Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: m-78.jp/rb, ani.tv/rb (Japan)

Tsuburaya Productions has provided SciFi Japan with an update on ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE) [?????????(???), Urutoraman R/B (Ruubu)], their upcoming television series featuring a pair of Ultraman brothers. Having already introduced the show`s new Ultramen -- Ultraman Rosso and Ultraman Blu -- and lead actors Yuya Hirata and Ryosuke Koike, Tsuburaya Pro has now revealed some additional members of the main cast; Arisa Sonohara as the pair`s little sister, Asahi Minato, Ginnojo Yamazaki as their father, Ushio, and Motoki Fukami as research company president, Makoto Aizen. More information on the Ultraman Brothers, their transformation device and weapons have also been shared. The cast and crew of ULTRAMAN R/B will make their first public appearance during the INTERNATIONAL TOKYO TOY SHOW 2018 at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Hall on June 7th. See below for details. ULTRAMAN R/B will premiere July 7th on TV Tokyo, one week after the conclusion of the currently-running series, ULTRAMAN ORB: THE CHRONICLE (????????? ? ?????, Urutoraman Oobu Za Kuronikuru). The June 30th episode of ULTRAMAN ORB: THE CHRONICLE will include a preview of the new show.


Main Cast Profiles

? Asahi Minato (Arisa Sonohara) A high school student, Asahi is the younger sister of Katsumi and Isami. She is very close with her brothers. Asahi is a pacifist who always says "Happy?". Her greatest wish is that people all around the world will be happy, and she tries to get along with everyone... avoiding disputes to such a degree that she won`t even play janken (aka "rock, paper, scissors"). She always has candy with her. Like a typical high school girl, Asahi is into social networking, sweets and fashion. But she is also responsible, handling the housework on behalf of her mother. Asahi is the key to healing the rifts in the Minato Family, restoring the connection between Katsumi and Isami. A former member of the J-pop group Otome Shinto, actress Arisa Sonohara has appeared in the film CINDERELLA GAMES (????????, Shinderera G?mu, 2016) and the 3rd season of Netflix`s FULLER HOUSE.

? Ushio Minato (Ginnojo Yamazaki) The friendly and gentle father of the Minato family, Ushio is owner of the specialty shop "Quattro M" in Ayaka City. He launched the store to support his wife, Mio, who was deeply immersed in research. He has also designed and developed his own clothing brand, "UshioMinato", which he sells at Quattro M. Unaware that his sons are Ultramen, Ushio has been greatly disturbed by their recent rebellious behavior. Actor Ginnojo Yamazaki has appeared in the movie TIME TRIP APP (?????, Bakumatsu Kokosei, 2014) and the television series KAMEN RIDER WIZARD (???????????, Kamen Raidaa Uizaado, 2012-13) and KYURANGER (????????????, Uchuu Sentai Kyuurenjaa, 2017-18).

? Makoto Aizen (Motoki Fukami) Makoto Aizen is the president of Aizentech, a corporation based in Ayaka City that is garnering worldwide attention for its research into space development and unknown forms of energy. He is also the research manager for the company. Known for wearing white suits, Aizen is viewed as a celebrity by the residents of Ayaka City, trusted by the public as well as his Aizentech employees. He is friendly towards other researchers and exudes a strong sense of confidence. Actor Motoki Fukami`s credits include the UMIZARU and CROWS film series, AIBOU SERIES: X DAY (?????? XDAY, Aibo Shirizu X DAY, 2013), WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL? (???????, Jigoku de Naze Warui) and THE VIRGIN PSYCHICS (?? ???????????, Eiga Minna! Esupa Dayo!, 2015).


Main Hero Cast Profiles (Additional Information)

? Katsumi Minato/Ultraman Rosso (Yuya Hirata) The elder of the Minato brothers, Katsumi Minato becomes Ultraman Rosso by releasing the elemental power residing in the Ruebe Crystal with the transformation device, the Ruebe Gyro. He is usually even-tempered and intellectual, but can be amazingly hot-blooded when it comes to his interests. A skilled baseball player, Katsumi was hoping for a future in the sport, but those plans were derailed when he 8 years old by the disappearance of his mother. Instead, he abandoned his dream in order to support his family.

? Isami Minato/Ultraman Blu (Ryosuke Koike) The younger brother Isami becomes Ultraman Blu by releasing the elemental power residing in the Ruebe Crystal with the Ruebe Gyro. A college student, Isami prefers studying to athletics. He is currently majoring in space archeology, the same field as his mother. He deeply respects his older brother, who gave up his dreams for the good of the family. Isami has a bright and positive personality, and often sets the mood for those around him.

New Hero Transformation Method and New Weapons Revealed ? Ruebe Gyro and Ruebe Crystal -- Transformation and Type Change! By loading the Ruebe Crystal shared by the two brothers into the Ruebe Gyroscope transformation devices that each brother has, the older brother Katsumi transforms into Ultraman Rosso and his brother Isami becomes Ultraman Blu.

Katsumi transforms with the Taro Crystal, with its elements of fire, into "Ultraman Rosso Flame". Using the Ginga Crystal with elements of water, Isami takes the form of "Ultraman Blu Aqua". Based on their needs during battle, the brothers can also change the type of transformation by exchanging Ruebe Crystals. If Katsumi uses the Ginga Crystal he will become "Ultraman Rosso Aqua". By using the Taro Crystal, Usami becomes "Ultraman Blu Flame". ? New Weapon -- the Ruebe Sluggers! The Ultraman Brothers have other big features besides the type changes... the blade-shaped weapons called Ruebe Sluggers that emerge from their heads. Reminiscent of Ultra Seven`s famed weapon, the Eye Slugger, the Ruebe Slugger Rosso is a pair of long and short blades wielded by the older brother, while the Ruebe Slugger Blu is one long sword used by the younger brother. The Sluggers can be used for a variety of attacks such as thrusts and strikes. They are equipped with light blades and can fire rays from the tip of each weapon.

From GEED to R/B -- New Heroes Katsumi and Isami Will Appear at Live Events

On Thursday, June 7, the "ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE) Production Presentation Outline" will take place from 11:00-11:30am at the INTERNATIONAL TOKYO TOY SHOW 2018. The event will be held on the Bandai Booth Main Stage in Tokyo Big Sight West Exhibition Hall 2. The show will feature appearances by series director Masayoshi Takesue; cast members Yuya Hirata, Ryosuke Koike, Arisa Sonohara, Motoki Fukami, Ginnojo Yamazaki plus Ultraman Rosso Flame and Ultraman Blu Aqua. The presentation will also include a photo session. Hirata and Koike will also participate in the "ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE Grand Finale Greeting" on Saturday, June 23, at the Marunouchi Piccadilly in Tokyo. Following a screening of ULTRAMAN GEED THE MOVIE: CONNECT THE WISHES! (??? ????????? ????! ??!!, Gekijoo-ban Urutoraman Jiido Tsunagu ze! Negai!!, 2018), the two actors will take the stage alongside GEED cast members Tatsuomi Hamada (who played Riku Asakura/Ultraman Geed) and Yuta Ozawa (Leito Igaguri) plus Ultraman Geed Ultimate Final, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Rosso Flame and Ultraman Blu Aqua. The event begins at 9:00am. Credits Premiere Date: Saturday, July 7, 2018 Broadcasting Station: TXN Network, TV Tokyo and others Air Time: Every Saturday 9:00-9:30am No. of Episodes: 25 Cast Katsumi Minato: Yuya Hirata Isami Minato: Ryosuke Koike Asahi Minato: Arisa Sonohara Makoto Aizen: Motoki Fukami Ushio Minato: Ginnojo Yamazaki Staff Director: Masayoshi Takesue Story Editors: Takao Nakano, Jyunki Takegami, Satoshi Ito Production: Tsuburaya Productions, TV Tokyo, Dentsu © Tsuburaya Pro © Ultraman R/B Production Committee ? TV Tokyo

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About Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. has created dozens of heroes and other characters, including Ultraman, who have been loved from generation to generation. The base for the company was Tsuburaya Visual Effects Research, which was launched by the Japanese “Father of Special Effects” Eiji Tsuburaya. After showing his skill and making a name for himself working on many monster movies and special effects laden fantasy science films, in 1963 Tsuburaya incorporated Tsuburaya Visual Effects Research and established Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. in order to advance further research and development of special effects technologies and release visual works that could be enjoyed by a wider audience. The company has continued to maintain Eiji Tsuburaya’s policies even after his death. 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding, and it continues its work to this day. Currently, the company carries out activities including production of works for television, original video works, and films for theatrical release; licensing of owned characters’ content; development of various products; event planning and live staged events that bring out the maximum appeal of its owned characters, and development of facilities that handle related items.

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For more information on ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE), please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• ULTRAMAN R/B — Press Notes and Photos For New TV Series From Tsuburaya Pro