With so manyHollywood films and productscoming from the USA, it’s easy to forget that Japan is whereTransformersbegan. The iconic robot franchise started as a toy line from Takara Tomy over 40 years ago, eventually expanding into the Transformers universe—complete with fan-favorites Optimus Prime and Megatron—that millions know and love today. Yet, despite its origins,Japan hasn’t produced a new Transformers animated series in over a decade.
That’s about to change with the arrival ofTransformers: Wild King, a new series of web shorts debuting on theTakara Tomy YouTube channelon March 26. Designed to promote the upcomingWild KingTransformers toy line, which launches in Japan on April 26, each episode will run approximately six minutes. A newly released promotional video offers a sneak peek at the series, and fans of classic Transformers will be thrilled to see Optimus Prime and Megatron back in action—this time, on their home turf.
The Origins of Transformers: From Japan to the World
From TV Screens to the Big Screen: Transformers' Evolution
The Transformers originated in Japan in the early 1980s when Takara (now Takara Tomy) developed the transforming robot toy lines Diaclone and Microman. In 1984, these toys were rebranded and launched globally in partnership with the American company Hasbro under the nameTransformers. This collaboration led to the creation oflegendary characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Starscream, turning the franchise into a worldwide phenomenon.
The firstTransformersanimated TV series, featuring the iconic “More Than Meets the Eye” theme song, premiered in 1984 as a co-production between Japan and the U.S. Japan later created its own sequels, includingTransformers: Headmasters, Transformers: Masterforce,andTransformers: Victory. In the 2000s, the franchise saw an increase in U.S.-led series, but Japan continued to localize and broadcast shows likeTransformers: AnimatedandTransformers: Prime. Meanwhile, Hollywood took Transformers to the big screen withMichael Bay’s blockbuster film series, starting in 2007, further solidifying the brand’s global dominance.
Meet the New Energy Beasts
New Wild King Toy Line Expands the Franchise
The new short animeTransformers: Wild Kingbrings back Optimus Prime and Megatron as the main characters while introducing a brand-new faction of Transformers: the Energy Beasts, a team of animal and dinosaur-based warriors. Set on the mysterious planet Elementros, the series promises intense battles between these powerful forces. One of the biggest highlights of the promotional video is the Wild Docking transformation, where Energy Beasts combine with Optimus Prime and Megatron for epic fusion forms. With animals, dinosaurs, cars, and robots all colliding, plus high-energy transformation and combination scenes,Transformers: Wild Kinglooks to offer fans of the series plenty of excitement.
Transformers' 10 Coolest Autobots, Ranked
From unique designs and quirks to good qualities and love for humans, some Autobots are the coolest characters in the entire Transformers franchise.
Alongside the anime, the Transformers: Wild King toy line is launching in Japan. The first wave will feature eight figures, including the WKS-01 Optimus Prime & Lightlong Wild Docking Set. These toys will hit stores on April 26, available at toy retailers, department stores, online shops, and Takara Tomy Mall. So far, there’s no word on a U.S. release for the toys, but for now,Transformersis back where it all began—The Land of the Rising Sun!
