Henshin

Henshin (変身) is the Japanese phrase for "transformation." It is also a popular superhero genre prevalent in Japanese media, in both tokusatsu and anime.

In tokusatsu (special effects television programs)
In television, a henshin hero is a superhero with special powers used to fight evil and/or corruption. Most "Henshin Heroes" is a superhero genre of television programming featuring individuals with special powers used to fight evil and corruption. Most are produced by Toei Company Ltd.. The genre was created by the success of 1971's Japanese superhero Kamen Rider (Masked Rider) program in which the hero would strike a certain pose and shout a certain phrase -- usually "Henshin", Japanese for "transform". Many sequels and imitations followed, featuring heroes with trademark poses and catchphrases used before the hero would transform or attack. Some were created by Kamen Rider's creator Shotaro Ishinomori, such as Android Kikaider, Inazuman and Himitsu Sentai Goranger, the first of the "Sentai" Series. A (Super) Sentai is a superhero team of typically five members, sometimes with a mixed gender lineup.

Not all "henshin"-style superheros are produced by Toei. Some other "henshin"-style superheroes produced by other companies are Toho's Rainbowman, Viewtiful Joe, Meteor Man Zone and the more recent Sei Shin.

In much of Henshin drama, there is a group or syndicate of villains that create and send out monsters to fight the protagonists. The identity of the villains is sometimes known by the fighters, may be demons from another plane, or may even be total strangers to the protagonists.

Much henshin programming involves a transformation sequence, and among American otaku the terms are synonymous. This is a very special sequence in which the hero strikes a pose or series of poses and/or says a transformation word. Kamen Rider, for example, just says "henshin" while Viewtiful Joe says "Henshin a go-go, baby!", as well as "Henshin around!" in the first Viewtiful Joe game. This pose and recitation comes about mid-episode, and is crucial to the destruction of the monster. A special attack is commonly used. Sometimes the hero fights the enemy without transforming and transforms when he or she realizes the need for the super powers.

In anime and manga
In anime, henshin are often depicted with lavish (but ultimately money-saving) stock footage and lots of special effects. Usually the sequence is identical and is repeated every episode. Cutey Honey is thought to have established the infamous naked henshin sequence often depicted with magical girls, in particular. The 'naughty' tongue-in-cheek sexual humour of Cutey Honey is underlined by her use of the word 'kawaru wa yo' in place of the usual Henshin-formula. Kawaru wa yo is a phrase which a Japanese girl might say to a sexual partner, roughly translating to 'shall I take my clothes off'?

Trivia

 * The video game Viewtiful Joe, released by Capcom in 2003, is a tribute to (and parody of) the genre.


 * Although some speculate that the "Henshin pose" originates from kabuki or cheerleading, the original inspiration is unclear.


 * Alternatives to "Henshin" include "Souchaku" (meaning equip) and "Chenji" (an Engrish pronunciation of change). "Henshin" is usually associated with Kamen Rider, while "Souchaku" is associated with the recent Chouseishin Series.