It begins with "Takeda takeda takeda, Takeda takeda, Takeda, Takeda, Takeda, Ta-ke-da~," followed by two swirls, the letters "Ultra Q," and then the title "Ultraman Fantasy Special Effects Series." Then the intro begins, followed by "The mark I wear on my chest is a shooting star," and the opening of Ultraman evokes nostalgia, and even now, many generations feel transported back to childhood when they watch it. Starting in 1966, many Ultraman series have been produced, right up to the latest, Ultraman Blazer. Anyone who has watched Ultraman, regardless of generation, will likely have a memorable song. This time, I'd like to introduce a few carefully selected songs from the many Ultra series. Now that we're returning to pre-COVID life, why not sing your heart out at karaoke for the first time in a while?
What's the theme song for Ultraman Blazer?
At the time of writing, information about the theme song has not been released. Recently, artists and voice actors who sing anime songs often perform theme songs and ending themes. Many voice actors these days are also active as artists, so they often perform theme songs for anime and other media. In rare cases, actors who appear in the show also sing the songs.
The Ultraman Series Remains the Same
Recent anime often features songs that fit the worldview of the series. Since the boundaries between anime songs and pop music began to blur in the 1980s, artists have increasingly sung the songs, and lyrics no longer include titles, protagonist names, or special moves. However, many of the Ultraman series' theme songs still prominently feature the Ultraman name. I think that's a great way to describe it.
"Ultraman X" Speaking of Ultraman songs...
When it comes to Ultraman songs, many people probably think of Voyager. This music unit debuted at "Ultraman Festival 2009" and has since participated in many Ultraman songs. Among them, I'd like to introduce "Ultraman X." In addition to singing the theme song and ending theme, Voyager's two members, TAKERU, voiced XIO operator Takeru Yamagishi, and TAKERU, voiced fellow operator Chiaki Matsudo, in the series. This work has a deep connection with Voyager, and the song is a catchy one that's perfect for karaoke, so please give it a try!
"Ultraman X"
Of course, Voyager sings the main part, but Kensuke Takahashi, who plays the main character, Ozora Daichi, also participates in the song, which is titled "Voyager feat. Ozora Daichi." The theme of the song is "the power of connection," a fitting theme for Ultraman X, and the lyrics were written by Masato Ochi, a producer. It's a perfect fit for the world of Ultraman X, so I hope you'll sing it.
"Unite ~To Connect with You~"
This song is the ending theme sung by Voyager. The protagonist, Daichi Ozora, desires coexistence with monsters, and I think the worldview is somewhat similar to that of Ultraman Cosmos. The lyrics of this song express this worldview, and like the theme song, the parts by Voyager's TAKERU and TAKERU are perfectly balanced.
When you think of "Ultraman Tiga," you think of V6.
It's still fresh in our memory that Ultraman Tiga won first place in the Ultra Hero category of NHK's "All Ultraman Grand Poll" in 2022. This time, we'll be introducing some Ultraman Tiga episodes. Since the lead actor was V6's Hiroshi Nagano, it's notable that V6's music is featured. However, since V6 has disbanded, we can't hear them live. I'd love it if 20th Century would record a new version.
"TAKE ME HIGHRE"
Since there was no precedent for an artist tie-up with a special effects program, this song, sung by V6, who were top idols at the time, became a hot topic. As Ultraman Tiga's popularity grew, the theme song "TAKE ME HIGHER" also gained recognition, and it remains a favorite among special effects fans to this day. This dance music was written by Eurobeat musician Dave Rogers. It's a song that even people outside of special effects fans should listen to. The song features acrobatic dancing, and the story of how Nagano, who played Tiga, broke his arm while doing a backflip while dancing is well-known.
"LIGHT IN YOUR HEART"
This is the theme song for the movie "The Great Battle! Ultraman 8 Brothers," and of course it's sung by V6. While it seems like a lot of people don't listen to intros these days, this song is amazing from the intro to the beginning of the song. The melody that follows also perfectly matches the image of the film, and I think anyone who's seen the movie will find themselves listening to this song while watching the end credits. The movie is a must-see for Ultraman fans, so if you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check it out.
"Awaken, Ultraman Tiga"
This song was used as the theme song for the international version. Voyager sang it with Japanese lyrics. Unfortunately, I don't think it was available on karaoke before COVID-19. I don't know if it's currently available, but if it is, I highly recommend singing along. It has a fast-paced feel that's characteristic of Tiga, so I highly recommend it.
"Ultraman Leo" From the Showa Era Ultraman...
After much deliberation, I'd like to introduce Ultraman Leo from the Showa Era Ultra Series. I was torn between this and Ultraman Taro, whose name begins with "Taro, Ultraman, Number 6," but ultimately decided on personal preference. The original Ultraman had a fairly slow tempo, but by Ultraman Leo, it was a bit faster—a sign of the changing times.
"Ultraman Leo"
Ultraman Leo is a little different from the previous Ultra series, as it depicts the protagonist, Gen Ootori, struggling and growing through his cruel fate. It truly lives up to its catchphrase, "A vivid celebration of the harshness and sadness of life," making it a vividly memorable work. This theme song, sung by Ryu Manatsu, who plays the protagonist, Gen Ootori, perfectly matches the image of Ultraman Leo, making it a truly memorable song. I chose this song because I really wanted everyone to sing along.
"Ultraman Powered" - Is this an Ultraman song?
Powered is an Ultraman series produced in the United States in response to the popularity of Ultraman G on American cable television. It was also broadcast in Japan, and I'd like to introduce the ending theme of the Japanese version. The TV series didn't air from Ultraman 80 in 1980 until Ultraman Tiga in 1996. Powered aired during that gap. Since Ultraman was originally produced in the United States, many people may not be familiar with it, but it's essentially a remake of the original Ultraman.
"STARLIGHT FANTASY"
If you're listening to this song without any prior knowledge, you probably wouldn't guess it's an Ultraman song. It has a '80s new music, city pop-like feel, and the lyrics don't include any of the usual Ultraman song titles or Ultraman's name. The lyrics were written by Yukinojyo Mori and sung by Hitomi Sudo. The lyrics include phrases like "Love is magic" and "Eternal love is born," which makes you wonder, "What? An Ultraman song?" It's a song that could easily be used in a trendy drama. If you're unfamiliar with it, give it a listen. You'll definitely want to sing it at karaoke.
"Ultraman Nexus" is a hard-hitting and passionate song!
Ultraman Nexus was produced as part of the "ULTRA N PROJECT," a project that redefined the concept of Ultraman. Its serious and hard-hitting storyline led to criticism that it was difficult for children to accept. However, alongside its innovative setting and hard-hitting content, it also conveys a message of people fighting with faith in their bonds. Many Ultraman fans appreciate the final scene, which ties up loose ends and introduces Ultraman Noah.
"Eiyuu" and "Aoi Kajitsu"
The opening theme perfectly matches the style of Ultraman Nexus, and is sung by the rock band doa. Like "STARLIGHT FANTASY," which we introduced in the Powered section, doa's songs "Eiyuu" and "Aoi Kajitsu" contain no Ultraman name or other designation, so those unfamiliar with the songs probably wouldn't recognize them as Ultraman songs. We've included these two songs together because both have encouraging, passionate lyrics and uplifting lyrics, making them popular as some of the most passionate hero songs in the Ultra Series. If you're looking to get especially pumped, be sure to sing "Eiyuu" at karaoke!
"Ultraman Ginga" - The New Generation Begins Here
Ultraman Ginga was originally broadcast as 11 episodes within the "New Ultraman Retsuden" time slot. A 16-episode second series, Ultraman Ginga S, was then aired, set two years after the previous series. This time, we'll introduce the two theme songs for Ultraman Ginga and Ultraman Ginga S.
"Legend of Galaxy ~Conqueror of the Galaxy"
This is the theme song for Ultraman Ginga. Takamizawa Toshihiko, also known as Takamiy, is an avowed Ultraman fan, and is responsible for the lyrics, composition, and arrangement. Takamiy also sings with Miyano Mamoru, the voice of Ultraman Zero, as "takamiy with Miyano Mamoru." From the intro, Takamiy's guitar is incredibly captivating, and Takamiy and Miyano Mamoru's high-pitched voices are just amazing. I think it would be amazing to sing this song at karaoke.
"Poem of a Hero"
"Poem of a Hero" is the theme song for Ultraman Ginga S. This song was also written, composed, and arranged by Toshihiko Takamizawa. It's also sung by THE ALFFE. While the name Ultraman isn't mentioned, there are some Ultraman-esque phrases thrown in here and there. It really makes you think, "Takamiya sure knows what he's doing." The ALFFE style and Ultraman are perfectly combined to create a cool song. "Hero's Song," which was also featured in "Ultraman Ginga S The Movie: Decisive Battle! The Ultra 10 Warriors!!," is thrillingly timed during the showdown between Ginga Victory and Etalgar. This is another song I'd love to see sung!
"Ultraman Orb" - The King of Anime Songs is a Must-Have
It's impossible not to introduce Ichiro Mizuki, the King of Anime Songs. Sadly, he passed away last December. We pray for his soul to rest in peace. As an anime and special effects fan, I'm sad to miss hearing Mizuki's voice live, but I'd like to sing some of his songs, as he has left behind many great songs. And now, I'd like to introduce Ultraman Orb, the first Ultraman TV series to perform the theme song.
"Orb's Prayer"
The lyrics, composition, and arrangement were written by Toshihiko Takamizawa, and the song is sung by Ichiro Mizuki and Voyager. In an interview, Mizuki said, "At that moment, I knew this was a classic and that children would sing it." Takamizawa composed this song to fit Mizuki's key, and it's sung with the classic Voyager melody, a staple of Ultraman music. It's a sing-along tune that truly captures Mizuki's signature style. Be sure to sing along with him at karaoke!
"GO AHEAD"
Although it's not from Ultraman Orb, I'd like to introduce another song by Ichiro Mizuki. It's "GO AHEAD," the theme song for "Ultraman Zero THE CHRONICLE." This song is the theme song for the series "Ultraman Retsuden" and "Shin Ultraman Retsuden," in which Zero plays the lead role, and is sung by "Ichiro Mizuki with Voyager." This song's mix of Mizuki's "Bushi" and "Voyager" is fantastic, so why not give it a go at karaoke?
A Summary of Ultraman Series Songs
From the many Ultraman series songs, I've chosen my favorites to sing at karaoke. This is just a small selection. Ultraman fans surely have their favorite songs. Now that karaoke is back, I hope you enjoy singing your favorites. Thank you for reading to the end.
