Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai [Season 1 Episode 13]

“Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai” Episode 13: When Playtime Gets Real (And Kinda Cringe, But In a Good Way)

Let’s cut to the chase: if you thought this show was just about a 40-year-old dude cosplaying Kamen Rider in his spare time, Episode 13 laughs in your face. Remember those “fake” Shocker guys from the first few episodes? The ones who looked like they bought their costumes at a Halloween store clearance sale? Yeah, turns out they’re not the only ones in masks. This week, we meet real Shockers—like, actual monster-level Shockers—and suddenly, Toujima’s childhood fantasy isn’t just a hobby anymore. It’s a problem.

First off, let’s talk about the chaos. The episode starts with our two “heroes” (Toujima in his sad DIY Rider suit and Yuriko as Tackle, who’s low-key carrying this team) chasing a Shocker goon who’s… wait for it… stealing vegetables. Yeah, you read that right. The guy’s motivation? He’s a farmer fighting the government and his HOA to protect his crops. Relatable? Maybe. Evil? Debatable. But when Toujima and Yuriko jump him, thinking he’s another poser, things get wild. This Shocker isn’t messing around—he’s got actual moves, and he’s not here for their cosplay nonsense.

Then comes the twist that half the fandom saw coming (and the other half is still screaming about): Yuriko’s girlfriend Mitsuba? She’s a Shocker. Like, a yandere Shocker with pink hair and a grin that says, “I’ll hug you… then stab you.” The reveal isn’t subtle—she’s been acting sus since Episode 10—but watching Toujima’s face when he realizes his friend’s partner is part of the evil organization he’s been LARPing against? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of “oh no, they’re serious” moment that turns a silly comedy into something way more interesting.

And let’s not forget the new guy: Monster Guy. Dude shows up out of nowhere, looks like he walked off the set of a tokusatsu B-movie, and starts throwing hands with the real Shockers. Fans are split on this—some love that the show’s leaning into its Kamen Rider roots, others miss the “adults playing dress-up” vibe. One MyAnimeList user summed it up perfectly: “Weakest episode yet… I liked that it was about adults pretending to be heroes and villains from an old tv show but now it’s just being a regular super sentai show.” Ouch. But hey, change is good? Maybe?

The best part? The comedy doesn’t die with the drama. Toujima still cries like a baby when he sees his rival (a Yakuza guy who also loves Kamen Rider), Yuriko still kicks ass in her skintight suit, and the restaurant scene where a random manager inserts himself into their conversation? Pure gold. It’s like the show’s saying, “Yeah, we’re getting serious, but we’re still gonna make you laugh at these idiots.”

Production-wise, there are some… quirks. The character proportions are all over the place (Yuriko’s boobs get bigger in one scene, smaller in the next—thanks, animators), and the action sequences feel a bit stiff. But fans are defending it: “Please, take a quick glance at the source material and see how Lidenfilms is wringing blood from a rock here.” Fair enough—if the manga’s as chaotic as the anime, we should cut ’em some slack.

Oh, and let’s talk about the music. Teddyloid’s OST is a bop. The fight scenes have this retro tokusatsu beat that makes you want to jump up and yell “Henshin!” even if you’re not wearing a belt. One fan said, “The musical accompaniment and Yuriko alone are worth a 10.” Can’t argue with that—Yuriko’s sass and the soundtrack are carrying this show.

So, what’s next? Toujima and Yuriko need real power-ups if they’re gonna take on an actual evil organization. Will they get proper Kamen Rider suits? Will Mitsuba’s yandere side get even more intense? And what about that creepy student stalking Yuriko? (Spoiler: He’s probably gonna be a problem.)

Episode 13 isn’t perfect. It’s messy, it’s cringe, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But if you love shows that mix comedy with unexpected drama—think Samurai Flamenco but with more cosplay and less existential crisis—this is your jam. As one fan put it, “This is just a batshit crazy watch that’s nonstop laughs and action, I love it.”

Final verdict? If you’re 20 or under and grew up watching Kamen Rider reruns, this episode will hit different. It’s a love letter to childhood heroes, a middle finger to adulting, and a reminder that sometimes, pretending to be a hero is the first step to actually becoming one. Even if your suit is made of duct tape and hope.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to watch Shin Kamen Rider this weekend. Thanks, Toujima—you’ve inspired me.

Rating: 8/10 (Docked 2 points for the inconsistent boob animation. Priorities, people.)