The Shinkalion Change the World anime series has reached its final destination, with the broadcast of Episode 39 on February 2, 2025. This installment marked the end of the latest chapter in the Shinkalion franchise, leaving fans anticipating what the future holds for the transforming bullet trains.
Series Finale and Popular Episode Reruns
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Shinkalion Change the World confirmed the series’ conclusion. Following the finale, TV Tokyo and its affiliated channels aired a selection of eight popular episodes starting February 9, offering viewers a chance to revisit some of the most memorable moments from the series.
A New Chapter in the Shinkalion Saga
Shinkalion Change the World premiered on April 7, 2024, as the newest television anime in Takara Tomy’s Shinkalion toy line. The series follows the “Super Evolutionary Railway Development Organization,” also known as “ERDA,” in their defense against a mysterious enemy called “Unknown.” ERDA utilizes the Shinkalion, robots that transform from Shinkansen bullet trains, to combat this threat. The story centers on Taisei Ōnari, a junior high school student searching for clues about his missing sister, who disappeared two years prior.
Production Details
- Director: Kenichirō Komaya
- Studios: Signal.MD and Production I.G
- Series Script Overseer: Eiji Umehara
- Assistant Script Overseer: Daisuke Ishibashi
- Character Designers: Shiori Asaka and Niina Morita
- Mechanical Designer: Akira Kirishiki
- Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
- Composer: Yūgo Kanno
- CG Animation: Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment
- Production: Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions
The opening theme song, “Senkō Hayabusa” (Flash Hayabusa), is performed by GRe4N BOYZ (formerly GReeeeN) and is inspired by the Hayabusa bullet train. The ending theme songs feature bullet train motifs as well, with meiyo performing “HOPE!HOPE!HOPE!” (Nozomi bullet train), THE ALFEE performing “KO.DA.MA.” (Kodama bullet train), and Sayaka Yamamoto performing “Seagull” (Kamome bullet train).
Cast
- Hiiro Ishibashi as Taisei Onari
- Kenshō Ono as Akane Forden
- Shimba Tsuchiya as Ryota Kuzuryu
- Hana Tamegai as Bina
- Kaede Hondo as Mai Oume
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Kadomichi Takanawa
- Eri Kitamura as Ina Ōnari
- Yūki Kaji (Additional cast member)
- Tasuku Hatanaka (Additional cast member)
- Kazuki Ura (Additional cast member)
Manga Adaptations
The anime has inspired two manga adaptations. Shinkalion Dive the World launched in Shueisha’s Saikyō Jump magazine in April 2024. A second manga adaptation by Naoto Tsushima began serialization in Kadokawa’s Shōnen Ace Plus web manga magazine in October 2024.
Franchise History
The first Shinkalion anime series, Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion The Animation, aired from January 2018 to June 2019, totaling 76 episodes. The franchise also includes an anime film, Gekijō-ban Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion: Mirai Kara Shinsoku no ALFA-X (Shinkansen-Transforming Robot Shinkalion the Movie: The Mythically Fast ALFA-X That Came From Future).
A Critical Look at the Finale
While Shinkalion Change the World offered a compelling overarching storyline, some critics felt the ending was rushed. One review noted that the final conflict felt forced and unnecessary, despite the presence of a “hype fight” and great animation. The review also pointed out that while all the Shinkalions appeared to help in the final battle, they mostly served as background characters, with the focus remaining on Taisei and his closest friends.
The End of Change the World and the Future of Shinkalion
The conclusion of Shinkalion Change the World after 39 episodes marks it as the shortest Shinkalion anime series to date. While the series may have had its shortcomings, it contributed to the expanding Shinkalion universe. The franchise continues to resonate with fans through its transforming robots, exciting battles, and themes of teamwork and perseverance. As the series concludes, fans eagerly await news of future Shinkalion projects, hoping to see the Super Evolutionary Railway Development Organization continue its fight to protect the world.
