The twelfth episode of the highly anticipated anime series, “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider,” aired on December 21, 2025, bringing the first part of its inaugural season to a dynamic close. Titled “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider ‒ Episode 12,” the installment served as an epilogue to the recently concluded “Strongest Decider Tournament” arc, blending heartfelt character moments with the series’ signature comedic action and setting the stage for future conflicts.
The episode saw the main cast gather for a celebratory wrap-up party at Futaba’s pub, a moment of respite that quickly evolved into a surprising confrontation.
Post-Tournament Festivities and Romantic Rejection
Following the intensity of the Strongest Decider Tournament, the heroes congregated at Izakaya Futaba for a well-deserved celebration. The convivial atmosphere, however, took a turn when Ichiyo, once again, openly confessed his feelings to Yuriko. In a moment that resonated with many viewers, Yuriko unequivocally rejected his advances, adding a touch of romantic drama and humor to the post-tournament wind-down. The scene highlighted the ongoing character development and relational dynamics within the ensemble cast.
Shocker’s Shadow and an Unlikely Brawl
The celebratory mood was dramatically interrupted when Yukarisu, possessing a telepathic connection to other Shocker combatants, sensed an ominous presence. This led to a direct confrontation with Nakao, a rogue Shocker combatant known for his pride. What ensued was a chaotic and often hilarious brawl within the confines of the restaurant. The fight showcased the unique combat styles of the “Riders” — including Tojima, Yuriko (as Tackle), and others emulating classic Kamen Riders like Riderman and V3 — as they collectively engaged Nakao.
A standout element of the battle was the unexpected intervention of Futaba, the restaurant owner, who displayed her formidable no-nonsense attitude, even physically admonishing the combatants for the ruckus. The comedic timing and over-the-top action sequences, including a humorous moment where V3’s signature kick was comically hampered by the low ceiling of the establishment, provided much-appreciated levity.
A Cour Finale and Glimpses of What’s Next
Episode 12 marks the conclusion of the first “cour,” or part, of “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider,” which is planned for a 24-episode run. The episode neatly tied up the immediate aftermath of the tournament while opening new avenues for the overarching narrative. The climax saw the arrival of new antagonists, colloquially referred to as “Batman and Spider-Man” Kaijin, hinting at more dangerous threats on the horizon for Tojima and his allies.
The anime, which premiered in October 2025, has garnered attention for its unique blend of the beloved Kamen Rider franchise with a mature yet comedic narrative centered on a 40-year-old construction worker’s dream. The series is produced by Liden Films and is available on various international streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll. With the first cour now concluded, fans eagerly await the continuation of Tanzaburo Tojima’s journey to become a true Kamen Rider in the upcoming episodes of Season 1, Part 2, which is expected to pick up in January.
