The appeal and evaluation of Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion THE ANIMATION: The evolution and potential of the series' first animated adaptation

Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion THE ANIMATION - The charm and full picture of the ultimate transforming robot anime

Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion THE ANIMATION (hereafter referred to as Shinkalion) is a 76-episode TV anime series that aired on TBS from January 7, 2018 to June 29, 2019. This work was produced as an animation derived from a toy based on the original idea by Project Shinkalion. It was directed by Ikezoe Takahiro, animated by OLM, and produced by the Super Evolution Institute and TBS. Here we will explain in detail the appeal of Shinkalion and what it is all about.

■ Story

Shinkalion is set at the Shinkansen Super Evolution Laboratory. At this laboratory, the "Shinkansen Transforming Robot Shinkalion" was developed to protect the peace and security of Japan from the giant monsters created by the "Jet Black Shinkansen." Children who have a high compatibility rate with Shinkalion become the drivers and join forces with the laboratory staff to face the giant enemy. What is the purpose of the "Jet Black Shinkansen" and will the children be able to protect the peace and security of Japan? The story follows their fate.

■Cast

Shinkalion features a large number of characters with unique personalities. The cast includes a stellar cast of voice actors, including Sakura Ayane as the protagonist Hayasugi Hayato, Numakura Manami as Oga Akita, and Murakawa Rie as Daimonyama Tsuranuki. In addition, the acting of actors such as Ueda Yuji as Shashot and Taketatsu Ayana as Ueda Azusa brings out the individuality of each character. Furthermore, a wide range of voice actors, from veterans to young talents, such as Sugita Tomokazu as Hayasugi Hokuto and Amamiya Sora as Mihara Futaba, are also taking part, further enhancing the appeal of the work.

■ Main staff

Many staff members are involved in the production of Shinkalion. The original idea was created by Project Shinkalion, the director is Itai Hiroki, the series composition and scriptwriter is Shimoyama Kento, the character design is Aono Yuka, and the chief animation director is Ikezoe Takahiro, bringing together professionals from various fields. In addition, experts from each department, such as color designer Murata Eriko, art director Koga Toru, cinematographer Murakami Nobuyuki, editor Okita Hideki, sound director Mima Masafumi, and music composer Watanabe Toshiyuki, are supporting the quality of the work. Animation is handled by OLM, and production is handled by Shogakukan Shueisha Productions.

■ Main Characters

The main characters of Shinkalion are children who operate Shinkalion. The main character, Hayasugi Hayato, is a driver of "Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa" and a sixth grade elementary school student from Saitama Prefecture. He belongs to the Shinkansen Super Evolution Research Institute Omiya branch. Oga Akita is a driver of "Shinkalion E6 Komachi" and a sixth grade elementary school student from Akita Prefecture. Daimonyama Tsuranuki is a driver of "Shinkalion E7 Kagayaki" and a sixth grade elementary school student from Ishikawa Prefecture. Tsukiyama Shinobu is a driver of "Shinkalion E3 Tsubasa" and a fifth grade elementary school student from Yamagata Prefecture. Kiyosu Ryuji is a driver of "Shinkalion N700A Nozomi" and a third grade junior high school student from Aichi Prefecture. These characters fight against giant monsters using Shinkalion and struggle to protect the peace and security of Japan.

■ Main robot items

A variety of robots and items appear in Shinkalion. The main robot is "Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa MkII." This robot is 27.5m long and weighs 125t, and is a new model with more powerful capabilities than Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa. "Shinkalion E6 Komachi" will also appear. This robot is 25m long and weighs 95t, and in Shinkansen mode it becomes "E6 Series Komachi" and can move at high speed on the ground using the wheels on its legs. These robots will fight against giant monsters together with the children.

■Subtitle

Shinkalion is a long series of 76 episodes. Each episode has a different subtitle, and various episodes unfold as the story progresses. Starting with episode 1, "Departure!! Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa," to episode 76, "Destination!! Shinkalion and a New Departure," each episode has a different theme and development. In particular, many episodes are important turning points in the story, such as episode 18, "Jet Black!! Black Shinkalion Appears," and episode 75, "Final Battle!! Team Shinkalion vs. Black Shinkalion Ogre."

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music of Shinkalion are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Evolution Theory" is sung by BOYS AND MEN and was used from episodes 2 to 63 and 65 to 75. The lyrics are by Fujibayashi Seiko, the music is by Coffee Creamers, and the editing is by Soma Genda. The ending theme is a multi-song. "Go One Step Ahead" was used from episodes 2 to 25 and 76, and was written, composed, and sung by Murakami Keisuke. "I WANNA BE WITH YOU" was used from episodes 26 to 38, and was written, composed, and sung by TETSUYA. "Go Way!" was used from episodes 39 to 51, and was sung by SILENT SIREN. "STARTRAiN" was used from episodes 52 to 63, and was sung by Amatsuki. "Start Line" was used in episodes 65 to 75, and was sung by Berry Goodman. These songs further enrich the worldview of Shinkalion.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

Shinkalion is a fascinating work with its unique setting and story development. The idea of ​​a Shinkansen transforming robot has inspired children's dreams and attracted many viewers. It also depicts the growth and friendship of the children who control Shinkalion, as well as the fight to protect the peace and security of Japan, creating a moving story. Furthermore, the individuality of the characters and the worldview are firmly portrayed thanks to the power of the splendid voice actors and staff.

The show has also been highly praised, with viewers saying things like, "It's a show that can be enjoyed by both children and adults," "It deepens your knowledge of the Shinkansen," and "The characters' growth is moving." The show has also been a success when it came to linking with toys, and the Shinkalion series toys have been a big hit. As a result, Shinkalion has been developed in various media, not just as an anime, but also as toys and events, and has gained support from a wide range of people.

■ Recommendation points

The reasons we recommend Shinkalion are as follows:

• Fusion of Shinkansen and robot : The idea of ​​a Shinkansen transforming into a robot inspires children's dreams and attracts viewers. It also has an educational element as it deepens knowledge about the Shinkansen.
• A moving story : The story depicts the growth and friendship of the children who control the Shinkalion, and their fight to protect the peace and security of Japan, and is a moving story that will leave viewers deeply moved.
• A luxurious cast of voice actors and staff : A luxurious cast of voice actors such as Ayane Sakura and Tomokazu Sugita are participating, bringing out the individuality of the characters. In addition, staff such as Takahiro Ikezoe and OLM support the quality of the work.
• Link with toys : The Shinkalion series toys have been a huge hit, and their link with the anime has been a success. You can enjoy the world of the work even more through the toys.
• Wide range of development : Shinkalion is not only an anime, but is also developed in various media such as toys and events. It has gained support from a wide range of people and can be enjoyed from many angles.

Conclusion

Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion THE ANIMATION is a work with many charms, including its unique setting, moving story, stellar voice actors and staff, linkage with toys, and wide range of developments. It is enjoyable for both children and adults, and leaves a deep impression on viewers. If you have not seen Shinkalion yet, please give it a watch. This work, which depicts the fight to protect the peace and security of Japan, and the growth and friendship of children, is sure to touch your heart.