Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider [Episode 12]

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Episode 12: The Unlikely Hero’s Final Stand

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’ve ever daydreamed about living out your childhood hero fantasies as an adult, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Episode 12 hits differently. This isn’t your typical flashy Rider series—no high-tech suits or world-ending threats. Instead, it’s a raw, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt look at what happens when a 40-year-old salaryman’s lifelong dream collides with the messy reality of adulthood. And Episode 12? It’s the climax we’ve been waiting for.

The Setup: A Dream Deferred

For those just tuning in (where’ve you been?), Tanzaburou Tojima is your average guy stuck in a dead-end office job, clinging to one unshakable dream: becoming Kamen Rider. Episode 12 picks up after the chaotic “fake Shocker robbery” that reignited his passion. The twist? The “robbers” were just a bunch of fellow Rider superfans cosplaying for kicks. But when a real-life crisis hits—think a rogue construction robot gone haywire (yes, really)—Tojima doesn’t hesitate. He grabs his homemade Rider suit (taped-together armor, a plastic helmet, and a belt made from a old vacuum cleaner) and charges in.

The Good: Heart Over Hype

What makes this episode work is its refusal to mock Tojima’s obsession. Sure, there are laughs—like when his co-workers catch him mid-suit-up and lose their minds. But the core is sincere. Tojima isn’t trying to be a hero for fame; he’s doing it because Kamen Rider taught him to stand up for others, even when you’re scared. The animation, while not top-tier, leans into this charm. The fight scenes are clunky (Tojima trips over his own feet more than once) but feel real—like watching your dad try to save the day, and somehow succeeding.

The Fan Reactions: Relatable Chaos

Over on MyAnimeList, fans are losing it. One user wrote, “I cried when Tojima told his boss, ‘I’m not quitting my job—I’m just taking a break to be a hero.’ That’s the kind of energy we need!” Another joked, “His suit looks like it was made from a cereal box, but I’d trust him over any official Rider.” The best part? The show doesn’t give Tojima a magical upgrade. He wins by outsmarting the robot (using his office skills—yes, spreadsheets save the day) and leaning on his friends. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like their dreams are too “silly” to chase.

The Verdict: Worth the Watch

Episode 12 wraps up Tojima’s arc perfectly. He doesn’t become a “real” Kamen Rider in the traditional sense, but he becomes something better: himself. The final scene—Tojima sitting in his office, suit hidden in his desk, grinning like an idiot—says it all. You don’t need a fancy belt to be a hero; you just need to care enough to try.

If you’re a Rider fan, a sucker for underdog stories, or just someone who misses their childhood, this episode is a must-watch. It’s messy, it’s funny, and it’s unapologetically earnest. And let’s be real—we could all use a little Tojima energy in our lives.

Final Score: 9/10 — Because even heroes trip over their own feet sometimes.

P.S. Keep an eye out for the post-credits scene—Tojima’s co-workers start their own Rider fan club. Iconic.