This section will eventually
hold information on Japanese Transformers, mainly those aspects of the Japanese lines that weren't exported
to the rest of the world, or were told quite differently in Japan.
In contrast to the other sections on the site this section will not be limited to just one or
two generations - it covers both the original Transformers series, several Beast Wars spin-offs, plus a
series called Car Robots (which became Robots in Disguise in the rest of the world
Footnote: If you wonder what the logotype above is supposed to be, it is the
Japanese version of the Transformers logotype. It says "Transformer" in Japanese katakana
characters. (Yes, that's "Transformer" without an 's'. The Japanese language doesn't use
plural ending, so the same word is used in both the singular and the plural form.)
I have finally started working on adding some more information to the Japanese section.
To start with I have expanded the section with some cast lists and some lyrics. I hope to add more material,
including some rough summaries of the various series, soon.
Fight! Super Robot Life Form Transformers
This series was the Japanese translation of the first two seasons of the original Transformers show. It was
shown between July 1985 and November 1986.
Fight! Super Robot Life Form Transformers - 2010
This series corresponds to the third season of the original Transformers show. It aired between November
1986 and June 1987, and ended with the two-parter "The Return of Optimus Prime". Note: "The
Rebirth, parts 1-3" was never shown in Japan.
Transformers: The Headmasters
Japan's first original Transformers series, featuring their interpretation of the Head- and Targetmasters.
It was broadcasted from July 1987 to March 1988.
Episode list
Cast list
Intro/outro lyrics
Transformers: Super God Masterforce
The Japanese story of the Pretenders, Powermasters and second generation Headmasters. It was shown between
April 1988 and February 1989.
Episode list
Cast list
Intro/outro lyrics
Transformers V (Victory)
A show featuring lots of Japanese exclusive characters like Star Saber and Deszaras, and groups like the
Brainmasters, Multi-Force, Breast Force, and Dino Force. It aired between March 1989 and December 1989.
Episode list
Cast list
Intro/outro lyrics
Transformers Z (Zone)
A single episode only released on a videotape, sold together with a Micromaster figure in 1990. The story was
continued in TV Magazine. The series focused on Micromasters and featured some exclusive Transformers
that transformed into Micromaster bases.
Episode & cast list
Return of Convoy/Battlestars, Operation Combination, Transformers G2
These toylines, from 1991, 1992 and 1994-95 respectively, never had cartoons in Japan, but the stories were
told in TV Magazine. The two former continued the focus on Micromasters and Micromaster bases, and the
third featured a number of the new moulds from the Generation 2 toyline.
Beast Wars
The Japanese translation of the first season of the Beast Wars show. It was broadcasted from October 1997 to
March 1998.
Beast Wars II
An original Japanese series created to fill the gap while Japan was waiting for the Beast Wars series to
finish in America. It used lots of BW toys that were unused in the American show, plus a few original
designs, and was shown between April 1998 and January 1999. Beast Wars II also had a film in the cinemas in
late 1998.
Episode list
Beast Wars Neo
Another original series, but this one featured lots of Japanese exclusive Beast Wars toys. It was broadcasted
from February 1999 to September 1999.
Episode list
Beast Wars Metals
The translation of seasons 2 and 3 of Beast Wars show, broadcasted from October 1999 to March 2000.
Transformers: Car Robots
This is the series that was eventually brought over to North America, as Robots in Disguise. It aired
in Japan between April and December 2000.
Episode list
Transformers: Micron Legend
The same series as Transformers: Armada, it was shown from January 2003 to January 2004.
Episode list
Transformers: Super Link
The Japanese translation of Transformers: Energon, broadcasted from January 2004 to December 2004.
Episode list
Cast list
Intro/outro lyrics
Transformers: Galaxy Force
The Japanese version of Transformers: Cybertron. The series airs in Japan from January to December
2005.
Episode list
Cast list
Intro/outro lyrics
This page was created by Lars Eriksson/PatchWorks, groundsplitter@ntfa.net.
The last revision was made on Thursday, January 27, 2005.
