This is the new anime inspired by one of Japan’s biggest legends of the 20th century

Japanese culture captivates millions of people worldwide, and its entertainment industry is one of the most prominent facets. From manga, anime, and video games to cinema and music, the options are virtually endless. Within this vast array, certain works have become iconic, earning extraordinary admiration and recognition from the audience. One of these legendary figures is Kamen Rider, a character created by Shotaro Ishinomori (also known as the “King of Manga”) whose stories have spanned from 1971 to the present. However, few are as intriguing as the one set to debut this year.

‘Tojima wants to be a Kamen Rider’, originally known as Tojima Tanzaburo wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai, is an adaptation of a manga first published in May 2018, which continues to be serialized with 15 volumes to date. Created by Yokusaru Shibata, this anime premieres in 2025 and stands out from the rest by presenting a middle-aged protagonist who has dreamed his entire life of becoming Kamen Rider, the Japanese superhero.

An anime poised to be the year’s surprise hit

This series explores complex themes like loneliness, midlife crises, achieving dreams, and the faith one has in oneself. Though it may fly under the radar for many, its originality and concept could make it one of the year’s standout surprises. The story resonates with viewers of a similar age to its protagonist, many of whom are fans of Japanese animation and tokusatsu, a genre where representation for their demographic is rare.

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