Ultraman Z

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Ultraman Z
Title card
GenreTokusatsu
Superhero
Kaiju
Science fiction
Kyodai Hero
Created byTsuburaya Productions
Written by
[1][2]
Directed by
  • Kiyotaka Taguchi
  • Takanori Tsujimoto
  • Koichi Sakamoto
  • Kazuhiro Nakagawa
  • Katsuro Onoue
  • Masayoshi Takesue
  • Tomonobu Koshi
  • Naoyuki Uchida
[1][2]
Starring
[1][2]
Voices of
[1][2]
Opening theme"Goshōwa Kudasai Ware no Na o!" by Masaaki Endoh
Ending theme
  • "Connect the Truth" by Nami Tamaki
  • "Promise for the future" by Tasuku Hatanaka
ComposerHijiri Anze
Country of originJapan
No. of episodes25[3]
Production
Running time30 mins
Original release
NetworkTV Tokyo
ReleaseJune 20 (2020-06-20) –
December 19, 2020 (2020-12-19)
Related
Ultraman Chronicle Zero & Geed
Ultraman Chronicle Z: Heroes' Odyssey
Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy
Sevenger Fight

Ultraman Z (ウルトラマンZ(ゼット), Urutoraman Zetto) is a Japanese tokusatsu drama produced by Tsuburaya Productions. It is the 32nd entry to the Ultra Series and the eighth entry to the New Generation Hero (ニュージェネレーションヒーロー, Nyū Jenerēshon Hīrō) lineup, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ultraman Zero.[4][5][6][7] It premiered in TV Tokyo on June 20, 2020. On April 2, 2023, an English dub was announced, with the premiere date of April 8 on the official Ultraman Youtube Channel, with new episodes uploaded every Saturday and Sundays at 11 pm JST.

Synopsis[edit]

Main article: List of Ultraman Z characters

Remnants of Ultraman Belial, known as the Devil Splinters, were scattered across the universe and turned infected monsters into berserkers.[8][9] To combat the resulting chaos, the Land of Light created the Ultra Medals and Z Risers, but several of these devices were stolen by Celebro, forcing Ultraman Zero and his self-proclaimed disciple Z to chase it to the Earth. Z carried out his incapacitated master's mission and the Z Riser to recover the stolen Ultra Medals on Earth, where he bonded with STORAGE officer Haruki Natsukawa to combat the space monster Genegarg. Ever since then, Haruki assisted Z in reclaiming lost Ultra Medals and at the same time defending mankind from monsters and extraterrestrial threats.[4][5][6][7] Haruki's mission as a STORAGE member is accompanied by his senior/ace pilot Yoko Nakashima, the young scientist Yuka Ohta, the elderly repairman Kojiro Inaba and his captain Shota Hebikura, whose true identity is Jugglus Juggler from Ultraman Orb.

Meanwhile, the space parasite Celebro took possession of a youth named Shinya Kaburagi to create chaos and experiment with the Ultra's technology to harbor the power of monsters.[8] In addition to Ultraman Z, he is also assisted by guests appearing as Ultras; Riku/Ultraman Geed, Zero, and his godfather Ace. STORAGE begins to create stronger machines and armaments, but as the series progressed, Celebro took over the GAFJ director Kuriyama to further the advancements of new weaponries and disbanded STORAGE. His true plan is to provoke mankind into creating their strongest weapon and turn it against them. He eventually possessed Yoko to hijack Ultroid Zero and transform it into the cyborg monster known as Destrudos to initiate his Civilization Self-Destruction Game on Earth. Juggler reforms STORAGE to rescue Yoko as Haruki succeeded through sheer will, forcing Celebro to abandon her and possessed Destrudos as a last resort. After being knocked out of his strongest form, Ultraman Z unleashed his full power to destroy Destrudos and finally save Earth. Celebro was captured by STORAGE and a vengeful Kaburagi to be dissected as Juggler resigned from the team to leave Earth. Haruki retains his bond with Z, but instead of staying in STORAGE, he decided to leave for outer space to continue Z's mission as an Ultraman, though he assured the rest of STORAGE that he would return to Earth on regular occasions.

Production[edit]

The entire project was conceived by Tsuburaya Productions with a different draft and story composition. Chief producer Tsugumi Kitaura offered Taguchi the role of the main director in August 2019 and the latter requested the inclusion of Kota Fukihara, as well as the pair to rewrite the original draft to their own preference. Production of the series started two months earlier than most of the New Generation Heroes series so as to anticipate the 2020 Summer Olympics prior to its initial postponement from the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. He also invited a screenwriter named Keigo Koyanagi and military supervisor Yasuhiro Koshi to provide an in-depth accuracy to the themes of military. Because Taguchi had participated in most of the New Generation Heroes instalments since Ultraman Ginga S, he decided to turn Ultraman Z as his own version of the line's conclusion.[a] Jugglus Juggler's inclusion into the series was to expand his character after his last appearance in Ultraman Orb.[11]

In previous entries of the Ultra Series, the defense team concept was dropped out so as to save the production cost, but Taguchi proposed the inclusion of giant robots as alternatives to combat vehicles. The first to be created was King Joe STORAGE Custom, but Sevenger was introduced earlier in the series to garner attention from fans for its cuter appeal. The late inclusion of King Joe was to emphasize STORAGE's growth as an attack team and to prevent it from overshadowing Ultraman Z in the early episodes.[11]

The show's name was trademarked in China on December 27, 2019, and later in Japan on January 21, 2020, around 3 month before its announcement.[12][unreliable source?] Ultraman Z was immediately announced by official website of Tsuburaya Productions on March 26, 2020.[4][5][6][7] As the first trailer of the series was released on April 16, 2020, the official website of Tsuburaya Productions quickly announced Kiyotaka Taguchi as its main director, Tatsuomi Hamada's return as the show's supporting cast and finally Masaaki Endoh and Nami Tamaki singing the opening and ending themes respectively.[13] The entire cast members of STORAGE and GAFJ members made their live broadcast on June 5, 2020.[1][2] Automobile manufacturing company Toyota announced their cooperation in the series production by providing Toyota LQ as STORAGE's main transport.[14]

After his passing on May 17, Kōta Fukihara's role as the story editor was subsequently taken over by Taguchi, with Tsuburaya Productions and the production staffs of Ultraman Z publishing their tribute in the official sites.[1][2] According to Kohshu Hirano, filming of Ultraman Z was among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and went postponed for two months before it was resumed. This happened at some point before the series premiere on June 20.[15]

Episodes[edit]

Main article: List of Ultraman Z episodes
No. Title Writer Original air date English air date
1"Chant My Name!"
Transliteration: "Goshōwa Kudasai Ware no Na o!" (Japanese: ご唱和ください 我の名を!)		Kōta FukiharaJune 20, 2020 (2020-06-20)April 8, 2023
2"A Warrior's Principles"
Transliteration: "Senshi no Kokoroe" (Japanese: 戦士の心得)		Kōta FukiharaJune 27, 2020 (2020-06-27)April 9, 2023
3"Live Coverage! The Monster Transport Operation"
Transliteration: "Nama Chūkei! Kaijū Yusō Dai Sakusen" (Japanese: 生中継!怪獣輸送大作戦)		Kōta FukiharaJuly 4, 2020 (2020-07-04)April 15, 2023
4"The Second Robot Activation Plan"
Transliteration: "Nigō Robo Kidō Keikaku" (Japanese: 二号ロボ起動計画)		Satoshi SuzukiJuly 11, 2020 (2020-07-11)April 16, 2023
5"First Juggling"
Transliteration: "Fāsuto Jaguringu" (Japanese: ファースト・ジャグリング)		Takao NakanoJuly 18, 2020 (2020-07-18)April 22, 2023
6"The Man Returns!"
Transliteration: "Kaettekita Otoko!" (Japanese: 帰ってきた男!)		Sotaro HayashiJuly 25, 2020 (2020-07-25)April 23, 2023
7"His Majesty's Medal"
Transliteration: "Heika no Medaru" (Japanese: 陛下のメダル)		Sotaro HayashiAugust 1, 2020 (2020-08-01)April 29, 2023
8"The Mystic Power"
Transliteration: "Shinpi no Chikara" (Japanese: 神秘の力)		Yūji KobayashiAugust 8, 2020 (2020-08-08)April 30, 2023
9"The Unidentified Object Convoy Order"
Transliteration: "Mikakunin Busshitsu Gosō Shirei" (Japanese: 未確認物質護送指令)		Satoshi SuzukiAugust 15, 2020 (2020-08-15)May 6, 2023
10"Here Comes the Space Pirate!"
Transliteration: "Uchū Kaizoku Tōjō!" (Japanese: 宇宙海賊登場!)		Takao NakanoAugust 22, 2020 (2020-08-22)May 7, 2023
SP"Special Airborne Armor Secret File"
Transliteration: "Tokkūki Shīkuretto Fairu" (Japanese: 特空機シークレットファイル)		Ryo IkedaAugust 29, 2020 (2020-08-29)N/A
11"What Must Be Defended"
Transliteration: "Mamoru beki Mono" (Japanese: 守るべきもの)		Kōta FukiharaSeptember 5, 2020 (2020-09-05)[16]May 13, 2023
12"The Cry of Life"
Transliteration: "Sakebu Inochi" (Japanese: 叫ぶ命)		Toshizo NemotoSeptember 12, 2020 (2020-09-12)May 14, 2023
13"I'll Feast on Medals!"
Transliteration: "Medaru Itadakimasu!" (Japanese: メダルいただきます!)		Ryo IkedaSeptember 19, 2020 (2020-09-19)May 20, 2023
14"Four-Dimensional Capriccio"
Transliteration: "Yojigen Kyōsōkyoku" (Japanese: 四次元狂騒曲)		Kōta FukiharaSeptember 26, 2020 (2020-09-26)May 21, 2023
15"A Warrior's Duty"
Transliteration: "Senshi no Shimei" (Japanese: 戦士の使命)		Kōta FukiharaOctober 3, 2020 (2020-10-03)May 27, 2023
16"The Lion's Cry"
Transliteration: "Shishi no Koe" (Japanese: 獅子の声)		Yūji KobayashiOctober 10, 2020 (2020-10-10)May 28, 2023
17"Beliarok"
Transliteration: "Beriaroku" (Japanese: ベリアロク)		Takao NakanoOctober 17, 2020 (2020-10-17)June 3, 2023
18"Rechallenge from the Year 2020"
Transliteration: "Nisen-nijū-nen no Sai Chōsen" (Japanese: 2020年の再挑戦)		Jun TsugitaOctober 24, 2020 (2020-10-24)June 4, 2023
19"The Last Hero"
Transliteration: "Saigo no Yūsha" (Japanese: 最後の勇者)		Toshizo NemotoOctober 31, 2020 (2020-10-31)June 10, 2023
SP"Bonds of Masters and Disciples"
Transliteration: "Tsunagu Shitei" (Japanese: つなぐ師弟)		Ryo IkedaNovember 7, 2020 (2020-11-07)N/A
20"To Care and What Lies Beyond"
Transliteration: "Omoi, Sono Saki ni" (Japanese: 想い、その先に)		Yūji KobayashiNovember 14, 2020 (2020-11-14)June 11, 2023
21"D4"
Satoshi SuzukiNovember 21, 2020 (2020-11-21)June 17, 2023
22"Individual Tomorrows"
Transliteration: "Sorezore no Asu" (Japanese: それぞれの明日)		Sotaro HayashiNovember 28, 2020 (2020-11-28)June 18, 2023
23"Prelude to a Nightmare"
Transliteration: "Akumu e no Pureryūdo" (Japanese: 悪夢へのプレリュード)		Kōta FukiharaDecember 5, 2020 (2020-12-05)June 24, 2023
24"The Game to Extinction"
Transliteration: "Metsubō e no Yūgi" (Japanese: 滅亡への遊戯)		Kōta FukiharaDecember 12, 2020 (2020-12-12)June 25, 2023
25"Warriors Shining Beyond"
Transliteration: "Haruka ni Kagayaku Senshi-tachi" (Japanese: 遥かに輝く戦士たち)		Kōta FukiharaDecember 19, 2020 (2020-12-19)July 1, 2023
SP"Re:STORAGE"
Transliteration: "Ri Sutoreiji" (Japanese: リ:ストレイジ)		N/ADecember 26, 2020 (2020-12-26)N/A


Ultraman Z & Ultraman Zero Voice Drama[edit]

Ultraman Z & Ultraman Zero Voice Drama (ウルトラマンゼット&ウルトラマンゼロ ボイスドラマ, Urutoraman Zetto Ando Urutoraman Zero Boisu Dorama) is a series of 24-episode audio dramas streamed on Tsuburaya Productions' YouTube channel. The series focuses on Ultraman Z's encounter with Ultraman Zero back in the Land of Light.[17]

  1. The Story of the Encounter Between Z and Zero (ゼットとゼロの出会いの話, Zetto to Zero no Deai no Hanashi)
  2. If You Face a Transparent Monster (透明怪獣に出会ったら, Tōmei Kaijū ni Deatta ra)
  3. Master's Friend (師匠の友達, Shishō no Tomodachi)
  4. The Trusty Capsule Monsters (頼もしいカプセル怪獣, Tanomoshii Kapuseru Kaijū)
  5. Ultraman and Ancient History (ウルトラマンと太古の歴史, Urutoraman to Taiko no Rekishi)
  6. Ultra Z Riser (ウルトラゼットライザー, Urutora Zetto Raizā)
  7. Turn Back Time (時間よ戻れ, Jikan yo Modore)
  8. Other Space-Time Ultramen (別の時空のウルトラマン, Betsu no Jikū no Ultraman)
  9. The Younger Brother of Steel (鋼鉄の弟さん, Kōtetsu no Otōto-san)
  10. Alien Barossa (バロッサ星人, Barossa Seijin)
  11. About Master Zero's Father (ゼロ師匠のお父さんのこと, Zero-shishō no Otōsan no Koto)
  12. Robots Are Reliable! (頼もしいぜ、ロボット!, Tanomoshii ze, Robotto!)
  13. Ultra Medals (ウルトラメダル, Urutora Medaru)
  14. Spark Dolls Theater Z (スパークドールズ劇場Z, Supāku Dōruzu Gekijō Zetto)
  15. Strongest Form! (最強の姿!, Saikyō no Sugata!)
  16. The Story of Not Knowing What Is Useful (何が役に立つかはわからないという話, Nani ga Yaku ni Tatsu ka wa Wakaranai to Iu Hanashi)
  17. Black Ultramen (黒いウルトラマン, Kuroi Urutoraman)
  18. Train Your Head! (頭を鍛えろ!, Atama o Kitaero!)
  19. Brothers (兄さん, Niisan)
  20. Galaxy Rescue Force (ギャラクシーレスキューフォース, Gyarakushī Resukyū Fōsu)
  21. Brother Mebius (メビウス兄さん, Mebiusu Niisan)
  22. Recruitment Examinations: Part 1 (採用試験①, Saiyō Shiken Ichi)
  23. Recruitment Examinations: Part 2 (採用試験②, Saiyō Shiken Ni)
  24. Starting from Here (ここから始まる, Koko kara Hajimaru)

Other media[edit]

Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy[edit]

Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy (ウルトラギャラクシーファイト 大いなる陰謀, Urutora Gyarakushī Faito Ōinaru Inbō) is the second of the Ultra Galaxy Fight miniseries to be made and set to air on YouTube on November 22, 2020. In addition to being a prequel series, the title character of Ultraman Z made his appearance as one of the characters involved.[18][19][20]

Fight! Sevenger[edit]

Fight! Sevenger (戦え！セブンガー, Tatakae! Sebungā) is a manga spin-off that was serialized in the Televi-Kun magazine from the April 2021 issue to the April 2022 issue. It is written by Kiyotaka Taguchi and illustrated by Tetsuya Kawaishi, the latter having served as a storyboard artist in episodes 12 and 14 of Ultraman Z. It serves as a prequel to the television series, taking place prior to the arrival of Ultraman Z on Earth.[21] The events of the special episode take place during Sevenger's decommit in the television series.[22]

  1. N/A
  2. Suruga Bay Close Call! The Deeplus Defeat Operation! (駿河湾危機一髪！ディプラス掃討作戦！, Suruga-wan Kikiippatsu! Dipurasu Sōtō Sakusen!)
  3. The Rough Mountain God! Jirangon's Fury! (荒ぶる山神！ジランゴンの猛威！, Araburu Yamagami! Jirangon no Mōi!)
  4. Nightmare Overseas Dispatch! Giant Insect Majaba! (悪夢の海外派遣！巨大昆虫マジャバ！, Akumu no Kaigai Haken! Kyodai Konchū Majaba!)
  5. The Dreadful Red Cloud! Red Smogy's Fury (恐怖の赤い雲！レッドスモーギの猛威, Kyōfu no Akai Kumo! Reddo Sumōgi no Mōi)
  6. The Fast Monster! Stop Idatenran! (俊足の大怪獣！イダテンランを止めろ！, Shunsoku no Dai Kaijū Idatenran o Tomero!)
  7. The Astonishing Exploding Flame Monster! Vortech Fire's Rampage! (驚異の爆烈炎怪獣！ボルテックファイヤー大暴れ！, Kyōi no Bakuretsu Honō Kaijū! Borutekku Faiyā Ō Abare!)
  8. Show It! STORAGE's Underlying Strength! Defeat Vortech Fire (見せろ！ストレイジの底力！ボルテックファイヤーを倒せ, Misero! Sutoreiji no Sokojikara! Borutekku Faiyā o Taose)
  9. Crash! The Thick-Skulled Rock Monster Gakuma! (大激突！石頭の岩石怪獣ガクマ！, Dai Gekitotsu! Ishiatama no Ganseki Kaijū Gakuma!)
  10. The Two-Sided Demon! Ashuran's Attack! (二面の悪魔！アシュラン大襲撃！, Nimen no Akuma! Ashuran Dai Shūgeki!)
  11. Raging Counterattack! Double Sevengers vs. Ashuran! (怒涛の大反撃！W(ダブル)セブンガー対アシュラン！, Dotō no Dai Hangeki! Daburu Sebungā Tai Ashuran!)
SP1. Defeat Samekujira! The Secret Story of the Completion of the Drill Attack (サメクジラを倒せ！ドリルアタック完成秘話, Samekujira o Taose! Doriru Atakku Kansei Hiwa)[22]
SP2. Namegon Attack! The First Deployment of the Unbroken Iron Body Sevenger! (ナメゴン襲来！沈まぬ鉄塊・セブンガー初出動！, Namegon Shūrai! Shizumanu Tekkai Sebungā Hatsu Shutsudō!)[23]

Sevenger Fight[edit]

Sevenger Fight (セブンガーファイト, Sebungā Faito) is a 10-episode miniseries based on the low-budget miniseries Ultra Fight, released as a pay-per-view content. The first to seventh episodes are available in Tsuburaya Imagination website while the remaining three episodes would be available in the Ultraman Z Perfect Super Complete Works STORAGE Box (ウルトラマンZ完全超全集ストレイジBOX, Urutoraman Zetto Kanzen Chōzenshū Sutoreiji Bokkusu) in July 2021. All mini episodes are directed and written by Kiyotaka Taguchi and Junichiro Ashiki respectively, while Kohshu Hirano, Rima Matsuda, Hikari Kuroki and Takaya Aoyagi provided the background voices.[24]

Life's Decision Height: The Story of STORAGE's Foundation[edit]

Life's Decision Height: The Story of STORAGE's Foundation (擲命のデシジョン・ハイト ―ストレイジ創設物語―, Tekimei no Deshijon Haito Sutoreiji Sōsetsu Monogatari) is a two-part novel spin-off released on Tsuburaya Imagination. It is written and supervised by Keigo Koyanagi and Kiyotaka Taguchi respectively, and serves as a prequel to the television series from GAFJ's perspective.[25]

Ja no Michi wa Hebi[edit]

Ja no Michi wa Hebi (ジャの道は蛇) is a short novel spin-off included in the Ultraman Z Perfect Super Complete Works book. It is written by Takao Nakano and supervised by Kiyotaka Taguchi and Tsuburaya Productions, and serves as a prequel to the television series from Jugglus Juggler's perspective.[26]

Cast[edit]

  • Haruki Natsukawa (ナツカワ ハルキ, Natsukawa Haruki): Kohshu Hirano (平野 宏周, Hirano Kōshū)[4][5][6][7][27]
  • Yoko Nakashima (ナカシマ ヨウコ, Nakashima Yōko): Rima Matsuda (松田 リマ, Matsuda Rima)[28]
  • Yuka Ohta (オオタ ユカ, Ōta Yuka): Hikari Kuroki (黒木 ひかり, Kuroki Hikari)[29]
  • Shota Hebikura (ヘビクラ ショウタ, Hebikura Shōta)/Jugglus Juggler (ジャグラスジャグラー, Jagurasu Jagurā): Takaya Aoyagi (青柳 尊哉, Aoyagi Takaya)[30]
  • Kojiro Inaba (イナバ コジロー, Inaba Kojirō): Jun Hashizume (橋爪 淳, Hashizume Jun)[31]
  • Shinya Kaburagi (カブラギ シンヤ, Kaburagi Shin'ya): Rihito Noda (野田 理人, Noda Rihito)[32]
  • Satoshi (サトシ): Reo Sato (佐藤 玲央, Satō Reo)
  • Seiji (セイジ): Fuma Kakuda (角田 楓馬, Kakuda Fūma)[33]
  • Hiroshi (ヒロシ): Daichi Takaoka (高岡 大地, Takaoka Daichi)[34][35]
  • Mai Yuki (ユウキ マイ, Yūki Mai): Maya Hayashi (林 摩耶, Hayashi Maya)[36]
  • Director Kuriyama (クリヤマ長官, Kuriyama-chōkan): Hisahiro Ogura (小倉 久寛, Ogura Hisahiro)[37]
  • Riku Asakura (朝倉 リク, Asakura Riku)/Ultraman Geed (ウルトラマンジード, Urutoraman Jīdo, Voice): Tatsuomi Hamada (濱田 龍臣, Hamada Tatsuomi)[13]
  • Ultraman Z (ウルトラマンゼット, Urutoraman Zetto, Voice): Tasuku Hatanaka (畠中 祐, Hanata Tasuku)[13]
  • Ultraman Zero (ウルトラマンゼロ, Urutoraman Zero, Voice): Mamoru Miyano (宮野 真守, Miyano Mamoru)[4][5][6][7]
  • STORAGE AI voice: Katsumi Fukuhara (福原 かつみ, Fukuhara Katsumi)[1][2]
  • Beliarok (ベリアロク, Beriaroku, Voice): Yūki Ono (小野 友樹, Ono Yūki)[38]
  • Ultra Z Riser announcement: Patrick Yu (パトリック・ユウ, Patorikku Yū)[39]

Guest cast[edit]

  • Alien Pegassa "Pega" (ペガッサ星人 ペガ, Pegassa Seijin Pega, Voice): Megumi Han (潘 めぐみ, Han Megumi, 6-7)
  • Alien Pitt "Fa" (ピット星人 ファ, Pitto Seijin Fa, 8): Kanon Miyahara (宮原 華音, Miyahara Kanon)[40][41]
  • Ultraman Ace (ウルトラマンエース, Urutoraman Ēsu, 19): Keiji Takamine (高峰 圭二, Takamine Keiji)[42]

English Dubbing Cast[edit]

Voice cast:[43]

Theme songs[edit]

Opening theme
  • "Goshōwa Kudasai Ware no Na o!" (ご唱和ください 我の名を！, "I Ask That You Chant My Name!")[13]
    • Arrangement: Kyoichi Miyazaki (宮崎 京一, Miyazaki Kyōichi) (KEYTONE), Ryota Iida (飯田 涼太, Iida Ryōta) (KEYTONE)[13]
    • Lyrics, Composition, & Artist: Masaaki Endoh (遠藤 正明, Endō Masaaki)[13]
    • Episodes: 1-13 (Verse 1); 14–24, SP3 (Verse 2)
    In episode 25, this song is used as an insert song.
Ending themes
  • "Connect the Truth"[13]
    • Lyrics, Composition, & Arrangement: Takumi Ozawa (尾澤 拓実, Ozawa Takumi)[13]
    • Artist: Nami Tamaki (玉置 成実, Tamaki Nami)[13]
    • Episodes: 1-13
    In episode 15, this song is used as an insert song.
  • "Promise for the future"[49]
    • Lyrics: Mike Sugiyama (マイク スギヤマ, Maiku Sugiyama)
    • Composition: Toru Watanabe (渡辺 徹, Watanabe Tōru)
    • Arrangement: ats-, Takehito Shimizu (清水 武仁, Shimizu Takehito) & Toru Watanabe (Blue Bird's Nest)
    • Artist: Tasuku Hatanaka
    • Episodes: 14-24
    In episode 25, this song is used as an insert song.

International broadcast[edit]

In Hong Kong, this series aired on ViuTV on May 15, 2021. In Philippines, this series aired on GMA on July 24, 2022.

Reception[edit]

Ultraman Z was ranked sixth place on 2020's "100 Internet Buzzwords" in Japan, held by Nico Nico Pedia and Pixiv Encyclopedia. The physical award was given to director Kiyotaka Taguchi during the award ceremony on December 15, 2020. Shota Hebikura, the alias of Jugglus Juggler in the series was also one of many entries in said award, having ranked 45th place. Taguchi admitted that Ultraman Z being an action-packed series was to originally anticipate the Olympics.[50] On July 21, 2021, Ultraman Z was labelled as the winner of the Best Dramatic Presentation category from the Seiun Award, making the series as the second entry in Ultra Series to obtain the award after Ultraman Tiga in 1998.[51][52]

In addition to television airing, episodes of Ultraman Z were rebroadcast on YouTube for worldwide audience to watch, at Taguchi's suggestion, which also included English subtitles. According to Taguchi's interview in August 2020, the first episode met with good reception from various audience in the worldwide, especially the United States.[11]

Anime mecha designer and former Bandai employee Tsuyoshi Nonaka wrote his commentary in the fortieth Ultra Tokusatsu Perfect Mook, pertaining to Ultraman Z, he applauded Taguchi for the use of robots for defense team, an idea that the former actually brought to Bandai in the 1990s, but was rejected out of fear that the Ultraman would be overshadowed. Nonaka compares Beliarok, the sentient sword that is used by the eponymous Ultraman Z, to the Byakkoshinken from Gosei Sentai Dairanger, but he felt that the sword's introduction into the show is abrupt and sees the interaction of an Ultraman Belial-based character with Ultraman Z and Haruki is unfit. This is because due to Ultraman Belial's interaction with other Ultras would have been Zero and Geed, therefore suggesting that Juggler would be a better candidate due to his frequent run-in with the main characters of the series, as well as sharing a neutrality stance in any conflict being similar to Beliarok as well.[53]

See also[edit]

  • Ultra Series - Complete list of official Ultraman-related shows.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Director Masayoshi Takesue confirms that the brand still continues at the time of Ultraman Decker's premier, the latter being the 10th instalment as a whole.[10]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "『ウルトラマンＺ』の全メインキャストが集結！オンライン発表会を6/5(金)17時より開催決定！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2 June 2020. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "The full cast of Ultraman Z is coming together in an online event held at 5:00 PM on June 5th (Fri)! Reruns will be available for anyone who misses the show!". Tsuburaya Productions. 2 June 2020. Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  3. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』Blu-ray BOX I 製作秘話満載の解説書、映像特典を封入 2021年1月27日(水)発売決定" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 10 September 2020. Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e "ウルトラマンゼロの弟子、若き熱血スーパーヒーロー！新TVシリーズ『ウルトラマンＺ(ゼット)』テレビ東京系 2020年6月20日(土)あさ9時放送スタート！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e "The new TV series "Ultraman Z (Zett)" will air on TV, starting June 20th, 2020!". Tsuburaya Productions. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e "新ウルトラマンはゼロの弟子！「ウルトラマンZ」6.20スタート！" (in Japanese). Cinema Today. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e "新ヒーローはウルトラマンゼロの弟子！ 新TVシリーズ「ウルトラマンZ」6月より放送開始" (in Japanese). Game Watch. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  8. ^ a b "新TVシリーズ『ウルトラマンＺ』、ウルトラマンシリーズ史上初のオンライン発表会実施！ 6月20日(土)より放送開始！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-06-06. Archived from the original on 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
  9. ^ "新TVシリーズ『ウルトラマンＺ(ゼット)』6月20日(土)より放送開始！ (4/4)" (in Japanese). Excite. 8 June 2020. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  10. ^ "『ウルトラマンデッカー』武居監督がこだわる「ウルトラマンらしいとはどういうことか」 (2/2)" (in Japanese). MyNavi. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  11. ^ a b c "宇宙船" [Spacecraft]. Uchusen (in Japanese). 169 (Summer 2020 (夏)). Tokyo: Hobby Japan (ホビージャパン): 70–71. 2020-08-03. ISBN 978-4-7986-2243-9.
  12. ^ "New Ultraman Trademark Revealed- "Ultraman Z!"". Tokunation. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i "主題歌 遠藤正明・ED曲 玉置成実・CV 畠中祐・濱田龍臣ゲスト出演！新TVシリーズ『ウルトラマンＺ』ウルトラマンゼット、ウルトラマンジードの新たな姿も披露！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 16 April 2020. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  14. ^ "トヨタのコンセプトカー「LQ」が新ウルトラマンシリーズ「ウルトラマンZ」に登場" (in Japanese). Car Watch. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  15. ^ "ウルトラマン抜てき平野宏周「諦めないヒーローに」" (in Japanese). Nikkan Sports. 2020-06-28. Archived from the original on 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  16. ^ "「ウルトラマンＺ」のノスタルジックな楽しみ" (in Japanese). Sponichi Annex. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  17. ^ "ウルトラマンゼットとゼロの出会いを描くスピンオフボイスドラマを毎週土曜9:30に配信！『ウルトラマンＺ』をさらに楽しめる関連名作配信も毎週月曜日18:00に実施決定！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 19 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  18. ^ "YouTubeウルトラマン公式チャンネル登録者100万人突破記念作品 『ウルトラギャラクシーファイト 大いなる陰謀』 2020年冬に全世界同時配信 決定" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-08-20. Archived from the original on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  19. ^ "New series Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Absolute Conspiracy will be released this winter worldwide, in celebration to our official YouTube channel reaching 1 million subscribers!". Tsuburaya Productions. 2020-08-20. Archived from the original on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  20. ^ "ULTRA GALAXY FIGHT: THE ABSOLUTE CONSPIRACY ANNOUNCEMENT". Ultraman Galaxy. 2020-08-20. Archived from the original on 2020-08-20. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
  21. ^ "マンガ「戦え！セブンガー」が「てれびくん」4月号(3月1日発売)から連載スタート！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 23 February 2021. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  22. ^ a b ウルトラマントリガーファンブック [Ultraman Trigger Fan Book] (in Japanese). Shogakukan. 30 August 2021.
  23. ^ 戦え！セブンガー [Fight! Sevenger] (in Japanese). Shogakukan. 8 July 2022. ISBN 9784099431051.
  24. ^ "新・特撮短篇シリーズ『セブンガーファイト』、ウルトラサブスク「TSUBURAYA IMAGINATION」で配信開始！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  25. ^ @TaguchiKiyotaka (March 17, 2021). "𝗧𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔 𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡にて配信開始の小説『擲命のデシジョン・ハイト ―ストレイジ創設物語― 前編』こちらも原案・監修しました！著者は『ウルトラマンZ』では軍事考証だった脚本家・小柳啓伍さん！こちらもかなり熱い前日譚となっておりますよ！もちろんヘビクラショウタが何故" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "「ウルトラマンＺ完全超全集」7/1(木)発売！セブンガー限定ソフビや『セブンガーファイト』DVD等を収録した豪華特装版BOXは「レガシーてれびくんさん」で予約受付中!!" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  27. ^ "平野宏周「ウルトラマンＺ（ゼット）」主演…テレ東系６月２０日スタート" (in Japanese). 楽天WOMAN. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  28. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』 ヒロインを演じるのは松田リマさん！対怪獣ロボット部隊「ストレイジ」のエースパイロット・ナカシマ ヨウコ役" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-04-28. Archived from the original on 2020-04-28. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  29. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』 対怪獣ロボット部隊「ストレイジ」隊員オオタ ユカを演じるのは黒木ひかりさん！怪獣に強い興味を持つ科学担当" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-05-12. Archived from the original on 2020-05-17. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  30. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』メインキャスト毎週発表スタート！対怪獣ロボット部隊「ストレイジ」隊長役を青柳尊哉さんが熱演！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-04-21. Archived from the original on 2020-04-22. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  31. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』 対怪獣ロボット部隊「ストレイジ」整備班リーダー・イナバ コジローを演じるのは橋爪淳さん！セブンガーをはじめとするロボットの整備を担当！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 5 May 2020. Archived from the original on 5 May 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  32. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』寄生生物セレブロの宿主・カブラギ シンヤを演じるのは野田理人さん！ウルトラゼットライザーと怪獣メダルを使って暗躍！？" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 19 May 2020. Archived from the original on 10 June 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  33. ^ @Fuma_Kakuda (June 8, 2020). "皆さん初めまして、かくだふうまです。この度｢ウルトラマンZ｣に整備班のシオセ セイジとして出演しています！！小さい頃から知っているウルトラマンにこうして出演できるなんてとても光栄です 是非ご覧下さい！！！ #ウルトラマン #ウルトラマンZ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  34. ^ @daaaaaaing (June 8, 2020). "情報解禁 この度「ウルトラマンZ」に ストレイジ整備班イリヅキヒロシ役として出演させて頂きます！ 大変な時期ではございますが、心温まるストーリーをお届けします(*´-') #ウルトラマン #ウルトラマンZ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. ^ @daaaaaaing (June 27, 2020). "あっという間の30分だ。。我ら整備班これからも「ウルトラマンZ」を盛り上げて参ります！わくわく…(*´-') #ウルトラマンZ #整備班" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ^ @maya_hayashi (November 16, 2020). "ただ今放送中の「ウルトラマンZ」今週末放送の21話〜最終回の25話まで、地球防衛軍のユウキマイ役で出演してます 21話ウルトラマンZ「D4」 11月21日（土）あさ9:00〜 是非、見てください" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』対怪獣ロボット部隊 ストレイジの創設者・クリヤマ長官を演じるのは小倉久寛さん！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 2020-05-26. Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  38. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』に新登場・ウルトラマンベリアルの因子を受け継ぐ魔剣「ベリアロク」の声を小野友樹さんが担当！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 19 September 2020. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  39. ^ @810pat (June 18, 2020). "プロ野球開幕前日に1つ宣伝させてください! この度新ウルトラマンシリーズ・ウルトラマンZの変身アイテムDXゼットライザーの声をやらせて頂きました！6/20発売&テレ東系列でも放送されると思います よかったら聞いてくださいね(^^)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  40. ^ "フィギュア王No.270". Figure-Oh. 270. World Photo Press: 59. 2020-07-29. ISBN 978-4846532284.
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  43. ^ a b "English Dubbed Ultraman Z will be Released on April 8th! | Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd". Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd - ULTRAMAN Series. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  44. ^ @childishgamzeno (April 2, 2023). "THANK YOU GOD!!! CHESTOOOOOOOOO!!!! I'm so honored to be the English dub voice for Haruki Natsukawa is Ultraman Z!!! Kohshu Hirano is such a joy to watch in this show and his energy is infectious ! Thank you so much @KochaSound @okratron5000 @SirRawly for this opportunity!!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-04-03 – via Twitter.
  45. ^ @MattShipmanVO (April 2, 2023). "I ask that you chant my name! Ultraman Z! I'm SO excited to be playing the titular Ultraman Z (pronounced Zett!). My childhood dream of being a toku hero has come true. Thank you so much @SirRawly @tsuburayaprod @TsuburayaGlobal @okratron5000 for this incredible opportunity!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-04-03 – via Twitter.
  46. ^ @mall0rie (April 2, 2023). "🤖 All systems ready to LAUNCH! 🤖 I am so excited to be the English voice of YOKO in the #UltramanZ series! SO grateful to @TsuburayaGlobal, @okratron5000, & @SirRawly. Can't WAIT for you to meet this cast! @childishgamzeno @MattShipmanVO @macyyyanne https://tsuburaya-prod.com/news/5963" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-04-03 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ @RicepirateMick (April 3, 2023). "Can't express how fun it's been voicing Jugglus Juggler. The whole production, cast, and dubbing crew are so on point with that old school Saturday morning vibe. Huge thanks to @SirRawly @tsuburayaprod @TsuburayaGlobal @okratron5000 Can't wait for folks to check it out on 4/8!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-04-03 – via Twitter.
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  49. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』後期エンディングテーマが畠中 祐「Promise for the future」に決定！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 4 September 2020. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  50. ^ "『ウルトラマンＺ』が「ネット流行語 100 2020」で6位を獲得！みなさんの応援にウルトラ感謝の気持ちでいっぱいでございます！" (in Japanese). m-78.jp. 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  51. ^ "2021年 第52回星雲賞" (in Japanese). Seiun Award. 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  52. ^ Loo, Egan (July 21, 2021). "Hozuki's Coolheadedness, Haruna Ikezawa, Ultraman Z Win at 52nd Seiun Sci-Fi Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  53. ^ ウルトラ特撮 PERFECT MOOK vol.40 ウルトラマンZ. 講談社シリーズMOOK（ウルトラ特撮 PERFECT MOOK）. Kodansha. 2022-02-24. p. 34. ISBN 978-4-06-521067-3.

External links[edit]

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