Kiyotaka Taguchi is the main director of the latest Ultraman series, "Ultraman Blazer." Taguchi has worked on all of the New Generation Series, and this marks his fourth time as main director. Before "Ultraman Blazer" airs, we'd like to take a look back at the New Generation Series.
"Ultraman Ginga" and "Ultraman Ginga S"
Ultraman Ginga began airing as part of the "New Ultraman Retsuden" program, which followed "Ultraman Retsuden," the first all-day terrestrial television program since Ultraman Mebius. Director Taguchi began working on the sequel, "Ultraman Ginga S," which was created with a story set two years after Ultraman Ginga. Ultraman Ginga S is set in a different world from the previous work, with the introduction of a defense team, and the main character, Hikaru Reido, joining the defense team. Additionally, Ultraman Victory makes a new appearance, adding depth to the story.
What is Ultraman Ginga S?
Ultraman Ginga is an Ultraman from the future, transformed by Hikaru, while Ultraman Victory is transformed by Sho, a "Victorian" subterranean being. Originally, they came from space to end the conflict caused by the ancient people over the "Victorium." Ginga is from the future, while Victory is from the past. At first, Sho was hostile toward the people of Earth, but he developed a strong bond of trust with Hikaru during battle, and they became buddies, fighting together to protect peace on Earth.
The Beginning of a New Generation
With Koichi Sakamoto as the main director and Director Taguchi at the center of the production team, this sequel adopted a new setting. Its filming incorporates miniatures, action scenes, and fast-paced battle scenes, making it a work that is said to have laid the foundation for the "New Generation Heroes" that followed.
"Ultraman X"
Ultraman X was also produced and broadcast within the "New Ultraman Retsuden" program. It was Director Kiyotaka Taguchi's first lead directorial work, and the first Ultra series to incorporate a cyber-inspired feel. This film also portrays the defense team in detail, showcasing their cooperation and collaboration with Ultraman X. Director Taguchi's intent to create a new image of Ultraman based on the traditional Ultra series is evident in this work.
A Brilliant Special Guest
One of the exciting parts of Ultraman X was the appearance of previous Ultramen. Starting with Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Max, Ultraman Nexus, Ultraman Ginga, and Ultraman Victory all made appearances. Ultraman Max also featured Touma Kite, the transforming character, and this was the first time Ultraman Nexus had appeared in another TV series. The scene where XIO's vice-commander, Tachibana Sayuri, transformed into Nexus was also very Director Taguchi-esque, I think.
A work brimming with Director Taguchi's passion
Thus, while featuring a novel setting and direction, this work strives to be a classic Ultraman. The coexistence of "humans and monsters," which is the protagonist Daichi Ozora's goal, is the theme of the work, and the bond between Daichi Ozora and the monsters becomes the key to facing the final enemy. Furthermore, Ultraman X marked the beginning of the diversification of transformation items, which have continued to be used in subsequent works, albeit in different forms.
"Ultraman Orb"
Following Ultraman X, director Kiyotaka Taguchi served as the main director for this film, which is apparently rare for the same director to serve as the main director for two consecutive films. I believe he was selected for the role due to the praise he received for his direction in Ultraman X. However, Ultraman Orb is not a conventional Ultraman production, but rather is created with a new concept. As this is an Ultra series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ultra Series, the theme is "combination." The story follows the Showa and Heisei era Ultramen combining their powers to transform (fuse up) into various forms of Ultraman Orb.
A New Beginning
Director Taguchi stated in an interview that he never expected to be entrusted with the main directorial role again, so he incorporated all of the elements that culminated the 50 years of Ultraman X into Ultraman X. With that in mind, he wanted Ultraman Orb to be a work that marked a new beginning. Apparently, it was decided during the initial planning stages that the defense force would not be emphasized. Instead, a proposal was made to create a series that incorporated fun elements into every episode, and Ultraman Orb was born.
The Appearance of a Long-Beloved Character
In Ultraman Orb, the protagonist is a slightly older character, so auditions were held for a few established actors, and Hideo Ishiguro was selected. Director Taguchi then offered the role of Juggler to Takaya Aoyagi, who possessed a unique aura. Thanks in part to Aoyagi's performance, Juggler became a hugely popular character despite being a villain, and he would appear in subsequent Ultraman series. He became such a popular character that he was cast as the commander of the defense organization "STORAGE" (as Juggler) in Ultraman Z.
"Ultraman Geed"
Ultraman Geed is a hero warrior who fights evil, inheriting the genes of Ultraman Belial, an evil warrior who was originally an Ultra Warrior. The story also involves Ultraman Zero, the son of Ultra Seven. Like Ultraman Orb, Ultraman Geed uses the powers of two previous Ultra Warriors to transform into various forms with various abilities.
The main director is the versatile Koichi Sakamoto
The main director is Koichi Sakamoto, who directed the theatrical release "Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends THE MOVIE," which featured Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial. Ultraman Geed brings the story that began with Ultraman Belial's appearance to a close, bringing his rival Ultraman Zero to the forefront. Director Sakamoto has experience in the special effects departments of the Kamen Rider series, the Super Sentai series, and the Ultraman series, and is a versatile director who works in a variety of capacities, from producer to stuntman and storyboard artist.
Attractive Actors with Ambitions
The protagonist, Riku Asakura, is played by Tatsuomi Hamada. Hamada previously appeared as Nao in the film "Super Decisive Battle! The Belial Galactic Empire." In the film "Ultraman Geed: Connect the Wishes!!," he reunites with Jumbot, the robot he piloted as Nao, for a recognizable interaction. Other characters include Riku's supportive friend Laiha (Chihiro Yamamoto), the salaryman Reito (Yuta Ozawa) who transforms into Zero and fights alongside him, the antagonist Kei Fuyuki (Kunito Watanabe), and Arie Ishikari (Ryoko Kobayashi), who holds the key to Belial's revival. These unique characters add depth to the story.
"Ultraman R/B"
Ultraman R/B is a first in the Ultra series, featuring two brothers who transform into Ultraman Rosso and Ultraman Blu and fight as dual protagonists. It has very little connection to other Ultra series, and is produced with a completely new concept, focusing on the theme of "family."
A work with a different feel
Ultraman R/B is created with a completely different concept from previous works. Since there are two Ultramen from the beginning of the story, to prevent the battle from becoming one-sided, the two main characters learn to fight while understanding Ultraman's powers as they fight. Other notable differences from previous works include the inclusion of many comedic elements in the battle scenes and story. I think it's a unique work, as it depicts two brothers who suddenly gain the power to transform into Ultraman and grow up while pondering "what an Ultraman should be."
"Ultraman Taiga"
"Ultraman Taiga" is the first Ultraman series of the Reiwa era. It features a new plot in which protagonist Hiroyuki Kudo transforms into and battles three characters: Ultraman Taiga, son of Ultraman Taro; Ultraman Titus, from Planet U40; and Ultraman Fuma, from Planet O-50. Ultraman Tregear, who appeared in "Ultraman R/B The Movie: Select! Crystal of Bonds," appears as an enemy throughout the series, and the story progresses as we learn that he was originally an Ultra Warrior and Ultraman Taro's best friend.
Tri-Squat
Taiga, Titas, and Fuma formed a team called Tri-Squat and were active together. The three were wiped out during a battle with Tregear. Taiga then arrived on an alternate Earth where aliens secretly inhabit. There, he merged with and helped Hiroyuki Kudo, who was trying to protect a baby monster from the aliens. Titus and Fuma then arrived on Earth and, together with Taiga, lent their strength to Hiroyuki.
Earth, Inhabited by Humans and Aliens
The story centers around the fate of Tregear and Taiga and Tarou, a father-son duo. It also explores the relationship between humans and aliens who have abandoned their homeworlds to live on Earth. While the theme is coexistence between humans and aliens, it also depicts the conflicts faced by the aliens living on Earth, making it a slightly different work from previous Ultraman series.
"Ultraman Z"
The protagonist is Ultraman Z, who calls himself Ultraman Zero's disciple. He is a young Ultra Warrior who finally joined the Space Guard, inspired by Zero. However, he was "Ultra Shocked" when Zero told him he was "not half a man, but a third of a man." Zero and Z pursue Genegarg, who attacked the Land of Light, but Zero is transported to another dimension, and Genegarg and Z arrive on Earth. He fights alongside Natsukawa Haruki, who confronts him as Sevenger, but finds himself in a difficult situation. He and Haruki merge and fight together.
Third Time as Main Director
Ultraman Z marks Director Kiyotaka Taguchi's third time as main director. It seems to incorporate elements of Ultraman X and Ultraman Orb, both of which he also served as main director. With the theme of "a cheerful and fun Ultraman," this work feels like a return to its roots and a classic Ultraman production. It's arguably the biggest hit of the Ultra series in recent years, and it's the first to win the Seiun Award, given to outstanding science fiction works, since Ultraman Tiga.
Captain Hebikura Didn't Disappoint
One of the most talked-about characters in Ultraman Z is the Strayge commander, Shota Hebikura. Captain Hebikura's behavior and actions from the very beginning of the story further fueled rumors of "Juggler" that had been circulating among fans even before the series aired. Director Taguchi and Aoyagi were puzzled by the lack of response they had received despite hinting at various possibilities. Since his name, written in kanji, is "Juggler Shota," it seemed like a nod to the idea that simply changing the reading of his last name would make it clear that he was "Juggler." The joyous tweets about Juggler's appearance from all over the world once again confirmed how beloved he is.
"Ultraman Trigger NEW GENERATION TIGA"
This series was conceived as a continuation of Ultraman Tiga, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Many elements connect to Tiga, and many references to Tiga are evident throughout the series. When a monster attacks the ancient ruins of Mars, Manaka Kengo merges with the Ultraman Trigger sleeping within, defeating the monster and the dark giant. This opening also evokes memories of Ultraman Tiga.
"Smile, Smile!"
Director Koichi Sakamoto, who serves as the lead director, stated that he did not want to remake or reboot the original Ultraman series. His goal was to create a new Ultraman series while incorporating elements of the original. The theme of this work is "to make everyone smile." The production team wanted to create a work that would inspire viewers amid the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Ultraman Decker"
This work was also planned as a sequel to Ultraman Dyna, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Like Tiga and Dyna, this work is set several years later, sharing the same worldview as Ultraman Trigger. While it was decided that the main cast of Trigger would appear, their relationship with Dyna is not as clearly depicted as it was in Trigger. As a work, it is set as a sequel to Trigger.
Ultraman Decker from Trigger
Seven years after the battle of Ultraman Trigger, Sphere begins its attack on Earth and the Mars colony. Asumi Kanata, who worked at a rice cracker shop on Earth, faced the Sphere without regard for the danger. In a desperate situation, Kanata was enveloped in light, and within it, he seized the light of Ultraman Decker and defeated the Sphere and the monsters. Having become one with Decker, Kanata resolved to face the enemy together.
Summary of the New Generation Series
We've introduced the New Generation Series works that Director Kiyotaka Taguchi has been involved in. What did you think? Director Taguchi, the main director of the new Ultraman Blazer, described it as "an Ultraman that's unlike anything we've seen before, but is right in the middle of the mainstream." We're excited to see what kind of Ultraman Director Taguchi, who has been involved with Ultraman for 10 years, will create. Thank you for reading to the end.
