The anime series Shinkalion: Change the World has officially concluded its broadcast run, with the final episode airing on February 2nd. The series, a part of the Shinkalion toy franchise by Takara Tomy, premiered in April of 2024 and ran for a total of 39 episodes. News of the ending was announced via the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which also revealed that a selection of eight popular episodes will be re-aired beginning on February 9th.
A Look Back at Shinkalion: Change the World
Shinkalion: Change the World is the third anime adaptation in the Shinkalion franchise, following Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion (2018-2019) and Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion Z (2021-2022). This latest iteration is produced by studios Signal.MD and Production I.G., with direction by Kenichirō Komaya. The series is a mecha action anime focused on transforming bullet trains, known as Shinkalions. It features a new cast of characters and a fresh storyline while maintaining the core concept of the franchise.
The Story
The narrative centers around Taisei Oonari, a second-year middle school student who transfers to Shinkai Academy. Taisei is searching for clues about his sister, who disappeared two years prior. In this world, a mysterious enemy called the “Unknown” has emerged, prompting the formation of the Ultra Evolutionary Railway Development Agency (ERDA). ERDA develops the Shinkalions, transforming bullet trains piloted by individuals with high aptitude to combat the “Unknown”. When the “Unknown” reappear after a decade, Taisei discovers he has the necessary aptitude and joins the fight as a Shinkalion pilot. The show follows Taisei and his friends as they grow, face challenges, and seek to uncover the mystery behind the “Unknown”.
Key Characters
The anime boasts a cast of memorable characters:
- Taisei Oonari: The main protagonist, a determined middle schooler with a high aptitude for piloting Shinkalions, driven by the desire to find his missing sister.
- Akane Folden: A classmate of Taisei, who supports the Shinkalion pilots.
- Ryouta Kuzuryu: Taisei’s close friend and fellow Shinkalion pilot.
The series also introduces other notable characters such as Tsukumo Umikaze, a driver from the Kyushu region, and develops existing characters, such as the ERDA staff members like Ina Oonari.
Animation and Design
Shinkalion: Change the World features high-quality animation, particularly in its battle and transformation sequences. The Shinkalion designs are visually impressive, and the show’s art and background environments are detailed, contributing to the overall atmosphere. The character designs are also well-received, with each character showcasing unique personalities that add to the series’ appeal.
Reception and Impact
The series has garnered positive feedback from both domestic and international audiences, particularly for its animation quality and well-developed characters. Critics have also praised the storytelling and character designs, highlighting the visual aspects as one of the series’ major strengths.
Themes and Storytelling
Shinkalion: Change the World is known for its tension-filled and exciting storytelling. The series carefully portrays the growth and development of the main characters and their friendships, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. It explores themes of friendship, determination, and the pursuit of truth. The show also delves into more mature themes, such as guilt, grief, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Music
The anime features a variety of music acts that enhance the viewing experience. GRe4N BOYZ performs the opening theme “Senkō Hayabusa,” while meiyo, THE ALFEE, and Sayaka Yamamoto contribute to the show’s ending themes. These theme songs are inspired by actual Shinkansen trains, adding another layer of depth to the franchise.
Where to Watch
The anime premiered on TV Tokyo and its affiliates, as well as on BS TV Tokyo. However, as of now, Shinkalion: Change the World is not available on major streaming platforms, though this may change in the future.
Franchise Evolution
The Shinkalion franchise has evolved significantly since its inception as a toy line by Takara Tomy in 2015. The franchise is a spin-off of the Plarail model train franchise. The first anime adaptation premiered in 2018. The franchise has grown to include multiple anime series, a film, and manga adaptations.
What’s Different in Change the World
This latest anime series has introduced several changes from its predecessors:
- Character Ages: The main characters, especially the Shinkalion drivers, are in their early teens rather than pre-teens, as in previous series.
- Uniforms: The drivers wear more typical uniforms instead of the bodysuits seen in the past.
- Non-Rail Vehicles: The series gives non-rail vehicles more prominence.
- Shinkalion Units: The Shinkalions are now single-car units, unlike the primarily two-car formations of the past, and also feature more control room-style cockpits.
Conclusion
Shinkalion: Change the World has concluded its 39-episode run. This latest installment in the franchise has been praised for its engaging storyline, strong characters, and high-quality animation. Despite its conclusion, the series has left a lasting impact on fans of the mecha genre, and its legacy will likely continue through its various media formats. For those who enjoyed the series, the re-airing of eight popular episodes beginning on February 9th will be a welcome opportunity to revisit some of the most exciting moments of the show. While the future of the Shinkalion anime franchise remains to be seen, Shinkalion: Change the World has added another memorable chapter to its history.
