The debut season of the Beyblade anime, produced by Madhouse and directed by Toshifumi Kawase, adapting Takao Aoki's manga alongside its original Japanese run on TV Tokyo in 2001. It follows Tyson and Kenny as they meet Ray, Max and Kai and form the Bladebreakers to chase the world Beyblade championship, using spinning-top Beyblades that can house ancient bit-beasts. Each teammate grows through a separate tournament leg before the group unites for the Russia finals. Nelvana's English adaptation, which also produced VForce, GRevolution and the 2002 film, heavily rewrote dialogue, audio and even invented characters like commentators AJ Topper and Brad Best and the bit-beast Dizzi.
What to know
First season of the Beyblade anime, produced by Madhouse and directed by Toshifumi Kawase, adapting Takao Aoki's manga.
Aired in Japan on TV Tokyo from January 8, 2001 to December 24, 2001.
Canadian studio Nelvana produced the English adaptation and also handled VForce, GRevolution and the 2002 film Beyblade The Movie - Fierce Battle.
Nelvana's dub substantially rewrote dialogue, character portrayals, scene order and all audio rather than translating the original.
The dub invented characters not present in Japan, including commentators AJ Topper and Brad Best and the bit-beast Dizzi living inside Kenny's laptop.
Follows the Bladebreakers (Tyson, Kenny, Ray, Max, Kai) through nine tournaments culminating in the World Championship Finals in Russia.
Streams on Tubi, Vix, Fubo, Google TV, Prime Video and Vudu.
Known in Japan as Bakuten Shoot Beyblade; the toyline of this era shared that Japanese name due to the anime and manga's joint success.
Staff
Director: Toshifumi Kawase
Original manga creator: Takao Aoki
Themes
OP (Japanese): Fighting Spirits -SONG FOR BEYBLADE-
