Japanese Spiderman (1978)
The wildly inventive tokusatsu series that gave Spider-Man a giant robot and forever changed superhero television.
Japanese Spiderman - Series Information
- Original Title: スパイダーマン
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Shozo Uehara, Susumu Takaku
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 41
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: May 17, 1978 (United States - NR)
- Networks: Tokyo Channel 12
- Alternative Titles: 东映蜘蛛侠 (CN), Supaidaman (JP), Japanese Spider-Man (US)
- Production Companies: Toei Company, Toei Advertising, Tokyo Channel 12 Television
- Production Countries: Japan
Japanese Spiderman - Plot
Follow the exploits of motorcycle racer turned super hero Takuya Yamashiro, as he slings and swings, battling the evil Iron Cross Army along the way.
Japanese Spiderman - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Takuya Yamashiro swing into action:
Where to Watch Japanese Spiderman
Looking for where to watch Japanese Spiderman?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Japanese Spiderman - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Shozo Uehara
- Susumu Takaku
Main Cast
- Shinji Tôdô
- Mitsuo Andō
- Yukie Kagawa
- Rie Rinehart
- Tina Margo
- Tōru Ōhira
- Rika Miura
- Izumi Oyama
- Yoshiharu Yabuki
- Noboru Nakaya
Japanese Spiderman - FAQs
What is Japanese Spiderman about?
Japanese Spiderman follows Takuya Yamashiro, a motorcycle racer who gains spider-like powers and transforms into a superhero. Armed with a giant robot called Leopardon, he fights the relentless Iron Cross Army in this classic tokusatsu series produced by Toei Company and originally broadcast in 1978.
How is Japanese Spiderman different from the American version?
Unlike the American Marvel comics version, Toei's Spider-Man features an entirely original Japanese protagonist, Takuya Yamashiro, and introduces a giant transforming robot called Leopardon. This mecha element was so popular it directly inspired the Super Sentai franchise and, by extension, the Power Rangers series worldwide.
Did Japanese Spiderman inspire the Power Rangers franchise?
Absolutely. The giant robot battles introduced in Japanese Spiderman proved so successful that Toei incorporated the concept into Super Sentai, which later became the foundation for the global Power Rangers franchise. It's one of the most influential tokusatsu series ever made, despite its relatively short 41-episode run.
When did Japanese Spiderman first air?
Japanese Spiderman premiered on May 17, 1978, on Tokyo Channel 12 in Japan. The series ran for 41 episodes across a single season before concluding in 1979, making it a compact but enormously influential chapter in both superhero and tokusatsu television history.
Who are the main actors in Japanese Spiderman?
Shinji Tôdô leads the cast as hero Takuya Yamashiro, with Mitsuo Andō playing the villainous Professor Monster and Yukie Kagawa as the fierce Amazoness. The ensemble also includes Rie Rinehart, Tina Margo, Tōru Ōhira, Rika Miura, Izumi Oyama, Yoshiharu Yabuki, and Noboru Nakaya.
Is Japanese Spiderman based on the Marvel comic?
It's officially licensed from Marvel, but the story is entirely original. Toei Company secured the rights to use the Spider-Man name and costume, then built a completely new narrative around a Japanese protagonist. The result shares almost nothing with the comics beyond the iconic suit and web-slinging abilities.
How many episodes does Japanese Spiderman have?
The series consists of 41 episodes across one main season, plus one special episode. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, keeping the pacing brisk and action-packed. The show aired on Tokyo Channel 12 and was produced by Toei Company and Toei Advertising.
Where can viewers watch Japanese Spiderman today?
Streaming availability for Japanese Spiderman varies by region and changes over time. Marvel Entertainment previously made episodes available on their official YouTube channel, and the series has appeared on various platforms. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options in your region.
More About Japanese Spiderman
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.