This anime season brings a refreshing surprise — no overpowered magic, no reincarnation, just a heartfelt slice of life. The title that’s been lighting up fan discussions everywhere is “Tojima-kun wa Kamen Raidā ni Naritai!”, or Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. With its simple yet clever premise, it asks: what if an ordinary office worker decides to chase his most ridiculous childhood dream — becoming a real-life hero?

Midlife Crisis Meets Justice Spirit

The story follows Tojima Kenji, a 32-year-old accountant whose life is defined by endless meetings, boring reports, and lonely dinners in his cramped apartment. On the surface, he’s just another tired adult. But deep down, he still holds a spark — the childhood dream of becoming a masked hero like Kamen Rider.

His turning point comes unexpectedly when he helps a kid retrieve a balloon stuck in a tree. The child’s words, “Thank you, Mister Hero!”, reignite Tojima’s forgotten passion. From that moment, he decides to bring justice to the world — even without superpowers.

More Than Comedy: A Smart Parody with Heart

While Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is undeniably hilarious, its real strength lies in how thoughtfully it balances humor and emotion.

It’s a love letter to tokusatsu, filled with affectionate parody. From Tojima shouting “Henshin!” in the office bathroom to crafting a cardboard hero suit with duct tape, the show captures both the absurdity and the sincerity of childhood hero fantasies. His over-the-top “Final Deadline Kick!” move quickly becomes a fan favorite — not for its strength, but for its spirit.

Tojima himself is incredibly relatable. He’s awkward, tired, and often fails spectacularly. Yet, his determination to make the world a little better makes him genuinely inspiring. The show invites viewers to laugh with him, not at him.

Interestingly, the “villains” Tojima faces aren’t monsters or aliens — they’re metaphors for real-life struggles. His angry boss becomes a kaijin with “super scolding powers”, his unpaid bills are an evil organization, and morning laziness transforms into a “Dark General” he must defeat. These clever metaphors make the story deeply relatable to working adults.

Production That Elevates the Humor

Produced by CloverWorks, known for series like Bocchi the Rock! and Wonder Egg Priority, the anime features expressive animation that enhances both the comedic and emotional beats.

Voice actor Tomokazu Sugita delivers an outstanding performance as Tojima, perfectly balancing his dry humor and passionate hero persona. His range turns every “henshin” scene into a hilarious yet oddly inspiring moment.

Conclusion: A Feel-Good Comedy for the Hero in All of Us

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider is more than a parody — it’s a celebration of hope, nostalgia, and the courage to dream again. It reminds us that being a hero doesn’t always mean fighting monsters; sometimes, it’s about facing everyday battles with kindness and persistence.

With sharp humor, heartfelt storytelling, and a strong emotional core, this anime stands out as one of the most uplifting titles of the season. It’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever wanted to put on a mask and shout, “Henshin!”