`Toojima Tansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai` Dai 1-wa: Fujioka Hiroshi, Voices Hongo Takeshi! Konishi Katsuyuki Interview Released “It’s Truly the Best”

The TV anime Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai is set to begin its broadcast on October 4, 2025. It has been revealed that Fujioka Hiroshi-san himself will make a special appearance, lending his voice to Hongo Takeshi, the original Kamen Rider, in a scene from the first episode. Alongside this exciting news, the details of a special conversation between Fujioka Hiroshi-san and Konishi Katsuyuki-san, who plays the protagonist Azuma Dansaburou, have also been released.

Here are some striking visuals from the upcoming anime and the special guest announcement:

About the Anime

Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai is a TV anime based on the manga by Shibata Yokusaru, created with the cooperation of Ishimori Pro and Toei. The manga began serialization in “Monthly HERO’S” in the June 2018 issue and is currently ongoing on the manga distribution site “Comiplex-Comiplex-.”

LIDENFILMS is handling the animation production under the direction of Ikegoe Takahiro-kantoku. The cast features an impressive lineup including Konishi Katsuyuki as Azuma Dansaburou, Kayano Ai as Okada Yuriko, Suzumura Kenichi as Shimamura Kazuha, Saito Soma as Shimamura Mitsuha, Fairouz Ai as Yukarisu, and Tsuda Kenjiro as Nakao Hachiro.

The story kicks off when Azuma Dansaburou, a 40-year-old man who has always passionately dreamed of becoming a Kamen Rider, finds himself on the verge of giving up. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he gets entangled in a series of “fake Shocker” robbery incidents that are stirring up the public. Known for works like Air Master and Hachigou Diver, Shibata-sensei pours his soul into depicting adults who love “Kamen Rider” so much they engage in “serious Kamen Rider play.” This heartfelt tribute is now coming to life in anime!

The visual for Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai

Fujioka Hiroshi’s Special Appearance

The news of Fujioka Hiroshi-san’s appearance in the first episode was announced at the advance screening event, “Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai Episodes 1-5 Special Edition: Let’s Go, Shocker!!!!!”, held at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo. Fans were thrilled to hear that Fujioka Hiroshi-san himself would be specially voicing Hongo Takeshi, the iconic original Kamen Rider, in a pivotal scene within Episode 1, titled “Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai.”

A Special Conversation with the Cast

Additionally, a special video featuring comments from Fujioka Hiroshi-san and Konishi Katsuyuki-san, who portrays the anime’s protagonist Azuma Dansaburou, has been released. The video captures Fujioka Hiroshi-san energetically shouting “Rider Kick!” in the recording booth, and he expresses his profound experience voicing Hongo Takeshi for this anime, stating, “The blood throughout my body started to stir, returning to the passion of my youth. Today, I truly burned with enthusiasm.” Don’t miss the details of their conversation, where Fujioka Hiroshi-san’s fervent dedication to heroes shines through, shared alongside Konishi Katsuyuki-san.

Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai: Fujioka Hiroshi-san x Konishi Katsuyuki-san

The TV anime Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai is slated to begin its broadcast on October 4, 2025. With the announcement of Fujioka Hiroshi-san as a magnificent special guest for the first episode, anticipation for the upcoming premiere and future developments is soaring!

Interview Content

Konishi Katsuyuki x Fujioka Hiroshi

— Please share your thoughts after completing the voice recording.

Fujioka: It was a joy and quite exhilarating to perform while recalling those past times. When I uttered lines like “Toh!” and “Kiiick!”, I was instantly transported back to that era. It felt like something dormant within me was awakened, my blood stirred, and every cell in my body rejoiced. It made me realize once again just how deeply the phrase “Rider Kick” is ingrained in the hearts of myself and the children of that generation.

Konishi: As a child, I also often played “Kamen Rider go-kko” (pretend Kamen Rider) with my younger brother. Once, when I was imitating a Rider Kick inside the house, I got so caught up in the moment that I tore through our fusuma (sliding doors). My parents laughed, but then they properly scolded me afterwards (laughs).

Fujioka: I completely understand that feeling. It’s that honest, pure sensibility of a child, isn’t it? You project yourself into something that moves you, and you become completely immersed. Meeting such a work was a miracle, and for me as an actor, it was an incredible starting point. Wow, it doesn’t feel like over 50 years have passed. It truly feels like it was just yesterday.

— Konishi-san, what was your impression after hearing Fujioka-san’s recording?

Konishi: (Interrupting enthusiastically) It was the best! Truly, it was the best. My feelings also returned to the time when I was watching it as a child. When Fujioka-san was recording, all the staff members lined up in the staff booth, and everyone had the faces of children as they listened to the line “Rider Kiiick!” I’m truly grateful for being given such a wonderful opportunity this time.

— Fujioka-san, what was your initial impression when you learned about this work?

Fujioka: Before reading it, I couldn’t imagine the content, but as I continued reading, I became completely engrossed, and I deeply empathized with Azuma-kun’s feelings. Seeing his growing desire to “become strong, to become like Kamen Rider” and pursuing that dream for 40 years, especially having played Kamen Rider myself, made me incredibly happy.

I also felt that there are many messages conveyed about the current state of the world. Many of the events (in the story) overlap with reality, making it feel so realistic that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction.

Konishi: If something like this actually happened, it would probably be a bit scary, but I also think it would be interesting if such a world existed. As Fujioka-san mentioned, it’s depicted with such realism. For example, I felt it was a world where it wouldn’t be strange if the person recording next to you suddenly became a Shocker grunt, shouting “Eeek!” tomorrow.

— Finally, please give a message for the broadcast.

Konishi: When I was little, I received a lot of strength from Kamen Rider, anime, and manga, and I believe I’ve been able to push forward with that energy until now. To some, an older man saying “I am Kamen Rider” and acting on it might seem comical, but I would be happy if viewers could feel the passion and soul behind it.

No matter how old you get, there are always things you can do, and if you keep going, it will definitely connect to something. I think it’s important to keep pursuing whatever that something is, big or small, in your everyday life. First and foremost, I would be thrilled if everyone watches this anime.

Fujioka: I believe that deep down, children all over the world, regardless of nation or ethnicity, have an unceasing desire for heroes. Heroes are guiding stars of hope for children. Continuing to send out and deliver beings that provide hope, dreams, inspiration, the courage to live, and happiness to many children is something that absolutely must not be lost.

To continue delivering heroes in various forms—manga, anime, tokusatsu—that ignite a spark in children’s hearts, teach them what love is, and make them think. My wish is that there will continue to be such heartfelt adults who seriously consider what to entrust, what to leave, and what legacy to pass on to the children of the future.

Azuma Dansaburou wa Kamen Rider ni Naritai Anime Information

First Episode Broadcast Information

Broadcasting will commence on October 4, 2025, airing every Saturday on various channels.

• TOKYO MX・BS11・Tochigi TV・Gunma TV: October 4 (Saturday) 24:30 JST
• MBS: October 4 (Saturday) 26:58 JST *Time change only for the first broadcast
• CBC TV: October 4 (Saturday) 26:58 JST *Time change only for the first broadcast
• Hokkaido Broadcasting: October 4 (Saturday) 26:28 JST
• RKB Mainichi Broadcasting: October 4 (Saturday) 27:00 JST *Time change only for the first broadcast

Also available for simultaneous and fastest streaming on ABEMA and d Anime Store from October 4 (Saturday) 24:30 JST. Other streaming platforms will begin sequential distribution from October 7 (Tuesday) 12:00 JST.

Staff

Cast

(C) Shibata Yokusaru／HERO’S・Tojima Rider Project

(C) Ishimori Pro・Toei

By Nakase Koutarou