ULTRAMAN is a popular series that has been serialized since the first issue of Monthly Heroes. It has also been decided that it will be adapted into an anime series starting in April 2019. This ULTRAMAN is set in a world several decades after the Ultraman we know, but it has a different style and setting from previous Ultraman series. The story revolves around the protagonist, Hayata Shinjiro, battling monsters as Ultraman, but the setting and background are quite different. In this article, we will introduce Hayata Shin, the protagonist's father and also an Ultraman.
Who is Hayata Shin?
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Shin Hayata is the father of the main character, Shinjiro Hayata. While he was a member of the Science Special Search Party at the time, he secretly assimilated with Ultraman and fought alien invaders. However, when the story begins, he has lost his memory from when Ultraman arrived on Earth to when he left, and has no recollection of fighting by assimilating with Ultraman. After losing his memory, he hides the fact that he has superhuman powers and, at the start of the story, devotes himself to his work as Minister of Defense. Feeling uneasy about his past, he seeks advice from his former Science Patrol colleague, Ide, who reveals that his Ultraman genes, which allowed him to fight by assimilating with Ultraman, have been passed down to his son, Shinjiro, giving him superhuman physical strength as well.
Shin Hayata returns to action as Ultraman
The Earth is once again in danger
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Ed, a survivor of the Zetton race that killed Ultraman, speaks. It's been about 40 years since Shin Hayata merged with Ultraman and defeated the final invaders. Since then, planets with civilized species have formed an alliance, with Earth joining in. As a result, the world has been peaceful recently, but with the appearance of a man calling himself Bemular, that peace is about to crumble. In order to protect Earth from external enemies that threaten it, Hayata Shinjiro fights as Ultraman.
Passing the Baton to Shinjiro
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Amidst all this, when Shinjiro becomes a high school student, Bemular appears before him. To counter him, Shin Hayata appears as Ultraman. However, he is unable to defeat aging, and all he can do is protect Shinjiro. The story of protagonist Hayata Shinjiro as Ultraman begins as he passes on the role of Ultraman that he had previously played to his son Shinjiro, who possesses the Urata Raman gene.
Review of Ultraman's Shin Hayata
Why Shin Hayata Became Ultraman
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Shin Hayata fought by merging with Ultraman. His transformation into Ultraman came about when Ultraman was chasing Bemular above Lake Ryugamori. He was killed when his red ball came into contact with something. However, he was revived by becoming one with Ultraman. His job was as a member of the Science Special Search Party. He secretly transformed into Ultraman and played the role of defeating monsters.
The Final Episode of Ultraman
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
In the final episode, "Farewell Ultraman," Ultraman (Shin Hayata) engages Zetton in battle but is defeated. Ultraman Zoffy arrives and separates and revives Ultraman and Shin Hayata. They are then returned to their respective worlds. Ultraman's defeat in the final episode was such a shocking development at the time that it remains one of the most talked-about dramas of all time.
Shin Hayata Didn't Actually Retire
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
Shin Hayata was defeated by Bemular in episode 1. It seemed as though he had handed over his role as Ultraman to his son Shinjiro, as he could not win against old age, but it turns out he had not actually retired yet. He does not seem to be active on a regular basis, but when Shinjiro is in danger of being defeated in a battle with the mercenary Ace Killer, he rushes to his aid. The father and son fight together, and what was sad to watch was when Shinjiro ultimately releases his limiter himself and defeats the enemy. Ed's words at that moment, saying that a new Ultraman has been born, made it seem as if Hayata Shin, fighting in the suit, was not Ultraman at all.
The Relationship between Hayata Shin and Shinjiro
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
When Shinjiro was still young, the father and son were depicted as being very close, even going to the Science Patrol Museum together. Hayata Shin also shows a doting side to his son, and is so worried about Shinjiro's superhuman physical abilities that he confides in him about his worries and decides to train him as Ultraman. Time passes and Shinjiro becomes a high school student. It's a typical father-son relationship. They don't seem to get along particularly well, and he gives the impression of being somewhat distant. However, in the battle with Bemular, Hayata Shin is shown to care for his son, and Shinjiro even begins to feel respect for his father, who was active as Ultraman. There's even a scene where Shinjiro, who was unsure whether to become Ultraman, is happy when his father praises him.
Shin Hayata Summary
Source: ULTRAMAN ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULT
The story is still far from over, and an anime adaptation has been confirmed. It looks like it would be a fun show for fathers and children to watch together! I used to watch Ultraman and Kamen Rider a lot as a kid, and I remember my father buying me transformation gadgets. Dads, why not watch this with your sons and reminisce about the good old days?
ULTRAMAN Related Products
ULTRAMAN Merchandise
With the anime airing, the number of related merchandise has increased! While there are many different products on sale, this time we'll introduce some of the products that the Anime Mill editorial team has been keeping an eye on! If you're interested, be sure to check it out!
Manga Version
Just like the old Ultraman characters, Taro and Seven also appear! The manga is also available on Kindle!
