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Time Bokan
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Time Bokan
Cover art from the original soundtrack
タイムボカン
Created byTatsunoko Production Planning Department
Directed byHiroshi Sasagawa
Music byMasayuki Yamamoto
Opening theme"Time Bokan" by Masayuki Yamamoto
Ending theme"Soreyuki Gaikottsu" by Royal Knights
Country of originJapan
No. of episodes61[1] (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerTatsuo Yoshida
ProducersMasaru Shibata
Masashi Nagai
EditorsHajime Taniguchi
Reiko Toda
Junyasu Furukawa
Production companiesFuji Television
Tatsunoko Production
Original release
NetworkFNS (Fuji TV)
ReleaseOctober 4, 1975 (1975-10-04) –
December 25, 1976 (1976-12-25)[2]
Related

Time Bokan (タイムボカン, Taimu Bokan) is a Japanese anime series first aired on Fuji TV from October 4, 1975 to December 25, 1976 throughout Japan every Saturday at 6:30 pm, with a total of 61 thirty-minute episodes. It was produced by Tatsunoko Production, who later produced a number of spin-off programs as part of the "Time Bokan Series". An anime re-imagining titled Time Bokan 24 ran from October 1, 2016 to March 18, 2017.[3]

Story

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Dr. Kieta, a somewhat wacky but intelligent scientist, has finally succeeded in inventing insect-shaped time machines called "Time Bokan". To prove the machine's efficiency and safety, he decides to serve as the very first guinea pig for its maiden voyage. However, by the time his machine has returned, there's no trace of him inside. The only thing that it returns with is a talking parrot, along with a large gemstone called the Dynamond (ダイナモンド, Dainamondo), which is seemingly the most powerful and valuable jewel in the world.

Now it's up to a search party, founded by Dr. Kieta's lab assistant Tanpei, to travel through time to find Dr. Kieta, but it seems that someone power hungry is looking for the "Dynamond" as well.[2]

The story starred two vividly opposing sides, the heroes, and the villains. Typical plots follow this format:

  • The heroes travel to a particular era or space during their search for Dr. Kieta, and their hunt for the nature of the Dynamond, meeting the famous historical figures (and some times fictional characters) in the process.
  • The heroes eventually encounter the villains.
  • The two sides battle each other with their time machines.
  • The villains always suffer a crushing defeat, either due to the smart foiling of their plans from the heroes, or due to the villains' own ineptitude.

Characters

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Heroes

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Tanpei (丹平) (voiced by Yoshiko Ōta): The loyal lab assistant of Dr. Kieta, Tanpei is a smart and sporty boy, aged 13. He is warm, pure, courageous, and is a genius mechanic. He is often seen sparring with Junko, his fellow assistant and Dr Kieta's granddaughter, comforting, or encouraging her. Tampei has been depicted as having a crush on her for more than once. Everybody in the team calls him "Tanpei-chan". Not much of his family and school background is given.

Junko (淳子) (voiced by Mari Okamoto and Keiko Yokozawa in eps. 34-36): Junko is Dr. Kieta's 10 year-old granddaughter. She is a responsible young girl and is always lending a helping hand to others. She is gentle, caring, erudite, and resourceful. She misses her grandfather dearly, thus earning a lot of sympathy from the rest of her team as they search for him. She might seem a little whiny at first glance, but vows to become stronger under the influence of Tanpei, whom she has a crush on.

C-robot (チョロ坊, Chorobō) (voiced by Reiko Katsura): A robot sidekick created by Tanpei, he can appear pretty childish in both appearance and actions, but this is not always a hindrance. His power source is the winding key protruding from his back. Chorobo's features include also a flamethrower built into his nose, extendable limbs, and the ability to shock others with a significant amount of voltage output. Although a robot, he's seen briefly eating cream puffs in the second episode.

Dr. Kieta (木江田博士, Kieta-hakase) (voiced by Ryūji Saikachi): Junko's grandfather and creator of the "Time Bokan" time machines. A famous scientist, he wasn't found until the 27th episode, but soon joined Tanpei's team on other journeys.

Perasuke (ペラ助) (voiced by Junpei Takiguchi): A talking parrot who seems to be the only source of information about Dr. Kieta's location after he was lost in time; he always makes random testimonies on that. The only thing he fears is probably his wife, Otake. It turns out that he accidentally triggered the time machine while Dr. Kieta was absent in a particular age (which turned out to be the present day), and returned to the lab with it. After the journey he took with our heroes, he reunited with his wife in the finale. His voice can be heard in the previews of upcoming episodes at the end of each episode before the ending theme. His name is a pun on his species.

Otake-san (オタケさん) (voiced by Haru Endou): A bossy and impatient female parrot of Perasuke's kind and his wife. She is depicted with a distinct air of vanity and a body frame much larger than Perasuke's. She is also frequently kicking Perasuke about, despite her love for him. At the beginning of the series, she and Dr. Kieta are frequently soothing each other's eagerness of reunion.[4]

Villains

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Commonly known as the "Time Skeletons" ("タイム ガイコツ") through the show, the three villains portrayed in this show were even more familiar to the audience than the heroes, mainly due to their renowned stupidity, shown by their inevitable fate of always suffering a crushing defeat in each episode. They also were the inspiration for the "Team Rocket" trio in the Pokémon TV series, and by extension a number of similar anime villains.

Majo (マージョ) (voiced by Noriko Ohara): Majo, 30 years old, is the attractive blonde female leader of the trio. Her character was written as a "vain villainess" stereotype; accordingly, she often acts and speaks as if she were the most beautiful and intelligent character in the entire series. Of the trio, she is the most enthusiastic about capturing the "Dynamond", but ends up doing virtually nothing except bossing her two henchmen around, invariably cursing them after the "defeat" sequence in each episode, as well as ending up naked as a result of some misfortune. Her name is derived from the Japanese word "魔女" (majo), which means "witch".

Grocky (グロッキー, Gurokkī) (voiced by Jouji Yanami): The "brainiac" henchman of Majo, aged 25. He used to work undercover for Dr. Kieda, therefore he is usually employed to build a new and different mecha in each episode to counter the Time Bokan used by the heroes. He is cunning, though quite prone to making silly mistakes on the machinery (most of which became the key issue of the villains' misfortune throughout the episodes). His name is derived from the Japanicized word for "grotesque". The character of Waluigi is partially inspired by him.

Warusa (ワルサー, Warusā) (voiced by Kazuya Tatekabe): The "muscle" henchman of Majo, aged 35. He is seemingly less intelligent and more clumsy than the other two of the trio, and is often seen controlling the weaponry of their mecha. He is heard speaking in an accent known as Kansai-ben and frequently ends his sentences with the phrase "~man-nen" (~まんねん). His name is a play on the Japanese term "悪さ" (warusa), which means "evil behavior" or "level of evil". The character of Wario is partially inspired by him.

Others

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Narrator (voiced by Kei Tomiyama): His voice is mainly used to introduce the different eras/spaces the characters travel to, and sometimes he also gives a brief comment or overview on the episode, especially at the end.[4]

Time Bokan machines

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Created by Dr. Kieda at the beginning of the series, there are a total of three machines. Each one is designed after a particular kind of insect, both appearance-wise and functionally. Although the term "time" is the only term in their name to state their function, they are also capable of travelling between dimensions, including fictional and hypothetical ones. An example of the former is a dimension based on Grimm's fairytales, while an example of the latter is one based on Easter Island.

Time Mechabuton ("タイムメカブトン", Time Bokan I): This blue machine, which resembles a Japanese rhinoceros beetle, is the Time Bokan used the most by the heroes. Its features include:

  • The machine's primary weapon, a rotary saw/digger fashioned like the beetle's large single horn.
  • Durable all-terrain tires, enabling the machine to travel to a maximum of 200 km/h (approx. 125 MPH).
  • Wings, which open like the actual insect's, allowing flight when powered by its jet engines. They can also be used to flap to create sandstorms by flapping.
  • A defensive missile launcher mounted in the bow.
  • A small red dome on its back; it is a manually-piloted scouting/surveillance airship named the "Ladybug-Drone" (テントウキ, Tentōki), which can either operate on its own, or to simply serve as a lookout post of the main machine. It includes a series of wacky gadgets and tools, including mechanical limbs, shears, fire extinguishers, reflectors, nets, slingshots, and others.
  • A small submarine, the "Strider-Marine" (ヤゴマリン, Yagomarin), hidden in its belly.
  • A remote control of the whole system is incorporated in the watch of Dr. Kieda.

Time Dotabattan ("タイムドタバッタン", Time Bokan II): This green, locust-shaped Time Bokan was actually captured by Dr. Kieda in the 27th episode from a species known as "Insect People", the seemingly futuristic dominant species of Earth. It is modified later in the series to increase its functionality and transport capacity. Its features include:

  • The machine's primary weapon, a projectile launcher mounted in the bow of the machine.
  • Strong mechanical limbs like the actual insect's, allowing the machine to jump great distances. Once damaged, their functions can be replaced by a set of retractable caterpillar tracks, hidden in the machine's belly.
  • A pair of small rudders that allows the machine to fly when powered by its jet engines.
  • A worm-shaped scouting/surveillance unit, the "Inchworm-Drone" (シャクトリン, Jakutorin), which can operate on its own to complete maintenance work, such as repairing the machines. The heroes have often used it to sneak behind the villains' mecha and cause havoc on more than one occasion.
  • A small helicopter, the "Firefly-Copter" (ヘリボタル, Heribotaru), hidden inside.[4]

Time Kuwagattan ("タイムクワガッタン", Time Bokan III): This red, stag beetle-shaped Time Bokan was created later by Dr. Kieda after he was found. Its features include:

  • The machine's primary weapon, a cutter/digger fashioned like the beetle's horns.
  • Limbs that can become wheels.
  • The machine's carapace, also fashioned like the actual beetle's, opens up like the rotor of a helicopter, allowing the machine to fly.
  • A bee-shaped scouting/surveillance airship, the "Honeybee-Drone" (ビーチクリン, Biichikurin).
  • A small, woodlice-shaped all-terrain vehicle, the "Armadillo-Rollin'" (ダンゴロリン, Dangororin), hidden inside.[4]

Note: Although written in katakana, "Bokan" can mean "carrier" (such as an "aircraft carrier") if written in hiragana or kanji, as each of the main machines carries a few smaller mechas with them at all times.

Villains' machines

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Only one recurring mecha has ever appeared in the villain trio's garage: the "Time Skull" ("タイムガイコッツ"), a small, skull-shaped time machine built by Grocky.

In order to match the Time Bokan in strength and maneuverability, this mecha is often linked to a larger mechanical structure, of which it serves as the head. This construction often results in various animal-shaped mechas as large as (or even larger than) the Time Bokan. These machines are often equipped with an abundance of concealed gadgets and weapons, most of which are capable of leaving the heroes' machines severely damaged.

Two running gags exist for the villains' mecha in the show. First, after the mechas' departure in a large bang, a few stray parts can always be seen on the floor when the explosion clears. In the first few episodes of the show, the director used the same group of pictures, which depicted exactly same stray parts to emphasize this gag. Second, the villains rarely have a smooth landing on their arrival, always ending up either in awkward poses or locations.

The most important feature of these mecha is a deadly device that villains wish to use to finish the heroes off for good, dubbed as the "Highlight of the Week" ("今週のハイライト") by the villains (usually in the shape of a bomb launched in various crazy fashions). However, the triggering of the device often backfires onto the villains themselves, either by a silly error in its mechanical design or as a result of the villains' foiling by the heroes, causing the whole structure to explode spectacularly, only leaving the Time Skull fully intact and the villains themselves very tattered (Grocky is victimized every time by his female boss for the failure).

Episodes

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See also: List of Time Bokan episodes

Timefighters

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Several of the historical-themed episodes were edited together and dubbed by Jim Terry Productions (of Force Five and Robby the Rascal fame) for the US home video market in 1984, under the name Timefighters. Several of the fairytale-themed episodes were also edited together and dubbed by Jim Terry Productions for the US home video market in 1984, under the name Timefighters in the Land of Fantasy.[5]

Name changes:

  • Time Bokan/Time Fighters
  • Tanpei/Jett
  • Junko/Starr
  • C-robot/Tonk
  • Dr. Kieta/Professor Von Spock
  • Perasuke/Squarky
  • Otake/Bromhilder
  • Skull Trio/Skulduggery Crew
  • Marjo/Lucinda Skulduggery
  • Grocky/Captain Arrow
  • Walsa/Mungo
  • Time Mechabuton - Time Bokan I: The Scorpion II
  • Time Dotabattan - Time Bokan II: The Grasshopper (initially, it was referred to as the prototype time machine, only able to transport one passenger; later, it was refitted to carry a whole crew)
  • Time Kuwagattan - Time Bokan III: The Ant

Even Harmony Gold released a TV film in 1985 as Time Patrol.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Time Bokan

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Time Bokan (タイムボカン, Taimubokan) is a Japanese franchise produced by , originating with a 61-episode television series that aired from October 4, 1975, to December 25, 1976. The original series follows the adventures of junior high student Tanpei and Dr. Kieta's granddaughter , who pilot the giant robot insect-shaped time machine known as the Time Bokan to search for the missing inventor across different eras, while clashing with the bumbling villainous trio called the Time Skeletons in their pursuit of the valuable Dynamond. Directed by Hiroshi Sasagawa with character designs by , the show blends , action, and comedy, establishing core tropes like heroic duos, robotic companions, and recurring antagonist archetypes that define the franchise. The Time Bokan franchise has expanded into a meta-series with multiple spin-offs and sequels, including the 1977–1979 entry Yatterman as its second installment, focusing on adventurous escapades and historical treasure hunts. Over nearly five decades, it has produced at least 13 television series, along with OVAs, films, and live-action adaptations, maintaining its signature humorous style and villainous groups like the Doronbo Gang. Notable later entries include (2016) and Time Bokan: The Villains' Strike Back (2017), which revisit the franchise's lore through modern lenses while honoring its origins. The series' enduring appeal lies in its lighthearted parody of adventure tropes, influencing subsequent with its blend of humor, gadgetry, and episodic time-hopping narratives.

Synopsis and Setting

Plot Summary

Dr. Kieta, a brilliant inventor, develops the Time Bokan, a versatile time-travel machine shaped like a giant robotic , but vanishes during its inaugural test voyage to the prehistoric era. The machine returns empty save for a talking named Parrosuke and a precious gem known as the Dynamond, prompting the formation of a rescue team. Tanpei, Dr. Kieta's young lab assistant, and Junko, his granddaughter, are recruited to pilot the Time Bokan on a mission to locate the missing inventor and secure the Dynamond, a valuable gem known as the Dynamond. Accompanied by Parrosuke, who provides cryptic clues from his adventures with Dr. Kieta, the duo embarks on journeys through diverse historical and fictional periods, while contending with pursuing foes. The antagonist trio, known as the Time Skeletons, relentlessly chases the heroes to seize the Dynamond for their own ambitions. After 61 episodes of high-stakes temporal adventures, the protagonists ultimately succeed in retrieving the Dynamond, rescuing Dr. Kieta, and averting catastrophe.

Historical and Fictional Settings

The Time Bokan franchise features a diverse array of settings that blend real historical eras with imaginative fictional worlds, enabling adventures across time and space through its central time-travel mechanism. The series draws from actual history, transporting characters to periods such as ancient civilizations exemplified by figures like and , the era highlighted by inventors like , and feudal during the with elements of lore. These historical backdrops are integrated to provide contextual authenticity, often incorporating verifiable events and cultural details to ground the narrative in educational value. Complementing these are fictional realms that expand the scope beyond reality, including fantastical lands inspired by fairy tales, mythological domains like a prince's lunar kingdom, and speculative sci-fi futures depicting advanced societies or alternate timelines. Such settings allow for creative explorations of "what if" scenarios, such as parodying classic stories or envisioning dystopian or utopian worlds, while maintaining the franchise's adventurous tone. The seamless transitions between these environments are facilitated by the Time Bokan machine, a versatile giant robot-insect vehicle invented by Dr. Kieta, which propels protagonists through temporal wormholes to pursue their quests without disrupting narrative flow. Educational elements are woven into the fabric of these settings, with brief expositions on historical facts, mythological origins, or cultural significances delivered during travels, fostering a sense of discovery for young audiences. This approach underscores the series' role in blending with learning, using to juxtapose past and future landscapes—such as archaic battlefields against neon-lit metropolises—to emphasize contrasts in human progress and the perennial hero-villain dynamics. In spin-offs like , this evolves into quests for "true history," revisiting eras like the period or Meiji-era to correct or illuminate obscured narratives, reinforcing the franchise's thematic commitment to historical reflection through fictional lenses.

Characters

Protagonists

The protagonists of Time Bokan form a dedicated team driven by the quest to locate the missing inventor Dr. Kieta, utilizing his time-travel invention to navigate historical eras. Led by young assistants, the group combines mechanical ingenuity, youthful determination, and quirky support to pursue their objective. Tanpei serves as the 13-year-old lab assistant to Dr. Kieta, acting as a skilled mechanic who maintains and operates the Time Bokan machine during their journeys. As a brave yet impulsive figure, he often takes the lead in high-stakes situations, providing the team's dynamic energy and serving as an informal leader despite his youth. Junko, Dr. Kieta's 10-year-old granddaughter, brings intelligence and resourcefulness to the team, frequently handling gadgets and contributing clever solutions to technical challenges encountered in different time periods. Her thoughtful approach complements Tanpei's boldness, fostering a balanced partnership that sustains the group's morale and progress. Dr. Kieta, an eccentric inventor renowned for creating the Time Bokan—a giant insect capable of —disappears during a test run, with his rescue in episode 27 propelling the early narrative before he joins the team thereafter. His brilliant but absent-minded nature is evident in the machine's design and the circumstances of his vanishing, leaving behind clues that guide the team's efforts. C-Robot functions as a loyal robotic companion built to assist the human members, offering for repairs and navigation while injecting through its endearing, sometimes clumsy behaviors. This clockwork sidekick enhances team cohesion by handling routine tasks, allowing the others to focus on the search. Perasuke and Otake-san are talking parrots who join the , with Perasuke emerging from the Time Bokan in Dr. Kieta's place in episode 1 to provide clues to his whereabouts, while Otake-san, his bossy wife, joins in episode 27 along with the rescued Dr. Kieta, acting as guides and providing morale boosts through their quirky, chatty interactions. Perasuke's informative chatter and Otake-san's bossy yet affectionate demeanor add levity and direction to the group's adventures across time.

Antagonists

The primary antagonists in Time Bokan are the Time Skeletons, a comedic villainous trio consisting of , Grocky, and Warusa, who serve as the recurring foes pursuing the protagonists across various historical eras. Their overarching motivation revolves around stealing the powerful Dynamond gemstone, believed to grant immense wealth and authority, which drives their elaborate schemes through time but consistently results in humiliating defeats marked by humor. Majo, the 30-year-old leader of the group, embodies the archetype of a vain and manipulative , often devising ambitious plans with a sharp, cunning intellect while residing in a luxurious that reflects her desire for opulence. Her ambitious nature makes her the strategic mind of the trio, bossing around her henchmen with a mix of charm and , though her frequently leads to overconfidence and comedic mishaps. Grocky, the 25-year-old mechanic and self-proclaimed "brains" of the operation, is responsible for inventing and constructing the trio's mechanical contraptions, showcasing inventive talent tempered by frequent bumbling errors that undermine their efforts. His role as the technical expert often places him in charge of piloting or maintaining their devices, but his proneness to silly mistakes contributes to the group's hierarchy of incompetence, where he reports directly to . Warusa, the 35-year-old enforcer, provides the brute physical strength as the muscle of the trio, acting as Majo's with a dim-witted and clumsy demeanor that amplifies the in their failures. His scowling, meathead personality makes him the least intellectually inclined member, often handling menial or forceful tasks, yet his loyalty to the group underscores the hierarchical dynamic under Majo's command. The Time Skeletons' schemes typically culminate in chaotic retreats, with the trio escaping destruction by accidentally activating mechanisms in their own , a recurring that highlights their flawed coordination and ensures their return for future episodes. This pattern of elaborate planning followed by downfall defines their antagonistic role, parodying traditional villain tropes through persistent yet comically inept pursuits of the Dynamond.

Supporting Characters

In the original Time Bokan series, supporting characters primarily consist of episodic figures drawn from historical and fictional eras, often depicted with exaggerated traits for comedic effect to enhance the time-travel adventures without altering the central quest to rescue Dr. Kieta. These characters serve as temporary allies or obstacles, interacting briefly with the protagonists during their journeys through time, providing humorous diversions through misunderstandings or anachronistic behaviors. Historical figures appear as comically distorted cameos that blend education with parody, such as in the second episode, where he leads a bungled campaign against Persia, enlisting the time travelers in absurd battlefield antics that highlight his overambitious nature. Similarly, features in episode 8 as a bombastic conqueror whose invasion plans devolve into chaotic chases involving the heroes and villains, emphasizing over historical accuracy. Other examples include the in episode 16, portrayed as bumbling inventors whose early flight attempts lead to farcical crashes and rivalries, and pharaohs in episode 55 during pyramid construction, where ancient Egyptian laborers and rulers engage in laborious yet laughable schemes to hide a Dynamond. These portrayals offer episodic variety by introducing cultural or temporal motifs, like knights in medieval witch hunts (episode 3) or Inca priests guarding treasures (episode 11), fostering lighthearted lessons on history while advancing the plot through temporary alliances or hindrances. One-off allies and obstacles further diversify the narrative, such as prehistoric cavemen in episode 5 who aid the protagonists against dinosaurs in a stone-age survival comedy, or pirates in episode 6 who temporarily team up for parrot-themed treasure hunts before betraying the group for laughs. In fictional settings, characters like (episode 18) or (episode 21) act as quest facilitators or comic foils, with the former's dwarfs providing shelter amid poison apple gags and the latter's tilts at windmills creating whirlwind chases. These figures rarely recur but contribute to the series' humor by mirroring the villains' incompetence, such as bumbling locals in feudal (episodes 10 and 17) who mistake time travelers for spies, leading to ninja mishaps or duels with figures like . Recurring motifs among supporting characters include mischievous animals and inept locals that add consistent levity across episodes. The talking parrot Perasuke, introduced in the first episode as a reluctant carrying clues from Dr. Kieta, frequently deceives both sides with lies or half-truths, sparking misadventures like the Greek war detour, and embodies the series' playful tone through its squawking antics. Other animal motifs appear in folklore-inspired episodes, such as the ogres and companions in Momotaro's tale (episode 38) or the crab and monkey in their battle (episode 44), where anthropomorphic creatures serve as temporary obstacles with pun-filled dialogues. Bumbling locals, like villagers in witch hunts or tribesmen in episode 42, often provide educational cameos on customs while hindering progress through gullible or overly enthusiastic reactions to the intruders, ensuring each time period feels vibrant and self-contained without impacting the overarching arc.

Production

Development and Planning

The Time Bokan series originated from the Planning Department, with planning beginning around 1972 as a comedic time-travel adventure series targeted at children, featuring protagonists journeying through history to recover a missing inventor and a powerful artifact known as the Dynamond. Initial concepts included titles like "Tanma Daikonran" and a 15-minute pilot film, parts of which were reused in the first episode and opening sequence. The core concept emphasized episodic escapades across diverse historical eras, incorporating mecha battles between heroic and villainous factions to drive the narrative, inspired by the 1966 film for its comedic competition elements. Planning was spearheaded by Jinzo Toriumi and Shigeru Yanagawa, who focused on an episodic structure that balanced high-stakes action with recurring comedic elements, such as the bumbling antics of the antagonists. Influences drew from classic themes of time manipulation and historical tales, with the intent to blend lighthearted and subtle educational value by exposing young viewers to various periods and cultures through the time-travel framework. A key initial idea was the design of insect-themed , exemplified by the protagonist's rhinoceros beetle-shaped , chosen to captivate children's fascination with bugs and transform the sci-fi trope into an engaging, relatable form. This pre-production planning established the foundational elements that informed subsequent staff assignments and animation execution.

Key Staff and Animation

The original Time Bokan series was directed by Sasagawa, whose direction emphasized the comedic elements within the mecha action sequences, drawing from his experience with Tatsunoko's humorous productions. Character designs were created by , an early-career contribution that showcased his signature style of exaggerated proportions, vibrant colors, and dynamic expressions suited to the series' satirical tone. The animation was produced by , employing traditional cel animation techniques to craft the 61-episode run, which allowed for fluid motion in time-travel battles and slapstick gags characteristic of mid-1970s television . Voice acting featured notable talents such as Yoshiko Ota as the young protagonist Tanpei, Mari Okamoto as his companion Junko, as the villainous witch Majyo, as the scheming Grocky, and Kazuya Tatekabe as the brute Warusa, bringing distinct personalities to the heroes and recurring antagonists through expressive performances. The music was composed by Masayuki Yamamoto, who also performed the opening theme "Time Bokan" alongside the Sakamoto Children's Chorus and created episodic cues that blended upbeat kayokyoku rhythms with humorous sound effects to underscore the action and comedy.

Mecha and Vehicles

Heroic Time Bokan Machines

The heroic Time Bokan machines consist of three insect-themed designed for , exploration, and combat, each serving distinct roles in the protagonists' missions across historical and fictional eras. The Time Mechabuton, the primary vehicle, is a blue-colored machine shaped like a , functioning as the core transport with integrated components for versatility. It enables time jumps through explosive propulsion mechanisms and includes defensive capabilities such as shields for protection during temporal navigation. Additional gadgets, including a reconnaissance drone (Tentouki) and submersible unit (Yagomarin), integrate into its structure for multi-environment operations, with transformation sequences allowing reconfiguration for aerial, terrestrial, or aquatic battles. The Time Dotabattan, a secondary agile unit, adopts a green locust-like design optimized for aerial maneuvers and rapid deployment. Its four-legged structure supports high jumps and includes laser-emitting appendages for , alongside caterpillar tracks as a backup mobility mode if legs are damaged. This carries support units like Shaktorin and Heliobotaru, facilitating quick transformations and gadget integrations suited to dynamic engagements in various time periods, such as space excursions via auxiliary rockets. The Time Kuwagattan serves as a heavy , featuring a red form with prominent frontal clamping weapons for close-quarters combat. Developed later in the series, it incorporates (Beachclin) and subterranean (Dangororin) sub-units that enhance its transformation sequences, allowing shifts into assault modes for battling adversaries while maintaining time functions. These heroic machines are collectively powered by the Dynamond gem, a rare and valuable jewel essential for .

Villainous Machines

The villainous machines in Time Bokan are engineered by Grocky, the cunning yet error-prone inventor among the antagonist trio known as the Time Skeletons, emphasizing over-engineered designs that prioritize aggressive capabilities but often prove unreliable in execution. At the core of their arsenal is the Time Skull (タイムガイコツ, Taimu Gaikotsu), a compact, skull-shaped command unit functioning as a time-travel vehicle that links directly to larger subordinate for coordinated assaults. This central module allows the villains to pursue the protagonists across historical eras, serving as both a mobile headquarters and a docking point for enhanced combat forms. Subordinate mecha typically take the form of massive animal-inspired constructs, such as , , or configurations, each equipped with offensive weaponry like missile launchers, energy beams, and mechanical traps designed to capture or destroy the heroes' Time Bokan. These designs highlight flashy, intimidating aesthetics—often featuring jagged edges, glowing eyes, and roaring sound effects—but their complexity leads to frequent malfunctions, underscoring the comedic tone of the series. A signature feature of these machines is their mechanism, activated as a desperate escape tactic following defeats; this results in explosive ejections that propel the pilots to safety (or comedic mishaps) while destroying the , reinforcing the antagonists' pattern of temporary setbacks rather than permanent losses.

Broadcast and Episodes

Original Broadcast and International Releases

The original Time Bokan series premiered on Fuji TV in on October 4, 1975, and concluded on December 25, 1976, airing weekly on Saturdays at 6:30 PM JST for a total of 61 episodes. The program was broadcast as part of the (FNS), targeting a family audience during prime evening slots. The series was produced by , a studio known for its innovative works in the 1970s, with Fuji TV serving as the primary broadcaster and collaborator. This partnership ensured wide domestic accessibility across Japan's FNS affiliates, contributing to the show's initial popularity among children and families. Internationally, Time Bokan experienced limited distribution outside . In English-speaking markets, particularly the , it was adapted into compilation films dubbed as Time Fighters (1984) and Time Fighters in the Land of Fantasy (1985) by Jim Terry's Kidpix Productions, released without a full television run. Airings were sparse in Europe and Asia, with no major network broadcasts documented, though some regional adaptations occurred in via local distributors. For home media, the series received DVD box set releases in Japan during the 2000s, compiled by to preserve the original episodes. As of 2025, no widespread streaming availability exists on major global platforms for the original series, limiting access primarily to imports or niche services.

Episode Structure and List

The Time Bokan series comprises 61 episodes, each running approximately 25 minutes, originally broadcast weekly on Fuji TV from October 4, 1975, to December 25, 1976. The narrative unfolds across loosely themed arcs tied to historical or prehistoric periods, but individual episodes remain largely self-contained, emphasizing episodic adventures over a tightly serialized plot. Each episode adheres to a consistent formulaic structure designed for comedic and action-oriented storytelling. The protagonists, junior high student Tanpei and Dr. Kieta's granddaughter , along with their robot companion C-robot, pilot the Time Bokan to travel to a specific era in search of clues to the missing inventor Dr. Kieta's whereabouts. Upon arrival, they encounter historical figures or events, only for the antagonists—the Time Skeletons trio of Marjo, Grocky, and Warusa—to interfere by attempting to seize the valuable Dynamond gem left behind by Dr. Kieta. This leads to a high-speed chase across the time period, culminating in a battle between the heroes' insect-themed Time Bokan and the villains' bizarre, often animal-inspired machines. The villains are defeated but invariably escape in a humorous fashion, allowing the heroes to continue their search and return to the present. The episode closes with a brief educational segment explaining key facts about the visited era, such as customs, inventions, or notable events, reinforcing the series' blend of adventure and learning. While the core formula persists throughout, later episodes introduce variations to build tension toward the series climax. As the search progresses, the stakes escalate with larger-scale threats from the villains, including multi-episode pursuits and revelations about Dr. Kieta's disappearance, leading to a conclusive confrontation in the finale. The episodes are titled to evoke the historical theme or comedic mishaps, often incorporating the signature "peccha" . For example, Episode 1, titled "Set Off! It's Time Bokan!" (original Japanese: Hasshin! Taimu Bokan da peccha), introduces the setup as the team journeys to the prehistoric era of around 100 million BC to confront dinosaurs and seek initial clues. Subsequent installments cover diverse settings, from and the witch hunts of medieval to the and pirate seas, with representative examples including Episode 2 ("It's the Greek Pratfallian War!") and Episode 3 ("It's a Terrifying Witch Hunt!"). The series concludes with Episode 61 on December 25, 1976, focusing on the resolution of Dr. Kieta's mystery and the final showdown against the villains to prevent historical catastrophe. For a complete listing of episode titles and air dates, refer to official databases.

Legacy and Influence

The Time Bokan Series

The Time Bokan franchise originated with its foundational series, Time Bokan, produced by and broadcast on Fuji TV from October 4, 1975, to December 25, 1976, comprising 61 episodes that established the core comedic formula of exploits, giant confrontations, and humorous mishaps. This was followed directly by the successor series Yatterman, which aired from January 1, 1977, to January 27, 1979, spanning 108 episodes and building on the original's structure with intensified focus on heroic duos battling inept antagonists across historical eras. The franchise expanded through a series of direct sequels and spin-offs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Zenderman (1979–1980), Time Patrol Otasukeman (1980–1981), Yattodetaman (1981–1982), and Gyakuten Ippatsuman (1982–1983), each maintaining the time-hopping adventure motif while introducing new protagonists and settings. Later entries revived the format, with Time Bokan 24 serving as a 2016 remake that aired 48 episodes (two seasons of 24 each) starting October 1, 2016, on BS Fuji and other networks, blending classic elements with modern animation techniques. Throughout its more than 13 television series, the franchise consistently features shared elements such as recurring villain archetypes—typically a stylish female boss leading two comically incompetent male henchmen—and exaggerated humor, where oversized robots deliver failures in pursuit of time-altering schemes.

Cultural Impact and Remakes

The Time Bokan series has left a notable mark on , particularly through its bumbling villain trio, the Doronbo Gang, which inspired the dynamic of Pokémon's . Head writer Shudo drew from the character , the vain leader of the Doronbo Gang, to shape Jessie's personality, blending it with personal influences to create a comedic, incompetent group that repeatedly fails in elaborate schemes using . In 1970s , Time Bokan received praise for its blend of humor and educational elements on and , appealing to family audiences and contributing to Tatsunoko Production's reputation in comedy . Internationally, it garnered a niche among retro enthusiasts, valued for its inventive gags and designs but often limited by cultural references and outdated styles unfamiliar to new viewers. Remakes and adaptations have sustained the franchise's appeal. Time Bokan: Royal Revival (1993), a two-episode OVA, revived the original concept by pitting villain teams from across the Time Bokan series against each other in a humorous competition to claim the title of ultimate antagonists, earning decent user ratings for its nostalgic cameos and mecha battles. More recently, Time Bokan 24 (2016–2018), comprising 48 episodes across two seasons, offered a modern reimagining with new protagonists like junior high student Tokio and time patroller Karen, who use advanced mecha to correct altered historical events caused by villains, updating the formula for contemporary children's programming. As of 2025, Time Bokan's legacy endures in the anime mecha genre, pioneering a comedic subgenre that influenced subsequent Tatsunoko works like Yatterman and emphasized inventive robot designs over serious conflict, while its structure of heroic duos versus recurring comedic foes remains a staple in children's educational entertainment. In 2025, the franchise celebrated its 50th anniversary with various commemorations, including a collaboration with Seiko for limited-edition watches and gashapon figure releases.

References

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