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Remember Captain Future?

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Karl

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Remember Captain Future?

As an 80s kid growing up in Switzerland, I vividly remember watching the Japanese animated series Captain Future. I had no clue it originated from Japan, as I only experienced the German dubbed version on TV.

Today for no reason, thoughts of Space Battleship Yamato led me to Captain Future, invoking nostalgia. What struck me most was the epic opening theme of the German version, which I now realize has a strong Star Trek vibe. It’s not just a coincidence! The German opening theme of Captain Future, composed by Christian Bruhn (Der Reiter der Sterne), resonates with a “Star Trek vibe” thanks to its sweeping orchestration, cosmic synthesizers, and grand sense of exploration. Here’s why:

1. Inspiration from the Sci-Fi Craze of the 1970s and 1980s:

  • The success of Star Trek, Star Wars, and other space-themed series during the late 70s heavily influenced the music of many shows, aligning with the growing appetite for epic space soundtracks that evoke heroism and adventure.

2. Christian Bruhn’s Love for Synthesizers and Grand Soundscapes:

  • As a pioneer in Germany, Bruhn expertly blended electronic sounds with traditional orchestral elements. The combination of Moog synthesizers and orchestral brass in the Captain Future opening theme offers a space opera feel, reminiscent of Star Trek’s soaring main score.

3. Star Trek’s Influence in Europe:

  • By the time Captain Future aired in Germany in the early 80s, Star Trek (both the Original Series and The Motion Picture) had already become a cherished franchise. Jerry Goldsmith’s and Alexander Courage’s soundscapes were synonymous with space adventure. Bruhn’s theme taps into that sense of “infinite space adventure” that Star Trek popularized.

The Unique Impact of the German Theme:

Interestingly, the German version of Captain Future diverges significantly from the original Japanese version, which featured a more upbeat “heroic” theme by Yuji Ohno. Many fans in Germany and Switzerland cherish Captain Future in part because of Bruhn’s haunting and cosmic theme music, which gave the show a unique identity.

The “Star Trek vibe” I sensed was likely intentional, providing Captain Future with a sense of scale and epic wonder. It’s a theme that captures the imagination and continues to resonate decades later!

Here are the theme openings of Captain Future in Japanese, English, and German. Give them a listen and share your thoughts. Did they evoke feelings of nostalgia and adventure for you, too, as an 80s kid?

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This blog is for thoughtful adults who are starting again — in learning, creativity, or life — and want to grow steadily without noise or pressure.

Here you’ll find daily reflections and practical guides shaped by lived experience. The focus is on learning through doing: building consistency, adapting to change, and finding clarity in everyday practice.

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