Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010

Monday, December 7th, 2009 9:07PM CST

Category: Toy News
Posted by: Blurrz Views: 37,004

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Looks like the Transformers Animated toy line will finally be hitting Japanese shores. Takara will finally take Animated under it's wing, reported by famitoy blog.

Item Name • Retail Price • Release Date
Single Pack
TFA-01 Optimus Prime • 3600yen • March 2010
TFA-02 Bumblebee • 2300yen • March 2010
TFA-03 Bulkhead • 3600yen • March 2010
TFA-04 Ratchet • 2300yen • March 2010
TFA-05 Prowl • 2300yen • March 2010
TFA-06 Megatron • 3600yen • March 2010
TFA-07 Starscream • 3600yen • March 2010
TFA-08 Lockdown • 2300yen • March 2010
TFA-09 Blackarachnia • 2300yen • March 2010
TFA-10 Cliffjumper • 1200yen • March 2010
TFA-11 Dirge • 1200yen • March 2010
TFA-12 Arcee • 2300yen • April 2010
TFA-13 Blitzwing • 3600yen • March 2010
TFA-14 Shockwave • 3600yen • April 2010
TFA-15 Lugnut • 3600yen • April 2010
TFA-16 Soundwave • 2300yen • April 2010

VS Twinpack
Optimus Prime VS Megatron • 6800yen • March 2010
Bumblebee VS Starscream • 4500yen • March 2010
Ratchet VS Lockdown • 4500yen • March 2010
Bulkhead VS Soundwave • 5600yen • March 2010
Prowl VS Blitzwing • 5600yen • April 2010

*Subject to change without prior notice.

While this may seem to be nothing new for us Transformers fans in North America and Europe, Takara always has something up their sleeves when it comes to their figures. The paint jobs may be different than Hasbro's, and the two-packs can be an interesting alternative for Animated collectors. All in all, it means that with Takara's release of Animated, and Hasbro's Animated return this spring in 2010, there's something to collect for everyone!

Keep it at Seibertron.com for the fastest Transformers news on the net!

Credit(s): famitoy

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Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025818)
Posted by Irken17 on December 7th, 2009 @ 9:13pm CST

I hope now they'll have show accurate paint jobs

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025819)
Posted by Starscream on December 7th, 2009 @ 9:13pm CST

HOLY CRAP THIS IS HUGE NEWS!!!!!!

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025829)
Posted by Delicon on December 7th, 2009 @ 9:44pm CST

Irken17 wrote:I hope now they'll have show accurate paint jobs

There are a couple that aren't perfect but Animated actually has some of the most show accurate toys in Transformers history.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025830)
Posted by GreenLantern of Cybertron on December 7th, 2009 @ 9:45pm CST

Cant wait for Show Accurate Starscream

Edit: oh and Ultra Magnus too, glad I didn't buy the US versions (assuming they are different)

Edit: and the other seeker repaints! (possibly the female one too if Takara is awesome enough for a remold)

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025835)
Posted by guardianprime on December 7th, 2009 @ 9:58pm CST

...

...

...

WOOOOOW :lol:

i cant beleive that i only JUST realized that the aimated line hasnt been out in japan.

0____0

cant wait to see what the differences are like!!

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025837)
Posted by DrWheeljack on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:07pm CST

Hmmm lets consider the possible outcomes of the Takara Animated line; show accurate toys, chrome, and appropriate two packs are a great idea.

Wonder if they will contribute any new toys? Omega Supreme would be much appreciated!

What i hope doesn't happen is they make a spin-off series. like when we gave G1 and Beast Wars to Japan.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025842)
Posted by Diem on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:12pm CST

OH MY GOD. I have been paying double cost to get Animated figures here in Japan (you don't want to know what I paid for Samurai Prowl) because there was no indication at all that it would come out here. I know it's partly my own fault, but this is so ANNOYING!

(Sorry I'm stuck in rant mode but I'm having a really bad week.)

Anyway, we'd better get some damn fine exclusives to make up for the delay. Maybe some Galaxy Force type DVD exclusives. At least we're getting Arcee at general retail.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025844)
Posted by Jenus on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:17pm CST

Are my eyes deceiving me? Does that say Dirge and Cliffjumper?

Hopefully they give dirge a cone head then someone repaints the mold into Ramjet and Thrust. We need more complete seeker sets! As for Cliffjumper I really wish they'd use the new Bumblebee mold coming out next year and not that first mold, unless someone does something with those ridiculous feet.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025845)
Posted by Diem on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:25pm CST

DrWheeljack wrote:What i hope doesn't happen is they make a spin-off series. like when we gave G1 and Beast Wars to Japan.

Why the hell not? Headmasters and Masterforce were fantastic and the extra Beast series gave us awesome characters and toys.

Oh, and also, America "gave" G1 and Beast Wars to Japan did they? How generous! After America made those entirely by themselves, it was good of them to share.

Normal Diem will resume tomorrow. I'm too pissed off today.

@Jenus: Judging by the price, Dirge and Cliffjumper will both be Activators like in the Western release.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025847)
Posted by Mach on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:41pm CST

Cool down Diem, Haha...
In the journey of collection, we need to make decisions here and there.... I made some wrong decision by paying exorbitant prices for some figures, and cheaper version came out later...
Gain some lose some.... Thats the way it is...

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025848)
Posted by Mechastrike on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:53pm CST

it's kinda strange seeing the Anger Archer in a group of Decepticons.

no comment on the Japanese version of the toys though. they'll probably add more chrome in there plus cool paint jobs.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025849)
Posted by Diem on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:55pm CST

Real Devastator wrote:Cool down Diem, Haha...
In the journey of collection, we need to make decisions here and there.... I made some wrong decision by paying exorbitant prices for some figures, and cheaper version came out later...
Gain some lose some.... Thats the way it is...

You're right RD. There's a lot of other stuff on my mind right now, and this little piece of news pushed me over. Still, I do need to cool down.

Sorry for having a crack at you, Dr. Wheeljack. I still disagree with you, but I shouldn't have done so so nastily.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025850)
Posted by It Is Him on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:55pm CST

So much for my plan to get ALL the Animated toys.

#-o

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025851)
Posted by It Is Him on December 7th, 2009 @ 10:58pm CST

Hate to double post but...

Maybe we'll see a Voyager Ramjet!

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025853)
Posted by Jetstorm92210 on December 7th, 2009 @ 11:00pm CST

Hmmm...you just wait and this is becoming part of the Japanese G1 continuity or Micron Trylogy (I doubt it but, YOU JUST WAIT),
I can not tell how happy I feel of TFA finally going to be released in Japan, I will get my WreckGar, Shockwave, Ultra Magnus and maybe some seekers at last (the same goes to Arcee because international distribution sucks beyond belief, in Mexico we only have ROFT Wave 1 for both Deluxe and Voyager, though Scout is as advanced as US

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025854)
Posted by Editor on December 7th, 2009 @ 11:04pm CST

While this doesn't really affect me as I have most of the Animated figures I want already...

This is very interesting. I can't wait to see how takara does with the line and how it will do at Japanese retail.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025860)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on December 7th, 2009 @ 11:40pm CST

Interesting.

So is this an exclusive/limited run like Beast Wars Returns?

The prices seem steeper than usual. I'll be curious to see photos for decos. Hopefully there's not too much different and I can a la carte the line like Henkei (just have Grimlock, Astrotrain, and Cyclonus, besides exclusives, but I do want Hound and Megatron yet).

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025862)
Posted by Diem on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:01am CST

Razorclaw0000 wrote:Interesting.

So is this an exclusive/limited run like Beast Wars Returns?

The prices seem steeper than usual. I'll be curious to see photos for decos. Hopefully there's not too much different and I can a la carte the line like Henkei (just have Grimlock, Astrotrain, and Cyclonus, besides exclusives, but I do want Hound and Megatron yet).

The recommended retail price for these is the same as for Henkei or ROTF. Most stores sell for cheaper than RRP, it's only the department stores and tourist traps that charge full price. The retail price for deluxes is 2300 but most stores sell for around 1900, for instance.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025866)
Posted by Powersa on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:26am CST

The TFA toys have TOMY stamps on them so maybe this wa planned from the beginning. Still WTF moment though, kinda shocking.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025867)
Posted by Heckfire on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:28am CST

This is AWESOME news for TFA fans like myself for two reasons: first off, Takara is known for tweaking their releases a bit, typically in the name of show-accuracy, so we could see some cool revisions of the toys (plus, considering all the QC issues in the original line, we might see some improvements?).

The second reason? What happened when the G1 cartoon series was released in Japan? Headmasters, Masterforce, and other continuations. Beast Wars? BWII, Neo, and Robot Masters. Are you starting to catch my meaning here..? YES, I have gone on record several times to complain about the continuations, but, let's face it, any new TFA is better than simply letting the Bayformers rule the franchise, plus we'll probably get some awesome new TFA style toys out of it as well, maybe including ACTUAL Sari and human super-villains figures!

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025876)
Posted by Screamfleet on December 8th, 2009 @ 1:40am CST

it'll be interesting to see takara's take on some of the characters. A majority of them, I'm sure will be very much the same.
If they go on and make toys for characters that didn't get toys(constructicons, omega surpreme)...well that would be great!

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025894)
Posted by freaky777 on December 8th, 2009 @ 6:49am CST

AWESOME!!! Now I can get TFA Shockwave(which I missed) and upcoming Arcee with a peace of mind.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025901)
Posted by Heckfire on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:26am CST

freaky777 wrote:AWESOME!!! Now I can get TFA Shockwave(which I missed) and upcoming Arcee with a peace of mind.

...that sounds like a bad lemon waiting to happen.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025902)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:30am CST

Yes! Finally! I've been dying to see Japan's take on the Animated toys and story. While I'm saddedned to see the names "Optimus Prime" and "Bumblebee" being used over "Convoy" and "Bumble", this is still awesome. I wonder what they're gonna call the series.

But what I'm really anxious to see the new Japanese theme song! Every series has had one, so this should get one too.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025903)
Posted by Counterpunch on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:31am CST

I expect straight-up repacks of the figures in different or modified (like the movie) packaging.

So...this is the filler line for Japan hrm? That is the interesting part.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025904)
Posted by Chaoslock on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:54am CST

Awaiting the weird changes in the show... 8-}

(I can imagine Bumblebee will end up as a girl there :o)

)

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025908)
Posted by Hard Hacker on December 8th, 2009 @ 8:26am CST

Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

I wonder if they'll produce some niche exclusives. Hasbro missed a huge oppertunity by not producing Glyph, Hubcap, Tapout, ect toys. I'd pay a reasonable price for those (Not top dollar, that's just stupid).

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025909)
Posted by Diem on December 8th, 2009 @ 8:26am CST

Sabrblade wrote:Yes! Finally! I've been dying to see Japan's take on the Animated toys and story. While I'm saddedned to see the names "Optimus Prime" and "Bumblebee" being used over "Convoy" and "Bumble", this is still awesome. I wonder what they're gonna call the series.

I'm pretty sure it's also called "Transformers Animated", only, you know, Toransuformaa Animeitedo. I don't know if they will use the Western names for the TFs themselves like for the Bayformers, or whether they'll revert.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025910)
Posted by Diem on December 8th, 2009 @ 8:30am CST

Hard Hacker wrote:Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

As opposed to perfectly sensible themes like Processor over Matter?

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025915)
Posted by Counterpunch on December 8th, 2009 @ 8:49am CST

Diem wrote:
Hard Hacker wrote:Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

As opposed to perfectly sensible themes like Processor over Matter?

All things considered...'Burning Justice' is a Nihon-y trope that could be happily avoided...

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025917)
Posted by RiddlerJ on December 8th, 2009 @ 9:15am CST

But what will they do with Sari?

Will it be Kiss Players all over again?

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025918)
Posted by Diem on December 8th, 2009 @ 9:16am CST

Counterpunch wrote:
Diem wrote:
Hard Hacker wrote:Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

As opposed to perfectly sensible themes like Processor over Matter?

All things considered...'Burning Justice' is a Nihon-y trope that could be happily avoided...

I haven't watched all of RiD (which is perhaps the worst offender for BURNING JUSTICE) but I can't think of an example from any series that really galled me. The Cybertron Defense Team's creation? Brilliant. Starscream fighting his way through all the Autobots to get the Omega Lock. Unconvincing, but awesome.

But maybe I just think like the target audience of ten-year-old boys! :wink:

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025923)
Posted by Diem on December 8th, 2009 @ 9:39am CST

If they do do exclusive repaints, I bet you there'll be an Arcee: Paradron Medic Type.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025926)
Posted by Powersa on December 8th, 2009 @ 10:02am CST

Probably a number of black/clear exclusives, maybe gold LDs also. Like a black Convoy - nice.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025929)
Posted by Hard Hacker on December 8th, 2009 @ 10:39am CST

Diem wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
Diem wrote:
Hard Hacker wrote:Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

As opposed to perfectly sensible themes like Processor over Matter? :P

All things considered...'Burning Justice' is a Nihon-y trope that could be happily avoided...
I haven't watched all of RiD (which is perhaps the worst offender for BURNING JUSTICE) but I can't think of an example from any series that really galled me. The Cybertron Defense Team's creation? Brilliant. Starscream fighting his way through all the Autobots to get the Omega Lock. Unconvincing, but awesome.

But maybe I just think like the target audience of ten-year-old boys! :wink:

In the English language version of the show, at least they TRIED to make it work in a logical manner, as surprise of somehow having this great power. I'll give them that, even if it is rather jarring (This is somebody who LIKES Cybertron, by the way).

Processor over Matter works... ish. It's a skill exclusive to only one type of Cybertronian warrior. At least everybody didn't do it after the skill was revealed.

Still, it's ESP, which makes it BS. If anybody tells me I'm wrong, and the ESP exist, I'll ROFL.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025931)
Posted by Brychanus on December 8th, 2009 @ 10:51am CST

Jenus wrote:Are my eyes deceiving me? Does that say Dirge and Cliffjumper?

Sorry to do any parade-raining, but if you look at the prices on the list, Dirge and Cliffjumper are cheaper than the rest of the list. Those will probably just be the same Activator versions we got for those characters. :-(

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025933)
Posted by kirbenvost on December 8th, 2009 @ 11:16am CST

I hope they do a G1 repaint of Prowl, and it's not some sort of insanely expensive exclusive. :p

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025938)
Posted by Counterpunch on December 8th, 2009 @ 11:54am CST

Hard Hacker wrote:
Diem wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
Diem wrote:
Hard Hacker wrote:Just so long as they don't put in non-sensical themes like BURNING JUSTICE, I'm cool with it.

As opposed to perfectly sensible themes like Processor over Matter?

All things considered...'Burning Justice' is a Nihon-y trope that could be happily avoided...
I haven't watched all of RiD (which is perhaps the worst offender for BURNING JUSTICE) but I can't think of an example from any series that really galled me. The Cybertron Defense Team's creation? Brilliant. Starscream fighting his way through all the Autobots to get the Omega Lock. Unconvincing, but awesome.

But maybe I just think like the target audience of ten-year-old boys!

In the English language version of the show, at least they TRIED to make it work in a logical manner, as surprise of somehow having this great power. I'll give them that, even if it is rather jarring (This is somebody who LIKES Cybertron, by the way).

Processor over Matter works... ish. It's a skill exclusive to only one type of Cybertronian warrior. At least everybody didn't do it after the skill was revealed.

Still, it's ESP, which makes it BS. If anybody tells me I'm wrong, and the ESP exist, I'll ROFL.

Robots have it.

Tell them they don't and they'll RotF.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025940)
Posted by Editor on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:00pm CST

Counterpunch wrote:Robots have it.

Tell them they don't and they'll RotF.

Hey Takara, how about Car Robots Greejeeber & Operation Combination Leyland repaints of Swindle?

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025941)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:02pm CST

Diem wrote:If they do do exclusive repaints, I bet you there'll be an Arcee: Paradron Medic Type.

Made of sex and win.

I suspect we may get a clearer "Stealth" Lockdown than the Target version.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025942)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 8th, 2009 @ 12:11pm CST

I'm starting to wonder which Animated toys Japan won't be getting. Hmm.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1025986)
Posted by hippymule on December 8th, 2009 @ 2:57pm CST

animated was american made that hasent happen since*FLASHES BACK*(5years old)look at those animals cool trrrtrrrtrr holy crap a robot!Now does this mean crome? nonsloppy bumblebee piantjob "All of these answers and more on the next ecxiting episode of...the Transformers."

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026030)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:38pm CST

hippymule wrote:animated was american made that hasent happen since*FLASHES BACK*(5years old)look at those animals cool trrrtrrrtrr holy crap a robot!Now does this mean crome? nonsloppy bumblebee piantjob "All of these answers and more on the next ecxiting episode of...the Transformers."

If you want to get technical, the last American (U.S.) TF cartoon was actually G1, as Beast Wars and Beast Machines were Canadian.

Then again, there's also that short-lived Playskool Go-Bots cartoon that had only four episodes made. I think that may have been a U.S. thing too. So, yeah.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026033)
Posted by Tigertrack on December 8th, 2009 @ 7:50pm CST

Hoping that TakaraTomy decide that figures like High Brow, Perceptor, Grandus, Fem-scream, and Omega get made, and that they encourage the show to go another season, or two, and they continue the line.

Also looking forward to a slew of store exclusive repaints to import.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026100)
Posted by Nekoman on December 8th, 2009 @ 11:29pm CST

I'd expect a few new items, but I wouldn't tell anyone to get their hopes up for too much.

This will work best as something to get alternatives to Hasbro's sloppier releases (deluxe Bumblebee).

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026140)
Posted by Tekka on December 9th, 2009 @ 3:53am CST

No Skywarp? ._.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026157)
Posted by Diem on December 9th, 2009 @ 6:13am CST

Nekoman wrote:I'd expect a few new items, but I wouldn't tell anyone to get their hopes up for too much.

This will work best as something to get alternatives to Hasbro's sloppier releases (deluxe Bumblebee).

If the show goes down really well in Japan maybe we'll see some new molds, but otherwise the best we can expect is decent repaints.

I really don't know how well this'll be recieved. American made stuff either raves here or vanishes without a trace. On the plus side, it's Transformers, there's a cute little girl, and the humour is pretty slapsticky and surreal, rather than verbal or sarcastic which tends to do better for Japanese audiences. On the other hand the extreme art style would probably be even less well recieved here than it initially was in the West: with only a few exceptions they like their characters like they like their food, homogenous and not too exotic.

I'll bet that they'll market it to a younger age group than ROTF and Henkei; probably to the 8-and-under crowd.

Re: Takara's Animated to hit Japan in March 2010 (1026611)
Posted by Blurrz on December 10th, 2009 @ 7:07pm CST

I think people are expecting too much from this. Like Counterpunch, I think these will just be straight-up same paint jobs in new packaging. There isn't even a hint of a cartoon, and the actual possibility of paint jobs is still unlikely. While I said it in the news post that repaints are likely, its as likely that it could go the other way and have absolutely no changes.

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