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Some names instantly bring an image to mind. A robot with golden horns. A pilot wearing a helmet and a red suit. A spaceship ready for the next attack. For those who grew up with Goldorak, these images often bring back an entire afternoon spent in front of the television.
Those discovering the character for the first time today may know him as Grendizer. These different names belong to the same history: a Japanese robot series that developed a life of its own far beyond its home country. What makes this world so recognizable? And which anniversary are we actually celebrating?
Goldorak or Grendizer: who is who?
UFO Robot Grendizer is connected to Japanese creator Go Nagai and the robot universe of Mazinger Z. Toei Animation lists Grendizer alongside Great Mazinger as one of the series that followed that earlier success. In French, the robot was given the name Goldorak. This connection is also described by Toei.
Actarus is the pilot. His name in the original version is Duke Fleed; on Earth, he lives as Daisuke Umon. This distinction is useful when you come across old episodes, figures or product names: Goldorak and Grendizer refer to the robot, while Actarus and Duke Fleed refer to the hero who operates it.
1975: a refugee at the controls
The original television series began in Japan on October 5, 1975 and ended on February 27, 1977, after 74 episodes. In the story, a young alien prince seeks refuge on Earth after his home planet Fleed is attacked by Vega's forces. When his new home is threatened as well, he climbs back into Grendizer. This premise and the broadcast dates can be found in Toei Animation's official series archive.
For us, this is an important part of the appeal. The pilot already knows the consequences of war. His new life deserves protection precisely because he knows what it feels like to lose a home. Beneath the spectacular battles lies a story about responsibility and finding a sense of belonging somewhere again.
You can love the robot for its appearance while also being moved by the figure in the cockpit. That combination makes a rewatch interesting: as a child, you may focus mainly on the action, while later you pay more attention to what Actarus is trying to protect.
1978: Goldorak enters the living room
On July 3, 1978, Goldorak appeared on French television in Récré A2. The French audiovisual archive INA preserves both the introduction and footage of the excitement the hero caused shortly afterwards. In a report from April 1979, you can see children wanting to meet their television hero at the cinema. These archive images make the enthusiasm more tangible than an isolated figure ever could. The report is preserved in the INA archive.
This is also where its cultural significance lies: Goldorak became a shared point of reference. A name you could mention without first explaining the entire story. A pose you could imitate. A hero you could continue talking about after the broadcast.
For Belgian fans who came to know the French-language version, the name Goldorak may therefore sound more familiar than Grendizer. Memories follow the language in which you first encountered a story. The name on a box may change, while the feeling of recognition remains the same.
Which anniversary does Grendizer have in 2026?
There are two useful reference points: the beginning in Japan and the French introduction. Keeping them separate explains why different anniversaries circulate around the same character.
October 5, 1975
The original Japanese television series begins.
July 3, 1978
Goldorak makes its debut on French television.
October 5, 2025
Fifty years since the Japanese premiere.
October 5, 2026
The original series reaches its 51st anniversary. Fifty years since the French television debut will follow on July 3, 2028.
Even after a milestone anniversary, there is every reason to look back. An anniversary is above all an opportunity to become reacquainted: with the episodes, the characters and the memories of someone who already knew them years ago.
Why the image stays with us
Take a moment to look at the main image above this article. The golden horns, bold blocks of color and large robot alongside the human characters already tell you something before you have seen a single episode. The mouse pad brings these elements together in a small composition. It shows how much recognition a design can carry.
For us, this also explains the charm of a figure or everyday object featuring Grendizer. It gives a memory a permanent place. On a shelf, Actarus can be the start of a conversation; on a desk or at the table, the same world appears during everyday activities.
A new look at Grendizer
The story also received a new anime version: Grendizer U. This official Japanese-language trailer shows how the hero and his world are being reimagined. It is a great opportunity to place the old and new side by side: which forms do you recognize immediately?
Grendizer U — official third promotional video. Source: the official Grendizer U website and the official anime channel. This is footage from the new anime version, not from the 1975 series.
At FANS, it is precisely this connection between story and object that we find interesting. The examples in this article show how a television character continues to live on in different forms. The history gives these objects meaning; the enjoyment begins with recognizing the hero.
Perhaps you still remember exactly where you were sitting when Goldorak appeared. Maybe you discovered Grendizer through someone who is still enthusiastic about it. Both are a wonderful place to start. More than half a century after the Japanese premiere, there is still a story to pass on.
Which name brings back the most memories for you: Goldorak or Grendizer?