Hiroshi Fujioka Returns as Takeshi Hongo! Voice Appearance Confirmed for Tojima Tanzaburo Wants to Be Kamen Rider

It was announced on September 26 that actor Hiroshi Fujioka will appear in the first episode of the upcoming anime Tanzaburo Tojima Wants to Be Kamen Rider, premiering on TOKYO MX and other networks on October 5 (airing every Sunday at 12:30 a.m.). Alongside the news, a special video featuring Fujioka and Katsuyuki Konishi, the voice of protagonist Tanzaburo Tojima, was released.

Based on the manga written by Yokusaru Shibata with cooperation from Ishimori Pro and Toei, the series originally ran in Monthly Heroes from June 2018 and is currently serialized on the manga platform Comiplex. The story follows Tanzaburo Tojima, a 40-year-old man who still dreams of becoming Kamen Rider. Just as he begins to give up on his dream, he becomes involved in a string of robberies carried out by fake Shocker criminals. Known for Air Master and Hachi-One Diver, Shibata portrays a passionate “serious Kamen Rider role-play” by adults who love the franchise too much.

In episode 1, Fujioka will make a special voice appearance as Takeshi Hongo.

In the video with Konishi, Fujioka is seen enthusiastically shouting “Rider Kick!” inside the recording booth. Reflecting on reprising his iconic role, he commented, “The blood in my body rushed back to the youth of those days. I felt my spirit ignite today.” The video also captured the two sharing their passion for heroes.

Katsuyuki Konishi × Hiroshi Fujioka Interview Highlights

—How did you feel after finishing the recording?

Fujioka:
Performing while recalling those days was both joyful and passionate. When I shouted lines like “Toh!” or “Kick!,” it instantly transported me back. It felt as if something dormant inside me had been awakened, my blood stirred, and every cell rejoiced. Once again, I realized how deeply the word “Rider Kick” is embedded in my heart and in the hearts of children from that era.

Konishi:
As a child, I used to play “Kamen Rider” with my younger brother. Once, I got carried away and accidentally kicked through a sliding door at home while imitating Rider Kick. My parents laughed but scolded me afterward.

Fujioka:
I understand that feeling well. Children naturally project themselves into what moves them. Encountering such a work was a miracle for me and the greatest start to my career. Hard to believe over 50 years have passed—it feels like the blink of an eye.

—Konishi, how did you feel hearing Fujioka’s performance?

Konishi:
(without hesitation) It was incredible! Truly the best. I felt transported back to my childhood. While Fujioka was recording, the staff in the booth all had childlike expressions as they listened to him shout “Rider Kick!” It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

—Fujioka, what impression did you have of this work when you first encountered it?

Fujioka:
Before reading, I had no idea what to expect, but as I went on, I became captivated and strongly empathized with Tanzaburo. His desire to become strong and be like Kamen Rider resonated deeply with me. Watching him pursue that dream for 40 years was inspiring, especially since I once portrayed Kamen Rider myself. I also felt the story conveys many messages for today’s world. Several elements overlap with real-life issues, giving it a striking sense of realism.

Konishi:
It’s true. If something like this happened in reality, it might be frightening, but imagining such a world is also exciting. The depiction feels so real that it makes you think, “What if the person next to me suddenly shouted ‘Iiieeee!’ and turned into a Shocker soldier?”

—Could you share a message for viewers?

Konishi:
As a child, I drew strength from Kamen Rider, anime, and manga, which gave me the energy to keep going. Seeing a middle-aged man proclaim, “I am Kamen Rider!” may seem comical to some, but I hope people can feel the passion and spirit behind it. No matter how old we are, continuing something we love can lead to meaningful connections. Please enjoy this anime and let it inspire you.

Fujioka:
Regardless of country or culture, I believe children everywhere carry an unshakable desire for heroes. Heroes are their stars of hope, bringing courage, dreams, and happiness for the future. Delivering such heroes through manga, anime, and tokusatsu is something we must never lose. Heroes light a fire in children’s hearts, teaching them love and courage. I hope there will always be adults with the heart to pass on these values and continue to inspire future generations.

Video

Source : ORICON NEWS