Interview: Yuya Onishi

The Passion of a Young Ace Designing “Transformers” Transforming Robot Toys 

“Transformers” - Takara Tomy / Yūya Ōnishi 

Weekly Diamond Editorial Department 

Forecast & Analysis: The People Who Make Things 

1st September 2017

Original Source: Diamond Online 

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

Introduction

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary toy car, but by pulling out the doors, lifting the roof and shifting the tyres, it instantly transforms into a robot figure. Takara Tomy’s robot toy line, “Transformers”, is a huge hit, with more than 500 million units sold across 130 countries and regions. 

The story began 33 years ago, when US toy giant Hasbro saw the transforming and combining robots released by Takara, as the company was then known, and approached the company with a proposal to launch them in the United States. Hasbro named the toys “Transformers” and established a new brand. An animated series was then created around a story in which “robot lifeforms”, capable of transforming into real-world vehicles, battle one another as opposing forces of good and evil. The series became hugely popular. The anime was subsequently brought back to Japan, and Takara Tomy and Hasbro went on to jointly develop the toys and expand the brand worldwide.

The franchise has grown into a major entertainment property, with around 20 related anime series and the fifth live-action film being released this year.

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? 

Interview: Hideaki Yoke

Hideaki Yoke, General Manager, Boys Overseas Development Office, Boys Marketing Department

Interview from the official Takara Transformers website 2004

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

My involvement with Transformers goes back to the days of Microman and Diaclone, so it has been nearly twenty years now. Following the success of those products overseas, we decided to develop them in Japan under different titles, and from then on the projects proceeded as joint production projects with our overseas counterparts. 

Interview: Overgear Optimus Prime Developer Yūkiya Amano

Transformers: An Interview with the Developer of OG-03 Optimus Prime 

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

“Transforming from a military truck into a robot, the resistance leader fighting for freedom arrives.” By Yoshida Kōhei 

7th July 2026 

OVERGEAR OG-03 Optimus Prime
Scheduled for release late February 2027
Price: ¥19,800 

Takara Tomy's collector-focused T-SPARK brand will release OG-03 Optimus Prime, the third entry in the Transformers OVERGEAR action figure series, in late February 2027.

"OVERGEAR" is a new Transformers series built around the concept of "real world mecha." These figures transform from highly realistic vehicle modes into robot modes featuring intricate detailing and a tactical aesthetic. With an extensive arsenal of weapons and customisation options made possible by standardised connection joints, they offer a wide variety of play possibilities.

The third instalment features Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobot resistance.

In OVERGEAR, the story follows the Autobots, who have formed a resistance movement alongside humanity, as they rise up against the Decepticons. Having secretly infiltrated Earth, the Decepticons have taken control of advanced bases and cutting-edge combat vehicles.

As the leader of the Autobot resistance, Optimus Prime commands a force of freedom fighters, including Ironhide.

He transforms into an eight-wheeled tank transporter, allowing him to infiltrate "GOA", the Decepticons' vast covert operation, without detection. When a crisis strikes, he transforms into robot mode and enters battle, wielding a versatile arsenal that includes a hatchet and assault rifle.

In this article, we spoke with Yūkiya Amano from Takara Tomy's Hobby Character Business Division (Collector Business Department) about the appeal of "OG-03 Optimus Prime", accompanied by photos of the prototype.

Combining the design heritage of previous Optimus Prime incarnations with OVERGEAR's distinctive tactical style.

Alert BTA-01

BTA-01 Alert meets Ai Alert
“Geez... fine, I'll do it!”
Transforms into a Subaru Impreza WRX patrol car. He often partners with Ai on patrol duty. Although somewhat meticulous and highly strung by nature, this keen sensitivity often allows him to detect the early signs of incidents before they occur.

Ai Kurumi
“You there! Pull over!”
A rookie police officer who has finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of joining the force, driven by the strong sense of justice she has possessed since childhood. Caring by nature, she sees herself as an older-sister figure to Alert, unaware that he is actually the one looking after her. It seems she has had some connection with the Transformers since before she ever met Alert...

Profile
Birthday: June 11 (Gemini) 

Blood Type: A 

Hobbies: Drawing portraits 

Favourite Sport: Softball 

Favourite Colour: White 

Favourite Food: Hamburgers, Soft-Serve Ice Cream 

What she doesn’t like: Parallel parking, getting up early

Interviews: Kojin Ono (Various)

Interview(s): Kojin Ono

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2021

Interview from Figure King 278 (March 2021)

Here is a message from Mr Ono, the legendary toy designer who worked on the latest Masterpiece Skids.

The recent Masterpiece figures are complicated to transform, I feel it's much better to focus on a more straightforward and mechanical transformation…. For Skids, the starting point was to create a Masterpiece figure which took a different direction and this is very different from the current trend of figures. Another aim was to keep the costs down without affecting the quality. After all the iconic "Transformers" started with the Car Robots, vehicles which turn into robots. When thinking of characters yet to receive the MP treatment, Skids the Honda City immediately came to mind. It's true he only appeared twice in the cartoon but the overall look of the City is so attractive and the 80’s is currently enjoying a resurgence. That's why I decided to take the challenge with Skids, not only to bring out more characters from the cartoon but also to bring back the appeal of this car. Back in the day, the City was very popular, sporty and cool. It was fascinating. I used to own a red City R so I’m personally attached to it.

Interview: Takashi Kunihiro

Interview: Takashi Kunihiro

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwaves Oblivion 2021. With thanks to Delvon for sending me the scans.

Interview from Hero X Transformers Generations 2021 (May 2021)

Takashi Kunihiro

●PROFILE
Takashi Kunihiro, born in 1960 in Shiga, joined Takara in 1980. He started developing Transformers in 1985 for “The Movie” and has been in charge of the design teams behind many of the lead protagonists. In the 90’s he played a lead role developing the Brave series.

“Hot Rodimus was a lot more complicated in the beginning.”