Galaxy Express 999 (1978)

A landmark Japanese anime odyssey following a boy and a mysterious woman aboard an interstellar train bound for the Immortal Planet.

Galaxy Express 999 - Series Information

  • Original Title: 銀河鉄道999
  • First Air Year: 1978
  • Last Air Year: 1981
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
  • Content Rating (US): TV-PG
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 113
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Japanese
  • Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
  • First Air Date: September 14, 1978 (United States - TV-PG), September 14, 1978 (Canada - 14+), September 14, 1978 (Australia - PG), September 14, 1978 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: Fuji TV, Tokai Television Broadcasting, Kansai TV, Fuji News Network, Fukui TV, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, Sendai Television, SAGA TV, Ishikawa TV, TNC, Television Shin Hiroshima System, TV Shizuoka, NBS, TSK, NIB, AKT, Toyama Television, Okinawa Television Broadcasting
  • Alternative Titles: Ginga Tetsudou 999 (JP), Galaxy Express 999 (1978) (FR)
  • Production Companies: Toei Animation
  • Production Countries: Japan

Galaxy Express 999 - Plot

In a distant future, Tetsuro is a human boy who wants his body replaced with a robotic one. This is possible, but to do so he has to reach the Immortal Planet onboard the space train Galaxy Express 999. Maetel, a beautiful and mysterious blonde woman dressed in Russian style, joins him in the long journey through space. Every episode sees our heroes arriving in a new planet's space train station.

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Galaxy Express 999 - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Masako Nozawa
  • Masako Ikeda
  • Kaneta Kimotsuki
  • Hitoshi Takagi

Writers

  • Keisuke Fujikawa
  • Hiroyasu Yamaura
  • Yoshiaki Yoshida

Galaxy Express 999 - FAQs

Where can you stream Galaxy Express 999 online?

Galaxy Express 999 is available to stream on Crunchyroll (subscription) and Pluto TV and Tubi TV (free with ads). It can also be purchased on Amazon Video. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional availability and streaming options.

Is Galaxy Express 999 based on a manga?

Yes, Galaxy Express 999 is based on the manga of the same name by Leiji Matsumoto, serialized in Weekly Shōnen King from 1977 to 1981. The anime adaptation was produced by Toei Animation and faithfully expanded Matsumoto's vision of a space-faring odyssey across the cosmos.

Who are the main voice actors in Galaxy Express 999?

The principal voice cast features Masako Nozawa as the young protagonist Tetsuro Hoshino, Masako Ikeda as the mysterious Maetel, Kaneta Kimotsuki as the Conductor, and Hitoshi Takagi as the Narrator. Nozawa is widely celebrated for her extensive career in Japanese animation.

What is Galaxy Express 999 about?

Set in a distant future, Galaxy Express 999 follows Tetsuro, a boy who dreams of replacing his human body with a robotic one. Accompanied by the enigmatic Maetel, he boards the interstellar train Galaxy Express 999, visiting a new planet at each stop on the way to the Immortal Planet.

How many episodes does Galaxy Express 999 have?

Galaxy Express 999 consists of 113 episodes across one main season, which aired from September 1978 to March 1981. An additional collection of 13 special episodes is also available, bringing the total episode count across all seasons to 126.

What is the content rating for Galaxy Express 999?

Galaxy Express 999 carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children without parental guidance. The series deals with themes of mortality, identity, and loss, which may prompt discussion with younger viewers.

What themes does Galaxy Express 999 explore?

Galaxy Express 999 explores profound themes including the value of human life versus mechanical immortality, the meaning of mortality, loneliness, and the loss of innocence. Each planet Tetsuro visits serves as a philosophical parable, making the series as thought-provoking as it is adventurous.

Who composed the music for Galaxy Express 999?

The music for Galaxy Express 999 was composed by Nozomi Aoki. The series is also remembered for its iconic theme song, which became a major pop hit in Japan and remains closely associated with the franchise decades after the show's original broadcast run ended in 1981.

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