Chou Tokkyuu Hikarian [Season 1]

Chou Tokkyuu Hikarian: A Nostalgic Ride Through Mecha-Train Action

If you’re into 90s anime with transforming robots, toy tie-ins, and that classic “save the world” energy, Chou Tokkyuu Hikarian (Super Express Hikarian) is a hidden gem worth digging up. Produced by Tokyo Kids and airing from 1997 to 2000, this series takes bullet trains—yes, bullet trains—and turns them into giant mechs, blending two things Japan does best: high-speed rail and robot battles.

The premise is straightforward but charming: bullet trains like the Hikari and Sakura aren’t just for commuting—they’re secretly sentient robots tasked with protecting Earth’s railroad system from alien threats. Teaming up with human allies Tetsuyuki Shinbashi and Minayo Kanda, these mecha-trains zip across tracks, transform into battle mode, and blast enemies with laser cannons. It’s as wild as it sounds, and that’s exactly why fans love it.

What stands out most is the show’s commitment to its toy-line roots (it’s based on Takara Tomy’s Hikarian toys). Every transformation sequence is slow, detailed, and clearly designed to showcase the toy’s moving parts—think Transformers but with more train whistles and less intergalactic politics. For 90s kids who grew up playing with these toys, the nostalgia hits hard. Even today, watching a bullet train fold into a robot feels like a love letter to that era’s “cool factor.”

The animation, while dated by modern standards, has a retro charm. Bright colors, chunky character designs, and over-the-top action scenes (like a train mech punching a spaceship) make it feel like a Saturday morning cartoon come to life. The soundtrack is equally nostalgic, with upbeat J-pop openings and dramatic orchestral scores during battles—perfect for getting hyped as the Hikarian team charges into action.

But Hikarian isn’t just about robots. It’s also about teamwork and friendship. Tetsuyuki and Minayo aren’t just sidekicks; they’re integral to the Hikarian’s mission, using their knowledge of trains to outsmart aliens. The bond between the human characters and their mecha partners adds heart to the chaos—you’ll find yourself cheering when Tetsuyuki yells, “Hikarian, transform!” before a big fight.

Critics might call it “silly” or “childish,” but that’s missing the point. Hikarian doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s its strength. It’s a show that embraces its absurdity—where else can you see a bullet train do a backflip?—and invites viewers to just have fun. For 20-year-olds today, it’s a trip back to a simpler time when anime was all about cool toys and even cooler adventures.

In a world of dark, complex anime, Chou Tokkyuu Hikarian is a breath of fresh air. It’s not trying to be deep; it’s trying to be fun. And for anyone who loves mechs, trains, or just wants to relive the 90s, that’s more than enough. So grab your favorite snack, sit back, and let the Hikarian team take you on a ride you won’t forget.

Final Verdict: 7/10. A nostalgic, action-packed romp that’s perfect for mecha fans and anyone who misses the simplicity of 90s anime. All aboard! 🚂🤖