Interview: Yuichiro Hira

Yuichiro Hira, Section Chief, BOYS Marketing Department 

Interview from the official Takara Transformers website 2004

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2026

I believe I first became involved in Transformers development back when I was still working on the “Ninja Turtles” line within the company. I remember it all started when Ejima-san asked me, “Why don’t you come join our department?” and I went over rather reluctantly. That was during the early planning stages of Beast Wars, and I’ve been involved in Transformers development ever since. I’ve been making more than ten toys a year, so I suppose I must have passed a hundred by now? 

Among my early works, the one I’m particularly fond of is the original Beast Wars Convoy. I sometimes felt that it didn’t really look like it was transforming very much, but I think its appeal as a toy came across to people throughout Japan. Then, in the next era, perhaps the “Stag Beetle” (Kuwagata)? It was part of the Flip Changer series, and although it didn’t undergo a particularly large transformation either, I really love its form after transforming. 

After that, I continued to challenge myself in various ways through trial and error with figures such as “Silverbolt” and “Transmetal Cheetor”. But, depending on the product, there are also many things I look back on and wonder about honestly: “Did I go too far with this?” or “Was this not enough?” 

Among the more recent releases, I’m also quite fond of “JRX” from Car Robots. We developed it with the concept that it should be a Triple Changer, with each of the three robots transforming into three modes, while also looking cool, keeping the transformation as simple as possible, and being fully poseable. So it was quite a challenge. 

There were all sorts of things we had to consider along the way, whether the shape of the head really looked like a Transformer, for example, or whether this particular style would be accepted. There were many twists and turns, and there are still parts of the central robot that make me think, “Hmm...” But ultimately, the robots that were the hardest to bring to life are the ones I feel the strongest attachment to when I look back on them. 

More recently, I’ve also been involved in part of the development of the “Go-Bots” series and Micron Legend, which is currently being broadcast as an anime, but the reality is that I’m gradually finding it harder to devote as much time to development. However, young talent is steadily emerging, and I believe they will go on to develop wonderful Transformers that I was unable to create myself. There would be nothing that would make me happier than being able to help keep Transformers thriving alongside all the fans into the future. 

I hope that, however small my contribution may be, I can continue to do my part in responding to the warm support of all the fans. Please continue to support the Transformers series as it evolves more and more in the years to come.