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
Henshin heroes frequently use a device of some kind to transform into their heroic form. Such devices are often voice activated, and reciting 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 used 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.

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.

In Other Media
Henshin appears in Western shows, especially if the shows are heavily influenced by anime or tokusatsu. Shows featuring henshin include Wonder Woman, Jem,  Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog, Ben 10, W.I.T.C.H., Mummies Alive!, and Winx Club.

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
 * Kamen Rider V3
 * Kamen Rider X
 * Kamen Rider Black
 * Kamen Rider BLACK RX
 * Kamen Rider Amazon
 * Kamen Rider Super-1
 * Kamen Rider ZO
 * Kamen Rider J
 * Kamen Rider Stronger
 * Kamen Rider Kuuga
 * Kamen Rider Agito
 * Kamen Rider Ryuki
 * Kamen Rider 555
 * Kamen Rider Blade
 * Kamen Rider Hibiki
 * Kamen Rider Kabuto
 * Kamen Rider Den-O
 * Kamen Rider Kiva
 * Kamen Rider The First
 * Kamen Rider The Next
 * Super Sentai (known in the West 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
 * Wedding Peach
 * Cutie Honey