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. Henshin heroes usually have a "henshin call," a catchphrase which they recite when they transform. The word "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
Japanese superheroes, unlike Western ones, usually do not have their superpowers all the time; they often have a discrete powered and normal "forms" which they must actively switch between. Often, the only outward transformation is a change of costume. Heroes who use armor will usually have it materialize around their body.

Characters with a henshin ability can be divided into two broad groups. For some, the ability to transform is innate. It may be a natural ability of their species, the result of biological manipulation, or a magic spell of transformation. Takeshi Hongo (the original Kamen Rider), Guyvers and Zoanoids from the Guyver franchise, and most magical girls fall into this category.

Others receive their transformation ability from special equipment, frequently super-advanced technology or possessing mystical qualities. Sometimes it only works for a certain individuals, while in other cases, whomever possesses it can transform. The armored heroes from both Saint Seiya and Yoroiden Samurai Troopers fall into this category, as do many Heisei era Kamen Riders.

Whether the transformation is an ability or equipment, henshin heroes frequently use a device of some kind to transform into their heroic form. Such devices are often voice activated, and saying one's henshin call is necessary to transform. This is frequently the case when the hero's powers are magical: the henshin call is actually an incantation or spell.

The form of the henshin device varies from series to series. The Super Sentai series frequently uses wrist-worn devices, while the henshin belt is a trademark of Kamen Rider franchise. A magical girl's henshin device is typically a piece of jewelry or magical implement such as a wand or staff. Handheld devices (such as cellphones) are also common. Weapons also sometimes double as henshin devices. Some characters with a henshin ability do not use devices.

The hero's transformation is usually shown in a segment of stock footage which is inserted into each episode. These sequences are used to reduce costs-- since it only has to be shot or animated once-- and to pad out the length of an episode. Henshin sequences may also be a form of fanservice. Some programs which feature henshin do not use stock footage transformation scenes, and even those that do use the stock footage will sometimes omit it. Instead the character will transform in a flash of light or other instantaneous visual effect. Some of the fandom mocks the lengthiness of the sequence usually pointing out that the enemy should attack the hero. However, there are some henshin with defensive capability preventing any attack for harming them while transforming. Other times, it can be considered a form of suspension of reality showing as if it were the first henshin, even if that would not be possible, such as the person changing while falling off a cliff (this happened to Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider 1 his first time around).

Most modern Kamen Rider series (from around 2000 onwards), however, now utilize computer animation to dispose of stock transformation sequences in favor of live, brand-new shots every time- in this way, different camera angles, character clothing, and backgrounds can be utilized in every episode to provide a more convincing feeling of transformation for the audience, but retain the same style and effects each time; "Kamen Rider Kabuto" (2006) was the first to have henshin sequences where the camera could move around as the character was transforming. However, Super Sentai has yet to follow this trend, preferring to stay with stock-footage transformations.

In Other Media
Henshin appears in Western shows, especially if the shows are heavily influenced by anime or tokusatsu. Shows featuring henshin include:


 * Ben 10
 * Big Bad Beetleborgs and Beetleborgs Metallix (based on Metal Heroes series Juukou B-Fighter and B-Fighter Kabuto)
 * Jem
 * Mummies Alive!
 * Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog
 * Power Rangers (based on the Super Sentai series since 1992)
 * Saban's Masked Rider and Kamen Rider Dragon Knight (both based on the Kamen Rider series)
 * Winx Club
 * W.I.T.C.H.
 * Wonder Woman
 * VR Troopers (based on a combination of the Metal Heroes series Choujinki Metalder, Jikuu Senshi Spielban, and Uchuu Keiji Shaider)

List of anime and tokusatsu with henshin sequences
This list is not complete, but a sample of shows and films featuring henshin heroes.


 * Saint Seiya
 * Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (and its live-action remake Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon)
 * Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
 * Ultra Series
 * Tokyo Mew Mew
 * Kamen Rider
 * Super Sentai (Americanized each following year as Power Rangers)
 * Powerpuff Girls Z
 * Shugo Chara!
 * Pretty Cure
 * Viewtiful Joe
 * Digimon
 * Ojamajo Doremi
 * Mega Man Star Force (anime)
 * Megaman NT Warrior
 * Mega Man ZX Advent
 * Magic Knight Rayearth
 * Magical DoReMi
 * Negima!?
 * Wedding Peach
 * Cutie Honey
 * Yoroiden Samurai Troopers (aka Ronin Warriors)
 * Winx Club
 * Ronin Warriors