Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider [Season 1 Episode 9]

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Season 1 Episode 9: The Tournament That Broke the Internet

Let’s cut to the chase: Episode 9 of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider isn’t just another anime installment—it’s a masterclass in how to blend chaos, heart, and tokusatsu nostalgia into 24 minutes of pure, unadulterated hype. For those who’ve been following Tojima Tanzaburo’s 40-year quest to become a Kamen Rider, this episode (dubbed “The Ultimate Tournament Begins” in official synopses) delivers on every promise the series has teased since its October 2025 premiere. Co-produced by Toei Company and Ishimori Productions (the legends behind the original Kamen Rider franchise), it’s no wonder fans are calling it “the best Kamen Rider anime ever made.”

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Riders Tournament. After weeks of Shocker-inspired chaos turning Tojima’s fantasy into reality, the crew finally dives into a battle royale that’s equal parts hilarious and brutal. The episode kicks off with Tojima squaring off against Yukarisu, and if you thought their dynamic was chaotic before? Wait till you see Yukarisu getting one-punched into next week. “Poor Yukarisu lmao,” one fan joked, and honestly? Same. But the real star of the show is the long-awaited showdown between brothers Mitsuba and Ichiyo.

Mitsuba, the underdog who’s always lived in his brother’s shadow, finally gets his moment to shine. Their fight is a masterclass in storytelling—Ichiyo’s big, flashy “TV attacks” (think classic Rider poses that look cool but leave him open) vs. Mitsuba’s aikido-inspired style, which focuses on stealing momentum. Fans went wild for the detail: “All that aikido training made for a nice bit of storytelling here,” one viewer noted. And when Mitsuba finally won? The internet exploded. “I can’t believe it, Mitsuba actually defeated his brother Ichiyou, I am actually proud of him,” another fan gushed. Even Ichiyo’s jab at Mitsuba not being “Rider enough” (thanks to his formal outfit) couldn’t dim the victory—because sometimes, being “realistic” beats being flashy.

But let’s not forget the production value. TeddyLoid’s soundtrack is a bop, blending different songs to match the episode’s mood swings like a pro. “Love how TeddyLoid mix several different songs in a short period of time to match the fast mood-swinging pace,” a fan raved. And the visuals? Chef’s kiss. The animation team pulled out all the stops, from the fluid fight scenes to the tiny details that make the characters feel alive. (Yes, we’re talking about Mitsuba’s… uh… “contoured bulge” that had fans rethinking his “less manly” reputation. Oops, did we say that out loud?)

Then there’s Yuriko—our spirit animal. Her reactions to every chaotic moment (“Yuriko’s reaction best describes my reaction to everything that is happening,” a fan laughed) are pure gold. Whether she’s side-eyeing the tournament or geeking out over the action, she’s the relatable anchor in this wild ride. And let’s not overlook the cliffhanger that left everyone screaming: Tojima vs. Yuriko next week. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, why this cliff hanger! Now have to wait one whole week 😭” summed up the fandom’s collective pain.

What makes this episode so special, though, is how it balances absurdity with heart. One minute you’re laughing at Yukarisu’s defeat, the next you’re tearing up as Mitsuba’s heart “revvs up” during his fight. “You could feel Mitsuba’s heart revving up,” a fan wrote, and honestly? We felt it too. The series has always been about the power of fiction—how loving something like Kamen Rider can shape your life—and this episode cranks that theme to 11.

Critics might argue that the show is “too over the top,” but that’s exactly why it works. In a season full of “weak anime,” as one fan put it, Tojima stands out as “absolute fucking cinema.” It’s not just for Kamen Rider diehards, either—even viewers who don’t get the references are hooked. “I get 0 of the kamen rider references but this is still so peak just off of vibes,” a fan admitted. That’s the magic of it: it’s inclusive, it’s fun, and it’s unapologetically itself.

Of course, no episode is perfect. The cliffhanger is cruel (we see you, writers), and some fans wished the tournament had more Shocker action. But those minor gripes fade when you’re caught up in the energy of it all. The fight scenes are so epic, one fan even threw shade at One Punch Man Season 3: “THAT WAS SOOOOO COOL, TAKE SOME NOTE OPM S3!!!!!!!!!!!” Burn.

In the end, Episode 9 is a love letter to anyone who’s ever had a childhood dream that felt too big. Tojima’s journey isn’t just about becoming a Kamen Rider—it’s about proving that it’s never too late to chase what makes you happy. And with the tournament just getting started, we can’t wait to see where this ride takes us next.

So grab your popcorn, charge your Rider Belt (metaphorically), and get ready—because next week’s Tojima vs. Yuriko fight is going to be legendary. As one fan put it: “Peak episode! Now I can’t wait for that Kamen Rider vs. Tackle!” Same, friend. Same.

Final Verdict: 10/10. If you’re not watching this show, you’re missing out on the most fun anime of the fall. Trust us—your inner child will thank you.

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Season 1 Episode 9 is available now on Crunchyroll. Don’t forget to bring snacks—you’ll need them.