B-Robo Kabutack

B-Robo Kabutack (ビーロボカブタック) is a Japanese television series and is the sixteenth series as part of Toei's Metal Hero Series franchise of tokusatsu programs. It aired from February 23, 1997, to March 1, 1998. It is the first of shows made by Toei in the Metal Hero Series that was aimed at children. It aired alongside Denji Sentai Megaranger on TV Asahi. Kabutack bears some similarities with Robocon, as well as other Toei series, particularly in characters and themes.

Plot
Dr. Torahiko Kouenji is a fictional character renowned for his archaeological achievements in uncovering ancient writings from the Earth's deepest layers. These writings revealed the existence of 13 mystical artifacts known as "Star Pieces" (スターピース, Sutā Pīsu), believed to possess wish-granting abilities when gathered together.

In his quest to locate the Star Pieces, Dr. Kouenji developed a series of search robots, referred to as "B-Robots". However, an unforeseen complication arose when a trio of these robots, led by Cobrander, were prematurely activated before completing their sleep-education program. Consequently, they embarked on a spree of misdeeds within the town.

Fortunately, another team comprising three fully trained "good" B-Robots had completed their sleep-learning curriculum. These robots, along with Yuzuru Kouenji, Dr. Kouenji's grandson, and his companions Sayuri Mitaka and Kuranosuke Kichijouji, united forces to search for the elusive Star Pieces. Together, they navigated through challenges posed by the rogue B-Robots while striving to achieve their goal.

Characters
Short for "Bio Elementary Electronic & Transform Locomotive Eexivision Robot", the B-Robots are able to transform into the fighting Super Mode. However, the time limit the mode longs on depends on the B-Robo as the earlier models have shorter timespans compared to the later ones.

B-Robots

 * No. 1 Kabutack (カブタック): The first B-Robot and the prototype model, built with a rhinoceros beetle-like appearance and a biochip based on the insect. He usually ends his sentences with "kabu". Being the prototype, his Super Mode can only last for 3 minutes. In Super Mode, he wields a weapon called Bilit Stick (ビリットスティック), which is transformed from his helmet in "normal mode". To transform into Super Mode, he needs Yuzuru's Friendship Commander (友情コマンダー), a comm-link-like device.
 * Buttobi Kabutack (ブットビカブタック): Kabutack's flight form which combined with Tobimasky via Buttobi Formation (ブットビフォーメーション).
 * Drillut Kabutack (ドリルットカブタック): Kabutack's digging form formed by combining Kabutack with a set of upgrades known as Drillut Parts (ドリルットパーツ). In Super Mode, Kabutack is equipped with four sets of wheels and a drill in his hand and can use the Kabutack Final Crush (カブタックファイナルクラッシュ) attack.
 * Zabut Kabutack (ザブットカブタック): Kabutack's diving form formed by combining Kabutack with another set of upgrades known as Zabut Parts (ザブットパーツ). In Super Mode, Kabutack is equipped with propellers on his feet, fins on his arms and a torpedo-launcher in his hand, he can also fire a torpedo called Bilit Missile (ビリットミサイル).
 * No. 2 Kuwajiro (クワジーロ): A stag beetle-type robot with a stag beetle biochip. His Super Mode can last for 5 minutes. In Super Mode, he wields a weapon called the Hasamic Cutter (ハサミックカッター). To transform into Super Mode, he needs Kuranosuke's Friendship Commander.
 * No. 3 Tobimasky (トビマスカイ): The first robot who can do Super Change by himself. He transforms into Jet Mode (ジェットモード) by uniting with Kabutack and gives flight capability. The continuation time of Super Mode is 7 minutes. The motif of his biochip is unknown.
 * No. 4 Ganirun (ガニラン): A horseshoe crab-type robot with a horseshoe crab-type biochip, but his ability close to that of a crab. Cobrander's henchman. The continuation time of Super Mode is 9 minutes. Super Mode's weapon is the Gani Boomerang (ガニブーメラン).
 * No. 5 Spidon (スパイドン): A spider-type robot with a spider-type biochip. Cobrander's henchman. The continuation time of Super Mode is 11 minutes. Super Mode's weapon is the Claw Anchor (クローアンカー).
 * No. 6 Dangoron (ダンゴロン): A pill bug-type robot with a pill bug-type biochip. He can transform into a tire form other than Super Mode. The continuation time of Super Mode is 13 minutes. Super Mode's weapon is the Dango Saucer (ダンゴソーサー).
 * No. 7 Gerotan (ゲロタン): A frog-type robot with a frog-type biochip. He has a tadpole-type machine for search named the Jakushi (ジャクシー). The continuation time of Super Mode is 13 minutes. Super Mode's weapon is the Jakushi Bomber (ジャクシーボンバー).
 * No. 8 Cobrander (コブランダー): A cobra-type robot with a cobra-type biochip. The continuation time of Super Mode is 13 minutes. Super Mode's weapon is the Cobra Vute (コブラビュート) whip.
 * No. 9 Sharkler (シャークラー): A shark-type robot with a shark-type biochip. The most evil and powerful of the evil B-Robots. The continuation time of Super Mode is 15 minutes. Super Mode's weapons are the FukahiRazor (フカヒレイザー) sword and an attacking machine named Kobunzame (コブンザメ).
 * No. 10 Tentorina (テントリーナ): A ladybug-type robot with a ladybug-type biochip. She is the newest robot which is in Super Mode from the beginning, but she consumes energy highly and does not have combat ability. Her weapon is the Rina Stick (リーナステッキ).

Support Machines

 * Denden Roller (デンデンローラー): A snail-type giant wheel vehicle with a snail-type biochip, it is piloted by Kabutack.
 * DodeKabutack (ドデカブタック): A giant robot created by Kabutack with the Star Piece of Sagittarius as countermeasures to TondemoJaws, it is piloted by Kabutack. It transforms from Normal Mode into Super Mode. Super Mode's weapons are the Bilit Scop (ビリットスコップ) and the Dodeka Shield (ドデカシールド).
 * TondemoJaws (トンデモジョーズ): A giant robot created by Dr. Kouenji with the very first Star Piece of Scorpius he founded; it is piloted by Sharkler. It transforms from Normal Mode into Super Mode. Super Mode's weapons are the Fin Blade (フィンブレード) sword, Jaws Shield (ジョーズシールド), and Giza Head (ギザーヘッド) saw.

Heroes

 * Yuzuru Kouenji: He is Kabutack's partner and is Torahiko's grandson. He transforms Kabutack from Normal Form into Super Mode using the Friendship Commander.
 * Kuranosuke Kichijouji: He is Kuwajiro's partner and is the son of the vice president of Kichijouji construction company. He transforms Kuwajiro from Normal Form into Super Mode using the Friendship Commander.
 * Sayuri Mitaka: She is a friend of Yuzuru and Kuranosuke and lives in the same apartment as Tentorina.

Others

 * Masatora Kouenji (高円寺 正寅): He is Yuzuru's father and is Torahiko's son. He treats Torahiko and B-Robots as a nuisance.
 * Madoka Kouenji (高円寺 円): She is Yuzuru's mother. She as well as Masatora treats Torahiko and B-Robots as a nuisance.
 * Reika Ookubo (大久保 麗香): She is Sayuri's rival and is a multimillionaire's daughter. She has two elder sisters named Reiko (麗子) and Reina (麗奈).
 * Akira Ogikubo (荻窪 明): He has a sense of rivalry to Kuranosuke.
 * Miki Nakano (中野 美樹): She is a rookie policewoman who patrols Asahi (朝日町).
 * AP717: It is a robot which patrols Asahi with Miki, and the body is similar to Tentorina.
 * Taro Koganei (小金井 太郎): He is a greedy storekeeper of an antique shop.
 * Dr. Torahiko Kouenji (高円寺 寅彦): He is Yuzuru's grandfather who created B-Robots.
 * Captain Tomborg (キャプテントンボーグ): A strange dragonfly-type judgement robot who appears whenever both sides battle for a Star Piece (or Fake Star Piece (スターピースモドキ)). Because he's powerful, everyone has no choice but to play a game of his choice to win the Star Piece. His body becomes red in autumn. He has the Captain Stick (キャプテンスティック) with a dragonfly-shaped microphone. During games, he forms a ring with four dragonfly-type machines named Tosenbo (トーセンボ).
 * Star Mind (スターマインド): The person who appeared when all Star Pieces were collected. He later becomes his true form named Star Mind S (スターマインドS).
 * Junichiro Kunitachi: He is a music teacher of Yuzuru's elementary school, but he resigned to become a singer. His voice is very similar to Kabutack.

Episodes

 * 1) Pleased to Meet You, Kabu! (よろしくカブー！): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 2) Let a Miracle Happen, Kabu (メークドラマだカブ): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 3) Devoted Cuisine, Kabu (料理はまごころカブ): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 4) Umeboshi One-Armed Shoulder Throw!! (ウメ星一本背負い！！): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 5) Tracking!! Drunken Tire (追跡！！酒飲みタイヤ): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 6) Fickled Detective Kabutack (浮気探偵カブタック): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 7) The Cursed Time of Weakness (弱り目にタタリじゃ): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 8) Blessed Red Postbox (幸せの赤いポスト): written by Nobuo Ogizawa, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 9) Right This Instant!! (飛びますトビマス！！): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 10) The Monster That Disappears With the Sunset (夕陽に消える怪獣): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 11) The May Koinobori Tournament!! (鯉のぼり五月場所！！): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 12) A Cleaning Pair (お掃除ふたりぼっち): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 13) Iron Fist of Indisputable Anger (問答無用怒りの鉄拳): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 14) Deliver to the Stars, My First Love (星に届けボクの初恋): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 15) Mystery of the Riddle Mummy (なぞなぞミイラの謎): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 16) Tasty Companion's New Appearance (美味しい仲間新登場): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 17) 100 Rounds of Sparring of Friendship!! (友情の百人組手！！): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 18) The Great Prediction of the Annoying Doctor (迷惑博士の大予言): written by Nobuo Ogizawa, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 19) Infiltration!! Dancer Boy Party (潜入！！踊り子少年隊): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 20) Companion Crack Serious Game!! (仲間割れ真剣勝負！！): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 21) The Snail That Falls in Love (恋するかたつむり): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 22) Swimsuit Attack Number One (水着でアタックNO. 1): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 23) Aim For the Ace of Flames (炎のエースをねらえ): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 24) Papa's Foolish Fishing Diary (パパの釣りバカ日誌): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 25) The Power of the Silent Running Man (男は黙って全力疾走): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 26) The Ghost Likes Watermelons (幽霊はスイカ好き): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 27) The Assignment Is Gang Suppression (宿題はギャング退治): written by Nobuo Ogizawa, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 28) Shark Robot's Tooth of Life!? (サメロボは歯が命！？): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 29) The Release of the Mystery of the B-Robots (大公開ビーロボの謎): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 30) String Out! A New Finisher!! (飛び出せ新必殺技！！): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 31) Invasion!! Big Jaws (襲来！！巨大ジョーズ): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 32) Amazing! Giant Confrontation (凄いぞ！！ドデカ対決): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 33) All-Inclusive Ripening!! Red Judgment Soul (完熟！！赤い審判魂): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 34) Ogre Baba Pulling Out of Love (愛情の鬼ババ抜き): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 35) B-Robot's Great Fall Game (秋のビーロボ大運動会): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 36) The Song of Battle!! Everyone Is Gathering (歌合戦だ！！全員集合): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 37) Brilliant Inference!! The Secret Of K.T. (名推理！！ＫＴの秘密): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 38) Reckless Driving!! Labour Appreciation Day (暴走！！勤労感謝の日): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 39) Technique of the Frog's Patient Hibernation Method (カエル忍法冬眠の術): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 40) Retribution Golf Showdown (抱腹絶倒ゴルフ対決): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 41) Impersonator Kabutack's Appearance (偽者カブタック出現): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 42) The Peking Man Panic!! (北京原人パニック！！): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 43) Lucky Pulling Technique of the Girl (お嬢の福引き必勝法): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 44) Celebration!! The New Year Kite Lifting World Cup (祝！！新春凧あげW杯（ワールドカップ）): written by Nobuo Ogizawa, directed by Katsuya Watanabe
 * 45) Human Feelings Time Slip (人情タイムスリップ): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 46) Fighting Illness Last Demon Revolution (闘病トベマセンカイ): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Naoki Iwahara
 * 47) Difficult Problem Strange Question Cult Quiz (難問奇問カルトクイズ): written by Takashi Yamada, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 48) Calling Luck to Suppress the Red Ogre (福を呼ぶ赤鬼退治): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Hidenori Ishida
 * 49) Tokyo University Straight Over the Line! (譲の東大一直線！): written by Yoshio Urasawa, directed by Satoshi Morota
 * 50) Chocolate-Guy of the Pure-heart (チョコは男の純情): written by Junichi Miyashita, directed by Satoshi Morota
 * 51) The Judge Robot's Unexpected True Identity (審判ロボ意外な正体): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto
 * 52) If There's Friendship in Your Heart (心に友情あるかぎり): written by Satoru Nishizono, directed by Taro Sakamoto

Special
B-Robo Kabutack: The Epic Christmas Battle!! (ビーロボカブタック クリスマス大決戦！！) is a special that features cameos by Blue Beet from Juukou B-Fighter and the title hero from B-Fighter Kabuto.

Cast

 * Yuzuru Kouenji (高円寺 譲): Kazuki Futami (二見 一樹)
 * Kuranosuke Kichijouji (吉祥寺 蔵之助): Miyabi Kimura (木村 雅)
 * Sayuri Mitaka (三鷹 小百合): Yuka Koide (小出 由華)
 * Torahiko Kouenji (高円寺 寅彦): Kageki Shimoda (志茂田 景樹)
 * Masatora Kouenji (高円寺 正寅): Yousuke Ishii (石井 洋祐)
 * Madoka Kouenji (高円寺 円): Aki Mukai (向井 亜紀)
 * Miki Nakano (中野 美樹): Sachiko Kokubu (国分 佐智子)
 * Taro Koganei (小金井 太郎): Hiromitsu Suzuki (鈴木 ヒロミツ)
 * Reika Ookubo (大久保 麗香): Aoi Inoue (井上 碧)
 * Reiko Ookubo (大久保 麗子): Hiroko Aya (彩 ひろこ)
 * Reina Ookubo (大久保 麗奈): Maiko Kouda (幸田 まいこ) (Played as "幸田 磨衣子")
 * Junichiro Kunitachi (国立 準一郎)
 * Akira Ogikubo (荻窪 明): Yasushi Ishii (石井 寧)
 * Star Mind (スターマインド): Lucky Ikeda (ラッキィ池田)

Voice actors

 * Kabutack (カブタック): Takeshi Kusao (草尾 毅)
 * Kuwajiro (クワジーロ): Daiki Nakamura (中村 大樹)
 * Tentorina (テントリーナ): Hikari Tachibana (橘 ひかり)
 * Cobrander (コブランダー): Dai Matsumoto (松本 大)
 * Ganirun (ガニラン): Hisao Egawa (江川 央生)
 * Spidon (スパイドン): Chafurin (茶風林)
 * Denden Roller (デンデンローラー): Kazuki Yao (矢尾 一樹)
 * Sharkler (シャークラー): Shigeru Chiba (千葉 繁)
 * Dangoron (ダンゴロン): Kōichi Tōchika (遠近 孝一)
 * Gerotan (ゲロタン): Motoko Kumai (くまい もとこ)
 * Tobimasky (トビマスカイ): Satoko Kitō (木藤 聡子)
 * AP717: Narumi Tsunoda (津野田 なるみ)
 * Capten Tomborg (キャプテントンボーグ): Daisuke Gōri (郷里 大輔)
 * Star Mind S (スターマインドS): Takuma Suzuki (鈴木 琢磨)

Songs

 * Opening theme
 * "Kiyoku Tadashiku Kabutack" (清く正しくカブタック)
 * Lyrics: Saburo Yatsude (八手 三郎)
 * Composition & Arrangement: Keiju Ishikawa (石川 恵樹)
 * Artist: Takeshi Kusao (草尾 毅)
 * Ending theme
 * "Gyakuten Rock 'n' Roll!!" (逆転ロックンロール!!)
 * Lyrics: Tamanosuke Ōga (大賀 玉之輔)
 * Composition & Arrangement: MASAKI
 * Artist: Takeshi Kusao
 * Insert song
 * "Super Change! Kabutack" (スーパーチェンジ！カブタック)
 * Lyrics: Takeshi Kusao (草尾 毅)
 * Composition: Chumei Watanabe (渡辺 宙明)
 * Arrangement: Katsunori Ishida (石田 勝範)
 * Artist: Takeshi Kusao

Home Video and Streaming
The entire series is available as a 12-volume VHS (from March 1998 till February 1999 by Toei Video.

In December 2023, the series received a High Definition remaster for the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club channel.

International Broadcasts, Home Media & Streaming

 * In Thailand, the series was released on home video under Kabutack Transforming Insect Robot. (หุ่นยนต์แมลงแปลงร่างคาบูทัค) by TIGA Company with a Thai dub.
 * In Indonesia, it aired on RCTI with an Indonesian dub in 2001/2003.
 * In South Korea, the series had a Korean dub under B-Robo Gabutak (B-로봇 가브타크) on JEI TV in 2006.
 * In the Philippines, it was aired on ABC 5 (now TV5) from 2000 to 2001 with a Tagalog dub.
 * In Hong Kong, it aired on with an Cantonese dub in 2000.
 * The entire series is available as a 12-volume VHS (from March 1998 till February 1999 by Toei Video. In December 2023, the series received a High Definition remaster for the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club channel.