Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be a Masked Rider [Season 1 Episode 11]

Alright, let’s dive into Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be a Masked Rider Season 1 Episode 11—a wild ride that’s been blowing up on forums like MyAnimeList, and honestly? I get the hype. This episode isn’t just another anime installment; it’s a love letter to tokusatsu (think Kamen Rider, Ultraman) wrapped in chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s break it down like we’re dissecting a Showa-era Rider kick—with style.

First Off: What Even Is This Show?

If you’re new here, Tojima Tanzaburo follows a 40-year-old guy who’s spent his entire life obsessing over becoming a Masked Rider (the OG Japanese superhero, for the uninitiated). He’s not some chosen one—just a regular dude with a childhood dream that never died. Episode 11 cranks that up to 11: Tackle (a classic Kamen Rider sidekick) crashes into his life, and suddenly, his “delusional” hero fantasies start feeling… real.

The production? It’s got that retro 2000s vibe—think Archer-style animation but with more spandex and explosions. Some fans call it “horrendous,” but let’s be real: that’s part of the charm. It’s like they dug up a lost tokusatsu tape from 1971, animated it, and injected it with modern chaos.

The Good: Chaos, Comedy, and Kamen Rider Nostalgia

Let’s start with the stuff fans are losing their minds over. First, the action. When Tojima “henshins” (transforms) into his Rider form? The fight scenes are peak—dynamic, over-the-top, and stuffed with references to the original Kamen Rider series. One fan raved, “That Kamen Rider Kick was PEAK!” and honestly? I felt that. It’s not just flashy; it’s satisfying—like watching your inner child punch a bully.

Then there’s the comedy. Tojima is a walking meme: he screams “Kamen Rider!” every five seconds (someone needs a drinking game for that), his “eccentricness” scares gangsters and their girlfriends, and when Tackle shows up? Their banter is pure gold. One fan joked, “This show is so stupid and funny—I love it,” and yeah, that’s the vibe. It’s self-aware without being cringey—like it knows how ridiculous it is, and it’s inviting you to laugh along.

And let’s talk nostalgia. For long-time Kamen Rider fans, this episode is a treasure trove. They reference Showa-era Riders (1970s classics), animate old Kamen Rider clips on TV screens, and even throw in a TeddyLoid remix of the iconic “Let’s Go! Rider Kick” theme. As one fan put it: “I watched this with the same excitement I had as a kid watching Ultraman.” It’s not just fan service—it’s a warm hug for anyone who ever pretended to be a hero in their backyard.

The Bad: Cringe, Censorship, and “Too Much Kamen Rider”

No show is perfect, and Tojima has its flaws. Let’s address the elephant in the room: the cringe. Tojima’s obsession with “Kamen Rider” is… a lot. One fan complained, “I couldn’t focus—how many times do they say ‘Kamen Rider’?!” Fair. It’s like if your friend quoted Star Wars every sentence—charming at first, annoying after 20 minutes.

Then there’s the censorship drama. Some fans noticed that the panty shots (a classic tokusatsu trope) got toned down in Episode 11. One ranted, “Reiwa era hates anything men like!” Is it a big deal? Maybe not for everyone, but it’s a bummer for fans who love that retro, unapologetic chaos.

And let’s not forget the animation haters. A few viewers called it “poor” or “low-budget,” but here’s the thing: that’s intentional. It’s supposed to feel like a throwback. As one fan defended it: “It’s full of soul—10/10.” Sometimes, “bad” animation is just… authentic.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

Short answer: YES. Even if you’ve never seen Kamen Rider (like me!), this episode is a blast. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it’s got that “I can’t believe this exists” energy that makes anime great.

Long answer: It’s not for everyone. If you hate camp, nostalgia, or guys screaming “Kamen Rider!” every five minutes, skip it. But if you want a show that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon for adults—chaotic, nostalgic, and unapologetically fun—this is your jam.

One fan summed it up best: “I’m so glad I watched this crazy show. It’s wacky, the ED is insane, and I love everything about it.” Same, friend. Same.

Final Thought: Dreams Don’t Die—They Just Henshin

At its core, Tojima Tanzaburo is about never letting go of your inner child. Tojima is 40, broke, and a little delusional—but when he puts on that mask? He’s a hero. As one fan said: “Despite my age, I watched this with the same excitement I had as a kid.” That’s the magic of it. It’s not just an anime—it’s a reminder that even the “silly” dreams can change your life.

So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and let Tojima Tanzaburo yell “Kamen Rider!” at you for 24 minutes. You won’t regret it.

Rating: 8/10—chaotic, nostalgic, and exactly what we need right now.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my Rider Kick. 🦸♂️✨