Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Anime Series Episode 1: I Wouldn’t Mind Dying Today (2025) – Weebz Club Score: 9/10 “A Midlife Hero’s Courageous Embrace.”
I Wouldn’t Mind Dying Today: This inaugural episode introduces us to Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man who has harbored a lifelong, unwavering aspiration: to become a Kamen Rider. For decades, this dream has simmered within him, a quiet ambition that has shaped his life. His latent heroic desires are suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he finds himself inadvertently entangled in a string of crimes orchestrated by the notorious villainous organization, Shocker. This perilous encounter serves as the catalyst, reigniting his long-held ambition with renewed vigor. Faced with the tangible threat of Shocker and a profound moment of truth, Tanzaburo is pushed to confront his dream head-on, embracing the path of a hero he has always yearned to be, even at this later stage in his life.
Key Facts:
- Protagonist: Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man with a childhood dream of becoming a Kamen Rider.
- The Catalyst: Involvement in crimes inspired by the legendary villainous organization, Shocker.
- The Dream: To fulfill his lifelong ambition of becoming a Kamen Rider.
- The Hook: A middle-aged man, empowered by his enduring dream and a brush with danger, finally embraces his heroic destiny.
- Themes: Lifelong dreams, midlife aspirations, courage, confronting destiny, the enduring legacy of heroes, and the fight against evil.
- Overall Sentiment: A 9/10 for its inspiring and touching narrative of a man embracing his childhood dream late in life, offering a fresh take on the iconic Kamen Rider legacy, despite some questionable musical choices.
The Enduring Power of a Childhood Dream
The legacy of Kamen Rider is undeniable; it’s not merely a standalone legend but a foundational pillar that helped sculpt the landscape of the Japanese entertainment industry and inspired entire generations. Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider taps directly into this profound cultural impact, telling the deeply personal story of a man whose childhood dream of becoming a Kamen Rider never truly faded. Tanzaburo Tojima, a man who has demonstrated incredible strength, even besting a bear and a street gang single-handedly, still grapples with the feeling of not being the hero he truly aspired to be. This internal conflict makes his journey incredibly compelling, grounding the fantastical elements in a very human desire for fulfillment.
A Festival Encounter and a Hero’s Resolve
The narrative takes a significant turn during a family festival, a seemingly ordinary event that becomes extraordinary when the villainous Shocker gang makes their appearance. It is in this moment of crisis that Tanzaburo finds the courage he has long sought. Grabbing a Kamen Rider mask being sold at the festival, he transforms from a man haunted by an unfulfilled dream into a man ready to act. At 40 years old, he finally gathers the resolve to embody the hero he has always admired and becomes a full-fledged Kamen Rider, confronting the Shocker forces. This pivotal scene is incredibly touching and inspiring, showcasing a powerful testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue your dreams, especially when faced with the need to protect others.
A Legacy Reimagined, With Caveats
The return of the legendary Kamen Rider spirit through Tanzaburo’s journey is a monumental aspect of this series. The story is genuinely inspiring, offering a unique perspective on heroism that transcends age. However, the execution is not without its flaws. The musical score, unfortunately, detracts from the experience. The constant background music, often featuring what sounds like cheaply edited versions of iconic themes such as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and English Kamen Rider songs, creates a jarring and somewhat cheapened feel. This auditory choice is particularly disappointing as it’s pervasive and difficult to ignore, detracting from the otherwise touching and great narrative.
Conclusion: “I Wouldn’t Mind Dying Today” is a deeply inspiring and touching premiere for Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, earning a strong 9/10. It masterfully tells the story of a man embracing his lifelong dream of becoming a Kamen Rider at the age of 40, inspired by a confrontation with Shocker. The episode is filled with moments of genuine courage and emotional resonance, celebrating the enduring power of aspiration. While the musical direction unfortunately falls short, the strength of Tanzaburo’s journey and the return of the Kamen Rider spirit make this a highly recommended and moving series opener.
