The Energon Pub

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 1:42 pm

Let it be known that I just LOVE the opening theme songs and title sequences of the many Japanese Transformers series. Whether they’re from a Japanese-original series like The Headmasters or Car Robots, or from a Western series dubbed into Japanese like Beast Wars or Animated, the theme songs that accompany each one are usually an epic thrill ride to experience!!!

…What?

Okay, maybe not exactly like a thrill ride, but you get my drift.

Anyway, because I find all these songs to be awesome, I’ve decided to list what I consider to be the Top 20 Greatest Japanese Transformers Opening Themes. This shall be done in a similar vein to such lists done by Blurrz, Diem, and Samsonator. I had intended to do this list much earlier than now, but things kept me putting it off for a while.

One such distraction was the fact that the [youtube][/youtube] tags aren’t working right, and I wanted to use them to embed YouTube clips of each opening as I counted them down. So now, until they get fixed, I’ll have to resort to using the old fashioned method of hyperlinking to the videos instead. I’ll still use the YouTube tags though, just in case they get fixed while this is going on.

Now, a quick look at the TFWiki page on the Japanese themes with reveal that there are (as of this typing) currently a total of 23 Japanese opening themes. Meaning that there will be three songs that will not be making this list. Which three in particular is for me to know and for you to guess. And since there are only three not making it, there won’t be any room for any “Honorable Mentioning” posts to be posted. Or, if you want, you could consider the first few to be Honorable Mentionings and have the real list start further down.

So without further ado, LET’S SAY GO!
- - - - - -

Number 20
Number 19
Number 18
Number 17
Number 16
Number 15
Number 14
Number 13
Number 12
Number 11
Number 10
Number 9
Number 8
Number 7
Number 6
Number 5
Number 4
Number 3
Number 2
Number 1

The Runners Up

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 1:45 pm

20. "WAR WAR! STOP IT!!"
From: Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers (Beast Wars: Chō Seimeitai Transformer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bXiYrPXTqw

Many may know me to be a big fan of the Beast Era, and this song is no exception. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “How could this song possibly even be considered good? It’s completely ridiculous!” Well, allow me to explain.

Overall, this song is best described as “weird,” “abnormal,” “bizarre,” “awkward,” “zany,” “outlandish,” and very unfitting for the awesomeness that is the Beast Wars. To all who believe this, I ask you, “Is that all?” We must remember that the Japanese took our epic Beast Wars series and turned it into something out of a rejected Loony Tunes script. And this song, as insane as it sounds, fits in with these changes.

Still not convinced of its merits? Well, let me continue. Having listened to this song for a while, it’s grown on me. It’s a very unique song with an upbeat rhythm, the chorus is simplistic enough to grasp your attention, and it is overall an irresistibly catchy song. I mean it; this song is very contagious and will have you humming it’s chorus to no end. You may even find yourself singing “War! War! something-something Stop it!” under your breath and not even knowing. It’s that powerful. :shock:

Lastly, because of how zany this song is, I find it to be just hilarious that such an out-there song would be used as the theme song of Beast Wars! I mean, knowing how deep and hardcore that series is, you’d expect them to use some kind of hard rock or heavy metal song for its theme. But, nope! It’s a kooky rap about how war is bad. :lol:

It's like how some consider the old 60s Adam West Batman series to be good for laughs. It's one of those "so bad it's awesome!" scenarios. 8-}

As for the sequence itself, it makes really good use of several action sequences, and the final shot of the five Maximals standing victoriously in front of the Axalon is just grand.

News Credits: 7 · by **TulioDude** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 7:37 pm

If you dont include Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers intro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40oDWJC5 ... re=related and Transformers Victory Intro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4sCWX4reSYthere will be much sadness.

PS:The Url still works.And by the way are you just taking just the music in consideration or the whole animation?

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Sun Oct 17, 2010 8:08 pm

TulioDude wrote:PS:The Url still works.And by the way are you just taking just the music in consideration or the whole animation?

Both, for the most part. There may be cases where one wins over the other, but both the music and the animation play a role in determining each song's placement on this list.

News Credits: 3 · by **Samsonator** » Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:00 am

I will be watching this list with much enthusiasm. I love japanese theme songs, TF or otherwise, so I look forward to the other entries.

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Mon Oct 18, 2010 12:31 pm

19. "Love For Ever —Kimi o Mamoru Tame ni—"
From: Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (Chō Seimeitai Transformer: Beast Wars Neo)

Another underrated song. This one, like the previous one, is very weird. Especially when one realizes that the lyrics translate out to talking about protecting loved ones. However, within these lyrics is a sense of passion and determination common in anime themes.

The beat is very mellow, soothing, and relaxing. It feels mostly warm and inviting; while there are also some really kick butt electric guitar moments that deviate from the song’s overall tranquil atmosphere; blending calm and cool together in a unique way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-19SZ0L_is

The first sequence is, frankly, not as impressive as it could be. I mean, it has some good shots of Big Convoy, the Gung Ho, and the other Maximals' transformations. But, there’s not enough action going on in it. There’s just too much… "standing." Nearly every shot of Big Convoy and Magmatron are of them standing still. Bo-ring!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUgAUYFqywE

This sequence, on the hand, is the complete opposite. We’re instantly shown a shadowed Big Convoy flying through space, becoming illuminated by the nearby sun. The Gung Ho goes zooming through space in a tremendous flashing glow. Big Convoy and Magmatron confront each other in Beast Mode. The Maximals all charge forward one by one. And after Big Convoy treats us to his beautiful transformation… BOOM! Magmatron one-ups him with his own transformation surrounded by a frame of TWELVE Predacon and Blentron transformations! And if that wasn’t pretty enough, the Maximals transform all spectral-like with a gorgeous backdrop of outer space! All topped off by a fantastically executed battle between Big and Magma!

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Tue Oct 19, 2010 11:18 am

No other replies yet? I'm honestly surprised, since the other countdown lists like this had numerous replies shortly after each number was added. Anyway, here's the next entry.

18. "TRANSFORMER 2010"
From: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (Tatakae! Chō Robotto Seimeitai Transformer 2010)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21p48QqU9Ng

One word that can best describe this song, pardoning the use of an outdated term, is "groovy". This song’s got a fun, catchy beat going on for it. The drumming at the beginning draws you in and gets your body moving. The echoing of the backup singers’ voices give off an aura of mystery, and the overall tone and feel of this song emanates a sense of grandeur and importance.

Not to mention that the ending’s “DASH! DASH! DASH! DASH! TRAN-TRANSFORMER!” is wacky mix of funny and weird that somehow makes this song even cooler. :-B

But it’s the animation that really helps this opening stand out. This opening consists entirely of clips from the 1980’s season 3 toy commercials and the G1 movie. We see Unicron’s severed head give us our series title from within his eye (wonder what else he’s got in there

), which in turn dissolves into Ultra Magnus charging in with the familiar faces of Tracks, Smokescreen, Jazz and Red Alert. The five Autobots are confronted by Galvatron and… Starscream and Skywarp? Huh? Guess they didn’t get the memo on their own deaths yet.

Defensor and Bruticus sure have got balls to each take on the gargantuan Trypitcon and Metroplex by themselves. And then we're treated to some defiance of Physics with Broadside not only transforming into both his altmode without size-changing, but doing so alongside a Sandstorm of equal size to him. 8-}

The Predacons just maul through Sludge as though he were nothing (which technically wouldn’t be too far off the mark, considering his non-existant dino altmode choice) before combining into Predaking. Predaking flies off and Falcon Punches the screen hard enough to make Rodimus Prime's mugshot appear before he proceeds to beat up and fling Galvatron outside of Unicron. Man! No wonder the Japanese were confused after season 2.

Though, isn’t it a bit ironic that the word “DASH!” is repeated during a scene where everyone is just standing still? :o)

News Credits: 4 · by **Neurie** » Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:00 pm

pretty cool so far, I think its cause this part of the forum gets less trafic than the geenral or toys, if it was posted there itd be busier

News Credits: 1 · by **Elita One** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 2:33 am

The Japanese themes are awesome. Find myself humming them sometimes because they are so catchy.

News Credits: 487 · by **Darth Bombshell** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 8:19 am

Moving thread to TF GD by request.

by **MidAge** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 8:30 am

What a complete collection!
Thanks and thumbs up!
Personally prefer 15th opening...no reason.

News Credits: 5 · by **Oilspill** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:17 am

That was cool seeing some G1 footage I hadn't seen before. Were all the shots that weren't from the 86 movie from commercials, or was there some new stuff in here?

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 11:15 am

MidAge wrote:What a complete collection!
Thanks and thumbs up!
Personally prefer 15th opening...no reason.

Say what?

Oilspill wrote:That was cool seeing some G1 footage I hadn't seen before. Were all the shots that weren't from the 86 movie from commercials, or was there some new stuff in here?

All non-movie footage was from '86 toy commercials.

News Credits: 1 · by **Galvatron X** » Wed Oct 20, 2010 3:32 pm

Well, I know just about nothing regarding Japanese TF cartoons, so it'll be cool to learn a little bit about them. I'll be hearing all these for the first time!

News Credits: 1 · by **Duke of Luns** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:39 am

Must tread cautiously, lest these songs infiltrate my waking mind, and begin playing in an endless, random loop. For there are few things more maddening than being possessed by rythem that one cannot sing along to, because one is ignorant of the language spoken....

So all in all, Japanese openings are cool! For the most part they seem a lot more epic than American openings. Not that "Transformers, robots in disguise! Autobots rage their battle to destroy the evil forces of, the Decepticons. So on and so forth, etc." is bad, but it's just so...shallow. It's catchy to an extent, but there's little feeling or emotion that one can relate too, and outside of the context of the opening, playing it anywhere else would make it seem too out of place.

Thoughts on the choices thus far:

#20: I'm not overly familiar with it, but I like the tune. The animation on the other hand...very, very meh. Random clips, and they don't tell much of a story, or seem to relate to the song in anyway. Definitely understand why this gets the low spot.

#19: Yes, this is an oddly catchy song, despite opening with "Love is here". It also has some nice exciting animation. Not much to comment about.

#18: Can't believe this one is so low, though I must admit, the "Dash dash dash dash, Trans Transformer" part is what really sticks with me, and I fear may be the part that randomly assaults me during the day.... But I digress, I like this song, and again though it's a bunch of random clips at least they're put together well.

Oh yeah, I hope "Victory" makes it near the top. THAT is one catchy tune, and when it plays during the show when Star Saber is about be victorious, it's just plain awsome.

Oh, and if you haven't seen it yet(though you probably have), here's just an awsome video on youtube that's very well put together, and is truly epic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J90oHoe8SIU

The Evolution of Transformers, using Micron Legends opening theme. It's subtitled too, so that's a plus.

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:33 am

17. "Transformers Z no Theme"
From: Transformers: Zone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5osnBJcbxM

This was the final opening theme song of Generation 1, and boy did it go out with a bang! A regal trumpet fanfare begins this song with a feeling of power and finality (though, admittedly, it does play for a bit longer than it ought to, kinda dragging on before the rest of the song can start up). The initial lyrics are decently-paced, gradually increasing in speed and excitement, right up to an enthused battle cry of “GO! ATTACK!”

“WOW WOW Toransufōmā ZONE!” is exceedingly catchy and cheery, somehow oddly fitting in with the song, despite its overall epic feel. And the closing “Yuke yuke HERO! Dai Atorasu!” is kinda funny when you realize that it means “Go go hero! Dai Atlas!” :lol:

As for the visuals, the sunset at the beginning is simply beautiful. And while some may not realize, its seems kinda symbolic in that not only is the sun setting, but since this was the final G1 opening, it signifies that G1 is nearly coming to an end, and the dawn of a new era (namely the Beast Era) is approaching.

…Then again, a closer look would reveal that that’s actually a sunrise instead; so that kinda kills any and all poetic symbolism that was just mentioned. :BANG_HEAD:

Violen Jiger looks uber epic as he sends forth the Nine Great Demon Generals towards the audience like he wants us all dead, like NOW!

Dai Atlas shows how awesome he is by striking poses in accordance to the song’s trumpeting, as Sonic Bomber fires a barrage of bullets at… the secret love child of Dezsaras and… one of the Gargoyles? Heh?

Lots of Micromas—oh, excuse me, Micro Transformers assemble, fly up, and man the Rocket Base as the two Homo Sapiens (pun intended) run through a flower field together. Thankfully this disturbing image doesn’t last long and is immediately replaced by the Zone Base’s magnificent transformation and Dai Atlas duking it out with… um… a giant pink Battle Beast? Or, is that a Robeast from Voltron?

Oh, Japan, you so crazy! 8-}

And I didn’t even mention that bunny we see pop up all over the sequence.

News Credits: 5 · by **Oilspill** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:13 am

Dai Atlas does a damn fine job of looking cool. Who's the other Transformer shown with him? I only watched Zone maybe 2 months ago but I already forget.

News Credits: 1 · by **Duke of Luns** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:56 am

Sabrblade wrote:
And I didn’t even mention that bunny we see pop up all over the sequence.

Hooray for talking pink space bunnies!!!

Emusa never really bugged me, probably cause this is her only appearance in animation, and all we know about her is that she loves nature. She's not in it all that much either, adding to her forgetableness. Still, an odd addition to the Transformer Universe that (we should be glad?) is rarely touched upon.

....and the tfwiki mentions Emusa as a boy. Eh? Unless they specifically mention it as being male somewhere in the Anime'/Manga, I'm going to keep calling it a girl. Sounded pretty feminine too, but I don't have much firsthand experience with talking rabbits.

Oh, and the opening is good too. I like the animation, and the song is good too, even if it falls into that trap of being a bit awkward outside of an intro.

Oilspill wrote:Dai Atlas does a damn fine job of looking cool. Who's the other Transformer shown with him? I only watched Zone maybe 2 months ago but I already forget.

That'd be Sonic Bomber: http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sonic_Bomber

He's pretty cool I suppose, but never really felt like an "Awe man, why didn't he come over to the U.S.?" kind of figure.

News Credits: 3 · by **Samsonator** » Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:22 pm

Zone's theme is great. I'm pretty much down with anything Ichiro Mizuki does.

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:34 am

16. "The Headmasters"
From: Transformers: The Headmasters

The first Japanese-original series started off with a song that, for the first time, seemed as though it wanted to take things to an *EXTEME!!!* level music-wise. This is especially evident in how it begins by screaming the words “HEAD ON! HEAD ON! HEAD ON!” at us.

The entire vocal aspect of this song is presented in a deep, loud, echoing tone of a voice that gives off a chilling, yet invigorating, feel of emotion.

The main verse feels kinda slow in places, but things get better once the chorus starts up with its “Kaware! Heddomasutā!” and its “Tatakae! Heddomasutā!” battle cries. The whole things comes to a solid, decisive finish with the closing words of “Toransufōmā! Toransufōmā!... Heddomasutā!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nxJkXN5HCY

This whole sequence is very enjoyable to watch! The beginning with the rainbow title and the Autobot Headmasters jumping at the audience (coupled with the screams of “HEAD ON!”) is a great attention getter. And, starting from the point where Maximus’ City Mode launches everyone into space, we can tell that this is going to be a space-based series (even if there were still several Earth-based episodes).

As soon as the battle starts, everything just explodes into epicness! This whole fight is looks as though it was orchestrated by Michael Bay: completely unorganized with lasers firing at every direction as the two factions just beat the slag out of each other! It’s this kind of nonsensical fun that really draws us in.

Though, Rodimus Prime doesn’t look like he’s doing too well in this fight scene. I mean, sure, he wasn’t really all that during season 3, but he had very much improved when he appeared in this series. Yet, here he’s seen being blasted once and then has to rely on Chromedone for cover. I guess the Japanese really wanted to get the kids by the newer toys that year. :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E47Dw1PPZLo

Starting with episode 15, the sequence changed to promote the interactive TV toy Video Challenger, by having every Decepticon in the opening flicker white on screen, emitting a signal that the kids’ Challenge Blaster could receive every time they shot at the Cons.

The result of this is that it looks as though the Decepticons are trying to attack the TV viewers with seizures. Oh, now we know where Pokémon got the idea from. :KREMZEEK:

News Credits: 5 · by **Oilspill** » Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:11 pm

Ahh that's a good theme. Never noticed Hardhead blasts Mindwipe & Sixshot with the one shot there. Nice one Hardhead ol' buddy.

News Credits: 3 · by **Samsonator** » Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:33 pm

I always wondered what was up with the flickering Decepticons... learn something new every day. And yes, there's just something awesome about starting a show with Hironobu Kageyama screaming "Head On!"

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 1:05 pm

Now we are entering the Top 15! And what better way to start off this bunch than with one of the more memorable openings?

15. "Transformer V"
From: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (Tatakae! Chō Robotto Seimeitai Transformer V)

Now, I know that this one’s pretty well liked among the fandom. But it is to my belief that, save for a few exceptions, the themes of each series got better and better as the years went on. It just so happens that this one came out earlier than others. So, it’s not that this one is that bad (which it most certainly is not), but that there were others that were that good.

That said, this song is very exciting, cool, and catchy. The repetition of certain lyrics simplifies the song for others (particularly the younger audience it was aimed at) to understand it better, which is a plus.

The chorus features the Morinoki Children’s Chorus singing along with the main performer, Kōji Kaya. The addition of these children, especially during the "V! (V!) V! (V!) Bikutorī!" lines makes the song sound warm, friendly and (for lack of a better term) "cute". But's not to say that it lacks an epic feel. Such is quite prominent all throughout this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eoUcP9z7Ms

The sequence starts with the Brainmasters and Breastforce each driving on wire frame grids and transforming, which looks just too awesome for words. We eventually see scenes of destruction by Deszaras that the 9/11 censors would have fainted at upon first sight. This is quickly switched to Star Saber’s extensive transformation scheme, which, honestly doesn’t really appeal to me much anymore. I mean, sure the initial viewings of it always looked awesome. But, it just doesn’t have that magical feel to it anymore, since the Victory cartoon would constantly show this same transformation. Every. Single. Episode!

I don’t know; perhaps if this was my first or so viewing of this sequence, I'd find it more intriguing. But because the show constantly tried to shove and force this stock footage down the throats of its viewers, it’s not so special anymore. :-(

Luckily, the space battle between the Brainmasters and Breastforce is just excellently performed, evoking the disorganized awesomeness of the space battle from the Headmasters opening. Not to mention the part where Galaxy Shuttle just wails on the Dinoforce, and the beautifully animated extreme close up of Star Saber’s face right before his final pose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkhQ0eAg1j8

When Omni Productions got their hands on the three Japanese G1 series, this was the opening they used ofr all three. Basically, they took the title and changed it to a tacky-looking “V TRANSFORMERS” logo. Real creative there, Omni. :roll:

Other than that, no other changes were made.

News Credits: 3 · by **Samsonator** » Sun Oct 24, 2010 7:32 pm

I can actually sing that entire song... It's not an ability I often advertise, but as far as songs in languages I don't actually speak go, it's one of three or maybe four that I can actually sing.

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 11:27 am

14. "Taiyō no Transform!!"
From: Transformers: Super Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bE7BFB2Wwc

"DUN! DUN! D-D-DUN! DUN! D-D-DUN! TORANSFŌMU!!!"

If there’s one major positive about the Energon/Super Link cartoon, it is this! This song is just awesome! Plainly and simply, it is an epic thrill of hot-headed, blood-boiling, extremeness! Or at least, the chorus is. The verse is kinda slow, but still nice and enjoyable enough.

There’s a sort of charm to random phrases, like "GO WOW!" and "GAN! GAN!", being yelled at the audience as though their lives depended on it.

Now when one realizes what the lyrics translate out to, it seems like this song is rather shallow and unintelligent with its talk of going forth for power and such. But frankly, when listening to it, who cares?!! This kind of awesomeness is too awesome even if it doesn't make sense!

The animation in this opening is chock full of uber goodness. The Autobots come flying into view like meteors as the beginning music kicks up its intensity. Optimus transforms into his Super Mode in sync with the must, followed by the title screen making its dramatic entrance. 8-)

Kicker running alongside Ironhide is okay, though it probably could be a bit more impressive. Kicker doing tricks on High Wire is a little better, but not much. Basically, it’s Kicker who cripples this sequence, as he’s generally not well liked among the fandom and had very few moments of greatness.

Neither is the scene with Kicker and Misha shown hand-in-hand, as their relationship wasn’t focused on as much and wasn’t shown to really go anywhere.

Things improve when the Autobots pose in harmony with the music, and all the humans (sans Kicker) are shown together in unique footage. And I gotta say that Kicker’s henshin in this is probably one the coolest things in this whole opening. I mean it; that is just awesome. Despite him being him, one merit of his that he wasn't useless in battle.

He and Jetfire flying up to a spooky giant Megatron, coupled with Prime and Megs clashing swords on the second-to-last cry of "FIGHT!", plus the final shot, bring this opening to an epic finish.