To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Transformers, renowned Japanese animation studio Trigger has released a teaser video that has captured the attention of fans worldwide. The video, animated in Trigger’s signature style, is a stunning homage to the legendary Transformers franchise.
However, one unusual aspect of the teaser is that the official YouTube link is region-locked to Japan. Fortunately, devoted fans have re-uploaded the video, making it accessible to a global audience.
Directed by Akira Amemiya
What makes this teaser particularly noteworthy is its director, Akira Amemiya, who is well-known for his work on SSSS.Gridman, a reboot of the Gridman series. Amemiya previously created a short animated tribute to Gridman for the Japan Animator Expo in 2018, which later led to a full-length series produced by Trigger.
The parallels between Gridman and Transformers—both of which center on heroic, transforming mecha—are undeniable. Given Trigger’s history and deep admiration for the Transformers universe, many fans are speculating that this teaser could be a precursor to a larger project with Takara Tomy, the company behind Transformers in Japan.
Trigger’s Love for Transformers
Trigger’s connection to the Transformers franchise goes beyond just this anniversary video. The studio’s team has long been vocal about their love for the series, making it likely that this collaboration could evolve into something more substantial. Whether or not Takara Tomy has plans to develop a larger Transformers anime project with Trigger remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.
Iconic Music by Bump of Chicken
Adding to the magic of the teaser is the background music: Mayday by the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken. Originally released in 2007, the song complements the visuals beautifully and adds an extra layer of emotion to the tribute.
While fans eagerly await any further announcements, the release of this teaser alone has sparked excitement in the anime and Transformers communities alike. For now, we can all enjoy this beautifully crafted piece of animation that perfectly honors four decades of Transformers history.