Henshin

Henshin (変身) is the Japanese word for "transformation," literally meaning, "to change or transform the body." This word is primarily utilized in manga, anime, and tokusatsu dramas for when a character transforms into a superhero. The phrase "Henshin" is most often used by characters in the Kamen Rider Series, whereas other programs use various words such as souchaku (装着) , or will utilize phrases unique to the story.

Styles of Henshin
Henshin are usually initiated in several different ways, the most common being through certain devices. These are normally voice-activated, so the character often has to say a certain phrase or word in order to activate the henshin. The type of devices vary with the genre of the anime or tokusatsu. Because the sequences are usually the same footage, they always used in each episode and are less budget consuming.

Devices may include:


 * Handheld devices (i.e cellphones or the Digivice)
 * Wrist devices - These and the above are fairly common in tokusatsu such as Super Sentai.
 * Jewellery - Usually found in anime of the Magical Girl/Shojo genre, but can sometimes be seen in shonen anime.
 * Sticks and rods (i.e. the Star Power Sticks and Crystal Change Rods from Sailor Moon)

In Other Media
Surprisingly enough, henshin have also made their way into Western shows, especially if they are heavily influenced by anime or tokusatsu, including Ben 10, W.I.T.C.H. and Mummies Alive!.

List of anime and tokusatsu with henshin sequences

 * Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (and its live-action remake Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon)
 * Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
 * Tokyo Mew Mew
 * Kamen Rider
 * Super Sentai (distributed in the West as Power Rangers)
 * Powerpuff Girls Z
 * Viewtiful Joe
 * Digimon