Anime
Transformers: 1986 animated film finally comes to Japanese cinemas
For the 40th US anniversary, the Japanese version runs from November 27 in 30 Lawson United Cinemas theaters.
"The Transformers: The Movie" comes to Japanese cinemas on a regular basis for the first time from November 27, 2026. Anime!Anime! reports that the Japanese version will be shown in 30 venues by Lawson United Cinemas to mark the 40th anniversary of the US premiere.
The animated film premiered in the USA in August 1986 but has so far had no regular cinema run in Japan. The announced screenings will feature the Japanese dub. The project includes a newly drawn anniversary visual and accompanying merchandise that is to be offered in connection with the theatrical run.
30 cinemas for the 40th anniversary
Lawson United Cinemas is named as the distributor. Screenings are planned in 30 cinemas, including venues in Sapporo, Tokyo, Yokohama, Niigata, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Okinawa. Takara Tomy and Hasbro support the anniversary project.
Anime!Anime! describes the film as an important point in the history of the Transformers franchise: the production combined the then-established TV and toy world with a more elaborate cinematic story. The soundtrack also remains part of the film's profile to this day; it includes, among others, Stan Bush's "The Touch."
No new cinema release for Germany or other European markets has been announced in connection with this anniversary run. The report concerns only the Japanese screenings from November onward.
In 2026, Japanese cinemas conspicuously often rely on renewed or special anime screenings. For example, Chou Kaguya-hime! returns in September in several special formats, while Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising additionally opens in Dolby Cinema auditoriums.