The Mashin Sōzōden Wataru anime has revealed a new opening song in a recently released trailer for the series’ second half. This marks a significant shift in the anime’s musical landscape, building upon the foundation laid by the initial opening and ending themes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and what it means for the series.
A New Chapter Begins with “Sō”
The new opening theme song is titled “Sō” (創, meaning “Genesis”) and is performed by the artist SANTA. The song is previewed in the new promotional video released by the anime’s staff on Monday, March 31, 2025. This change in the opening theme signals a transition into the second part of the series, potentially indicating new story arcs, character developments, and escalating conflicts.
First Half Themes: “POP UP!” and “Pocket”
Before “Sō,” the anime’s first half featured “POP UP!” by lol as the opening theme and “Pocket” by FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE as the ending theme. These songs established the initial tone and energy of the series.
Background on Mashin Sōzōden Wataru
Mashin Sōzōden Wataru (魔神創造伝ワタル, Mashin Sōzōden Wataru, lit. ‘Magic God Creation Legend Wataru’) is the latest anime installment in the Mashin Hero Wataru franchise. It premiered on January 12, 2025, on TV Tokyo and other TX Network affiliates. The series is produced by Bandai Namco Pictures and directed by Yumi Kamakura. Yoichi Kato is in charge of the series scripts, with character designs by Mayuko Nakano and Yoshinori Yumoto. The music is composed by Ryūichi Takada, Keiichi Hirokawa, Oliver Good, and Keita Inoue.
Story Premise
The anime follows Wataru, who is called to the world of Sōkaizan due to an incident. An evil presence has cast a shadow over the land, and the robot Ryūjinmaru’s power has been sealed. Alongside his friends Shibaraku, Toraō, and Himiko, Wataru embarks on a new journey to restore peace. Wataru Hoshibe, the main character, is portrayed as a “RyuTuber” (a virtual YouTuber) aiming to become a superstar. He battles alongside his partner Ryuujinmaru in an alternate world of floating blocks to defeat the last boss, “Enjoda”.
Production Details
- Director: Yumi Kamakura
- Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
- Series Composition: Yoichi Kato
- Character Design: Mayuko Nakano, Yoshinori Yumoto
- Music: Ryūichi Takada, Keiichi Hirokawa, Oliver Good, Keita Inoue
- Original Creator: Hajime Yatate
Cast
- Mutsumi Tamura as Wataru Hoshibe
- Tomokazu Sugita as Mashin Ryujinmaru
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Kakeru Amabe
- Megu Umezawa as Maro
- Rie Kugimiya as Ryunryun
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Ofurain
A Look Back at the Wataru Franchise
The Mashin Hero Wataru franchise began with the original anime series Mashin Eiyūden Wataru, which premiered in 1988. The series was produced by Sunrise and aired in Japan from April 1988 to March 1989, spanning 45 episodes. The popularity of the original series led to several sequels and spin-offs, including:
- Mashin Eiyūden Wataru 2: Aired from 1990 to 1991, comprising 46 episodes.
- Chō Mashin Eiyūden Wataru: Aired in 1997, with 51 episodes.
- Shin Mashin Eiyūden Wataru Majinzan: An OVA series released in 1989.
- Mashin Eiyūden Wataru: Warinaki Toki no Monogatari: Another OVA series released in 1993.
- Mashin Eiyūden Wataru: Shichi Kon no Ryūjinmaru: A web series that began streaming on YouTube in 2020, consisting of nine episodes. A compilation film titled Mashin Eiyūden Wataru Shichi Tamashii no Ryūjinmaru – Saikai- screened in Japanese theaters in January 2022.
The franchise has also expanded into other media, including manga adaptations. A manga adaptation of Mashin Sōzōden Wataru launched in Shogakukan’s Monthly CoroCoro Comic magazine on December 13.
Reception and Impact
The Mashin Hero Wataru franchise has maintained a dedicated fanbase over the years. The series is known for its mecha designs, comedic elements, and adventure-filled storylines. The original Mashin Eiyūden Wataru anime garnered a rating of 6.93 on MyAnimeList, based on feedback from 1,244 users.
Where to Watch
Medialink has licensed Mashin Sōzōden Wataru in Asia-Pacific, and it is streaming on their Ani-One Asia YouTube Channel simultaneously with its premiere in Japan.
In Conclusion
The unveiling of the new opening song “Sō” by SANTA in the second half trailer video for Mashin Sōzōden Wataru signals a fresh chapter in the anime series. This change not only provides a new auditory experience but also hints at potential shifts in the storyline and character arcs. As the series progresses, fans can look forward to how “Sō” enhances the overall viewing experience and complements the ongoing narrative of Wataru’s adventures in Sōkaizan.
