Japanese Spider-Man (1978)
TV SeriesOptional
Takuya Yamashiro becomes Spider-Man with a giant robot in this wild Japanese adaptation. This 1978 Marvel series sits outside the MCU timeline, so you can watch it on its own without any homework. It runs 16h 40m.
| Release date | May 17, 1978 |
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Why it’s worth knowing about
Toei's famous adaptation gave Spider-Man a giant robot, Leopardon. It was later canonized in the comics and directly inspired the Spider-Verse films.
About Japanese Spider-Man
In Toei's Spider-Man, motocross racer Takuya Yamashiro has nothing to do with Peter Parker. His father, a scientist, is killed after finding a crashed alien spaceship called the Marveller. Garia, the last survivor of Planet Spider, gives Takuya spider powers so he can avenge him and fight the Iron Cross Army and its leader, Professor Monster. When the villains send giant Machine BEM monsters, Takuya calls in the Marveller, which turns into the giant robot Leopardon.
Toei made the live-action tokusatsu series under a licensing deal with Marvel arranged by producer Gene Pelc. Shinji Tōdō stars as Takuya. It aired on Tokyo Channel 12 for 41 episodes, from May 17, 1978, to March 14, 1979. A short theatrical film played at the Toei Manga Matsuri festival in July 1978. The story barely resembles the comics, but Stan Lee and Marvel staff praised the stunts, special effects and Spider-Man's spider-like movement.
Good to know
- Leopardon's giant robot idea carried over into Toei's Super Sentai franchise, starting with Battle Fever J, which Toei co-produced with Marvel.
- Marvel streamed English-subtitled episodes on its website from March to December 2009.
- Takuya returned in Marvel's comic events Spider-Verse (2014) and Spider-Geddon (2018).
- Budget problems later forced the show to reuse stock footage.
How to watch it
Watch this as a curiosity rather than as part of any timeline. It's standalone and has no connection to other Spider-Man stories, aside from Takuya's later comic-book cameos. A handful of early episodes give you the formula, and the 1978 movie fits between episodes 10 and 11. It's for fans of tokusatsu, Super Sentai or Power Rangers, and for Spider-Man fans who want to see the strangest version of the character.
Where to watch Japanese Spider-Man in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Not currently on a US subscription service |
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Where to watch Japanese Spider-Man outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| India | Not included | Not available |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
Related guides
Japanese Spider-Man FAQ
Is the Japanese Spider-Man connected to Power Rangers?
Indirectly. Its giant robot concept carried over into Toei's Super Sentai series, beginning with Battle Fever J. Power Rangers was later adapted from Super Sentai.
Who plays the Japanese Spider-Man?
Shinji Tōdō plays Takuya Yamashiro, a motocross racer who gets his powers from an alien named Garia.
Does the Japanese Spider-Man appear in the Spider-Verse?
Yes, in the comics. Takuya Yamashiro appears in Marvel's Spider-Verse (2014) and Spider-Geddon (2018) comic events.
Can you skip Japanese Spider-Man?
Yes, skip it if you like. It’s a Marvel title, but not part of the MCU timeline.
How many episodes does Japanese Spider-Man have?
Japanese Spider-Man is a one-part special.
Is Japanese Spider-Man part of the MCU?
No. It’s Marvel, but it was made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe.