Henshin (変身 henshin?) is the Japanese word for "transformation,"[1] literally meaning, "to change or transform the body." This word is primarily utilized in manga, anime, and tokusatsu dramas for when a character transforms into a superhero. The phrase "Henshin" is most often used by characters in the Kamen Rider Series[2], whereas other programs use various words such as souchaku (装着 sōchaku?, meaning "equip")[2], or will utilize phrases unique to the story.[3]
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Styles of Henshin
Henshin are usually initiated in several different ways, the most common being through certain devices. These are normally voice-activated, so the character often has to say a certain phrase or word in order to activate the henshin. The type of devices vary with the genre of the anime or tokusatsu. Because the sequences are usually the same footage, they always used in each episode and are less budget consuming. Devices may include:
- Handheld devices (i.e cellphones or the Digivice)
- Wrist devices - These and the above are fairly common in tokusatsu such as Super Sentai.
- Jewellery - Usually found in anime of the Magical Girl/Shōjo genre, but can sometimes be seen in shōnen anime.
- Wands, staffs, sticks and rods (i.e. the Star Power Sticks and Crystal Change Rods from Sailor Moon)
In Other Media
Henshin appear Western shows, especially if the shows are heavily influenced by anime or tokusatsu. Shows featuring henshin include Wonder Woman, Jem, Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog, Ben 10, W.I.T.C.H., Mummies Alive!, and Winx Club.
List of anime and tokusatsu with henshin sequences
- Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (and its live-action remake Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon)
- Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
- Tokyo Mew Mew
- Kamen Rider
- Super Sentai (distributed in the West as Power Rangers)
- Powerpuff Girls Z
- Viewtiful Joe
- Digimon
- Ojamajo Doremi
- Mega Man Star Force (anime)
- Megaman NT Warrior
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Magical DoReMi
References
- ^ Japanese Words Commonly Used In Tokusatsu. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ a b 装着変身SERIES. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ 獣拳戦隊ゲキレンジャー. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
External links
- Henshin! Online - Specializes in Japanese fantasy, especially Henshin Heroes
- Henshin Hall of Fame - Unofficial site that features many 1970s era Henshin Heroes
