ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE Update: Opening Day Stage Greeting

Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd., Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: m-78.jp/orb/movie (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

While monster movie fans in American were heading to theaters for the opening weekend of KONG: SKULL ISLAND, their Japanese counterparts were doing the same for ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE (??? ?????????????????????, Gekijoo-ban Urutoraman Oobu Kizuna no Chikara, Okari Shimasu!). The latest Ultraman film was released in cinemas across Japan this past Saturday, March 11th. Tsuburaya Productions and distributor Shochiku have provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos from the ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE opening day stage greeting at Shochiku`s flagship theater, the Shinjuku Piccadilly. The event was held from 9:35-10:00am with the first screening of the film. In attendance were director Kiyotaka Taguchi and the main cast of the ULTRAMAN ORB television series and the new movie; Hideo Ishiguro (Ultraman Orb’s alter ego, Gai Kurenai), Miyabi Matsuura (SSP leader Naomi Yumeno), Naoto Takahashi (Jetta Hayami), Hiroaki Nerio (Shin Matsudo), Takaya Aoyagi (villain Juggrus Juggler) and Shingo Yanagisawa (VTL Captain Ittetsu Shibukawa). Ultraman Orb was also on hand in his new Orb Trinity form from the film. The filmmakers spoke of their work on ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE. They also surprised Shingo Yanagisawa by presenting him with a bouquet and leading the audience in singing "Happy Birthday". The actor turned 55 on March 6th.

Hiroaki Nerio (Shin Matsudo), Naoto Takahashi (Jetta Hayami), Miyabi Matsuura (Naomi Yumeno), Hideo Ishiguro (Gai Kurenai), Ultraman Orb Trinity, Shingo Yanagisawa (Ittetsu Shibukawa), Takaya Aoyagi (Juggrus Juggler) and Kiyotaka Taguchi. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions and Shochiku. © 2017 “Ultraman Orb The Movie” Film Partners

Hideo Ishiguro: "I borrowed the power of everyone [a reference to Ultraman Orb`s ability to borrow the powers of other Ultramen] while filming, but I personally want to borrow Shingo`s `power to excite`, `power to raise people up` and `power of kindness`. Thanks to Shingo-san, the `bond` on the set grew stronger! Shingo`s favorite scene in the movie is the `Goodbye!` at the end. I was stuck in the scorching sun all day with sand in my bloodshot eyes without blinking... I really learned how to be an actor! Also, I wanted to make this an interesting film directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi." Miyabi Matsuura: "The action scenes with the powered suit [her character wears a black battle suit in the film] were originally planned to be performed by the stunt team, but I had dance experience so I got to do it. The change was made quickly, so I was glad I did my best." Naoto Takahashi: "I hadn`t heard much fan reaction before, so it was nice to see your faces like this today. Jetta Hayami`s role is to support the hero in the movie, but since I was able to change a disadvantageous situation and make a negative image into a positive I got the feeling that I had great power." Hiroaki Nerio: "In the TV series, we had unfinished inventions like the time machine. I think it would be good to finish them someday!" Takaya Aoyagi: "My goal from the TV series finale to the movie was to finish the job! And that job was focused solely on defeating Gai Kurenai. I`m always with you, Gai..."

Shingo Yanagisawa: "Orb`s fight! Fun director! Anyway, it was wonderful. I think that the soul of the performers was captured onscreen for a split second, specifically where I said `last but not least` in the final scene. When I suggested to director Taguchi that I should also say `I would like to make a good dream` in that scene, I was refused. Just ‘Goodbye! is OK`, he said. [laughs]" Kiyotaka Taguchi: "I am really touched by everyone`s applause. For this work, a skilled staff squeezed their heads together with maximum effort knowing this would be seen in the theater. I was the main writer on the ULTRAMAN ORB series, and by episode 10 I was already thinking about what will happen later in theatrical version. Whether or not this movie is a hit depends on you, so thank you for supporting us now and in the future!"

About Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions, creator and copyrights owner of the superhero ULTRAMAN series was founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, world-renowned special effects wizard also known for his special effects work on the Godzilla series. With more than fifty years` experience, it is one of Japan`s oldest and most respected independent film and television production houses. Its popular Ultraman TV and film series which premiered in 1966 has been seen in over 100 territories worldwide and has spawned over 3,000 licensed products. In addition to production, the company also handles character licensing and program distribution and staging live stage shows both domestically and internationally.

About Shochiku Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1895, Shochiku functions as a highly-tuned vertically integrated entertainment entity, encompassing feature film and television production, theatrical distribution of Japanese & foreign motion pictures, worldwide sales, exhibition, DVD and home video distribution and the Kabuki Theater. Shochiku operates one of the most successful motion picture divisions in Japan. The company has produced a number of critically and financially successful films, including the 2002 Academy Award nominee for best foreign language film THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI, directed by Yoji Yamada, the first Japanese Academy Award nomination for a live-action film in 22 years. Shochiku’s latest include DEPARTURES by Yojiro Takita, the 2009 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film.

For more information on ULTRAMAN ORB and ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: