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[[File:KojinOnoPhoto.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|If it weren't for this guy, [[Fandom|we]] wouldn't even be [[Main Page|here]].]]
[[File:KojinOnoPhoto.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|If it weren't for this guy, [[Fandom|we]] wouldn't even be [[Main Page|here]].]]


'''Kōjin Ōno''' (大野 光仁 ''Ōno Kōjin'') is a [[TakaraTomy]] employee born on [[May 11]], [[1959]] in [[Tokyo]]. He worked for Takara for several decades prior to the merger with Tomy. Ōno was one of the main designers for the ''[[Microman]]'' and ''[[Diaclone]]'' toylines, and designed many of the [[toy]]s that were later licensed to [[Hasbro]] and repurposed as the first ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toys. His name is sometimes transliterated as "'''Koujin Ohno'''" or "'''Kohjin Ohno'''".
'''Kōjin Ōno''' (大野 光仁 ''Ōno Kōjin'') is a [[TakaraTomy]] employee born on [[May 11]], [[1959]] in [[Tokyo]]. He worked for Takara for several decades prior to the merger with Tomy. Ōno was one of the main designers for the ''[[Microman]]'' and ''[[Diaclone]]'' toylines, and designed many of the [[toy]]s that were later licensed to [[Hasbro]] and repurposed as the first ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toys. He subsequently became one of the primary design leads on product designed for the Generation 1 toyline proper. His name is sometimes transliterated as "'''Koujin Ohno'''", "'''Kouzin Ohno'''"<ref>Several of the US patents for the early Generation 1 toys that originated from ''Diaclone'' transliterate his name as "Kouzin Ohno" when listing him as the designer.</ref> or "'''Kohjin Ohno'''".


Among Ōno's designs were the first "car to robot transforming toy", the toy that later became the [[Autobot]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]], and the former largest ''Transformers'' toy ever, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]]. Later Ōno played a key role in the introduction of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toy line to the Japanese market and designed toys for both the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 live-action movie line]] and its successor, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
Among Ōno's designs were the first "car to robot transforming toy", [[Spin-Out (G1)|the toy]] that later became the [[Autobot]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]], and the former largest ''Transformers'' toy ever, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. After some time in marketing where he played a key role in the introduction of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toy line to the Japanese market, Ōno returned to toy design in a big way as the lead of ''Car Robots'', the franchise that would become the pivotal 2001 franchise ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]''.<ref name ="Gens24">[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono6.html Interview on the 40th Anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand] with Ōno in ''[[Transformers Generations 2024]]'', translated at Soundwaves Oblivion</ref> In subsequent years he would recede to a more managerial role overseeing the development of lines like ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' though he continued to personally pitch in on the odd toy for such varied lines as ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 live-action movie line]], its successor, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', and even ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (toyline)|Rise of the Beasts]]''.
 
More recently, he personally oversaw the 2021-2024 ''Masterpiece'' slate and helmed the launch of its successor, [[The Transformers: MPG|''MPG'']].<ref name="Gens24"/> He also handled TakaraTomy's licensed crossover toys in the lead-up to the launch of [[T-SPARK]], TakaraTomy's collector mega-brand.<ref name ="King303">Designer interview in ''[[Figure Ō]]'' No. 303 (April 2023 issue)</ref>
 
==Known design projects==
===''Diaclone''===
{{main|Diaclone#Car Robots}}
*Pretty much every single real world vehicle, give or take a dinosaur.


==Toys that Kōjin Ōno is known to have had a hand in designing==
===Generation 1===
===Generation 1===
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]]
====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''====
*[[Hound (G1)/toys|Hound]]
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
*[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys|Bluestreak]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Autobot Cars#The Transformers|Autobot Cars]]'''<ref name = "Gens01">Interview with Ōno in the original [[2001]] edition of ''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'' by [[Kōji Igarashi]], p.126</ref>
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sunstreaker]]}}
*[[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Hound (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Hound]]}}
*[[Inferno (G1)/toys|Inferno]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Bluestreak]]}}
*[[Mirage (G1)/toys|Mirage]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Prowl]]}}
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Sideswipe]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Skids (G1)#The Transformers|Skids]]}}
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]
|
*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]]/[[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[Overdrive]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Ironhide]]}}
*[[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Jazz]]}}
*[[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Inferno]]}}
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Mirage]]}}
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sideswipe]]}}
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Trailbreaker]]}}
*[[Swoop (G1)/toys|Swoop]]
|
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Constructicon (G1)#The Transformers|Constructicon]]s'''
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Bonecrusher]]}}
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Scavenger]]}}
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Scrapper (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Scrapper]]}}
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Hook (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Hook]]}}
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Long Haul]]}}
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Mixmaster (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Mixmaster]]}}
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Devastator]]}}
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
|
*[[Octane]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinobot (G1)#The Transformers|Dinobot]]s'''
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Grimlock (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Grimlock]]}}
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Slag (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Slag]]}}
*[[Getsuei]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Sludge (G1)#The Transformers|Sludge]]}}
*[[Kaen]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (G1)#The Transformers|Snarl]]}}
*[[Seizan]]
{{Bp-a1|[[Swoop (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Swoop]]}}
*[[Shouki]]
|
*[[Suiken]]
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Decepticon Planes#The Transformers|Decepticon Planes]]'''
*[[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Starscream]]}}
*[[Raiden]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Thundercracker]]}}
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]]
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Skywarp]]}}
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Omnibot (G1)#The Transformers|Omnibot]]s'''
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#The Transformers|Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overdrive#The Transformers|Overdrive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (G1)#The Transformers|Downshift]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Triple Changer#The Transformers|Triple Changer]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Blitzwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Astrotrain]]}}
|
|}
 
====''2010/Scramble City''====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metroplex (G1)#The Transformers|Metroplex]] with [[Six-Gun#The Transformers|Sixgun]], [[Slammer#The Transformers|Slammer]] and [[Scamper#The Transformers|Scamper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Galvatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Octane#The Transformers|Octane]]}}
|}
 
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Aerialbot (G1)#The Transformers|Aerialbot]]s'''<ref name = "Gens01"/>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Fireflight]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)/toys#The Transformers|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slingshot (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Slingshot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (G1)#The Transformers|Superion]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}
 
====''The Headmasters''====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fortress Maximus (G1)#The Transformers|Fortress Maximus]] with [[Cerebros (G1)#The Transformers|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#The Transformers|Spike]] and [[Cog (G1)#The Transformers|Cog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Apeface#The Transformers|Apeface]] and [[Spasma#The Transformers|Spasma]]}}
|}
 
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Trainbot#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Trainbot]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Getsuei#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Getsuei]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Kaen#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Kaen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Seizan#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Seizan]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Shouki#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Shouki]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Suiken#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Suiken]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Yukikaze (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Yukikaze]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Raiden#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Raiden]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}
 
====''Super-God Masterforce''====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metalhawk (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metalhawk]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ginrai (human)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Super Ginrai]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Grand Maximus#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Grand Maximus]] with [[Cog (Masterforce)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Cog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Buster (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Buster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hydra (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Hydra]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Darkwings#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Darkwings]]}}
|}
 
====''Victory''====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Deathsaurus (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Deathsaurus]] with [[Tigerbreast#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Tigerbreast]] and [[Eaglebreast#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Eaglebreast]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Galaxy Shuttle#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Galaxy Shuttle]]}}
|}
 
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Multiforce#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Multiforce]]'''<ref name = "Gens01"/>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Wing (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Wing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Waver#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Waver]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dash (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Dash]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tacker#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Tacker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mach (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Mach]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tackle#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Tackle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wingwaver#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Wingwaver]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dashtacker#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Dashtacker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Machtackle#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Machtackle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Landcross (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Landcross]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Dinoforce#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Dinoforce]]'''<ref name = "Gens01"/> / '''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Goryu (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Goryu]] / [[Icepick (G1)#Toys|Icepick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doryu (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Doryu]] / [[Scowl (G1)#Toys|Scowl]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Gairyu#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Gairyu]] / [[Bristleback#Toys|Bristleback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kakuryu (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Kakuryu]] / [[Slog (G1)#Toys|Slog]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rairyu#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Rairyu]] / [[Birdbrain#Toys|Birdbrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Yokuryu#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Yokuryu]] / [[Wildfly#Toys|Wildfly]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dinoking#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Dinoking]] / [[Monstructor (G1)#Toys|Monstructor]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Crossformer#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Crossformer]]s'''<ref name = "Gens01"/> / '''[[Mega Pretender]]s'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Black Shadow (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Black Shadow]] / [[Thunderwing (G1)#The Transformers|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Blue Bacchus#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Blue Bacchus]] / [[Crossblades (G1)#The Transformers|Crossblades]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}
 
====''Zone''====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Metrotitan (G1)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metrotitan]] with [[Metroshot#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metroshot]], [[Metrobomb#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metrobomb]], [[Metrodash#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metrodash]], and [[Metrotank#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Metrotank]]}}
|}
 
{{-}}
===''Car Robots'' / ''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
(Design lead)
<ul class-"iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Optimus Prime / Fire Convoy]] (voice actor, ''Car Robots'' release)}}
</ul>
{{-}}
===''Cybertron''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Scout Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Toys|Overhaul]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}
 
{{-}}
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Protoform Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Protoform Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Fast Action Battlers'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Plasma Punch Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Frenzy (Movie)#Fast Action Battlers|Disc Blast Decepticon Frenzy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Cannon Blast Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (Movie)#Fast Action Battlers|Ion Blast Autobot Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Power Hook Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Axe Attack Autobot Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Battle Blade Starscream]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Cyber Slammers'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Cyber Slammers|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Cyber Slammers|Bumblebee]] (Classic Camaro)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#CyberSlammerConcept|Bumblebee]] (Concept Camaro)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Cyber Slammers|Optimus Prime]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|}
 
{{-}}
===''G-Shock × Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G-Shock × Transformers|Master Optimus Prime]]<ref name = "King303"/>}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Nemesis Prime (G1)#G-Shock × Transformers|Master Nemesis Prime]]<ref name = "King303"/>}}
|}
 
===''Masterpiece''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2021'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-52 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP52|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+ [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#MP52|Thundercracker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53 [[Skids (G1)#Masterpiece|Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-54 [[Reboost#Masterpiece|Reboost]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+SW [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP52|Skywarp]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2022'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-55 [[Nightbird (G1)#Masterpiece|Nightbird Shadow]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53+ [[Crosscut (G1)#Masterpiece|Senatorcrosscut]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-56 [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Trailbreaker]]<ref name = "Gens22">[[Transformers Generations 2022]] interview on the [[The Transformers: Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'']] toyline.</ref>}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2023'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|MP-48+ [[Dark Amber Leo Prime#Toys|Dark Amber Leo Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-57 [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Skyfire]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53+B [[Burn Out (Diaclone)#Masterpiece|Dia Burnout]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2024'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-58 [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-44S [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44S|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-56+ [[Riggorus#Masterpiece|Riggorus]]}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-59 [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Rhinox]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-60 [[Ginrai (human)#Masterpiece|Ginrai]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}
 
===''MPG''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2022'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPG-01 [[Shouki#MPG|Trainbot Shouki]]<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/10/28/figure-king-285-interview-with-mpg-01-raiden-development-team-english-translation-443964 ''Figure Ō'' 285: Interview With MPG-01 Raiden Development Team – English Translation] on TFW2005</ref>}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-02 [[Getsuei#MPG|Trainbot Getsuei]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2023'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPG-03 [[Yukikaze (G1)#MPG|Trainbot Yukikaze]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-04 [[Suiken#MPG|Trainbot Suiken]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-05 [[Seizan#MPG|Trainbot Seizan]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2024'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPG-06 [[Kaen#MPG|Trainbot Kaen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-06S [[Raiden#MPG|Trainbot Raiden]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-07 [[Ginou#MPG|Trainbot Ginou]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-08 [[Yamabuki#MPG|Trainbot Yamabuki]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-09 [[Ginrai (human)#MPG|Super Ginrai]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|<u>'''2025'''</u>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPG-14 [[Godbomber#MPG|Godbomber]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MPG-14S [[Godbomber#MPG|God Ginrai]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|}
 
===''Canon/Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Canon/Transformers|Optimus Prime R5]]<ref name = "King303"/>}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Reflector (G1)#Canon/Transformers 2|Decepticon Refraktor R5]]<ref name = "King303"/>}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Nemesis Prime R5#Toys|Nemesis Prime R5]]<ref name = "King303"/>}}
|}
 
===''Rise of the Beasts''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|[[Optimus Primal (ROTB)#Ultimate|Ultimate Optimus Primal]]}}
|}
 
==Notes==
*For whatever reason, the American patent that credits Ōno for Sunstreaker also includes [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], leading to the mistaken impression that Ōno created both toys. The ''[[Micro Change]]'' Familia 1500 XG that became Bumper was actually created by a Takara designer named [[Masaki Maruyama]].
*Ōno cites the ''{{w|Steel Jeeg}}'' franchise as his original inspiration for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] gimmick.<ref>Interview in ''Diaclone Combat Chronicle Vol. 2''</ref> Takara created a number of toys for the ''Jeeg'' series in the 1970s, including one that was retooled into the original form of [[Baron Karza]].
*Ōno personally provided the voice lines for the [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|original Fire Convoy toy]].<ref name = "Gens24"/>
*Ōno has something of a soft spot for [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]' alt mode the Honda City R, having owned a red one in his youth. This would inspire his creation of [[Reboost]] for the ''Masterpiece'' toyline.
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?R=3D21F457-19B9-F369-1025-D6FCFA390DE5:en_US Hall of Fame video]
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?R=3D21F457-19B9-F369-1025-D6FCFA390DE5:en_US Hall of Fame video]
*[http://www.reocities.com/planetsabretron/oonokoujin.html Translated Interview from Transformers Generations 2001 (p.126)]
 
===Interviews===
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070307/http://www.reocities.com/planetsabretron/oonokoujin.html Translated Interview] from ''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'' (p.126) at Planet Sabretron (archived)
*[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono.html Translated Interviews] from ''[[Figure Ō]]'' #278 (March 2021 issue) and ''[[Transformers Generations 2021]]'' at Soundwaves Oblivion
*[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono5.html Translated Interviews] from ''Figure Ō'' #316 (May 2024 issue) at Soundwaves Oblivion
*[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono6.html Translated Interview] from ''[[Transformers Generations 2024]]'' at Soundwaves Oblivion


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ono, Kojin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ono, Kojin}}
[[Category:Designers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 designers]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame creators]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame creators]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy]]
[[Category:Lead designers]]
[[Category:Masterpiece designers]]
[[Category:MPG designers]]
[[Category:Rise of the Beasts designers]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy designers]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy designers]]

Latest revision as of 14:28, 25 February 2026

If it weren't for this guy, we wouldn't even be here.

Kōjin Ōno (大野 光仁 Ōno Kōjin) is a TakaraTomy employee born on May 11, 1959 in Tokyo. He worked for Takara for several decades prior to the merger with Tomy. Ōno was one of the main designers for the Microman and Diaclone toylines, and designed many of the toys that were later licensed to Hasbro and repurposed as the first Transformers toys. He subsequently became one of the primary design leads on product designed for the Generation 1 toyline proper. His name is sometimes transliterated as "Koujin Ohno", "Kouzin Ohno"[1] or "Kohjin Ohno".

Among Ōno's designs were the first "car to robot transforming toy", the toy that later became the Autobot Sunstreaker, and the former largest Transformers toy ever, Fortress Maximus. After some time in marketing where he played a key role in the introduction of the Beast Wars toy line to the Japanese market, Ōno returned to toy design in a big way as the lead of Car Robots, the franchise that would become the pivotal 2001 franchise Robots in Disguise.[2] In subsequent years he would recede to a more managerial role overseeing the development of lines like Alternators and Masterpiece though he continued to personally pitch in on the odd toy for such varied lines as Cybertron, the 2007 live-action movie line, its successor, Revenge of the Fallen, and even Rise of the Beasts.

More recently, he personally oversaw the 2021-2024 Masterpiece slate and helmed the launch of its successor, MPG.[2] He also handled TakaraTomy's licensed crossover toys in the lead-up to the launch of T-SPARK, TakaraTomy's collector mega-brand.[3]

Known design projects

[edit]

Diaclone

[edit]
Main article: Diaclone#Car Robots
  • Pretty much every single real world vehicle, give or take a dinosaur.

Generation 1

[edit]

Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers

[edit]
Autobot Cars[4] Constructicons
  • Bonecrusher
  • Scavenger
  • Scrapper
  • Hook
  • Long Haul
  • Mixmaster
  • Devastator
    		•  Dinobots
  • Grimlock
  • Slag
  • Sludge
  • Snarl
  • Swoop
    		•  Decepticon Planes
  • Starscream
  • Thundercracker
  • Skywarp
    • Omnibots
  • Camshaft
  • Overdrive
  • Downshift
    		•  Triple Changers

    2010/Scramble City

    [edit]
    Aerialbots[4]

    The Headmasters

    [edit]
    Trainbots

    Super-God Masterforce

    [edit]

    Victory

    [edit]
    Multiforce[4] Dinoforce[4] / Pretender Monsters Crossformers[4] / Mega Pretenders

    Zone

    [edit]


    Car Robots / Robots in Disguise (2001)

    [edit]

    (Design lead)


    Cybertron

    [edit]
    Scout Class


    Transformers (2007)

    [edit]
    Deluxe Class Fast Action Battlers Cyber Slammers


    G-Shock × Transformers

    [edit]

    Masterpiece

    [edit]
    2021 2022 2023 2024

    MPG

    [edit]
    2022 2023 2024 2025

    Canon/Transformers

    [edit]

    Rise of the Beasts

    [edit]

    Notes

    [edit]
    • For whatever reason, the American patent that credits Ōno for Sunstreaker also includes Bumper, leading to the mistaken impression that Ōno created both toys. The Micro Change Familia 1500 XG that became Bumper was actually created by a Takara designer named Masaki Maruyama.
    • Ōno cites the Steel Jeeg franchise as his original inspiration for the Headmaster gimmick.[7] Takara created a number of toys for the Jeeg series in the 1970s, including one that was retooled into the original form of Baron Karza.
    • Ōno personally provided the voice lines for the original Fire Convoy toy.[2]
    • Ōno has something of a soft spot for Skids' alt mode the Honda City R, having owned a red one in his youth. This would inspire his creation of Reboost for the Masterpiece toyline.

    References

    [edit]
    1. ↑ Several of the US patents for the early Generation 1 toys that originated from Diaclone transliterate his name as "Kouzin Ohno" when listing him as the designer.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Interview on the 40th Anniversary of the Transformers brand with Ōno in Transformers Generations 2024, translated at Soundwaves Oblivion
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Designer interview in Figure Ō No. 303 (April 2023 issue)
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Interview with Ōno in the original 2001 edition of Transformers Generations by Kōji Igarashi, p.126
    5. ↑ Transformers Generations 2022 interview on the Masterpiece toyline.
    6. ↑ Figure Ō 285: Interview With MPG-01 Raiden Development Team – English Translation on TFW2005
    7. ↑ Interview in Diaclone Combat Chronicle Vol. 2
    [edit]

    Interviews

    [edit]
    Retrieved from "https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Kōjin_Ōno&oldid=1897218"