Toujima Tanzaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai • Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider - Episode 16 discussion

# Source Material Corner

Reply to this comment for any source-related discussion, future spoilers (including future characters, events and general hype about future content), comparison of the anime adaptation to the original, or just general talk about the source material. **You are still required to tag all spoilers.** Discussions about the source outside of this comment tree will be removed, and replying with spoilers outside of the source corner will lead to bans.

The spoiler syntax is:
`[Spoiler source] >!Spoiler goes here!<`

# **All untagged spoilers and hints in this thread will receive immediate 8-day bans (minimum).**

Looks like Tojima’s gonna have to do a little soul searching after this week’s setback. Bat Guy feels a lot tougher than Spider Guy. The gang’s gonna need to train and find their resolve to defeat that dude.

Oh no Tojima is having doubts :(. But he made the right call to protect his allies.

There are so many on going plots I'm interested in. This story is great!

Nice, wholesome, full circle moment as Tojima is reunited with the festival stall guy who was being harassed in episode 1! And over drinks and food they comisserate over Tojima's desire to be Kamen Rider, and while being initially a little thrown off, the guy just rolls with it and supports Tojima. It's really sweet!

Of course, Tojima just can't seem to get away from Nakao who ALSO shows up. Also kind of an awkward meeting with the guy you had your boys rough up, but Nakao and the shop owner just kind of roll with it. Besides, even if his Yakuza gang have fallen apart, Nakao's still a Shocker Combatant! And a REAL one at that, meaning he knows Tojima and his pals are playing a dangerous game with the real deals.

So I see Yukarisu had some contact with other Shocker Combatants who had overcome their brainwashing. Any further validation for her love of Mitsuba is welcome to Yukarisu's ears! But that poor dude just wanted to love and cherish his dog and he got Thunder Raiko'd for it.

What even were Mitsuba and Yukarisu's outfits? Was that supposed to be them undercover? With Mitsuba as a secret service agent and Yukarisu...as some detective?

So Yukarisu DOES go to Yuriko's school? How old is she again!? Although you can see the generational gap because Yuriko actually knows what Gel-Shocker is and Yukarisu doesn't.

But then here comes Thunder Raiko! Luckily for Yukarisu, Tackle is there to fend off Thunder Raiko! And both ladies engage in a heated brawl! How many hits can Tackle's boobs tank?

Could Tackle have won with her Ultimate Electro-Wave Throw? We may never know, as Bat Man interjects in the fight and proceeds to beat Yuriko within an inch of her life. Even breaks her leg! Points to Yuriko for trying to go down swinging but she was THIS close to joining Shocker via Bat Man bite.

Mitsuba with the net save! Too bad he has to defend himself AND Yukarisu from a squad of Shocker Grunts, Thunder Raiko, AND Bat Man. Did we mention Bat Man is the Kaijin that killed his grandparents? Thankfully Tojima shows up with a RIDER KICK to back them up.

Tojima, now is not the time to be excited at fighting a bonafide Shocker Kaijin. Now is the time to get as far away from here as possible...even if that's not something Kamen Rider would do, and Tojima is left feeling like a fake and a failure as he carries Yuriko away from there. The whole teams' confidence is shaken after this...well, other than Ichiyo.

Speaking as a Kamen Rider fan myself, while I understand where Tojima is coming from on the whole "Rider never runs" thing, there's a fine line between running away and making a tactical retreat. Putting aside whether or not he actually could've held his own against Bat-Man, his allies were in immediate danger, and a retreat was the best way to get them out of it. Rider may be courageous, but to him, human life was paramount over all things. Keeping his allies safe felt like the most Rider-like thing to do to me, and I hope Tojima realizes that.

Hang on Yukarisu *is* a highschool student?! I remember saying she isn't and I was wrong. Her and Mitsuba's relationship is icky now.

Anyway shame Tackle got Worfed in this episode to show how strong Bat Man is and her knee injury looks really bad.

Also I bet onlookers seeing the battle at the end are like "Oh look Toei is filming Kamen Rider there, cool"

Well the stakes were high and had a lot of tension because they were outnumbered, I'm so worried for Yuriko because at the end of the day they're just humans, they don't have super regenerative abilities and even if she is able to walk again, I doubt she'll be able to move as agile as she has been.

I liked how excited Toujima got seeing a monster in person but it's sad that because he chose to retreat, he feels unworthy of being a Kamen Rider.

It's too bad Ichiyou wasn't there, I'm sure he should be the one to take down Bat Man with Mitsuba.

Ooh the Kamen gang got their asses handed to em this week..
It looks like Yuriko is going to be down for awhile since her kneecap just got totally destroyed.
I wonder if that means maybe Futaba will suit up and fight in her place?

Also wondering who that Shocker assassin could be. I wonder if maybe that could be the Tiger mask wearing lady from when Futaba was a little kid and was training her?

recent episodes were making me lose interest but this one pulled me back in.

A failure like this is generally the catalyst for the midseason upgrade. Looks like Toujima's going to need at least some soul searching so he can overcome his fear of only being a fake while the other 2 need something more concrete power wise to stand up against the kaijin.

After a few reserved episodes we get right back into a pretty intense arc

Considering how [Nakao transformed in front of Tojima](https://i.imgur.com/elkbbEh.jpeg), I'm honestly surprised that scene didn't turn into a fight scene. I kinda wish they showed us how that entire interaction ended, but it sounds like they just continued eating and drinking in peace after that. xD

[We finally get to see Raikou catch up to Yukarisu.](https://i.imgur.com/g2CDjZc.jpeg) Having Yukarisu run away and call for backup [while Yuriko deals with Raikou was a smart move.](https://i.imgur.com/aEr3XUJ.png) I definitely think Yuriko would've won there if [Man Bat didn't show up to interrupt their fight.](https://i.imgur.com/bM9du7U.jpeg)

Manbat is absolutely brutal, tho. [The dude went immediately for Yuriko's knee.](https://i.imgur.com/lsPoEUP.jpeg) Fuuuuck, that's gotta hurt. She's definitely going to be out of action after this. Depending on how bad the injury is, we might not get to see her fight for a little bit. >_<

[I fucking hate how smug Man Bat is.](https://i.imgur.com/kMuqOnM.jpeg) I do wonder how Tojima would do against him if they weren't surrounded. I mean, he was able to do something against Man Spider. [That after credits scene does not look good, tho.](https://i.imgur.com/UeCT60h.jpeg) I hope he's not having doubts about being a Kamen Rider.

Goosebumps inducing episode, our heroes are finally entering a darker chapter of their saga.

Hurt to see Tackle get bodied like that, hopefully she's in prime form once she recovers. The gang needs more recruits if they want the slightest chance of winning this: Nakao? Tiger Master? Futaba? Spider Man?

And where is V3?

That title card shot timing was fantastic, I rewound it twice. The two strongest fighters of the group retreating, with one unconscious and the other sobbing in shame, brilliant. Still, Tojima should realize a retreat isn't a surrender.

I can't believe they made bat man in human form looks somewhat handsome lmao. Especially in the preview. And his theme sounds so good too! Vol. 3 for the vocal songs (with his theme, the idols song and sena's theme i think) has been released lets gooo!! 3 more days for the full soundtrack aaaa

That poor dog.

Nakao had no issues turning into shocker in public, you would have thought shocker would be public knowledge by now, unless their existence is being covered up with the Kamen Rider show as plausible deniability.

time for Tojima to relearn what it means to be Kamen Rider ... you know what that means?!!? Training montag....binge watch session!!!!

the transition to tackle's theme was so hard. can't get over how good this series has been. such a surprise

**Tackle gets her knee crushed by a callous Kaijin**

Me: "Oh no! Poor Tojima, he must be so conflicted about running away when he so badly wants to emulate and become his hero!"

But never fear guys, it would only count as **fridging** if Tojima had been phased by his female ally getting injured (but he only cares about being a cool Kamen Rider).

Poor Tack has it so rough. She's on bodyguard duty, outnumbered, injured, AND now she has to go through a character development arc in order to power up.

You can do it Tack! You're so cool!

Mitsuba finds the one who killed their grandparents. If only Ichiyo was here

Tojima and others need more training

That's how you do episode and not that gooning tournament. I am glad Tackle got beaten up i am tired of her pushing. Mitsuba and Yukarisu are synonym for love. You redeemed yourselves devs!

Poor Takahashi-kun, killed by Thunder Raiko like that...

Tojima made the right choice to retreat for his friend safety, but that went against his code, I hope for him somehow recover his spirit soon.

Also time for some plan to deal with Bat-Man soon. He was too strong, Tackle who is a very strong rider was taken down like that. Also he is the one who actively go around to harm people, he is the main threat need to be dealt with soon.

I am so wishing that Thunder Raiko finds love - with Tojima. I'm sure it will be one sided but that will be her redemption arc.

Random Thoughts

Oh...poor pupper. That scene kind of got to me. I hope Yukarishu adopts it. I am now extra invested in seeing Thunder Raiko get her ass kicked

I thought it was a sweet moment though to have Toujima run into again the first person he helped...sort of a reminder that he did something good as Kamen Rider. Too bad Nakao had to show up and plant the seeds of doubt. Although I don't really think he did so maliciously...Tackle did demonstrate what happens in most cases in most cases.

Speaking of Tackle, her fight was pretty good, and the "thigh choke" or whatever she did feels like it should come with a "IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME JOKE". Also would...the brainwashing even work on any of them? Tackle is already in love with her character....but then again Batman's conversion seems...uh more like necromancy, and he seems to actually kill his converted in the process. So know idea if it's more powerful or not. Also pretty sure Raiko has the hots for her boss...

Looks like we are finally getting back to the main plotline though. Batman not only hurt Tackle, but also killed Mitsuba's parents, and caused Toujima to have a crisis of confidence, but he is also at the center of the idol scheme. Nakao and his crew are hardcore idol fans and Spiderman is...involved? I don't know how to describe his situation, but is also entangled with an Idol and potential target. So most of the cast has a reason to join forces and take him down.

I feel like tojima's strength greatly depends on whom his fighting with. The reason why tackle was able to beat tojima in the tournament is because tackle is not a monster. And tojima's love to fight a monster will greatly empowers him in the future episodes.

**So up till now this has been bothering me and maybe I'm looking too much into it but,**

How is the Kamen Rider show in this anime related to the "IRL" Shocker?

Like did the people who made the show know about Shocker, so they made up Kamen Rider heros to inspire/warn humans?

Cause it obviously seems like Shocker and the Monsters have no idea who Kamen Rider is

Why do they exist but Kamen Rider don't?

Is this a weird time travel/future prediction thing?

It probably won't happen but personally I hope this leads them to get actual powers and transformations, but I guess that's not the point of this anime

They did Tackle dirty this episode.

She keeps hitting Tackle in the tits! why is she only hitting Tackle in the tits!?

Damn V3 missed out on his chance to get revenge...

As shown on last week's preview, Rider Kick finally appears. Though, in my opinion, the impact was lacking, as it was only used on a generic combatant. Judging by this week's preview, it seems we might get a Nigo reference, maybe the Rider cast will expand even more.

extremely peak episode, bat man's human design is pretty cool. i feel like they couldve had a chance if V2 was there

Live to fight another day! At least Tackle II is alive and not gone like Tackle I.

Good god I winced hard at Bat Mayne kicking in Yuriko's knee lol. Had me petting my patellar screws and all that shit.

Also yeah, for as much as MAYBE Tojima can land a strong blow on Bat, that shit won't win them anything when they're severely outnumbered and got an injured ally.

Also also Thunder Raikou is some fucking serious business. Popped for her and Yuriko doing a wrestling strike exchange (Raikou throwing a chop, Yuriko answering with a stiff forearm)

Man all I want is for Tojima to get a real suit.

That shocker guy who found love on dogs was just killed like that. And to add to the emotional impact, they have that dog cry.

Nakao's warning is true though. So far, they are fighting mostly combatants. Yes, they encounter spider man, but I think he is not even fighting them seriously given that they are human. More like he is just curious why some humans are powerful compared to others.

Tojima also knows this fact that he is not the real deal. He even admitted it in ep 1. Adding the new monster this ep, he has all the reason to doubt himself.

Either V3 will snap him out of it or they become true kamen riders through the help of spider man or better his father. I think his father is kamen rider's equivalent of prof hiroshi.

Mitsuba just manhandling combatants like toys. I think our boy V3 needs to move closer to town

I feel like the only way for Tojima to become a rider is to follow the root of how Hongo becomes a Rider

Oh no.


I just remembered Ichiyo's last comments about dying as Kamen Rider. If Tojima and Mitsuba won't go head long into a hopeless* battle, and Yuriko can't. We don't have many options for this series' Krillin.


*I think Tojima had it if he could dig down for that love of Kamen Rider that defies all reason.

What was the point of making Tackle win the tournament and humiliating everyone else if she was effortlessly obliterated by Batman?
At this point, it looks like only Tojima can actually put up a real fight.

Holy hell...


This was quite the episode.


I feel sorry for that little dog after witnessing that guy's death. 😭😭


I knew Thunder Raiko was strong but actually going toe-to-toe with Yuriko was something. I thought she was gonna cook something up to counter that Ultimate Electro-Wave Throw, but Man Bat showing up and interrupting the move was completely unexpected. Thank goodness Mitsuba arrived in his Riderman form to stop the Batty.


Seeing that many Combatants... I didn't think Mitsuba and Yukarisu would be enough to stop them, along with Raiko and Man Bat.


Of course Tojima shows up, already transformed, with a Rider Kick. Though he did well against the grunts, I'm not so sure he would fare well against the flying rat since he could fly. I am pretty sure Hongo would've retreated if he and the others were in the same situation. Best to make a tactical retreat and live to fight another day. I think both Ichiyo and Tojima are gonna be doing a bit of Rider Soul searching.


Can't wait for the next episode. After what happened, I think they need to be joined by other Rider fans. I am pretty sure fans of Shin, Black, and Skyrider could help if they somehow managed to make razor sharp claws, bladed arm guards, a solar-powered power glove that can burn anything or anyone, and whatever could count as a flight device with good controls.

dang all that training arc n the best they can beat is thunder raiko, they arent near the monster level

The previous lighthearted episodes with the fat idol was really there to soften the blows of this episode huh:

* They finally meet a non-monster combatant that's been killing people
* Yukarisu and Tackle almost get killed
* One of the siblings finally meet the monster that killed their grandparents
* Tackle got spared from monsterization or being killed, but gets heavily injured
* Tojima has to face his "failure" of being a Kamen Rider by running away

Things are becoming more serious, and I love it

Talk about Worf Effect.

I wonder if Hachiro though he became a real SHOCKER unit will he act as one or as a Yakuza... As we saw, some of them can quit but with a heavy price...

I think that Yuriko could beat Thunder Raiko with that Frankensteiner Finisher if Bat Man didn't intervened, TR looks very strong and skilled (at least compared to Toujima) but does she have the same toughness will be determined later on a rematch I guess. Besides, I laughed when Yuriko told Yukarisu that she can only compare things by referencing KR Stronger. A real hard-fan indeed!

They finally met again, Mitsuba and BM. The latter is a real threat, even bigger than Kumota IMO. Being able to handle Tackle without transforming is enough proof (how merciless he was when he crush her leg, poor Yuriko...)

Tanzaburo despite saving the bunch, learnt another hard lesson from defeat that you can't fight every fights. That was the good choice tho by seeing the situation... But I can understand how harsh it's for him also thinking about Hachiro quote about Real and Fake.

Despite the loss, things will be interesting on both sides! However, how long it's gonna take for Tackle to heal her leg bruise? Now that Futaba knows that SHOCKER exists, how the Shimamura Siblings will act after their nemesis? Does Tanzaburo will still continue to act as a KR? (I hope you do, you may be not him, but you're human bro. Be the Rider you wanna be!)

Can't wait!

Goated ass episode 

I did not expect the episode to escalate to this level, but freaking loved it. Bat monster is a freaking menace.

That VA is really really warming up to me as a really great villain voice. He seems super fitting for the human and monster forms and killed it when he was kicking Tackle's butt. The directing and laughing from him was perfect when the gang was getting pushed to their limits too.

after four episodes of side stories, we finally back to the main gang and the good stuff!!


initially, I started watching this series as an alternative to the downer of one punch man s3 to fill my void of a hyped anime (I love Kamen rider but only Kamen rider black and black rx.... anything before or after that are not really my alley).


But the trials and tribulations of the team really gripped me....now I kinda want to read the manga.

Hachirou is gonna be the next one to be purged if he's gonna keep on transforming into Shocker in public when everybody's watching lol
Yuriko really put up a good fight against that female Shocker and her finishing move and Yukarisu screaming at that was peak..I wish it was me who got Sandwiched 😭😭❤️‍🔥

That would have finished her but the Bat inhumanoid intervened. What Hachirou told really got to Tojima. But he was right even though Tojima is strong, he still had to run away from that threat and he's starting to feel that he really is a fake Kamen Rider.

That female Shocker must really be someone from the 'combat girls' idol group. I guess we will get to see it next episode.

Apparently I forgot to post my reactions to this episode after watching it last Saturday... [](#kyonfacepalm)

- [Tojima about to tell them that Shocker really exists](https://i.imgur.com/xeKG7u5.png) followed *directly* by [Nakao showing up at the stand](https://i.imgur.com/3Tqo0zd.png) is really fucking funny. [](#azusalaugh)

- [Surely there has to be *something* they can do…](https://i.imgur.com/9NKMCSy.png) [](#csikon)

- [Gonna press X to doubt on this one, Nakao.](https://i.imgur.com/ljOqGfL.png) [](#rinkek)

- [Ai desu yo!](https://i.imgur.com/o2oaQCM.png) [](#crazedlaugh)

- [Damn, the guy with the dog is the next victim?](https://i.imgur.com/zOVlBfs.png) [](#toradorasalute)

- [Poor doggo…](https://i.imgur.com/hisrGXT.png) [](#sadholo)

- [Aw shit, it’s Yukarisu’s turn now.](https://i.imgur.com/8kt5bkH.png) [](#ohfuck) At least Yuriko is there too?

- [Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch.](https://i.imgur.com/6wHT8wW.png) [](#dighole)

- [Please don’t.](https://i.imgur.com/5SmvvQ5.png) [](#panic)

- [Oh right, this *specific* monster is the one who killed Mitsuba/Ichiyo/Futaba’s grandparents!](https://i.imgur.com/GtLyJGF.png) [](#suddenshock)

- [Tojima made it there right on time!](https://i.imgur.com/oBoyJec.png) [](#rengehype)

- [Dang, he’s actually running away though?](https://i.imgur.com/vnCaxRS.png)

- [Damn…](https://i.imgur.com/AuGIfll.png) [](#therethere)