{{Short description|2001 Japanese television anime}} {{Infobox animanga/Header | image = Digimon Tamers.jpg | caption = North American DVD box set cover | ja_kanji = デジモンテイマーズ | ja_romaji = Dejimon Teimāzu | genre = Adventure, fantasy<ref>{{cite web|author1=IncendiaryLemon|title=Digimon Tamers Review|url=https://animeuknews.net/2018/09/digimon-tamers-review/|website=Anime UK News|access-date=December 29, 2018|date=September 26, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411005923/https://animeuknews.net/2018/09/digimon-tamers-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per MOS:A&M). --> | creator = Akiyoshi Hongo }} {{Infobox animanga/Video | type = TV series | director = Yukio Kaizawa | producer = {{ubl|Hiromi Seki|Kyotaro Kimura}} | writer = Chiaki J. Konaka | music = Takanori Arisawa | studio = Toei Animation | licensee = {{English anime licensee| | NA = {{ubl|News Corporation/Saban Entertainment (2001)|The Walt Disney Company (2001–2012)|Saban Brands (2012–2018)|Toei Animation Inc. (2018–present)|Discotek Media (2022–present)}} | UK = Manga Entertainment }} | network = FNS (Fuji TV) | network_en = {{English anime network | CA = YTV | AU = Fox Kids, Network 10 | UK = Fox Kids, CITV | US = Fox Kids | PH = Cartoon Network | ZA = M-Net (K-TV) }} | first = April 1, 2001 | last = March 31, 2002 | episodes = 51 | episode_list = List of Digimon Tamers episodes }} {{Infobox animanga/Print | type = manga | author = Yu Yuen-wong | publisher = Rightman Publishing | publisher_en = {{English manga publisher | NA = Tokyopop | SEA = Chuang Yi }} | demographic = | imprint = | magazine = | first = April 2004 | last = October 2004 | volumes = 4 | volume_list = }} {{Infobox animanga/Other | title = Film | content = *''Digimon Tamers: Battle of Adventurers'' (2001) *''Digimon Tamers: Runaway Locomon'' (2002) }} {{Infobox animanga/Other | title = ''Digimon'' franchise | content = *''Digimon Adventure'' **''Digimon Adventure 02'' **''Digimon Adventure tri.'' *''Digimon Frontier'' *''Digimon Data Squad'' (''Savers'') *''Digimon Fusion'' (''Xros Wars'') *''Digimon Universe: App Monsters'' *''Digimon Adventure (2020)'' *''Digimon Ghost Game'' *''Digimon Beatbreak'' }} {{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}} {{Nihongo|'''''Digimon Tamers'''''|デジモンテイマーズ|Dejimon Teimāzu|lead=yes}} is a Japanese anime television series and the third television series in the ''Digimon'' franchise, produced by Toei Animation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/60131/digimon-tamers/|title=Digimon Tamers : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video|publisher=Dvdtalk.com|access-date=2013-09-03|archive-date=2018-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221517/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/60131/digimon-tamers/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series takes place in a new setting separate from the preceding series, ''Digimon Adventure'' and ''Digimon Adventure 02'', where the characters utilize cards from the collectible card games. The series aired in Japan from April 2001 to March 2002.
The series was originally licensed in North America by Saban Entertainment, aired in the US from September 2001 to June 2002 as the third season of ''Digimon: Digital Monsters''.<ref name="name en">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxkids.com/tvshows/digimon/show.asp|title=Digimon: Digital Monsters|work=Fox Family Properties|access-date=2018-11-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020124030935/http://www.foxkids.com/tvshows/digimon/show.asp|archive-date=2002-01-24}}</ref> A Hong Kong manhua adaptation of the series, by Yu Yuen-wong, was serialized from April to October 2004.
==Plot== Takato Matsuki, a fan of the ''Digimon'' card game, finds a Blue Card, which transforms his card reader into a D-Power Digivice.{{efn|name=a|A {{Nihongo|D-Power|ディーアーク|Dī Āku|"D-Ark" in the Japanese version}} is a type of Digivice that allows a Digimon to Digivolve and includes a card reader.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2016/07/22/29610.html|title=「デジモンテイマーズ」ディーアークが復刻 さらなる進化を遂げて15年ぶりにリリース|language=ja|work=Anime! Anime!|date=2016-07-22|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160506/https://animeanime.jp/article/2016/07/22/29610.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxkids.com/TVshows/digimon/dpower.asp|title=Digimon: Digital Monsters: D-Power|work=Fox Family Properties|access-date=2018-11-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020121201211/http://www.foxkids.com/TVshows/digimon/dpower.asp|archive-date=2002-01-21}}</ref>}} His original Digimon creation, Guilmon, materializes into real life when his D-Power scans his drawings. Takato meets Henry Wong and Rika Nonaka, two other children who are partnered with Terriermon and Renamon respectively, as well as Calumon and Impmon. As wild Digimon begin roaming Shinjuku, the Tamers defeat them and defend the city. Using their D-Powers, the Tamers can enhance their Digimon partners by scanning cards to Digi-modify{{efn|name=b|{{Nihongo|Digi-modification|カードスラッシュ|Kādo Surasshu|"Card Slash" in the Japanese version}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/647254/|title=人気TCG「バトルスピリッツ」のデジモンコラボ第3弾は『デジモンテイマーズ』！バトスピで決めろ！カードスラッシュ！|language=ja|work=Dengeki|date=2018-10-05|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103014931/https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/647254/|url-status=live}}</ref> is the process by which a Tamer scans a card through a D-Power that allows a Digimon to access better battle abilities or Digivolution.}} or help their partners Digivolve.{{efn|name=c|{{Nihongo|Digivolution|進化|Shinka|"Evolution" in the Japanese version}}<ref name="earlyplan"/> is the process by which a Digimon evolves into a higher-leveled, more powerful form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/description/random052/00699210.html|title=Publisher description for ''Digimon World: Prima's Official Strategy Guide'' / Elizabeth M. Hollinger.|work=Library of Congress|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2022-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826085124/http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/description/random052/00699210.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-02-17/digital-monsters-take-over-the-world-as-bandai-america-unveils-its-fall-digimon-toy-line|title=Digital Monsters Take Over the World as Bandai America Unveils its Fall Digimon Toy Line|work=Anime News Network|date=2008-02-17|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062243/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-02-17/digital-monsters-take-over-the-world-as-bandai-america-unveils-its-fall-digimon-toy-line|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamashii.jp/special/digimon_digivolving|script-title=ja:DIGIVOLVING SPIRITS デジモン超進化魂 スペシャルページ 魂ウェブ|language=ja|work=Bandai|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160511/https://tamashii.jp/special/digimon_digivolving/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} After each Digimon is defeated, their Digimon obtains their data. Meanwhile, Hypnos, an intelligence agency led by Mitsuo Yamaki, has been capturing the Digimon and sending them back to the Digital World.
Yamaki's obsessive efforts to exterminate the Digimon brings the Devas, twelve extremely powerful Digimon, into the Real World. Henry's father, Janyu Wong, and his friends, the Monster Makers, are revealed to be responsible for creating the prototype digital forms that eventually evolved into Digimon. The Bio-Emergence of the enormous pig Deva, Vikaralamon, reveals the existence of Digimon to the general public and result in Calumon being captured and taken back to the Digital World. In hopes of saving Calumon, the Tamers enter the Digital World, with a remorseful Yamaki as their ally in the Real World. Impmon turns his back on the Tamers when he encounters the dog Deva Caturamon, and wishes to become strong, thus becoming Beelzemon. The Tamers confront Beelzemon, and Beelzemon kills Leomon, causing his partner Jeri Kato to fall into depression. After resolving conflicts with the Digimon Sovereigns, the Tamers learn that the Digimon are protecting themselves from humans and the Real World because the D-Reaper, a rogue clean-up program, has been destroying the Digital World.
As the Tamers return to the Real World, the D-Reaper kidnaps Jeri, manipulating and trapping her inside its body. The D-Reaper begins to materialize in the Real World and the Tamers fight back, with Yamaki assembling the Monster Makers to assist them. The Monster Makers develop a program targeting the D-Reaper's core programming, allowing the Tamers to defeat the D-Reaper and save Jeri. With both worlds restored, the Tamers discover the effects of the Monster Makers' program also have impacted the Digimon. The Tamers say goodbye to their Digimon partners as they forced to return to the Digital World. Some time later, Takato discovers a portal to the Digital World in Guilmon's old hideout in the park.
==Characters== ===Tamers=== ;{{Nihongo|Takato Matsuki|松田 啓人|Matsuda Takato|'''Takato Matsuda''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei takato">{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/takato.html|title=Digimon Character List: Takato|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2018-11-04}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Makoto Tsumura|Brian Beacock}} :Takato is a 10 year old student.{{efn|name=age|In the Japanese version, the main characters are 10 years old and in 5th grade. In the English version, the characters' ages were changed to 13 years old.<ref name="konaka takato"/><ref name="konaka rika"/><ref name="konaka henry"/>}} His parents run their own bakery.<ref name="konaka takato"/> He plays the DigiBattle card game with his friends and draws his own Digimon, Guilmon, on paper, which he brings to life after finding a Blue Card and using it on a Digivice. Because Guilmon was a product of his imagination, Takato appears to be empathic with him and thus the two influence each other in every fight. Their bond is augmented when Takato biomerges with Guilmon into Gallantmon. After learning that Digimon are mysteriously appearing in their world, Takato becomes a Tamer and leader of the group fighting to stop rogue Digimon from causing chaos. He also appears in ''Digimon Fusion''. To reflect the normalcy of the characters, Takato was imagined to be a "normal" boy who is "full of curiosity" and "fascinated by monsters and Digimon."<ref name="konaka takato"/> To continue the tradition of naming the leading characters in the ''Digimon'' series, Takato's name began with the same sound as Tai and Davis' Japanese names, the leading characters from ''Digimon Adventure'' and ''Digimon Adventure 02''.<ref name="konaka takato"/> ;{{Nihongo|Rika Nonaka|牧野 留姫|Makino Ruki|'''Ruki Makino''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei rika">{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/ruki.html|title=Digimon Character List: Ruki [Rika]|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2018-11-04}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Fumiko Orikasa|Melissa Fahn}} :Rika is a 10-year-old{{efn|name=age}} champion of the Digimon Card Tournament and known by the title "Digimon Queen." Her relationship with her mother is initially strained, as she is often too busy with work to spend time with her.<ref name="ep6">{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/episode/summary/6/|title=パートナーの意味 レナモン進化！|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2018-11-04}}</ref> She is partnered with Renamon.<ref name="toei rika"/> At first, she has a cold and lonely personality and believes in fighting Digimon to become the strongest.<ref name="toei rika"/> However, Takato helps her see that there is more to Digimon beyond fighting.<ref name="toei rika"/> She also appears in ''Digimon Fusion''. Rika was designed with a "strong" image and character in an attempt to boost sales for products based on female characters, which traditionally did not perform well in the market.<ref name="konaka rika"/> In early stages of her design, Konaka and Nakatsuru based her on Trinity from ''The Matrix''.<ref name="konaka rika"/> Fumiko Orikasa was cast to play her due to her clear, strong voice.<ref name="konaka rika"/> Konaka decided not to give Rika a father figure to reflect how many Japanese children have grown up without fathers, and he did not intend it to be the cause of her "twisted personality" in spite of the events portrayed in the film ''Runaway Locomon'' (which he had no involvement in).<ref name="konaka rika"/> ;{{Nihongo|Henry Wong|李 健良|Rī Jenrya|'''Lee Jianliang''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei henry">{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/lee.html|title=Digimon Character List: Jianliang [Henry]|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2018-11-04}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Mayumi Yamaguchi|Dave Wittenberg}} :Henry is a 10-year-old student{{efn|name=age}} of half-Japanese and half-Hong Kong Chinese descent from Takato's school,<ref name="toei henry"/> though they are not in the same class.<ref name="konaka henry"/> In the Japanese version, he is nicknamed {{Nihongo|'''Jian'''|ジェン|Jen}} for short when he grows closer to his friends. Because Henry takes care of his younger sister, Suzie, he is patient and mature for his age.<ref name="toei henry"/> He is also experienced with computers and technology because his father is a computer engineer.<ref name="toei henry"/> Henry is partnered with Terriermon, and because he dislikes hurting others, he is reluctant to fight.<ref name="toei henry"/> He is also a tai chi practitioner. Throughout the series, he is unaware of his father's connection with the Monster Makers and Hypnos. Henry became the basis of the proposed non-Japanese or emigrant character Hiromi Seki had wanted for the main cast.<ref name="konaka henry"/> Konaka decided to make him half-Chinese and half-Japanese based on the statistics of non-Japanese students in elementary schools.<ref name="konaka henry"/> Originally, Henry was written as a foil to Takato, where he would offer "a difference in values" that contrasted with Takato's "child-like beliefs and values."<ref name="konaka henry"/>
====Other Tamers==== ;{{Nihongo|Jeri Kato|加藤 樹莉|Katō Jūri|'''Jūri Katō''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei jeri">{{cite web|url=https://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/jyuri.html|title=Digimon Character List: Juri [Jeri]|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Yoko Asada|Bridget Hoffman (series), Philece Sampler (''Runaway Locomon'')}} :One of Takato's classmates, a sweet-mannered girl who always tries to encourage her friends. Her family owns a tavern in Shibuya. Hoping to become stronger, she eventually becomes the partner of Leomon. Despite her cheerful demeanor, Jeri has a strained relationship with her father and stepmother and believes herself to be unworthy of love. When Leomon is killed by Beelzemon, Jeri's despair attracts the D-Reaper's attention and it abducts her, feeding off of her negative emotions to grow and invade the Real World. ;{{Nihongo|Ryo Akiyama|秋山 遼|Akiyama Ryō}}<ref name="toei ryo">{{cite web|url=https://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/ryo.html|title=Digimon Character List: Ryo|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Junichi Kanemaru|Steve Staley}} :A skilled Tamer who the Tamers encounter in the Digital World, which he arrived through unspecified means. Ryo is revealed to have been the only person to have previously defeated Rika in a DigiBattle Card tournament. His partner is Cyberdramon. His character had previously appeared in the ''Digimon Adventures'' timeline and was the protagonist of the Digimon games for the Wonderswan console. ;{{Nihongo|Kazu Shiota|塩田 博和|Shiota Hirokazu|'''Hirokazu Shiota''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei kazu">{{cite web|url=https://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/hirokazu..html|title=Digimon Character List: Hirokazu [Kazu]|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Yukiko Tamaki|Brad MacDonald}} :One of Takato's friends and an avid player of the DigiBattle Card game, considered much better at the game than Takato and Kenta. Although he frequently brags about his superiority, he is still loyal and eager to help his friends. He accompanies Takato and the other Tamers to the Digital World in hopes of gaining a partner of his own, and eventually becomes the Tamer of Guardromon. ;{{Nihongo|Kenta Kitagawa|北川 健太|Kitagawa Kenta}}<ref name="toei kenta">{{cite web|url=https://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/kenta.html|title=Digimon Character List: Kenta|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Touko Aoyama|Steve Blum}} :One of Takato's friends, often seen with Kazu. He is meeker and more timid than his friends, but still excitable and eager to join in their adventures. After he becomes resigned that all his friends have gained Digimon partners except him, Kenta is thrilled when the mega-level Digimon MarineAngemon chooses him as its partner. ;{{Nihongo|Suzie Wong|李 小春|Rī Shiuchon|'''Lee Shaochung''' in the Japanese version}}<ref name="toei suzie">{{cite web|url=https://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/chara/koharu.html|title=Digimon Character List: Shaochung [Suzie]|language=ja|work=Toei Animation|access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> :{{Voiced by|Ai Nagano|Peggy O'Neal}} :Henry's younger sister, a playful and carefree girl who initially believes that Terriermon is a plush toy. She is pulled into the Digital World after Henry and the Tamers leave to rescue Calumon, and she ends up befriending the Rabbit Deva, Antylamon, who becomes Suzie's partner. Because Antylamon chose to protect Suzie from the other Devas, her master Zhuqiaomon punishes Antylamon by de-Digivolving her into her rookie form, Lopmon. ;{{Nihongo|Ai|アイ||extra2=and}} {{Nihongo|Mako|マコト|Makoto|'''Makoto''' in the Japanese version}} :Ai {{Voiced by|Haruhi Terada|Rebecca Forstadt}} :Mako {{Voiced by|Miwa Matsumoto|Wendee Lee}} :A pair of very young children who often squabble over both Impmon and their toys, they inadvertently drove Impmon away and led him to believe that Digimon did not need humans. After returning to the Real World, Impmon finds the children ashamed of their behavior and that they missed him deeply. They ask for his forgiveness, which he accepts. The renewed strength of their bond allows Impmon to become Beelzemon Blast Mode, and the siblings later jointly become his Tamer.
===Partner Digimon=== ;{{Nihongo|Guilmon|ギルモン|Girumon}} :{{Voiced by|Masako Nozawa|Steve Blum}} :Guilmon is a reptilian Digimon that resembles a theropod dinosaur with a digital hazard symbol on his chest. He is created by Takato, who drew him and was brought to life soon after by the Blue Card which the DigiGnomes secretly placed among his card deck. Guilmon originally has the mentality of a child, unaware of the differences between humans and Digimon, often calling his partner "Takatomon". He stays in a shed of Shinjuku Park, learning to speak normally and develops a better understanding of the world around him. Guilmon possesses a taste for bread, often being distracted by the thought of food. Guilmon has a very keen sense of smell and possesses somewhat of a sixth sense to detect other Digimon in the vicinity, usually going feral in fights due to his virus-type nature. He is also loyal and protective. Guilmon's Champion form is the dinosaur-like {{Nihongo|Growlmon|グラウモン|Growmon}}, his Ultimate form is the cyborg dinosaur-like {{Nihongo|WarGrowlmon|メガログラウモン|MegaloGrowmon}}, and his Dark Mega Form is the snake-tailed dragon-like {{Nihongo|Megidramon|メギドラモン|Megidramon}}. Guilmon and Takato can also Bio-Merge to become the knight-like {{Nihongo|Gallantmon|デュークモン|Dukemon}}. When Guilmon reverts into Gigimon as a side effect of the Red Card, he says goodbye to Takato. Guilmon also appeared in ''Digimon Fusion''. Guilmon was created by Chiaki J. Konaka, influenced by ''Ultraman'' and Kaiju films. Upon viewing the initial design sketches, he assumed that the character would be roughly the same size as Agumon. However, when he realized that Guilmon would be about the size of a human adult, he realized that "[h]e was nowhere near small enough for a child to hide in his room." Konaka realized that he could tailor the plot of the series to incorporate the problem.<ref name="konaka">{{cite web|title=Renamon|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/renamon-e.html|publisher=Konaka.com|last=Konaka|first=Chiaki J.|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|access-date=July 8, 2010}}</ref> ;{{Nihongo|Terriermon|テリアモン|Teriamon}} :{{Voiced by|Aoi Tada|Mona Marshall}} :Terriermon is a small one-horned terrier-like Digimon with a laid-back personality, often using the word "Momantai" (written as 無問題 or 无问题), a Cantonese phrase meaning "''take it easy/no problem''". Terriermon was originally a wild Digimon living by the survival of the fittest rules in the Digital World. Henry chooses Terriermon, while playing a video game. When Terriermon Digivolves into the Galgo Español-like {{Nihongo|Gargomon|ガルゴモン|Galgomon}}, he goes on a rampage while fighting Gorillamon and loses control. Henry uses a Blue Card to send him out from the computer to the real world. Throughout the series, Henry hid Terriermon from his family, using him like a stuffed toy which Suzie plays with. His Ultimate Form is the poodle-like {{Nihongo|Rapidmon|ラピッドモン|Rapidmon}} which is different from the gold version. Henry can Bio-Merge with Terriermon to become the St. Bernard-like {{Nihongo|MegaGargomon|セントガルゴモン|SaintGalgomon}}. When Terriermon reverts into Gummymon as a side effect of the Red Card, he says goodbye to Henry. ;{{Nihongo|Renamon|レナモン}} :{{Voiced by|Yuka Imai|Mari Devon}} :{{visible anchor|Renamon}} is a yellow bipedal fox-like Digimon with a mature personality for a Rookie level. In a fight, she uses ninja-like skills, such as vanishing from view until called and moving at fast speeds. These traits mean that, unlike Guilmon and Terriermon, she can fend for herself when Rika is at school, and never gets into trouble like Guilmon. She has no memory of her life before meeting Rika, whom she first saw as nothing more than a means to become stronger. Her initial exchanges with the other Tamers and their Digimon cause her to question this belief, and Rika's obsession with battle. When Rika and Renamon part ways, they begin to understand each other, and reunite themselves for their apology. Renamon learns that Impmon is selfish, because he is desperate for Digivolution. Renamon's Champion form is the nine-tailed fox-like {{Nihongo|Kyubimon|キュウビモン|Kyubimon}} and the anthropomorphic fox/Onmyōji-like {{Nihongo|Taomon|タオモン|Taomon}}. Rika can Bio-Merge with Renamon to become the fox-armored {{Nihongo|Sakuyamon|サクヤモン|Sakuyamon}}. When Renamon reverts into Viximon as a side effect of the Red Card, she says goodbye to Rika. Renamon also appeared in ''Digimon Fusion''. ;{{Nihongo|Impmon|インプモン}} :{{Voiced by|Hiroki Takahashi|Derek Stephen Prince}} :Impmon is a small, purple Digimon resembling an demonic imp, sporting red gloves and a red bandana around his neck. Originally introduced as a troublemaker, Impmon develops a bond with the Tamers and their Digimon, albeit reluctantly due to his loner nature. Impmon initially boasts how strong he is, stating having a human Tamer is more of a hinderance than a help, eventually admitting to Renamon his desire to Digivolve. Through flashbacks, Impmon formerly had two Tamer partners, a pair of siblings named Ai and Mako, but left due to their constant fighting and arguing. After making a deal with the Devas, Impmon was given the power to Digivolve to his Beelzebub-like Mega form {{Nihongo|Beelzemon|ベルゼブモン|Beelzebumon}}, which he used to terrorize the Digital World and attack the Tamers and their Digimon, killing Jeri's partner Leomon in the process. After being shown mercy by Takato and Guilmon in their combined form Gallantmon, Beelzemon wandered off, reverting back into Impmon. Back in the real world, he reunites with Ai and Mako, who apologize to Impmon for their behavior. With their bond restored, Impmon is able to Digivolve into a stronger version of his Mega form {{Nihongo|Beelzemon Blast Mode|ベルゼブモン：ブラストモード|Beelzebumon: Blast Mode}}. Ai and Mako later joined Impmon into meeting up with the other Tamers where Jeri finally accepted Impmon's apology for what he did to Leomon. When Impmon reverts into Yaamon as a side effect of the Red Card, he says goodbye to Ai and Mako. In the English dub, Impmon speaks in the style of Joe Pesci. ;{{Nihongo|Leomon|レオモン|Leomon}} :{{Voiced by|Paul St. Peter}} :A lion-like Digimon. He first arrived in the Real World where he saved Jeri and Calumon from Kumbhiramon. Leomon officially became Jeri's partner when trying to save Calumon from Makuramon. When trying to reason with Beelzemon, he was fatally impaled by him. Before fully deleting, Leomon tells a saddened Jeri that a part of him will always remain with her. ;{{Nihongo|Cyberdramon|サイバードラモン|Cyberdramon}} :{{Voiced by|Ikkei Seta|Lex Lang}} :A cyborg dragonoid-like Digimon who is Ryo's partner. His Rookie form is the dragon-like {{Nihongo|Monodramon|モノドラモン|Monodramon}} who has bat-like wings on his arms. Ryo can Bio-Merge with Cyberdramon to become the Tokusatsu-like {{nihongo|Justimon (Blitz Arm)|ジャスティモン ブリッツアーム|Justimon Blitz Arm}} ;{{Nihongo|Guardromon|ガードロモン|Guardromon}} :{{Voiced by|Kiyoyuki Yanada|Richard Cansino}} :A guard robot-like Digimon. Originally starting out as the android-like {{Nihongo|Andromon|アンドロモン|Andromon}} who was badly beaten trying to save a Gekomon village from Orochimon, he regressed back to Guardromon. Following Orochimon being destroyed by Leomon, Guardromon became Kazu's partner. ;{{Nihongo|MarineAngemon|マリンエンジェモン|MarinAngemon}} :{{Voiced by|Ai Iwamura|Wendee Lee}} :A bird-winged clione-like Digimon who was among the Mega level Digimon that responded to Calumon's Shining Digivolution. Becoming Kenta's partner, MarineAngemon became the first Mega level Digimon in the franchise to gain a human partner. ;{{Nihongo|Lopmon|ロップモン|Lopmon}} :{{Voiced by|Aoi Tada|Michelle Ruff}} :A Lagomorpha-like Digimon that resembles a three-horned brown Terriermon. Starting out as the rabbit-like {{Nihongo|Antylamon|アンティラモン|Andiramon}} of the Devas, she befriended Suzie. Unlike its Virus counterpart, this version possesses a scarf. After helping to defend Suzie from Makuramon, she became Suzie's partner after Zhuqiaomon de-Digivolved Antylamon to Lopmon.
===Hypnos=== {{Nihongo|Hypnos|ヒュプノス|Hyupunosu}} is a Japanese government organization
;{{Nihongo|Mitsuo Yamaki|山木 満雄|Yamaki Mitsuo}} :{{Voiced by|Susumu Chiba|Steve Blum}} :A government agent responsible for designing the Hypnos system to monitor Earth's electronic communications network and section chief of the Hypnos Network. He initially appears as an antagonist to Takato, Henry, and Rika, as he believes the Digimon emerging in the Real World are dangerous faulty programs that need to be exterminated. When he realizes his attempts to eradicate Digimon have only made the Real World more vulnerable, he becomes an ally to Takato and the Tamers. ;{{Nihongo|Riley Ohtori|鳳 麗花|Ohtori Reika|'''Reika Ohtori''' in the Japanese version}} :{{Voiced by|Ai Nagano|Tifanie Christun (series), Philece Sampler (''Runaway Locomon'')}} :The chief system operator of Hypnos. She is implied to be in a relationship with Yamaki and serves as his emotional counterweight. ;{{Nihongo|Tally Onodera|小野寺 恵|Onodera Megumi|'''Megumi Onodera''' in the Japanese version}} :{{Voiced by|Fumiko Miyashita|Peggy O'Neal}} :One of the Hypnos system operators, and friends with her fellow employee, Riley Ohtori. ;{{Nihongo|Man in Black|黒衣の男|Kokui no otoko}} :{{Voiced by|R. Martin Klein}} :A field operative for Hypnos. ;{{Nihongo|Chief Cabinet Secretary|内閣官房長官|Naikaku kanbō chōkan}} :{{Voiced by|Dave Mallow}} :A government official who sanctioned Hypnos.
===Monster Makers=== The {{Nihongo|Monster Makers|ワイルド・バンチ|Wairudo Banchi|'''Wild Bunch''' in the Japanese version}} are a group of programmers who went to college together. They were responsible for the creation of the original Digimon program. The Monster Makers were later reunited by Hypnos in order to learn more about the Digimon.
;{{Nihongo|Janyu Wong|李 鎮宇|Rī Jan'yū|'''Lee Jiangyu''' in the Japanese version}} :{{Voiced by|Yoshiyuki Kaneko|Jamieson Price}} :Henry and Suzie's father, a computer engineer who is revealed to have been part of the Monster Makers, a group responsible for creating prototype digital beings that would later evolve into Digimon. Janyu learns of the existence of Digimon and becomes an ally to Henry and the Tamers, but also garners the attention of Yamaki and Hypnos, who seek to destroy the Digimon emerging in the Real World. ;{{Nihongo|Gorou Mizuno|水野 悟郎|Mizuno Gorou}} :{{Voiced by|Taro Suba|Bob Glouberman}} :A professor and introverted member of the Monster Makers with the codename "Shibumi". While using a special hospital project to project himself into the Digital World, he has since eluded the government agents. Before waking up in his hospital bed, Shibumi informed the Tamers about the D-Reaper. He later reunited with the rest of the Monster Makers during the D-Reaper threat. ;{{Nihongo|Rob McCoy|ロブ・マッコイ|Robu makkoi}} :{{Voiced by|Masami Kikuchi|Tom Fahn}} :A Palo Alto University professor with the codename "Dolphin". He later appeared as an NPC in ''Digimon Masters''. ;{{Nihongo|Aishwarya Rai|アイシュワリャ・ライ|Aishuwarya Rai}} :{{Voiced by|Yuko Matsuoka|Dorothy Elias-Fahn}} :An Indian professor from Miscatonic University, with the codename "Curly". She is an expert in quantum theory. ;{{Nihongo|Babel|バベル|Baberu}} :{{Voiced by|Kenji Nomura|Neil Kaplan}} :An African-American theoretical physics expert. ;{{Nihongo|Daisy|デイジー|Deijī}} :{{Voiced by|Asako Dodo|Wendee Lee}} :A robotics and software expert. ;{{Nihongo|Johnny Beckenstein|ジョニー・ベッケンスタイン|Jonī Bekkensutain}} :{{Voiced by|Tako Ishii|Dave Wittenberg}} :An American ally of the Monster Makers.
===Digimon Sovereign=== The {{Nihongo|Digimon Sovereign|四聖獣|Four Holy Beasts}} are four Mega level Digimon who are the guardians of the different parts of the Digital World.
;{{Nihongo|Zhuqiaomon|スーツェーモン}} :{{Voiced by|Syuichiro Moriyama|Tony Pope}} :A Vermilion Bird-like Digimon who guards the southern parts of the Digital World. He was the one who sent the Devas to bring Calumon back to the Digital World. Extremely hostile to humans, Zhuqiaomon fights against the Tamers until Azulongmon persuades him to stand down. ;{{Nihongo|Azulongmon|チンロンモン|Qinglongmon}} :{{Voiced by|Jūrōta Kosugi|Michael McConnohie}} :An Azure Dragon-like Digimon who guards the eastern parts of the Digital World and is the more wiser of the Digimon Sovereign. He was first seen when he saves the Tamers from Zhuqiaomon and gets him to stand down. ;{{Nihongo|Ebonwumon|シェンウーモン|Xuanwumon}} :{{Voiced by|Joji Yanami|Dave Wittenberg}} :A two-headed Black Tortoise-like Digimon with a tree on its shell who guards the northern parts of the Digital World. Ryo and Cyberdramon encounter him while he was watching over Baihumon's land. ;{{Nihongo|Baihumon|バイフーモン|Baihumon}} :{{Voiced by|Shinichi Kotani|Steve Kramer}} :A White Tiger-like Digimon who guards the western parts of the Digital World. He was fighting the D-Reaper in the chasms of his land before falling back.
====Devas==== The {{Nihongo|Devas|デーヴァ|Devas}} are the servants of the Digimon Sovereign who were created from the deleted data of the fallen Digimon. Each one is named after the Twelve Heavenly Generals and are modeled after the creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
;{{Nihongo|Mihiramon|ミヒラモン|Mihiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Masahiko Tanaka|Bob Papenbrook}} :A winged tiger-like Digimon who was the first Deva to appear on Earth in light of Hypnos activating the Juggernaut program. He defeats Kyubimon and Gargomon before being destroyed by WarGrowlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Sandiramon|サンティラモン|Sandiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Ikkei Seta|Lex Lang}} :An Indian cobra-like Digimon with a snake motif who manifests in the subway. Before being deleting upon his defeat at the hands of Growlmon, Kyubimon, and Gargomon, Sandiramon warns them that he is one of the Devas and the rest of his group will avenge him. ;{{Nihongo|Sinduramon|シンドゥーラモン|Sinduramon}} :{{Voiced by|Issei Futamata|Richard Epcar}} :An electrical chicken-like Digimon with a rooster motif who manifests in the country. At one point, he controls an owl to act as his herald. During a fight near the dam, Growlmon's Pyro Blaster knocks Sinduramon into the water, resulting in his deletion. ;{{Nihongo|Pajiramon|パジラモン|Pajiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Masako Katsuki|Mary Elizabeth McGlynn}} :A sheep-like Digimon with a centaur-like build. She accompanied Vajramon in causing trouble downtown. Pajiramon is destroyed by Rapidmon. In the English dub, Pajiramon speaks in the style of Kate Mulgrew. ;{{Nihongo|Vajramon|ヴァジラモン|Vajramon}} :{{Voiced by|Unsho Ishizuka|Michael McConnohie}} :An ox-like Digimon with a centaur-like build. He accompanied Pajiramon in causing trouble downtown. Though Vajramon is hit by Rapidmon's attack which destroys Pajiramon, he manages to pull himself back together and entice Renamon into a parley. When the two of them meet again, Renamon reveals that she only used him to get information. During the fight against Vajramon, Kyubimon Digivolves to Taomon and destroys Vajramon. ;{{Nihongo|Indramon|インダラモン|Indaramon}} :{{Voiced by|Kenyu Horiuchi|Neil Kaplan}} :A bipedal horse-like Digimon who carries the Horn of Desolation on his back. In his initial appearance, he taunts and bests Impmon, and causes some difficulty for Growlmon, Kyubimon, and Gargomon, before seemingly disappearing. When he returns, significantly larger and more powerful, Indramon is destroyed by WarGrowlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Makuramon|マクラモン|Makuramon}} :{{Voiced by|Ryo Horikawa|Joe Ochman}} :A large-headed monkey-like Digimon who observes the Tamers. During to Vikaralamon's rampage, Makuramon sheds his disguise and demands that Jeri, Kazu, and Kenta hand over Calumon. Following Vikaralamon's destruction, Makuramon snatches Calumon and take him back to the Digital World. However, Calumon escapes, leaving Makuramon to search for him with Majiramon. While Makuramon tries to break up the fight between the Tamers and Beelzemon, Makuramon is destroyed by Beelzemon. In the English dub, Makuramon speaks in the style of Roddy McDowall. ;{{Nihongo|Kumbhiramon|クンビラモン|Khumbiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Kouki Miyata|Joshua Seth}} :A winged rat-like Digimon who is the smallest of the Devas. He bio-emerges from a sewer and attacks Jeri and Calumon until Leomon shows up and fights him off. During the next fight, Kumbhiramon is destroyed by Gargomon and Leomon. ;{{Nihongo|Vikaralamon|ヴィカラーラモン|Vikaralamon}} :{{Voiced by|Masafumi Kimura|Michael Sorich}} :A boar-like Digimon who is the largest of the Devas. He causes a rampage throughout the city. Vikaralamon is nearly caught in Hypnos' Juggernaut program until Makuramon attacks Hypnos' headquarters. Afterwards, Vikaralamon is destroyed by WarGrowlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Caturamon|チャツラモン|Caturamon}} :{{Voiced by|Koji Ishii|Tom Wyner}} :A Shisa-like Digimon with a dog motif. He is first seen making contact with Impmon on wanting the power to Digivolve. When Impmon meets up with Caturamon, he opens a portal to a lava pool where Zhuqiaomon grants Impmon to Warp-Digivolve into Beelzemon. Caturamon later visits Beelzemon after his victory against a Kurisarimon swarm and Infermon. Following Beelzemon's failure to reclaim Calumon, Caturamon succeeds in capturing Calumon during a storm in the Digital World caused by someone activating the Juggernaut program. During Gallantmon's fight with Beelzemon, Caturamon is dispatched to dispose of the traitor Lopmon. He is destroyed by Gallantmon and his data was absorbed by Beelzemon. ;{{Nihongo|Majiramon|マジラモン|Majiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Kajima Kazunari|Bob Papenbrook}} :A Chinese dragon-like Digimon with a centaur-like build who accompanies Makuramon in reclaiming Calumon. When they run into the Tamers, Makuramon leaves Majiramon to fight the Tamers. He withstood the damages caused by the Champion level Digimon before being destroyed by Cyberdramon, after Ryo modified him with the Goliath card. ;{{Nihongo|Antylamon|アンティラモン|Andiramon}} :{{Voiced by|Aoi Tada|Michelle Ruff}} :The rabbit-like Deva and gatekeeper to Zhuqiaomon's fortress. Zhuqiaomon de-digvolves her into Lopmon as punishment for befriending Suzie. As Lopmon, she is the last and only surviving Deva.
===D-Reaper=== {{expand section|date=January 2026}}
===Family members=== ;{{Nihongo|Takehiro Matsuki|松田 剛弘|Matsuda Takehiro}} :{{Voiced by|Nobuaki Kanemitsu|Kirk Thornton}} :The father of Takato. He is a baker and the co-owner of Matsuki Bakery. ;{{Nihongo|Yoshie Matsuki|松田 美枝|Matsuda Yoshie}} :{{Voiced by||Philece Sampler}} :The mother of Takato and wife of Takehiro. She is a baker and the co-owner of Matsuki Bakery. ;{{Nihongo|Kai Urazoe|浦添 海|Urazoe Kai}} :{{Voiced by|Tomoe Seki|Brian Donovan (anime), Yuri Lowenthal (in ''Battle of Adventurers'')}} :The cousin of Takato who lives in Okinawa. He first appeared in ''Digimon Tamers: Battle of Adventurers'' where he befriended Guilmon. He later appeared in the main series during the threat of the D-Reaper. ;{{Nihongo|Wataru Urazoe|浦添 ワタル|Urazoe Wataru}} :{{Voiced by|Ginzō Matsuo|David Lodge}} :The grandfather of Takato and Kai who lives in Okinawa. ;{{Nihongo|Mayumi Wong|李 麻由美|Rī Mayumi}} :{{Voiced by|Mari Adachi|Dorothy Elias-Fahn}} :The mother of Henry and Suzie and wife of Janyu. ;{{Nihongo|Jaarin Wong|李 嘉玲|Rī Jaarin}} :{{Voiced by|Mari Yoshikura|Wendee Lee}} :The 15-year-old sister of Henry and Suzie. ;{{Nihongo|Rinchei Wong|李 連杰|Rī Rinchei}} :The 17-year-old brother of Henry and Suzie. ;{{Nihongo|Rumiko Nonaka|牧野 ルミ子|Makino Rumiko}} :{{Voiced by|Yuko Imai|Mary Elizabeth McGlynn}} :Rika's mother, who works as a model. ;{{Nihongo|Seiko Hata|秦 聖子|Hata Seiko}} :{{Voiced by|Yuka Imai|Barbara Goodson}} :The grandmother of Rika. ;{{Nihongo|Tadashi Kato|加藤 肇|Katō Hajime}} :{{Voiced by|Haruo Sato|Bob Papenbrook}} :The father of Jeri who is a tavern owner. ;{{Nihongo|Shizue Kato|加藤 静江|Katō Shizue}} :{{Voiced by|Mari Adachi|Bridget Hoffman}} :The stepmother of Jeri. ;{{Nihongo|Masahiko Kato|加藤 昌彦|Katō Masahiko}} :{{voiced by||Mary Elizabeth McGlynn in "Homeward Bound", Dina Sherman (other appearances)}} :The 3-year-old half-brother of Jeri. ;{{Nihongo|Hirofumi Shioda|塩田 博文|Shiota Hirofumi}} :{{Voiced by|Lex Lang}} :The father of Kazu. ;{{Nihongo|Takako Shioda|塩田 貴子|Shiota Takako}} :{{Voiced by|Rieko Nakayama|Michelle Ruff}} :The mother of Kazu. ;{{Nihongo|Shunsuke Kitagawa|北川 駿介|Kitagawa Shunsuke}} :{{Voiced by|Dan Lorge}} :The father of Kenta. ;{{Nihongo|Akemi Kitagawa|北川 明美|Kitagawa Akemi}} :{{Voiced by|Tifanie Christun}} :The mother of Kenta.
===Yodobashi Elementary=== ;{{Nihongo|Nami Asaji|浅沼 奈美|Asanuma Nami}} :{{Voiced by|Kaya Matsutani|Lara Jill Miller}} :A teacher at Yodobashi Elementary who has Takato, Jeri, Kazu, and Kenta as her students. She later appeared as an NPC in ''Digimon Masters''. ;{{Nihongo|Seiji Kurosawa|黒沢 清二|Kurosawa Seiji}} :{{Voiced by|Jun'ichi Sugawara|Tom Wyner}} :The principal of Yodobashi Elementary. ;{{Nihongo|Toshiaki Mori|森 聡明|Mori Toshiaki}} :{{Voiced by|Susumu Chiba|R. Martin Klein}} :A teacher at Yodobashi Elementary who tries to impress Nami Asaji to no avail.
===Other characters=== {{expand section|date=January 2026}}
;{{Nihongo|Calumon|クルモン|Culumon}} :{{Voiced by|Tomoko Kaneda|Brianne Siddall}} :A mysterious Carbuncle-like Digimon that appears in the Real World, lacking the ability to Digivolve or attack, Calumon is friendly and loves to play. It soon befriends Guilmon, Terriermon, and Impmon, and becomes close to Jeri and Rika. Calumon is eventually revealed to be the "Catalyst"—the power of Digivolution—transformed by the Digimon Sovereigns into a Digimon in hopes of stopping the D-Reaper. ;{{Nihongo|Chou|チョウ|Chō}} :{{Voiced by|Kōichi Kitamura|Michael McConnohie}} :Henry's martial arts teacher. He is knowledgeable about the Deva legend. Chou would later come across Impmon and helps him figure out a message from Ai and Mako. ;{{Nihongo|Sugai|菅井|Sugai}} :{{Voiced by|Yūsuke Oguri|Lex Lang}} :The agent of Rumiko. ;{{Nihongo|Mizaki|土岐|Toki}} :{{voiced by|Fumiko Miyashita|Tifanie Christun}} :A reporter who covers the different D-Reaper incidents.
===Bio-Emerged Digimon=== ;{{Nihongo|Lynxmon|ランクスモン|Lynxmon}} :A fiery lynx-like Digimon. Takato in his dream saw Rika and Renamon fight Lynxmon at the time when Guilmon was being born. Renamon destroyed Lynxmon and absorbed its data. ;{{Nihongo|Goblimon|ゴブリモン|Goburimon}} :{{Voiced by|Masafumi Kimura}} :A goblin-like Digimon that fought Rika and Renamon. Because of Calumon, it ended Digivolving into the Oni-like {{Nihongo|Fugamon|フーガモン|Fugamon}}. Renamon destroyed Fugamon and absorbed its data. ;{{Nihongo|Gorillamon|ゴリモン|Gorimon}} :{{Voiced by|Paul St. Peter}} :A gorilla-like Digimon with a cannon for a right hand. He was Terriermon's old enemy in the video game that Henry owned where it destroyed a Numemon, a Vegiemon, and a Monochromon before being driven off by Terriermon in his Gargomon form. When Gorillamon Bio-Emerged in the Digital World, he targeted Terriermon for revenge. Terriermon managed to delete Gorillamon by shooting his attack into Gorillamon's cannon. Though Henry told Terriermon not to absorb Gorillamon's data. ;{{Nihongo|Vilemon|イビルモン|Evilmon}} :{{Voiced by|Dave Mallow}} :An imp-like Digimon. He attacked Calumon and Guilmon. When Takato and Henry showed up, Guilmon and Terriermon fought Vilemon. The battle is crashed by Rika and Renamon where Vilemon was deleted by Renamon who absorbed its data. ;{{Nihongo|Allomon|アロモン|Allomon}} :{{Voiced by|Takashi Matsuyama|Dave Mallow}} :An ''Allosaurus''-like Digimon. While it gave Renamon a hard time, Guilmon and Terriermon showed up to help. Renamon deleted Allomon using SnowAgumon's Frozen Wind attack and absorbed his data. ;{{Nihongo|Dokugumon|ドクグモン|Dokugumon}} :{{Voiced by|Melodee Spevack}} :A wolf spider-like Digimon. She gave Renamon a hard time before. When Renamon Digivolved into Kyubimon, she deleted Dokugumon and absorned her data. ;{{Nihongo|Devidramon|デビドラモン|Devidramon}} :{{Voiced by|Hitoshi Bifu|Tom Wyner}} :A devil/dragon-like Digimon. Impmon accidentally freed it from its Digital Field and it went on a rampage looking for a worthy opponent. He gave Guilmon a hard time. When Guilmon Digivolved into Growlmon, he managed to delete Devidramon and absorb his data. ;{{Nihongo|IceDevimon|アイスデビモン|IceDevimon}} :{{Voiced by|Jyurhota Kosugi|Michael Reisz}} :An ice devil-like Digimon who killed a lot of Digimon. He targeted Rika in order to get her to make him more powerful. Though Kyubimon was unable to defeat IceDevimon, Guilmon was able to delete IceDevimon using "Hyper Wing" and Speed". It was because of this incident that Rika nearly gave up being a Tamer. ;{{Nihongo|Musyamon|ムシャモン|Musyamon}} :{{Voiced by|Takashi Matsuyama|Beau Billingslea}} :A samurai-like Digimon. While Hypnos was able to prevent Musyamon from Bio-Emerging, he vowed his revenge enough that he prevented Hypnos from trying to stop him a second time. Takato's combination move that he used to defeat IceDevimon failed to work on Musyamon. When a little girl chased her balloon into the Digital Field, Terriermon Digivolved into Gargomon where he saved the girl, deleted Musyamon, and absorbed his data. ;{{Nihongo|Flybeemon|フライビーモン|Flybeemon}} :A trio of dragonfly/Ichneumonidae-like Digimon that fought Renamon. She managed to delete them on her own and absorb their data. ;{{Nihongo|Harpymon|ハーピモン|Harpymon}} :{{Voiced by|Kaoru Shiomi|Dorothy Elias-Fahn}} :A harpy-like Digimon. Renamon tried to fight her on her own which doesn't work. Guilmon and Terriermon tried to help to no avail. When Harpymon pinned down Renamon, Rika stabbed her with a stick. Renamon then Digivolved into Kyubimon and deleted Harpymon. Though Kyubimon decided not to absorb Harpymon's data. ;{{Nihongo|DarkLizardmon|ダークリザモン|Darklizamon}} :{{Voiced by|Barbara Goodson}} :A black-flamed lizard-like Digimon who Guilmon defeated late one night. Hypnos showed up where they knocked out DarkLizardmon and took her back to Hypno HQ. DarkLizardmon was deleted during the analysis when Hypnos was developing the Juggernaut program. Yamaki ordered his men to delete the remaining data. ;{{Nihongo|Mephistomon|メフィスモン|Mephismon}} :{{Voiced by|Juurouta Kosugi|Richard Epcar}} :A Mephistopheles-like Digimon who is the main villain of "Battle of Adventurers". Originally a form of the apocalypse-themd Digimon {{Nihongo|Apocalymon|アポカリモン|Apoclymon}}, he eluded Omnimon and disguised himself as Ryuji Tamashiro: President of VP Laboratories. He used the V-Pet program to bring some Digimon to the Real World and cause havoc on Earth's electronic network. When he discovered that Seasarmon has the vaccine needed to thwart his plans, Mephistomon sheds his disguise. Though he was defeated by Growlmon, Mephistomon Digivolved into the centaur-build demon-like {{Nihongo|Gulfmon|ガルフモン|Gulfmon}}. It took the combination of WarGrowlmon, Taomon, and Rapidmon to delete Gulfmon. ;{{Nihongo|Locomon|ロコモン|Locomon}} :{{Voiced by|Yuuta Mochidzuki |Lex Lang}} :A steam locomotive-like Digimon who appeared in "Runaway Locomon". Both the Tamers and Hypnos had to work to get rid of Locomon. It is soon discovered that Locomon is being controlled by Parasimon who also possessed Rika. Locomon then Digivolved into {{Nihongo|GranLocomon|グランドロコモン|GrandLocomon}}. ;{{Nihongo|Parasimon|パラサイモン|Parasimon}} :{{Voiced by|David Lodge}} :A parasitic Digimon with a mouth on its abdomen who is the main villain of "Runaway Locomon". He controlled Locomon and Rika.
====Bio-Emerged by V-Pet==== ;{{Nihongo|Pteramon|プテラノモン|Pteranomon}} :Three Pteranodon/fighter aircraft-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. The first one was destroyed by Renamon. The second one was destroyed by Omnimon when transporting the Tamers through the void between the Real World and the Digital World. The third one was destroyed was deleted when the V-Pet Vaccine program was activated. ;{{Nihongo|Tylomon|ティロモン|Tylomon}} :A ''Tylosaurus''-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. It was sent to capture Minami Uehara. Guilmon managed to destroy Tylomon. ;{{Nihongo|Scorpiomon|アノマロカリモン|Anomalocarimon}} :An ''Anomalocaris''-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. It was sent to capture Minami Uehara and was destroyed by Guilmon. ;{{Nihongo|Divermon|ハンギョモン|Hangyomon}} :A piscine humanoid-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. It was sent to capture Minami Uehara and was destroyed by Seasarmon. ;{{Nihongo|Mantaraymon|マンタレイモン|Mantaraymon}} :A manta ray-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. It was sent to capture Minami Uehara where it succeeded in its mission. Mantaraymon was later destroyed by Growlmon. ;{{Nihongo|BlueMeramon|ブルーメラモン|BlueMeramon}} :A blue fire spirit Digimon that resembles Meramon who appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. Destroyed by Kyubimon. ;{{Nihongo|Ebidramon|エビドラモン|Ebidramon}} :A lobster/dragon-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. Destroyed by Gargomon. ;{{Nihongo|Depthmon|デプスモン|Depthmon}} :A dragon/merman-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. Destroyed by Seasarmon. ;{{Nihongo|Archelomon|アーケロモン|Archelon}} :An ''Archelon''-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. The first one was destroyed at the VP Lab by Growlmon. The second Archelomon was destroyed by Omnimon when transporting the Tamers through the void between the Real World and the Digital World. ;{{Nihongo|MetalTyrannomon|メタルティラノモン|MetalTyranomon}} :A cyborg ''Tyrannosaurus''-themed Digimon that tried to emerge in the Real World during the V-Pet fad only to be destroyed by Omnimon. ;{{Nihongo|Baromon|バロモン|Baromon}} :{{Voiced by|Jamieson Price}} :A Barong-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. He led the interrogation of Takehito on the information on where the V-Pet Vaccine is. During his fight with Seasarmon, Baromon was destroyed by Growlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Pipismon|ピピスモン|Pipismon}} :A Pipistrellini-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad and assisted Baromon in his interrogation of Takehito on the information where the V-Pet Vaccine is. Destroyed by Growlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Ponchomon|ポンチョモン|Ponchomon}} :A poncho-wearing cactus/ghost-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad and assisted Baromon in his interrogation of Takehito on the information where the V-Pet Vaccine is. Destroyed by Growlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Sepikmon|セピックモン|Sepikmon}} :A monkey/Aborigine-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad and assisted Baromon in his interrogation of Takehito on the information where the V-Pet Vaccine is. Destroyed by Growlmon. ;{{Nihongo|Kokuwamon|コクワモン|Kokuwamon}} :A ''Dorcus rectus''-themed Digimon that appeared in the Real World during the V-Pet fad. It emerged from a heart monitor in a medical room before being deleted by the V-Pet Vaccine.
===Digtal World inhabitants=== ;{{Nihongo|DigiGnome|デジノーム|DigiGnome}} :A race of non-Digimon that are evolved from the same data that created the Digimon race. They are known to grant wishes in both the Real World and the Digital World. ;{{Nihongo|Mokumon|モクモン|Mokumon}} :A group of smoke-like Digimon that worked with Shibumi in helping the Tamers. ;{{Nihongo|Meramon|メラモン|Meramon}} :{{Voiced by|Kojimi Kuzanari|Peter Spellos}} :A fire spirit-like Digimon who the Tamers first encounter when they enter the Digital World. Assuming that they are enemy invaders, Meramon attacked them until he was subdued by Leomon and the Tamers cleared things up. During a Jagamon stampede, Meramon tried to stop the stampede and got trampled into deletion by them. The Tamers made a marker to memorialize him. ;{{Nihongo|Jagamon|ジャガモン|Jyagamon}} :{{Voiced by|Yūsuke Oguri|Joe Ochman}} :A herd of potato-like Digimon. ;{{Nihongo|Jijimon|ジジモン|Jijimon}} and {{Nihongo|Babamon|ババモン|Babamon}} :Jijimon {{Voiced by|Masafumi Kimura|Tom Fahn}} :Babamon {{Voiced by|Dorothy Elias-Fahn}} :An old man-themed Digimon and an old lady-themed Digimon who lived in a valley with strong winds. They allowed Rika, Kazu, and Kenta to take refuge with them. When Calumon unleashed the Shining Digivolution, Jijimon and Babamon answered the call. ;{{Nihongo|MudFrigimon|ツチダルモン|Tuchidarumon|Chuchidarumon in the "English dub"}} :{{Voiced by|Joey D'Auria}} :A village of bear/mud-like Digimon that resemble a brown version of Frigimon which was harassed by the motorcycle Behemoth. At least one MudFrigimon was killed during the rampage. The MudFrigimon Village was saved when Leomon broke Guilmon from Behemoth's control leading Behemoth to become the ride of Beezlemon. The MudFrigimon later get exposed to Calumon's Shining Digivolution. ;{{Nihongo|MetalKoromon|チョロモン|Choromon}} :{{Voiced by|Melodee Spevack}} :A computer mouse-like Digimon that was controlled by Behemoth. It was freed by Guilmon. ;{{Nihongo|Clockmon|クロックモン|Clockmon}} :{{Voiced by|Yūsuke Oguri|R. Martin Klein}} :A clock-themed Digimon with a humanoid emerging from its clock part. He resided in the clockwork cloud plane where he encountered Rika, Kazu, and Kenta restaring a clock that ended up freeing Megadramon until Ryo and Cyberdramon show up to undo the action. ;{{Nihongo|Hagurumon|ハグルモン|Hagurumon}} :{{Voiced by|Beau Billingslea}} :A gear-themed Digimon that resided in the clockwork cloud plane with Clockmon. They encounter Rika, Kazu, and Kenta restarting a clock that ended up freeing Megadramon. One of Kyubimon's attacks which was deflected off of Megadramon hit Hagurumon enough for one of his gears to come out. After Ryo and Cyberdramon show up to undo the action, Ryo put the gear back into Hagurumon as he and Clockmon prase Ryo. When Calumon unleashed the Shining Digivolution, Hagurumon was exposed to it. ;{{Nihongo|Megadramon|メガドラモン|Megadramon}} :{{Voiced by|Shibayama Yutaka}} :A dragon-like Digimon with a snake tail instead of legs that was sealed away inthe clockwork cloud plane. When Rika, Kazu, and Kenta unknowingly restarted a clock, Megadramon was freed from its prison. Renamon Digivolved to Kyubimon to stop it to no avail. When Ryo and Cyberdramon showed up, Cyberdramon shoved Megadramon back into its prison as Ryo stopped the associated clock again. ;{{Nihongo|Orochimon|オロチモン|Orochimon}} :{{Voiced by|Lex Lang}} :A Yamata no Orochi-like Digimon that fell from another plane and enslaved a village of Gekomon, forcing them to make Sake (changed to milkshakes in the English dub). One Andromon tried to fight it only to end up defeated and later de-Digivolved back into Guardromon. Jeri later used a LadyDevimon Digi-Modify card which enabled Leomon to destroy Orochimon with the Darkness Wave attack. ;{{Nihongo|Gekomon|ゲコモン|Gekomon}} :{{voiced by|Dave Mallow}} :A village of frog-like Digimon that were enslaved by Orochimon. Their village was later saved by the Tamers. When Calumon unleashed the Shining Digivolution, the entire Gekomon Village was exposed. ;{{Nihongo|Otamamon|オタマモン|Otamamon}} :A group of pollywog-like Digimon that lived in an underwater cave plane. ;{{Nihongo|Divermon|ハンギョモン|Hangyomon}} :{{voiced by|Yoshikazu Nagano|Neil Kaplan}} :A piscine humanoid-like Digimon that lived in an underwater cave plane. When Takato, Henry, and Terriermon encounter some Otamamon, they are attacked by Divermon. Terriermon defeated Divermon. It was then revealed to be a misunderstanding because Divermon thought that they were harming his Otamamon friends. They helped Takato, Henry, and Terriermon get up an electric pipe with a large bubble that the Otamamon created. In the English dub, Divermon speaks in the style of Bullwinkle J. Moose.
==Production== After the success of ''Digimon Adventure 02'', Hiroyuki Kakudo and staff did not know what to do now that the series was finished.{{clarify|date=November 2018|reason=This sentence doesn't make sense and needs to be reworded.}} The team was satisfied with the release of ''Digimon Tamers'', as Kakudo believed the setting could have also been applied in the previous anime. <!--Digimon Adventure 02 DVD Box, SPECIAL INTERVIEW! with Hiroyuki Kakudou published by Happinet in 2002 (Needs proper source format)--> Chiaki J. Konaka was concerned that the portrayal of the Digimon as "kind-hearted creatures" in ''Digimon Adventure'' and ''Digimon Adventure 02'' might affect the "monster-like spirit of ''Digimon''." As a result, Konaka wanted to explore the primitive nature of Digimon, where they instinctively harm other creatures to become stronger and would learn morals from their partners. This aspect would be primarily explored through Guilmon.
Konaka was also worried about Digivolutions losing impact due to their repetitiveness. In order to solve this, the D-Power was designed as the new Digivice so that it could be used alongside cards and give the characters another "ace up sleeve." The writers wanted to limit the use of cards to one at a time. The main characters being more responsible of the evolutions and their adventures was another of Konaka's priorities as a message to children from modern society.<ref name="earlyplan">{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/plan-e.html|title=Early Planning|work=Digimon Resources|date=September 29, 2000|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620042020/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/plan-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For the last episodes of the series, Konaka believed the final enemy is the D-Reaper.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/d-reaper2-e.html|title=ADR Variations|work=Digimon Resources|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620080213/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/d-reaper2-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While making the series, Konaka had conceptualized the idea of the Tamers combining with their Digimon to reach the highest level of evolution, Mega. Shinji Aramaki joined the design team in the CGI animation, which including the Bio-merge scenes.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/aramaki-e.html|title=Design Works by Shinji Aramaki|work=Digimon Tamers Resources|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619164848/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/aramaki-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Unlike the previous series, Konaka did not introduce the idea of Digimon being reborn after death, as he believed death should be portrayed realistically in a show for children, especially since the main characters were risking their lives. As a result, the staff decided to portray death as a shocking event by using Leomon like in ''Digimon Adventure'', even though Konaka had doubts about it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/leomon-e.html|title=Leomon|publisher=Konaka|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222115517/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/leomon-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While the series was presented as dark, Terriermon and Calumon balanced out the tone of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/terriamon-e.html|title=Terriermon|publisher=Konaka|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=April 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414203037/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/terriamon-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The early storyline of ''Digimon Tamers'' was significantly influenced by an unused script for ''Gamera: Guardian of the Universe'' written by brothers Chiaki and {{ill|Kazuya Konaka|ja|小中和哉}}, alongside another draft by {{ill|Yoshikazu Okada (writer)|lt=Yoshikazu Okada|ja|岡田惠和}}, which preceded the final version by Kazunori Itō.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Konaka, Chiaki J.|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|number=975012785389109249|user=yamaki_nyx|script-title=ja:という事をここに書いているのは、以前にも書いたけれど、テイマーズの1～3話は設定などは全然違うものの、小中兄弟版ガメラのエッセンスが濃厚に入っている。だからもしこの映画が成立していたら、テイマーズは生まれなかったとも言える。|date=March 17, 2018|access-date=October 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2024-0430-1037-33/https://twitter.com:443/yamaki_nyx/status/975012785389109249|archive-date=April 30, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Konaka|first=Chiaki|author-link=Chiaki Konaka|title=Guilmon|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/guilmon-e.html|website=konaka.com|access-date=September 26, 2025}}</ref> Concepts from the Konakas' script were later adapted for ''Digimon Tamers'', as well as for ''Gamera the Brave'', ''Gamera Rebirth'', and ''Ultraman Tiga''.<ref name="Gamera">{{cite book|title=Heisei Gamera Perfection|date=February 8, 2014|page=237|publisher=ASCII Media Works|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=平成ガメラへの道|magazine={{ill|Eiga Hiho|ja|映画秘宝}}|publisher=Futabasha|last=Ozawa|first=Ryoko|date=February 20, 2021|volume=April 2021|page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Shuntaro|first=Ono|author-link=:ja:小野俊太郎|date=April 30, 2026|script-title=ja:ガメラの精神史：昭和から平成、そして令和へ|trans-title=Geistesgeschichte of Gamera: From Showa to Heisei, then to Reiwa|chapter={{lang|ja|個人と人類の幼年期の終り}}|language=ja|pages=245–246|publisher={{Ill|Takanashi Shobou|ja|小鳥遊書房}}}}</ref> Their draft itself was influenced by ''Daigoro vs. Goliath'', a Tsuburaya Productions film under the influences from the ''Gamera'' franchise.<ref name="Gamera"/><ref>{{Cite tweet|author=Kaneda, Masumi|user=KanedaMasumi|number=1991497935100735886|script-title=ja:『怪獣大奮戦ダイゴロウ対ゴリアス』('72)は大映東京撮影所で撮影。|language=ja|archive-date=April 17, 2026|archive-url=https://megalodon.jp/2026-0417-1842-28/https://x.com:443/KanedaMasumi/status/1991497935100735886|url-status=live}}</ref> Konaka, who had been an admirer of ''Ultraman'' since childhood, additionally cited Tsuburaya's ''Kaiju Booska''—itself influenced by ''Ultra Q''—and Hayao Miyazaki's ''Future Boy Conan'' as reference points for ''Tamers''.<ref name="References">{{cite web|last=Konaka|first=Chiaki|author-link=Chiaki Konaka|date=March 29, 2021|script-title=ja:テイマーズの参照モデル|url=https://tamers2021.hateblo.jp/entry/2021/03/29/215227|website=Digimon Tamers 2021 Blog|access-date=September 26, 2025|language=ja}}</ref> The kaiju {{ill|Kanegon|ja|カネゴン}} from the ''Ultra Q'' and ''Ultraman'' franchises is also referenced in the spin-off prequel novel ''Digimon Tamers 1984''.<ref name="References"/>
===Character design=== The characters were designed by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru and was based on the concept of "a normal elementary school student has a great adventure over the span of a year."<ref name="konaka takato">{{cite web|first=Chiaki J.|last=Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/takato-e.html|title=Character Notes (Takato Matsuda/Takato Matsuki)|work=Digimon Resources|date=2002|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2016-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909172054/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/takato-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Producer Hiromi Seki had wanted the three main characters to be of mixed genders and consist of an immigrant or someone not raised in Japan.<ref name="konaka rika">{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/ruki-e.html|title=Character Notes (Ruki Makino/Rika Nonaka)|work=Digimon Resources|date=2002|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2021-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510231424/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/ruki-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="konaka henry">{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|title=Character Notes (Jianliang Lee/Henry Wong)|url=http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/jen-e.html|work=Digimon Resources|date=2002|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106040006/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/jen-e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rika was designed with a "strong" image and character in an attempt to boost sales for products based on female characters, which traditionally did not perform well in the market.<ref name="konaka rika"/> Henry became the basis of the proposed non-Japanese or emigrant character, and Konaka decided to make him half-Chinese and half-Japanese based on the statistics of non-Japanese students in elementary schools.<ref name="konaka henry"/>
===Sequel=== In 2021, Konaka had posted on his blog that he originally had plans to create ''Digimon Tamers 2020'', which would have been the continuation of an audio drama that was released with the 2018 limited edition Blu-ray box set of ''Digimon Tamers''.<ref name="konaka 2021-08-08">{{cite web|first=Chiaki J.|last=Konaka|authorlink=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=https://cjkinnyx.fc2.net/blog-entry-1.html|title="Digimon Tamers 2021" Announcement to Overseas Fans|work=Chiaki J. Konaka in Nyx|date=2021-08-08|accessdate=2021-08-08|archive-date=2023-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520064805/https://cjkinnyx.fc2.net/blog-entry-1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ann 2021-08-09"/> However, Toei Animation had rejected the pitch; Konaka claimed it was due to casting problems, particularly in regards to having some voice actors reprise their roles or play older versions of their characters convincingly.<ref name="konaka 2021-08-08"/><ref name="ann 2021-08-09"/>
During DigiFes 2021, an official ''Digimon'' event taking place annually, a live reading featuring the original voice cast of an original audio drama that Konaka had written for ''Digimon Tamers''' 20th anniversary.<ref name="ann 2021-08-04">{{cite news|first=Kim|last=Morissy|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-04/digimon-tamers-20th-anniversary-stage-show-features-cancel-culture-villain/.175872|title=Digimon Tamers 20th Anniversary Stage Show Features 'Cancel Culture' Villain|work=Anime News Network|date=2021-08-04|accessdate=2021-08-04|archive-date=2023-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408161459/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-04/digimon-tamers-20th-anniversary-stage-show-features-cancel-culture-villain/.175872|url-status=live}}</ref> The script featured the Tamers fighting a villainous entity called "political correctness", which used an attack called "cancel culture."<ref name="ann 2021-08-04"/> Konaka later clarified on his blog that he did not associate with any political ideology.<ref name="konaka 2021-08-08"/><ref name="ann 2021-08-09">{{cite news|first=Kim|last=Morissy|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-09/digimon-tamers-writer-chiaki-j-konaka-responds-to-overseas-backlash-over-20th-anniversary-stage-play/.176064|title=Digimon Tamers Writer Chiaki J. Konaka Responds to Overseas Backlash Over 20th Anniversary Stage Play|work=Anime News Network|date=2021-08-09|accessdate=2021-08-09|archive-date=2022-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120173731/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-09/digimon-tamers-writer-chiaki-j-konaka-responds-to-overseas-backlash-over-20th-anniversary-stage-play/.176064|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Media == === Anime === {{main|List of Digimon Tamers episodes{{!}}List of ''Digimon Tamers'' episodes}} The series aired 51 episodes on Fuji TV from April 1, 2001, to March 31, 2002. The opening theme is "The Biggest Dreamer" by Kōji Wada, which peaked at #59 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/255494/products/444480/1/|title=The Biggest Dreamer|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105161948/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/255494/products/444480/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ending themes are performed by AiM, the first half of the show being "My Tomorrow"<ref name="ed1">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/437630/1/|title=My Tomorrow|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160520/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/437630/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the second half being {{Nihongo|"Days (Aijō to Nichijō)"|Days-愛情と日常-}}. "My Tomorrow" peaked at #70 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, while "Days (Aijō to Nichijō)"<ref name="ed2">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/456392/1/|title=Days-愛情と日常-|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105161941/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/456392/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> charted at #68.<ref name="ed1"/><ref name="ed2"/> Insert songs featured in the show include "Slash!!" by Michihiko Ohta as the Digi-modify theme,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/231422/products/441329/1/|title=SLASH!!|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160423/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/231422/products/441329/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Evo" by Wild Child Bound as the Digivolution and Matrix Digivolution themes,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/275919/products/444387/1/|title=EVO|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160512/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/275919/products/444387/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> and "One Vision" by Takayoshi Tanimoto as the Biomerge Digivolution theme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/291125/products/464807/1/|title=One Vision|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160425/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/291125/products/464807/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>
An edited English-language version was produced by distributor Saban Entertainment and aired on Fox Kids in the United States from September 1, 2001, to June 8, 2002, as the third season of ''Digimon: Digital Monsters''. Saban's version received various changes to character names, music and sound effects, as well as edits pertaining to violence and cultural references. The show also began airing on ABC Family in 2002, after Disney had acquired the rights from Saban Entertainment, which later also included a package deal with ''Digimon Frontier''.<ref name="erickson">{{cite book|title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003, Volume 1|last1=Erickson|first1=Hal|author-link1=Hal Erickson (author)|year=2005|publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0786420995|page=249}}</ref> The show was released on Hulu with English subtitles in January 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Manry|first1=Gia|title=Toei Animation Adds Gaiking, Digimon Tamers to Hulu|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-26/toei-animation-adds-gaiking-digimon-tamers-to-hulu|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 5, 2019|date=January 26, 2011|archive-date=January 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201030/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-26/toei-animation-adds-gaiking-digimon-tamers-to-hulu|url-status=live}}</ref> New Video Group release the dubbed version as a DVD boxset in North America on June 11, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-16/new-video-group-confirms-digimon-tamers-on-dubbed-dvd|title=New Video Group Confirms Digimon Tamers on Dubbed DVD|website=Anime News Network|date=2013-02-16|access-date=2013-09-03|archive-date=2013-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823175932/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-16/new-video-group-confirms-digimon-tamers-on-dubbed-dvd|url-status=live}}</ref> Manga Entertainment released the series in the United Kingdom in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Digimon Tamers (Digital Monsters Season 3)|url=https://www.mangauk.com/product/digimon-tamers-digital-monsters-season-3-dvd/|publisher=Manga Entertainment|access-date=January 4, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190104180554/https://www.mangauk.com/product/digimon-tamers-digital-monsters-season-3-dvd/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The series was added to the Netflix Instant Streaming service on August 3, 2013, in separate English dubbed and Japanese subtitled versions. The series was removed on August 1, 2015,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Plante|first1=Chris|title=Netflix streaming strategy for August: replace great movies with Reading Rainbow nostalgia|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/27/9049263/netflix-movies-television-shows-august|website=The Verge|access-date=December 30, 2018|date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230181132/https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/27/9049263/netflix-movies-television-shows-august|url-status=live}}</ref> after nearly two years on Netflix when Crunchyroll acquired streaming rights to the English dubbed versions and Funimation acquired rights to the English subtitled versions, the English dubbed version of ''Tamers'' returned to Netflix while the English subtitled version of ''Tamers'' are now exclusive to Funimation.
===Films=== {{Main|List of Digimon films{{!}}List of ''Digimon'' films}} {{Nihongo|''Digimon Tamers: Battle of Adventurers''|デジモンテイマーズ 冒険者たちの戦い|Dejimon Teimāzu: Bōkensha-tachi no Tatakai}} was released on July 14, 2001, as part of Toei Animation Summer 2001 Animation Fair. The film was featured along with ''Mōtto! Ojamajo Doremi: The Movie: Kaeru Seki no Himitsu'' and ''Kinnikuman: Second Generations''. The film takes place during the Tamers' summer vacation, where Mephistomon sends Digimon to invade the Real World through a virus called the "V-Pet." The film's ending theme song is "Moving On!" by AiM, which peaked at #95 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/444385/1/|title=Moving on!|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160509/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/444385/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> An insert song in the film, {{Nihongo|"{{ill|Tomodachi no Umi|ja|トモダチの海}}"|トモダチの海}}, was performed by {{ill|Sammy (music artist)|lt=Sammy|ja|Sammy (歌手)}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/776|title=トモダチの海|language=ja|work=Feel Mee|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160524/https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/776|url-status=live}}</ref> The film's original soundtrack was released on December 5, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/770|title=デジモンテイマーズ 冒険者たちの戦い オリジナルサウンドトラック|language=ja|work=Feel Mee|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160540/https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/770|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Nihongo|''Digimon Tamers: Runaway Locomon''|デジモンテイマーズ 暴走デジモン特急|Dejimon Teimāzu: Bōsō no Dejimon Tokkyū}} was released on March 2, 2002, as part of Toei Animation Spring 2002 Animation Fair. The film was double-billed with ''One Piece: Chopper's Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals''. The film grossed ¥200 billion. The film's story is centered on the Tamers battling Locomon, who has been infected by Parasimon and led into the Real World. The film's ending theme song is {{Nihongo|"Yūhi no Yakusoku"|夕陽の約束}} by AiM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/471217/1/|title=夕陽の約束|language=ja|work=Oricon|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160523/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/229849/products/471217/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Both films will be released on Blu-ray in Discotek Media's second ''Digimon'' films collection.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Discotek Reveals Monster, Shin Aim for the Ace, Zegapain, 6 More Licenses|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-08-09/discotek-reveals-monster-shin-aim-for-the-ace-zegapain-6-more-licenses/.227363|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 9, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809213350/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-08-09/discotek-reveals-monster-shin-aim-for-the-ace-zegapain-6-more-licenses/.227363|archive-date=August 9, 2025|date=August 9, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== CD dramas === Two CD dramas written by Chiaki J. Konaka were released. The voice cast from the series reprised their roles.
{{Nihongo|''Digimon Tamers: Original Story: Message in the Packet''|デジモンテイマーズ オリジナルストーリー メッセージ・イン・ザ・パケット|Dejimon Teimāzu: Orijinaru Sutōrī: Messeji in za Paketto}} was released on April 23, 2003, and follows the lives of each Tamer after the events of ''Digimon Tamers''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/745|title=デジモンテイマーズ オリジナルストーリー メッセージ・イン・ザ・パケット|language=ja|work=Feel Mee|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2018-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105160527/https://www.feelmee.jp/index.php/item/product/745|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Nihongo|''Digimon Tamers: 2018 Days: Information and the Unordinary''|デジモンテイマーズ 2018 Days -情報と非日常-|Dejimon Teimāzu: Ni-sen-jū-hachi Deizu: Jōhō to Hinichijō}} was released on April 3, 2018, as a bonus with the first-press edition of the ''Digimon Tamers'' Blu-ray disc set.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/10/02/digimon-tamers-blu-ray-box-to-include-newly-recorded-special-drama|title="Digimon Tamers" Blu-ray Box to Include Newly-Recorded Special Drama|work=Crunchyroll|date=2017-10-02|access-date=2018-04-06|language=en|archive-date=2018-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407115941/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/10/02/digimon-tamers-blu-ray-box-to-include-newly-recorded-special-drama|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Short story === ''Digimon Tamers 1984'', written by Chiaki J. Konaka and illustrated by Kenji Watanabe, was published on July 5, 2002, in Volume 5 of ''SF Japan'', a Japanese science fiction magazine. The story focuses on the creation of the original Digimon program by the Monster Makers at Palo Alto University and dealt largely with the philosophical and technological issues surrounding the creation of artificial intelligence.<ref name="digimon tamers 1984">{{cite web|author=Chiaki J. Konaka|author-link=Chiaki J. Konaka|url=https://sites.google.com/view/digimon-tamers-update/digimon-tamers-update-e|title=Digimon Tamers Update|access-date=2018-11-04|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220213221/https://sites.google.com/view/digimon-tamers-update/digimon-tamers-update-e|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Konaka uploaded an updated version of the story onto his website.<ref name="digimon tamers 1984"/>
==Reception== Due to its differences from the first two ''Digimon'' series, ''Tamers'' received mixed reviews when it first aired in the United States (September 1, 2001). Tim Jones of THEM Anime writes, "Although ''Digimon Tamers'' has its faults (slow character development, a sudden change in new characters from the last series, and a less-than-exciting first half), the more you watch it, and the further you get into it, the more you'll enjoy it." In comparison to the first two series, ''Tamers'' also displayed darker undertones in its plot.<ref>{{cite web|last = Jones|first = Tim|title = Digimon Tamers|url = http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=506|publisher = THEM Anime|access-date = September 15, 2009|archive-date = March 31, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190331132559/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=506|url-status = live}}</ref> According to English-language dub voice actor Dave Wittenberg, the new series possessed "an element of seriousness" that was not present in the first two series. Additionally, some parts would be better understood by older viewers due to the introduction of more difficult concepts.<ref>{{cite web|last = McFeely|first = Chris|title = Interview With Dave Wittenberg|url = http://digipedia.db-destiny.net/cast_crew/wittenberg.htm|publisher = The Digimon Encyclopedia|date = August 2002|access-date = September 15, 2009|archive-date = July 27, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080727011359/http://digipedia.db-destiny.net/cast_crew/wittenberg.htm|url-status = live}}</ref> Regarding this, Konaka believes that Calumon and Terriermon were able to tone down the grim and serious atmosphere of the occasionally tough scenes throughout the series.<ref>{{cite web|last = Konaka|first = Chiaki|title = Terriermon|url = http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/terriamon-e.html|date = 2002|access-date = February 20, 2015|archive-date = March 4, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035459/http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/characters/terriamon-e.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
The airing of the series coincided with the September 11 attacks, and in at least one case, the events have been analyzed within the context of the series. Margaret Schwartz of PopMatters writes, "As NPR and other […] media began to debate the September 11 images, I began to see just how important it was to consider how we as a culture define and experience 'reality' […] Some argue that the shocking video footage […] is a necessary experience of the catastrophe—even a condition of it." She points out the metafictional story of ''Tamers'' where "bits of forgotten computer data have fused to become a separate world inhabited by live creatures". In acknowledging the line drawn between good and evil in the series, Schwartz writes, "The evil here consists in refusing to see that Digimon are 'real', real creatures, and that destroying any one of them is in fact murder." Through the existence of intangible communication networks as a "product of human ingenuity", she concludes that "those of us in the 'real' world have become so good at playing creator, at making 'things' appear much like 'real' creatures, that we tend to confuse the two."<ref>{{cite news|last = Schwartz|first = Margaret|title = Real Consequence|url = http://www.popmatters.com/columns/schwartz/011008.shtml|publisher = PopMatters|date = October 8, 2001|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050208180838/http://popmatters.com/columns/schwartz/011008.shtml|archive-date = February 8, 2005|access-date = September 16, 2009}}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/digimon_t/ Toei Animation official site] (Japanese) * [http://www.konaka.com/alice6/tamers/ Digimon Tamers Resources] *{{Anime News Network|anime|2171}}
{{Digimon}} {{Chiaki J. Konaka}} {{Toei Animation}} {{Toei Animation films 2000s}}
Category:2001 films Category:2002 films Category:Adventure anime and manga Category:Animated television series about children Category:Anime and manga about parallel universes Category:Card games in anime and manga Tamers Category:Fantasy anime and manga Category:Fuji Television original programming Category:Japanese children's animated adventure television series Category:Metafictional television series Category:Toei Animation television