Episode 8 of the “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” anime, which aired on Saturday, November 23, 2024, on TOKYO MX and other networks, delved deeper into the series’ overarching themes of love breaking brainwashing, introduced a new Shocker antagonist, and saw the protagonists preparing for a decisive tournament. The episode also notably re-featured an on-screen warning against fighting bears, reflecting real-world incidents in Japan.
Episode 8 Plot Highlights and Key Developments
The latest installment, “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” Episode 8, continued the narrative by expanding on the revelation that love is the key to undoing Shocker’s mind control, a concept hinted at in the previous episode.
The Enforcer: Thunder Raiko’s Introduction
A significant new character, Thunder Raiko, a female Shocker combatant, was introduced. Her mission is to hunt down and eliminate other combatants who have broken free from their brainwashing. Raiko struggles to comprehend why any combatant would betray Shocker, often asking her targets how they managed to overcome the mind control. The consistent answer she receives, “You wouldn’t understand,” highlights her inability to grasp the concept of love as a liberating force, suggesting that if she understood it, she too would be freed from Shocker’s influence. The episode demonstrated that “love” encompasses a broad spectrum, from romantic love to familial affection and even passion for an idol group, all capable of breaking the mind control.
The Call for a Tournament
With the growing threat of real monsters and the enigmatic Spider Man, Ichiyo, one of the supporting “Kamen Riders,” proposed a tournament among the group. The aim is to determine who among them is the strongest and best equipped to confront the Spider Man. The participants agreed to a ten-day training period before reconvening for the competition. This development sets the stage for intensified individual training and future confrontations.
Tojima’s Training and the Return of the Bear
During his solitary training in the mountains, protagonist Tanzaburo Tojima once again encountered the massive bear he previously defeated in Episode 1. Demonstrating his enhanced abilities, Tojima successfully countered and defeated the bear using his signature Rider Punch and Rider Kick. This scene served to underscore Tojima’s continued dedication to his dream of becoming a Kamen Rider, even in the face of mundane yet dangerous challenges.
Real-World Reflection: Bear Warning
Following Tojima’s encounter with the bear, the episode displayed a unique on-screen warning: “This story is a work of fiction. If you encounter a bear, do not attempt to fight it. Protect your safety first.” This marked the second time such a disclaimer appeared in the series, directly referencing a surge in real bear attacks reported in Japan’s northern regions, particularly Akita Prefecture, at the time of the episode’s original airing. The warning quickly became a viral topic online, with viewers noting its unusual nature for an anime and its timely relevance to current events.
Broader Context of “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider”
“Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yokusaru Shibata, with cooperation from Toei Company and Ishimori Productions, making it a legitimate spin-off of the iconic Kamen Rider franchise. The anime adaptation, produced by Liden Films, premiered in October 2025.
The series follows Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old construction worker who, despite realizing the fictional nature of Kamen Rider and Shocker, continues to train physically in seclusion, driven by a lifelong dream to become a Kamen Rider. His desire is rekindled when a crime wave emerges, with criminals mimicking the villainous Shocker organization. The anime explores themes of adult fandom, the line between fiction and reality, and the enduring power of dreams.
