko eventually leads to his defeat. Yuriko ultimately triumphs in this fierce exchange, delivering a powerful knee to the chin that drives Tojima’s head into the ground.
The Spectator’s Perspective: Yukarisu’s Vision
Throughout the intense duel, Yukarisu, a key observer, witnesses the clash not merely as a fight between two individuals but as a profound display of their chosen heroes. As Tojima and Yuriko exchange blows with maximum firepower, Yukarisu begins to perceive them as the genuine incarnations of Kamen Rider and Electro-Wave Human Tackle, underscoring the anime’s theme of fans becoming their heroes.
Broader Implications and Thematic Resonance
“Risking Your Life” highlights the core themes of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider: the transformative power of unwavering belief, the emotional depth of fandom, and the blurred lines between reality and aspirational heroism. The episode showcases that true strength comes not just from physical prowess but from the conviction to embody an ideal, even if it means “risking your life” for that belief. Tojima’s unyielding spirit and Yuriko’s eventual awakening through emotional release and self-belief make this episode a standout moment in the series, further developing their journeys to truly become the heroes they admire.
