Time Bokan (1975)
The classic Tatsunoko anime that launched a franchise — a time-traveling quest to rescue a lost scientist and outsmart a villainous trio.
Time Bokan - Series Information
- Original Title: タイムボカン
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 61
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 4, 1975 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Production Companies: Tatsunoko Production
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 날아라 번개호 (KR), A Fantástica Máquina do Tempo (BR), 时间飞船 (CN), 小双侠 (HK), Time Bokan (US), La macchina del tempo (IT), タイムボカン (JP), 救难小英雄 (TW)
Time Bokan - Plot
While experimenting with his time-travel machine, Dr. Kieta becomes lost in an unknown era. So his assistant and his daughter set out in space in a time machine to search for the missing doctor. But they must also try to defeat an evil group trying to steal the precious Dinamond jewel, which possesses the only clue to the doctor's location.
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Time Bokan - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kei Tomiyama
- Yoshiko Ohta
- Noriko Ohara
- Junpei Takiguchi
Time Bokan - FAQs
What is Time Bokan about?
Time Bokan follows the adventures of a young boy and a girl who travel through time in a machine to find Dr. Kieta, a scientist lost in an unknown era. Along the way, they must outwit a scheming villainous trio determined to steal the precious Dinamond jewel, the only clue to the doctor's whereabouts.
When did Time Bokan first air?
Time Bokan premiered on October 4, 1975, on Fuji TV in Japan. The series ran for 61 episodes across a single season, concluding in 1976. It became the first entry in Tatsunoko Production's beloved Time Bokan franchise, spawning numerous sequel series throughout the late 1970s and beyond.
Is Time Bokan the start of a larger franchise?
Absolutely. Time Bokan launched one of Tatsunoko Production's most enduring anime franchises. The original series was followed by multiple sequel shows — including Yatterman, Zenderman, and Otasukeman — each featuring a new cast of heroes and a recurring comedic villain trio format that became the franchise's signature style.
Who are the main voice actors in Time Bokan?
The series features Kei Tomiyama as Grocky, Yoshiko Ohta as Tanpei, Noriko Ohara as Majyo, and Junpei Takiguchi as Perasuke. These veteran voice actors brought the colorful cast of heroes and villains to life across all 61 episodes of the original 1975 run.
How many episodes does Time Bokan have?
Time Bokan consists of 61 episodes, all contained within a single season. Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes, making the full series a substantial watch at just over 25 hours of content. The show aired on Fuji TV from October 1975 through 1976.
What makes Time Bokan unique among 1970s anime?
Time Bokan pioneered the recurring comedic villain trio formula — bumbling antagonists who are defeated in an elaborate, slapstick explosion at the end of each episode. This structure became enormously influential in anime, inspiring countless series and cementing Tatsunoko Production's reputation for inventive, humor-driven action-adventure storytelling.
What genre is Time Bokan?
Time Bokan blends Animation, Comedy, Family entertainment, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. It combines time-travel adventure with lighthearted slapstick humor, making it accessible to young audiences while delivering enough wit and charm to entertain older viewers. It's a classic example of Tatsunoko's signature action-comedy anime style.
Where can I find similar shows to Time Bokan?
Fans of Time Bokan may enjoy T·P BON, a time-travel anime with a similar adventurous spirit, or Terminator Zero for a darker sci-fi take. For classic animation vibes, Blake and Mortimer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) offer comparable action-comedy energy. Dragon Ball DAIMA is another fun pick for retro anime enthusiasts.
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