The highly anticipated ninth episode of the anime series “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider,” which premiered on Sunday, November 30, 2025, delivered intense battles and significant character development as the “Ultimate Tournament” got underway. The episode notably featured the clash between Tanzaburo Tojima and Yukarisu, followed by a dramatic sibling rivalry showdown between Ichiyo and Mitsuba Shimamura.
Tojima’s Humorous Yet Powerful Opening Match
The episode kicked off with the promised fight between protagonist Tanzaburo Tojima and Yukarisu. However, their encounter was more played for humor than a serious confrontation. Tojima, whose lifelong dream is to embody a Kamen Rider, was hesitant to punch Yukarisu in her normal form. He explicitly desired to fight a Shocker combatant. Consequently, Tojima actively begged and goaded Yukarisu into transforming into her Shocker combatant persona. Once she transformed, Tojima swiftly defeated her with a single, super-powerful Rider Punch. This comedic yet decisive victory set a unique tone for the tournament’s initial stages.
The Shimamura Brothers’ Long-Awaited Showdown
Following Tojima’s match, the spotlight shifted to the Shimamura brothers, Ichiyo and Mitsuba, in a battle that served as a major payoff to their elaborate backstory. Mitsuba, who has long lived in the shadow of his older brother Ichiyo, was finally given the opportunity to assert himself. For over a decade, Mitsuba had been relegated to a “sidekick” role, with Ichiyo consistently being the perceived hero. The episode highlighted their contrasting personalities and fighting philosophies. Mitsuba, described as more well-adjusted with a job and a girlfriend, displays empathy, while Ichiyo is portrayed with only “trace amounts” of it.
The fight between Ichiyo and Mitsuba was fierce and evenly matched, showcasing Mitsuba’s mastery of aikido against Ichiyo’s passionate fighting spirit that emulates Kamen Rider V3. A pivotal moment arrived when Mitsuba, after years of being overshadowed, managed to surpass his brother. The intense exchange culminated in both brothers delivering their strongest Rider punches. Mitsuba’s victory in this emotional battle was a significant step in his journey, reaffirming his identity as Riderman—not merely a sidekick, but a “true fourth Kamen Rider.” The raw emotion and character development within this sibling rivalry resonated strongly, depicting a journey of self-acknowledgment and overcoming a long-standing complex.
The Anime’s Narrative and Themes
“Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider” follows the 40-year-old Tanzaburo Tojima, a construction worker deeply obsessed with the fictional Kamen Rider series since childhood. Despite understanding the show is fictional, Tojima continues his physical training. His dream is reignited when a wave of criminals begins acting like Shocker, the villainous organization from the Kamen Rider universe. The series, an anime adaptation of the manga by Yokusaru Shibata, delves into the heartfelt and often wild journey of adults who take their love for Kamen Rider to the next level, blurring the lines between pretend and reality.
Episode 9 specifically highlighted themes of personal identity, the pursuit of dreams, and the complexities of sibling relationships within the overarching narrative of becoming a hero. The “Ultimate Tournament” arc promises further exciting developments and character confrontations in upcoming episodes. The anime series premiered in October 2025 and is currently streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll.
