“Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai” Episode 15: When Kamen Rider Meets Rom-Com Chaos

Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you tuned into Episode 15 expecting more of Toujima’s midlife Kamen Rider crisis, you got… something else entirely. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing—even if it left half the fanbase going, “Wait, what the hell did I just watch?”

First, let’s recap the basics for anyone who might’ve blinked and missed the vibe shift: this episode, titled “The Masked Idol, Heavy Chop” (shoutout to the Turkish streaming site that spilled the tea on the title), swaps Toujima’s existential panic for a side story about Sena—the chaotic idol we’ve seen in bits before—and Sou, a Shocker monster (yes, that Shocker) who’s supposed to be evil but is low-key just confused about humans. Oh, and there’s a love triangle with a ramen-obsessed guy named Hachiro thrown in for good measure.

If that sounds like a filler episode, you’re not alone. One MyAnimeList user summed it up perfectly: “This feels like a filler ep. Also, Yu Narukami grew up.” (Side note: The Yu Narukami joke? Chef’s kiss. If you get it, you get it.) But here’s the thing about “filler” in this show: it’s never just filler. Let’s break down why this wild detour actually works—even when it makes zero sense.

The Sena & Sou Show: When Monsters Fall for Chaos

Sena is the MVP of this episode, and no one’s arguing that. She’s the kind of character who would stream “Masked idol eating Ramen” (yes, that’s a real thing she does here) and turn it into a viral hit. Her energy is unhinged in the best way—like if your favorite TikTok influencer suddenly gained a Shocker monster sidekick. When she meets Sou, a spider-themed Kaijin, she doesn’t scream or run. She calls him a “Chūnibyō” (that’s Japanese for “edgy teen with a fantasy complex”) and falls harder when he admits he’s actually a monster. As one fan put it: “Sena thought that the spiderman kaijin is a Chūnibyō and fell in love with him more when he actually spoke the truth lmao.” Relatable? No. Hilarious? Absolutely.

But here’s the hidden depth: Sou’s arc. He’s a Shocker monster programmed to hate humans, but Sena’s chaos breaks through that. She makes him try ramen (his first human food!), stream with her, and even feel… feelings. “Kumota learning about humans is cute,” another fan noted (wait, is it Sou or Kumota? Maybe a translation mix-up, but we’ll roll with it). This isn’t just a rom-com bit—this is setup. As one user pointed out: “Sena has made Sou curious about humans and he’ll eventually probably turn on Shocker.” Boom. That’s the payoff. This “filler” is actually planting seeds for Sou’s redemption arc, and that’s clever.

The Ramen Love Triangle: Because Why Not?

Let’s not forget Hachiro, the guy who spent two years perfecting his ramen recipe just to impress Sena. When he shows up to challenge Sou for her affection, we get a “fight” that’s less Kamen Rider punch-fest and more “who can make the better bowl of tonkotsu.” It’s absurd. It’s over-the-top. And it’s funny. One fan laughed: “the love triangle of that idol lol,” and honestly, same. Sena’s reaction? She streams the whole thing and calls it “Masked Idol Ramen Wars.” Of course she does.

Is this plot relevant to Toujima’s dream of becoming Kamen Rider? Not even a little. But does it fit the show’s vibe? 100%. “Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai” has always been about blending absurdity with heart, and this episode cranks the absurdity to 11. As one user put it: “This anime never ceases to amaze me every week.” Preach.

The Fan Divide: Love It or WTF It?

Let’s be real—this episode wasn’t for everyone. Some fans were straight-up confused. “What the hell did I watch!? How did the plot switch to this direction,” one user ranted (affectionately?). Another called it a “weird episode,” and someone even said it felt like a “tangent.” But here’s the thing: the majority of fans had a blast. “This is the funniest episode so far,” one declared. Another added: “These last two episodes were hilarious, Sena is too funny.” Even the haters couldn’t stay mad: “I hate this. A lot. And it’s not even a raging or intense kind of hate, but a sad, disappointed type… but I did enjoy she and Sou bonding.”

The best takeaway? The show’s ability to surprise us. One fan summed it up perfectly: “This anime never ceases to amaze me every week.” Whether you loved the rom-com chaos or missed Toujima’s midlife crisis, you can’t deny that Episode 15 was entertaining—and isn’t that what we watch anime for?

The Verdict: Chaotic, Unnecessary, and Perfect

So, is Episode 15 a must-watch? If you’re here for Toujima’s journey, you might leave feeling like you skipped a chapter. But if you’re here for the show’s signature blend of weirdness and heart? This is a highlight. It’s a reminder that “filler” doesn’t have to be boring—it can be a chance to explore side characters, crack jokes, and set up future plot points (looking at you, Sou’s redemption arc).

And let’s not forget the silver lining: the animation. One fan gushed: “This was a weird episode, but we also got this amazing art so it was a good episode.” The fight scenes (yes, even the ramen ones) were crisp, and Sena’s streaming segments had that bright, chaotic energy that makes the show pop.

At the end of the day, Episode 15 is a love letter to the show’s most chaotic fans. It’s not for the purists who want non-stop Kamen Rider action, but for anyone who’s ever laughed at a Shocker monster trying ramen or an idol streaming her love triangle. As one user said: “I have no words, will just say it was entertaining!”

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stream “Masked Idol Eating Ramen.” Don’t judge.

P.S. For anyone missing Toujima: the preview hints he’s coming back next episode. Phew.