Flint: The Time Detective (1998)
A beloved late-1990s Japanese animated adventure following a prehistoric boy who leaps through time solving mysteries and protecting history.
Flint: The Time Detective - Series Information
- Original Title: 時空探偵ゲンシクン
- First Air Year: 1998
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: German
- First Air Date: October 1, 1998 (Germany - 6), October 1, 1998 (Brazil - L)
- Networks: TV Tokyo
- Alternative Titles: Flint - A spasso nel tempo (IT), Flint Hammerhead (US), Flint le détective (FR), Flint Hammerhead (DE), Flint, o Detetive do Tempo (BR), 4차원 탐정 똘비 (KR), Jiku Tantei Genshi-kun (JP), Флинт — детектив, путешествующий во времени (RU)
- Production Companies: Group TAC, Sanrio
- Production Countries: Japan
Flint: The Time Detective - Plot
Flint the Time Detective, known in Japan as Space-Time Detective Genshi-kun, is an animated Japanese television series directed by Hiroshi Fukutomi. It was based on a manga by Hideki Sonoda and Akira Yamauchi and was published by Kodansha in Japan. The anime aired from 1998 to 1999 in Japan and ran for 39 episodes. In USA Flint the Time Detective airs from March 5, 2000 until November 5, 2000. The series also aired in the Philippines via GMA 7 and dubbed in Filipino language which runs from late 2000 until mid-2001. Enoki Films and Sanrio hold the license to Flint the Time Detective.
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Flint: The Time Detective - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yukiji
- Nana Mizuki
- Kiyu Morita
- Masamichi Sato
- Fumihiko Tachiki
- Chinami Nishimura
- Mami Nakajima
- Kappei Yamaguchi
- Katsumi Suzuki
- Toshiyuki Morikawa
Flint: The Time Detective - FAQs
Is Flint: The Time Detective based on a manga?
Yes — the series is adapted from a manga created by Hideki Sonoda and Akira Yamauchi, published by Kodansha in Japan. The anime adaptation was directed by Hiroshi Fukutomi and aired on TV Tokyo from 1998 to 1999, running for 39 episodes before gaining international distribution.
What is Flint: The Time Detective about?
The show follows Flint, a prehistoric boy who travels through time solving mysteries and protecting history. Blending slapstick comedy with time-travel adventure, it targets younger audiences with a shounen sensibility, featuring a colorful cast of characters encountering historical figures and fantastical creatures across different eras.
When did Flint: The Time Detective first air?
The series premiered on October 1, 1998, in Japan on TV Tokyo. It reached American audiences on March 5, 2000, and continued airing in the US until November 5, 2000. The show also aired in the Philippines via GMA 7 and was dubbed into Filipino, running from late 2000 into mid-2001.
Where can you watch Flint: The Time Detective?
Streaming availability for Flint: The Time Detective varies by region. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across streaming services, digital rental, and purchase platforms in your country, giving you the most up-to-date picture of where the series is accessible.
Who voices the main characters in Flint: The Time Detective?
The Japanese voice cast is stacked with talent. Yukiji voices the lead character Genshi-kun (Flint), while Nana Mizuki — later one of anime's most celebrated voice actresses — plays Sora Yamato. Kappei Yamaguchi voices Kyoichiro Narugami, and Toshiyuki Morikawa takes on the mysterious Masked Man.
Did Flint: The Time Detective feature any real historical figures?
Absolutely — one of the show's most charming quirks is its parade of historical cameos. Characters voiced in the Japanese cast include Thomas Edison and Auguste Rodin, among others. The series uses these encounters to give young viewers a playful, comedic introduction to real historical personalities across different time periods.
How many episodes does Flint: The Time Detective have?
The series ran for a single season of 39 episodes, airing in Japan between 1998 and 1999. Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes, making the complete run a manageable watch at just over 16 hours total — a compact but complete adventure through time for fans of classic late-1990s anime.
What anime series are similar to Flint: The Time Detective?
Fans of Flint often enjoy Doraemon, another beloved Japanese series built around time travel and childhood adventure. Dragon Ball DAIMA and Yo-kai Watch share its energetic, comedic tone aimed at younger audiences. For mystery-driven anime with a similar spirit, Case Closed: The Culprit Hanzawa and Steins;Gate offer compelling alternatives.
More About Flint: The Time Detective
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