As a TV series from a half-century ago, the Japanese robot anime "Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V" is beloved in the Philippines.

More recently, it has been adapted into a live-action series and film in the Southeast Asian country.

Pronounced "Voltes Five," the film “Voltes V: Legacy” returned to Japan and hit theaters nationwide on Oct. 18.

Its high-quality visuals were even praised by its original producer Toei Co. and reflect the deep affection that Filipinos have for the series that provided inspiration during a period of national strife.

Director Mark A. Reyes V said it has become an important part of Philippines’ national culture.

RESISTANCE STORY UNDER MARCOS

Voltes V's 40-episode run in the Philippines began in 1978, just a year after its debut in Japan, and became a massive hit.

The series has re-aired multiple times, establishing a strong fanbase across generations.

So much, that its opening theme "Voltes V no Uta" (the song of Voltes V) sung by Mitsuko Horie has been dubbed the “second national anthem.” 

In the 2023 TV series, the Japanese theme song is performed by Filipina singer Julie Anne San Jose. Her rendition of the song also pops up several times throughout the film version released in Japan.

Reyes said that the original theme song was even used in commercials and election campaigns in the Philippines.

The director was 9 when the series first aired in 1978.

Although other Japanese anime were also broadcast in the Philippines, he said that Voltes V resonated with Filipinos because of its story about fighting against oppression.

At the time the country was under martial law declared by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.

Political upheaval in the form of the People Power Revolution led to his ousting in 1986, ending his two-decade authoritarian regime.

His son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is currently president. 

The story of Voltes V revolves around five young pilots whose machines combine to form the giant robot Voltes V. Together, they defend Earth from the invading Boazanian forces, an alien race from the planet Boazon.

On Boazon, the people suffer under the oppressive rule of the emperor, leading to a rebellion against the caste-based discrimination. This conflict deeply intertwines with the drama unfolding on Earth.

“The year 1978 was especially significant,” said nonfiction writer Takushi Ono, a former Asahi Shimbun Manila bureau chief. “It was around the time when Marcos’ regime began to weaken, and I think the story resonated with the public’s growing frustration and anger.” 

Mamoru Tsuda, professor emeritus of Philippine sociological society at Osaka University, said, “I think that the generation that first fell in love with Voltes V has now risen to influential positions in society and the Philippines marking 50 years since martial law are likely the driving factors behind its resurgence.”

After building a successful career in the film industry, Reyes realized that his top dream project could only be Voltes V.

He felt the advancements in digital technology over the past decade could enable the Philippines to produce world-class visuals.

The director created a pilot episode with realistic computer graphics of the mechanical launch and transformation scenes, earning Toei’s approval.

The resulting 90 episodes aired five days a week in 2023 and achieved top ratings during prime time. 

The version of the film released in Japan enhances the visual quality and summarizes the early part of the story.

The climactic scene features the character of Dr. Mary Ann making a profound sacrifice by sending her three children into battle as Voltes V pilots, reflecting a maternal love that resonates with Filipino audiences.

Reyes said that this strong maternal display is another reason why the anime is so beloved in the Philippines.

“It lines up with the nation’s deep Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary,” Ono and Tsuda said.

Shinichiro Shirakura, executive producer at Toei, praised the Filipino production team at the film's first public Japan screening held in Tokyo in late September.

“From the pilot episode, they gave it their all,” he said. “Producing 90 episodes? I was amazed at their commitment and how deep their love for Voltes V is.”

The singer Horie voices Dr. Mary Ann in the Japanese dub and also attended the event. She shared her “VIP experience” during her performance in the Philippines when a police motorcycle escorted her from the airport. 

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, who was a guest at the event, praised the film for reaffirming the strong cultural ties and longstanding friendship between the two nations.

She concluded her remarks with the famous phrase, “Let’s Volt In!”