“Henshin” is a Japanese word that can be translated as “transformation” or “metamorphosis.” The word is often used in animes, tokusatsu, and mangas, especially in superhero or science fiction series, to describe the act of changing form or appearance.
In many Japanese series, the hero or main character can transform into a more powerful form or alter their appearance to fight their enemies.
Henshin is usually performed with the help of a magical object, a technological device, or simply through the character’s will, where the transformation is accompanied by narration of words and a background track.
This idea of transformation is a common theme in many animes and mangas, and the word “henshin” is often used to describe it. The transformation can be physical or just in abilities, clothing, and equipment.
The word Henshin is composed of the ideograms “変” (hen), which means “change” or “transformation,” and “身” (shin), which means “body” or “form.”
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The Origin of the Henshin Genre
The idea of transformation/henshin is common in many aspects of Japanese culture, including mythology, literature, and art. In many Japanese tales and legends, characters transform into animals, monsters, or supernatural beings to face challenges or solve problems.
The transformation/henshin genre (in Japanese, “henshin hero”) has its roots in the tokusatsu genre popular in the 1950s, which refers to audiovisual productions with real actors and special effects.
In the 70s, the tokusatsu genre began to evolve into the superhero subgenre with special powers, which included the use of transformations to become stronger and fight evil.
Characters usually possessed a special item or device that allowed them to transform, such as a bracelet, a belt, or a gauntlet.
The transformation/henshin genre also became popular in mangas and animes. The series “Sailor Moon” (1992) featured girls who transformed into heroines to fight evil, while “Dragon Ball” (1986) featured characters who transformed into more powerful beings to combat enemies.
Why is Henshin So Popular?
The idea of transformation/henshin is not only a way to add excitement and drama to stories, but it can also represent a personal journey of self-discovery and growth for the main characters.
This can be an inspiring message for viewers, encouraging them to face their own fears and insecurities to reach their true potential.
The transformation can represent a turning point in the story, when the character assumes a new level of power and ability, thus causing anxiety and excitement for the viewers.
Many animes that do not focus on the Henshin genre still have scenes that are very popular because of a transformation. A great example is Gon’s transformation in the Chimera Ant arc.
The Greatest Transformations in Animes
Here is a list of the greatest transformations/henshin in animes:
- Goku – Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball)
- Sailor Moon – various forms (Sailor Moon)
- Naruto – Sage Mode of Six Paths (Naruto)
- Ichigo – Bankai (Bleach)
- Luffy – Gear Fourth (One Piece)
- Yusuke – Mazoku (Yu Yu Hakusho)
- Vegeta – Super Saiyan Blue (Dragon Ball)
- Gon – Adult (Hunter x Hunter)
- Madoka – God (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
- Yusuke Urameshi – Toguro (Yu Yu Hakusho)
- Simon – Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
- Shinichi Izumi – Shinichi’s Transformation (Parasyte)
- Gon Freecss – Jajanken (Hunter x Hunter)
- Kaneki Ken – Kakuja (Tokyo Ghoul)
- Shigeo Kageyama – 100% Explosion (Mob Psycho 100)
- Kira Yamato – SEED Mode (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED)
- Gohan – Super Saiyan 2 (Dragon Ball)
- Inuyasha – Transformation into Half Youkai (Inuyasha)
Do you recognize or remember some of these transformations? The videos below may help you remember:
List of Animes Focused on Henshin
There are hundreds of animes that focus on transformations. They can occur frequently or as a highlight of the work. How about checking some out?
It is worth noting that Henshin is usually found in works about superheroes, robots, magical girls, and similar themes. You might want to read articles that talk about this genre; we will leave them below:
- Monster Girls – Animes with monster or anthropomorphic girls
- The Best Mahou Shoujo Animes + Complete List
- Mecha – Animes of Giant Robots – Origin and Curiosities
Below we have a list of 50 animes, mangas, and series that have Henshin as a focus in the work. That is, animes where characters frequently transform.
- Sailor Moon
- Kamen Rider
- Ultraman
- Cutie Honey
- Cyborg 009
- Devilman
- Casshern Sins
- Tekkaman
- Getter Robo
- Gatchaman
- Minky Momo
- Super Sentai (Tokusatsu)
- Choujinki Metalder
- Choujuu Sentai Liveman
- Kikaida
- Juukou B-Fighter
- Garo
- Precure (Pretty Cure)
- Yuki Yuna is a Hero
- RahXephon
- Saint Seiya
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Tokyo Mew Mew
- Ojamajo Doremi
- Fushigiboshi no Futagohime
- Shugo Chara!
- Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
- Pretear
- Mahou Tsukai Sally
- Majokko Megu-chan
- Madou King Granzort
- Rilu Rilu Fairilu
- Digimon
- Yo-kai Watch
- Bakugan
- Monster Rancher
- Zatch Bell!
- Dinosaur King
- Duel Masters
- B-Daman
- Beyblade
- Medarot (Medabots)
- Zoids
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