Reideen the Brave (1975)
A landmark 1975 Japanese mecha anime in which a teenage descendant of the lost Mu civilization pilots the ancient giant robot Raideen against the awakened Demon Empire.
Reideen the Brave - Series Information
- Original Title: 勇者ライディーン
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Created by: Masaki Tsuji, Soji Yoshikawa
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 50
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 4, 1975 (United States - NR)
- Networks: tv asahi
- Alternative Titles: Yuusha Raideen (JP), Heroic Rydeen (US), 용자 라이덴 (KR), 勇者莱丁 (CN)
- Production Companies: SUNRISE, TFC
- Production Countries: Japan
Reideen the Brave - Plot
After a slumber of twelve millennia, the Demon Empire awakens to seize control of the Earth. Raideen, the giant robot-like protector of the lost continent of Mu, senses the evil presence and awakens within its golden pyramid. A young Japanese boy, Akira Hibiki, is alerted about the Demon Empire by a mysterious voice and rushes to the pyramid. It is soon revealed that Akira is a descendant of the ancient people of Mu who must help Raideen save the Earth. Akira enters the robot by way of a ramp, accelerating his motorcycle into the robot's head and assuming control of Raideen from an internal cockpit. In typical anime style, Akira is aided by Mari Sakurano, who happens to be the daughter of a prominent scientist, and his friends from the soccer club. Half way through the story the Demon Empire's master, Barao, is released from his statue prison and intends to finish what he started twelve thousand years earlier.
Where to Watch Reideen the Brave
Looking for where to watch Reideen the Brave?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Reideen the Brave - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Masaki Tsuji
- Soji Yoshikawa
Main Cast
- Akira Kamiya
- Ikuo Nishikawa
- Keisuke Yamashita
- Kotoe Taichi
- Shojiro Kihara
- Kaneta Kimotsuki
- Makio Inoue
- Junpei Takiguchi
- Tatsuyuki Jinnai
- Ichirô Murakoshi
Reideen the Brave - FAQs
What is the story behind Reideen the Brave?
Reideen the Brave centers on Akira Hibiki, a teenage boy who discovers he is a descendant of the ancient Mu civilization. When the Demon Empire awakens after twelve thousand years, Akira pilots Raideen, a colossal golden robot, to protect Earth from conquest — riding his motorcycle directly into the robot's cockpit to take control.
Is Reideen the Brave worth watching for mecha anime fans?
Absolutely a must for mecha enthusiasts. Reideen the Brave is one of the genre's foundational works, airing in 1975 alongside other super robot classics. Its blend of ancient mythology, giant robot action, and coming-of-age storytelling set templates that countless later series would follow, making it essential viewing for anyone tracing anime history.
Where can you watch Reideen the Brave?
Streaming availability for Reideen the Brave varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, as availability on digital platforms can change over time. Given its vintage 1975 origins, physical media or specialty anime distributors may also be worth exploring.
Who voiced the main character Akira Hibiki?
Akira Hibiki was voiced by Akira Kamiya, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated voice actors in anime history. Kamiya later lent his voice to iconic roles such as Ryo Saeba in City Hunter and Kenshiro in Fist of the North Star, cementing his legendary status in the industry.
What inspired the creation of Reideen the Brave?
Reideen the Brave drew inspiration from the booming super robot genre of 1970s Japan, building on the template established by Mazinger Z. Creators Masaki Tsuji and Soji Yoshikawa added a distinctive mythological twist by rooting the story in the legend of the lost continent of Mu, giving Raideen a mystical, ancient identity unlike its contemporaries.
How does Raideen differ from other 1970s super robots?
Unlike many super robots of its era that were purely mechanical inventions, Raideen is portrayed as a living, sentient guardian with a soul — awakening on its own to sense evil. This organic, almost spiritual quality, combined with its origins in the mythical Mu civilization, gave the series a unique identity that set it apart from contemporaries.
What are some anime series similar to Reideen the Brave?
Fans of Reideen the Brave will likely enjoy other classic super robot titles such as UFO Robot Grendizer, Mazinger Z, and Dino Mech Gaiking, all from the same golden era. For more modern takes on the giant robot genre, Voltron: Legendary Defender and Aquarion offer compelling updates with contemporary animation quality.
Who created Reideen the Brave and which studio produced it?
Reideen the Brave was created by Masaki Tsuji and Soji Yoshikawa and produced by SUNRISE — the studio that would later become synonymous with the Gundam franchise. The series aired on TV Asahi beginning in April 1975 and ran for 50 episodes across a single season, concluding in 1976.
More About Reideen the Brave
Explore further details about Reideen the Brave on these authoritative databases.