The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yokusaru Shibata’s manga, “Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be a Masked Rider,” unveiled an exciting revelation during its Tokyo preview screening on Friday. Hiroshi Fujioka, the original Kamen Rider/Takeshi Hongo from the 1971 TV series, will reprise his iconic role in the first episode of the new anime. The official website of the anime shared a video featuring Fujioka and Katsuyuki Konishi, who voices the protagonist Tojima, discussing Fujioka’s role and enthusiastically shouting the signature “Rider Kick!”
The first five episodes of the anime will be screened early at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo and T-Joy Umeda in Osaka, starting October 3 for one week only.
©柴田ヨクサル／ヒーローズ・Tojima Rider Project ©石森プロ・東映
The anime is set to premiere on Tokyo MX on October 4 at 24:30 JST, which effectively translates to October 5 at 12:30 a.m. Crunchyroll will stream the anime under the title “Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider.”
The anime features a talented cast and crew:
Takahiro Ikezoe, known for his work on “Ozma” and “Show By Rock!!,” is directing the anime at LIDEN FILMS. Toko Machida, who has worked on “Allison & Lillia” and “Wake Up, Girls!,” is in charge of the series scripts. Cindy H. Yamauchi, recognized for her character designs in “Blade” and “Soten Koro,” is designing the characters. Teddyloid, famous for his work on “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt,” is composing the music.
Teddyloid, featuring Shigeru Matsuzaki and accelerated by TOPHAMHAT-KYO of FAKE TYPE., performs the opening theme song “Wanna be.” The song is scored and arranged by Teddyloid, EMME, and TOPHAMHAT-KYO, with lyrics written by Konnie Aoki.
The manga follows Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man who still dreams of becoming a Kamen Rider. Just as he is about to give up on his dream, he gets entangled in a “false Shocker” robbery.
Shibata launched the manga with cooperation from Ishimori Production and Toei in the Monthly Hero’s magazine in 2018. The manga later moved to the Comiplex website, where it continues to be published. The 16th compiled book volume was released on April 4.
Shibata’s previous works include “Air Master” and “81diver.” “81diver” concluded in July 2014 and inspired a live-action television series in 2008. “Air Master” was adapted into a television anime in 2003, with Geneon Entertainment and Toei Animation releasing some of the series on DVD in North America before Funimation picked up the license. Crunchyroll is currently streaming the series.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
