Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider [Season 1 Episode 10]

Alright, let’s dive into Episode 10 of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider—a wild ride that’s equal parts hilarious, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt. If you’re into tokusatsu (Japanese live-action superhero shows like Kamen Rider) or just love stories about grown-ups clinging to childhood dreams, this one’s for you.

First off, let’s set the scene. The episode picks up where the tournament arc left off, with our titular hero, 40-year-old Tanzaburo Tojima, facing off against Yuriko Okada, the schoolteacher who’s obsessed with becoming Tackle (Kamen Rider’s iconic sidekick). The fight is intense—like, really intense. Tojima’s moves are pretty basic (think “dad trying to relive his glory days”), but Yuriko? She’s a beast. Fans on MyAnimeList are raving about her muscles—“lats, wide shoulders, scarily massive thighs,” as one user put it. Her fighting style is straight out of pro wrestling, with grapples and throws that make you go, “Whoa, did she just do that?!”

The highlight? Yuriko’s “Ultimate Electro-Wave Throw,” a double-underhook facebuster that’s basically a pro wrestling move on steroids. She lifts Tojima so high, he’s eye-level with her chest before slamming him down. It’s over-the-top, but that’s exactly what makes this show work. As another fan noted, “This is the kind of ‘Niche Awesome’ that Bang Bang Bravern was a couple seasons back”—weird, creative, and totally unapologetic.

But it’s not all action. The episode balances humor with some real heart. Tojima’s struggle to keep up with Yuriko is relatable—who hasn’t felt like they’re out of their league chasing a dream? And when he puts on his Kamen Rider mask, something clicks. He’s not just a middle-aged guy in spandex; he’s a kid again, believing in heroes. It’s a sweet moment that reminds us why we love stories about underdogs.

Then there’s the aftermath. Yuriko wins the tournament, but Mitsuba (her rival) isn’t happy. Cue Yukarisu, the Shocker agent who’s secretly Mitsuba’s girlfriend, trying to attack Yuriko out of jealousy. Spoiler: It doesn’t go well. Yukarisu lost to Tojima, who lost to Yuriko—so yeah, she gets her butt kicked. But the real kicker? Yuriko points out that she hasn’t beaten Ichiyo, Mitsuba’s brother and the show’s resident “serious” Kamen Rider fan. It’s a setup for future drama that leaves you wanting more.

What makes this episode stand out, though, is its self-awareness. The show knows it’s silly—grown adults cosplaying as superheroes, fighting in tournaments, and obsessing over 70s tokusatsu shows. But it leans into that silliness with style. The animation is a mix of classic anime and live-action-inspired shots, giving it a nostalgic vibe that feels fresh. And the music? Each character has their own Kamen Rider-esque theme, which adds to the fun.

Critics might say the tournament arc drags, but fans disagree. “I love how three of them are doing normal training, one is visualizing—and still losing—while Tojima is out there fighting a stinking grizzly bear,” one user joked. It’s the little, absurd details that make this show memorable.

Oh, and let’s not forget the fan service—Yuriko’s polka-dotted pantsu gets a close-up, and Mitsuba strips down in front of her (payback for all the times she’s done it to others). It’s cheeky, but it fits the show’s tone. As one fan put it, “Priorities.”

At its core, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is about passion. It’s about people who refuse to let go of what makes them happy, even if the world thinks they’re crazy. Whether you’re a die-hard Kamen Rider fan or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode delivers. It’s not perfect—some jokes land better than others, and the pacing can be off—but it’s got heart.

So, if you’re looking for something different this season, give this a watch. As one fan summed it up, “I’m definitely watching this to the end. Hopefully, it has lots of mature topics to represent in the form of the Adult Chunibyo characters.”

Trust me—you won’t regret it. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming the theme song later.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A wild, wonderful mix of action, humor, and heart. Perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a hero—no matter how old they are.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rewatch that Electro-Wave Throw. It’s just too cool.