Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION (2018)
A Japanese mecha anime where children pilot transforming bullet train robots to protect Japan from a mysterious dark threat.
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION - Series Information
- Original Title: 新幹線変形ロボ シンカリオン THE ANIMATION
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Kids
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 117
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: TV Tokyo, JNN
- Production Companies: OLM, Ajiado, TBS, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment, SynergySP
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Bullet Train Transforming Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION (US), 新幹線変形ロボ シンカリオン チェンジ ザ ワールド (JP), 新干线战士 (HK)
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION - Plot
Hayato Hayasugi (his last name is a pun on the words for "too fast") and other children will serve as conductors to pilot the Shinkalion. The Shinkalion robots are various models of real-life Japanese bullet trains (shinkansen) that transform into robots to fight an unknown evil to protect the safety and peace of Japan. The children must work together with the adults of the Shinkansen Ultra Evolution Institute (SUEI) to defeat a monster that looks like a jet black bullet train.
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Ayane Sakura
- Manami Numakura
- Rie Murakawa
- Yuji Ueda
- Nanami Yoshimura
- Ayana Taketatsu
- Sora Amamiya
- Minami Tsuda
- Akari Kito
- Jun Fukuyama
Executive Producers
- Hiroyuki Eto
- Toshisuke Hiraoka
- Tsutomu Aihara
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION - FAQs
What is Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion about?
Shinkalion follows young conductor Hayato Hayasugi and other children who pilot Shinkalion robots — real-life Japanese bullet trains that transform into giant mechs — to battle a mysterious dark enemy threatening Japan's safety, working alongside the adults of the Shinkansen Ultra Evolution Institute.
Does Shinkalion feature an Evangelion crossover?
Yes. One of the most celebrated moments in the series is a crossover with Neon Genesis Evangelion. Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu appear as characters, voiced by their original cast members Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, and Yuko Miyamura, making it a fan-favorite event.
How many seasons does Shinkalion THE ANIMATION have?
The series spans two main seasons: Season 1, titled Shinkalion, runs for 76 episodes, and Season 2, titled Shinkalion Z, contains 41 episodes. There are also 5 special episodes collected in a Season 0, bringing the total episode count to 117.
Who are the main voice actors in Shinkalion?
The principal cast includes Ayane Sakura as protagonist Hayato Hayasugi, Manami Numakura as Akita Oga, Rie Murakawa as Tsuranuki Daimonyama, Yuji Ueda as Shashot, and Jun Fukuyama as Smat, alongside Ayana Taketatsu, Sora Amamiya, and Akari Kito.
Is Shinkalion based on a real toy line?
Yes. Shinkalion is directly based on a toy line by Takara Tomy and Plarail, featuring transforming models of actual Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains. The anime was produced to promote and expand the toy franchise, making real-world trains central to its mecha designs.
When did Shinkalion THE ANIMATION first air?
Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION premiered in January 2018 on TV Tokyo and JNN. The series concluded in 2022 following the end of its second season, Shinkalion Z, after running for a total of 117 episodes across both seasons.
What network aired Shinkalion THE ANIMATION?
Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION aired on TV Tokyo and the JNN network in Japan. The series was produced by OLM, Ajiado, TBS, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment, and SynergySP, with music composed by Toshiyuki Watanabe and Norihito Sumitomo.
What genre is Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion?
Shinkalion belongs to the mecha, animation, science fiction, fantasy, and kids genres. It follows the classic shounen anime formula of young heroes piloting giant robots, blending action-adventure with themes of teamwork, friendship, and the wonder of Japan's iconic bullet train technology.
More About Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: THE ANIMATION
Explore further details about this series on the following platforms.