Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai [Episode 21]

“Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai” Episode 21: When Dreams Get Real (and a Little Censored)

Let’s cut to the chase: Episode 21 of Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai is a wild mix of heart, chaos, and that classic Kamen Rider camp we all low-key love. For those who’ve been living under a rock, this show follows 40-year-old Tanzaburou Toujima—your average guy who’s spent his entire life obsessing over becoming a real Kamen Rider. Think: training in his backyard, quoting Rider mottos like they’re Bible verses, and basically being the ultimate fanboy. By Episode 21, he’s not just daydreaming anymore—he’s neck-deep in a world where “fake” Shocker robberies turn real, and suddenly, his childhood fantasy feels… possible?

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Thunder Raiko’s wet shirt scene. If you’re scrolling through MAL comments (like I was), you’ve definitely seen people losing their minds over this. One user joked, “I could fix Thunder Raiko but that’s just me,” while another sighed, “It was to be expected that they censored it.” Let’s be real—this is anime, so fanservice isn’t new, but here’s the thing: it actually fits. Raiko’s a Shocker agent with a chip on her shoulder, and that scene? It’s not just for the views. It’s a moment where she’s vulnerable, caught off guard, and suddenly, you’re not just seeing a villain—you’re seeing a person. The censorship? Yeah, it’s a bummer, but it’s also a reminder that even in a show about grown-ups playing hero, there’s still some TV-PG lines they won’t cross.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: Nakao’s arc. If you’ve been following, Nakao’s the guy who’s been pining after Raiko since, like, Episode 10. This episode? We thought he might finally catch a break. The e-sports event scene? Chef’s kiss. Nakao’s trying to confess, Raiko’s actually listening… and then boom—she rejects him. Hard. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “I’ll go ahead and pour one out for Nakao. I was almost convinced that Thunder Thighs would accept his feelings and we’d have a third Shocker defector on the team, but it was not to be.” Ouch. But here’s why it works: it’s real. Not every love story gets a happy ending, especially in a show where people are running around in spandex fighting fake (but also real?) bad guys. Nakao’s heartbreak hits because we’ve all been there—wanting something so bad, only to have it slip away.

And let’s not forget the action. The episode opens with Raiko losing to an older guy (random, but okay) and ends with her avenging that loss. One fan noted, “At least they gave that female shocker a win for once.” Finally! Raiko’s been a side character for so long, it’s about time she got her moment to shine. The fight scenes are classic Kamen Rider—over-the-top, with flashy moves and that iconic “henshin” energy. Even if you’re not a die-hard Rider fan, you can’t help but cheer when she lands that final blow.

But the real star of the episode? The ending tease: TACKLE IS BACK. If you’re a Kamen Rider OG, you know Tackle is a legend—a sidekick who’s more than just a sidekick. The comment section blew up when that preview dropped: “This is the first time I’ve been excited for a new episode in a long time, hope they don’t fuck this up again like they have been doing constantly in this second cour.” Fair enough—some fans think the second half of the season has been dragging, but Tackle’s return? That’s the shot in the arm this show needed. It’s a nod to the classic series, a chance to bring back some nostalgia, and honestly? I’m here for it.

Let’s address the haters, too. One commenter called the episode “yet another boring episode,” saying it was “better than the last few but still boring.” Look, not every episode can be a non-stop action fest. Sometimes, you need those quiet moments—like Tanzaburou sitting alone, staring at his old Rider toys, wondering if he’ll ever get his chance. Those moments are what make this show relatable. It’s not just about fighting bad guys; it’s about growing up, holding onto your dreams, and realizing that even if you’re 40, it’s never too late to be a hero (or at least try).

Another fan summed it up best: “Possibly my favorite episode of the series so far. I absolutely need this to get another season. Or at least a manga translation. Heck, I’d even be okay with the raws and I’ll translate it myself. I love this show.” That’s the vibe, right? This show isn’t perfect, but it’s ours. It’s for the people who still have that one childhood dream they haven’t let go of. It’s for the fanboys and fangirls who still get chills when they hear a Rider theme song.

So, is Episode 21 worth watching? Abso-freaking-lutely. It’s got heart, it’s got humor, it’s got that Kamen Rider magic we all crave. Sure, there are some slow parts, and the censorship is a bummer, but at the end of the day, this episode reminds us why we love anime: it’s a escape, a way to believe in something bigger than ourselves. And let’s be real—any episode that teases Tackle’s return is automatically a win.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch that Raiko fight scene. And maybe start learning Japanese so I can translate the raws. No judgment.

— A fellow Rider fan, still waiting for my own henshin moment.