Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: anime.heros-ultraman.com (Japan), netflix.com/ultraman (US) Official Twitter Account:@ heros_ultraman

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Tsuburaya Productions has provided SciFi Japan with an update (including exclusive large promotional images) for their upcoming anime series ULTRAMAN (??????, Urutoraman). All 13 episodes will exclusively stream on Netflix in over 200 countries, including the United States and Japan, on Monday, April 1st. Joining the previously-announced lead actors Ryohei Kimura, Takuya Eguchi, Megumi Han and Hideyuki Tanaka is a supporting cast that includes Sumire Morohoshi, Kenjiro Tsuda and Ken Uo. The movements of the characters are created through motion-capture performances by the likes of Katsuyuki Yamazaki, Shinji Kasahara and Teruaki Ogawa, actors who have worked in live-action productions familiar to tokusatsu fans. On Sunday, March 31 (the day before the series is released), Tsuburaya will host a world premiere screening in Tokyo. Further details -- including venue, special guests, etc. -- will be announced on the official website at a later date. ? Story "I want you to become Ultraman..." There once was a Giant of Light called Ultraman who protected the Earth from monsters and alien invasions. To maintain his existence on Earth, Ultraman merged his life to Shin Hayata, an agent of the worldwide research and defense organization, the Science Special Search Party (SSSP). Eventually Ultraman completed his mission of combating these threats and returned to his homeworld far across the universe. Hayata resumed his former life, with no memory of his time bonded to Ultraman. Humanity has lived in peace for many years. The existence of Ultraman became a thing of the past, and the headquarters of the Japanese branch of SSSP became a memorial hall to the Giant of Light. Shin Hayata`s son Shinjiro is now a high school student. Shinjiro becomes increasingly aware that he possesses abilities -- unbelievable jumping skills, incredible strength, and a powerfully built body -- that separate him from ordinary people. One day, he discovers that his father was once Ultraman, and that other aliens have been coming to Earth in Ultraman`s absence. Earth once again needs the power of the Giant of Light. Having inherited those genes, Shinjiro is one of the few who can wear and operate a metallic Ultraman suit developed by Mitsuhiro Ide, Shin Hayata`s former SSSP teammate. A new hero has risen. However, this hero is not a giant, but a teenager in powered armor. The story of Shinjiro Hayata -- the son of Shin Hayata, and a teenager who strives and struggles to become the next generation Ultraman -- now begins!

? Additional Cast For profiles of the main cast please go here.

Rena Sayama: Sumire Morohoshi "When I played Rena, I tried to be as natural as possible. Rena is a very ordinary girl, even though she is a J-pop idol, and that will be reflected in the eyes of the audience. I will do my utmost to make everyone enjoy this world where there is Ultraman!" Sumire Morohoshi has provided the voices for Ichigo Hoshimiya in the AKATSU! (????!, 2012-16) anime series and feature films, Mao Jinnouchi in SUMMER WARS (???????, Sam? W?zu, 2009) and Emma in THE PROMISED NEVERLAND (?????????, Yakusoku no Neb?rando, 2019). She also played Vanellope von Schweetz in SUGAR RUSH and SUGAR RUSH: ONLINE, the Japanese dubs of Disney`s WRECK-IT RALPH (2012) and RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (2018).

Mitsuhiro Ide: Ken Uo "When I was young, Ultraman was my hero. It is truly a dream come true to become deeply involved in that world. And I get to play Ide, a character who I loved! This is an Ide who has risen to a high rank over time, but I still put some mischievousness into his voice. I am going to the recording sessions while feeling a bit teary-eyed." "The story, the visuals and the audio are like a chemical reaction of entertainment that makes goosebumps! Please enjoy this series on a big screen with high volume!" Ken Uo is known as Korin in DRAGON BALL SUPER (????????, Doragon B?ru S?p?, 2015-18) and Amayo Jingoro in BASILISK (????????????, Bajirisuku ~K?ga Ninp? Ch?~, 2005). He has also worked on the Japanese dubs of American shows, playing Cyborg in TEEN TITANS GO! (2013-) and Arthur Shelby in PEAKY BLINDERS (2013-).

Edo: Shigeru Ushiyama "Alien Zetton Edo... Who is he? Why is he here now..?" "What is he trying to do..? An alien full of unknown information, Edo...I have no clue how to play this character." "I dared to enter the recording without consulting the original story writers or the directors. No one said anything, and the recording proceeded." "Even now, I do not understand it all. Edo... is full of mystery. Have fun!" Shigeru Ushiyama has played Dr. Hiriluk in the ONE PIECE franchise, Entaro Hojo in IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD (???????? Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni, 2016), and Papa in WASIMO (???, 2014). He is also the voice of Walter White in the Japanese dub of BREAKING BAD (2008-13) and Mr. Penge in VICTORIA (2016-)

Jack: Ryota Takeuchi "It`s Ryota Takeuchi in the role of Jack! The cast announcement made me happy. Jack is a seller of information. Jack is not only strong and cool, but also playful!" "But is that really Jack`s true appearance? It is a role that`s hard to grasp, but it is a joy playing him!" "All of you, please pay attention to Jack! ULTRAMAN!" Ryota Takeuchi`s anime voice credits include Adalbert von Fahrenheit in LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES: DIE NEUE THESE (?????? Die Neue These, Ginga Eiy? Densetsu Die Neue These, 2018), Shido Tennoji in HINOMARU SUMO (?????, Hinomaru Zum?, 2018-) and Elias Ainsworth in THE ANCIENT MAGUS` BRIDE (??????, Mah? Tsukai no Yome, 2016-17).

Yosuke Endo: Eiji Hanawa "Endo is a criminal detective consumed by bitterness. It was difficult and fun to play him quietly, embracing his unpleasant feelings towards Ultraman. I was particularly careful with portraying his changing professional relationship with Kurata and his parental one with Rena. I am looking forward to seeing how the character is brought to life in this picture by collaborating with the motion capture actor. As an Ultra fan, being involved in this work was truly an honor!" Yosuke Endo`s anime credits include Jiren in DRAGON BALL SUPER, Shingo Mido in DEATH NOTE (?????, Desu N?to, 2006-07) and Iron Man in MARVEL FUTURE AVENGERS (???? ??????????????, M?beru Fuy?ch? Abenj?zu, 2018). He has also worked on the Japanese dubs of foreign productions, providing the voices for Fix-It Felix in WRECK-IT RALPH and Jon Snow in GAME OF THRONES (2011-19).

Kurata: Hirokazu Sekido "I have never been so happy than to be part of the history of Ultraman, which I have dreamed of since I was a child. And this is the last Ultraman of the Heisei Era!" "I`m looking forward to the release date as much as you are. Let`s witness the new Ultraman together!!" Hirokazu Sekido`s anime voice credits include Ko Asa in BORUTO - NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS (BORUTO-???- NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, 2017-) and Komori in NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (NARUTO-???- ???, 2007-13). He has also acted onstage in the Shining Theater Company`s "Masquireid Mirage" (???????????, Masukareido Mir?ju).

Shiraishi: Minoru Shiraishi "When I read the manga series for the first time, I was amazed by not only its world view, but also the design of the Ultraman suit. `What a cool suit this is!` As a special effects fan, as an Ultra fan, I am truly honored to be involved in this project. I hope you all can enjoy the birth of a new hero, and once again, `Ultraman is amazing!` Thank you!" Minoru Shiraishi`s voice credits include Bolts in the anime DUEL MASTERS! (???????????, Dyueru Masut?zu, 2018), Kenji Kondo in FAFNER OF THE AZURE (????????, S?ky? no Fafun?, 2004), and Lowan in the video game GRANBLUE FANTASY (????????????, Guranbur? Fantaj?).

Adad: Kenjiro Tsuda "I think this is a work that can be enjoyed by anyone who knows Ultraman, those who have never seen Ultraman, anyone." "I played a mysterious role in this anime. I was told the points I needed to focus on, and then I was allowed to perform it freely afterwards. It`s fun to play such an attractive character." "Please watch the new Ultraman which contains both the classic charm and a new one." Kenjiro Tsuda`s anime credits include Seto Kaiba in YU-GI-OH! DUEL MONSTERS (???????????????, Y?gi? Dyueru Monsut?zu, 2000-04) and Hyakunosuke Ogata in GOLDEN KAMUY (????????, G?ruden Kamui, 2018). He also provides the voice of Kylo Ren in the Japanese dubs of the STAR WARS film.

Bemlar: Kaiji Soze "I was able to take part in the world of Ultraman, the series which helped build the foundation of superhero shows. And it is an honor to be able to play the very important and exciting role of Bemlar this time." "This work is the latest ULTRAMAN series, and the battle scenes are very impressive. Is it a human drama or an alien drama? It`s just so deep and fun. Please look forward to it!" Kaiji Soze is known as the voice of Yukio Kurobe in the anime series THE PRINCE OF TENNIS (????????, Shin Tennis no ?ji-sama, 2012). He has performed in live theater, including Priere Production`s "Sengaku Sentai Kazokuman" (?????????, Sesh? Sentai Kazokuman). Soze has worked in motion capture, performing the roles of Isora and other incidental characters in the CG anime film HARLOCK: SPACE PIRATE (???????????, Kyaputen H?rokku, 2013).


? Motion Actors

Shinjiro Hayata: Katsuyuki Yamazaki "Ultra Seven and Ultraman. I was able to transform into an Ultraman twice in my life." "I am very very happy. There are many areas where I can sympathize with Shinjiro Hayata, and it was very fun to play with serious, comical, and various emotions." "Of course, it is a great story. I would be delighted if you could see the delicate changes in Shinjiro`s heart towards Rena." Katsuyuki Yamazaki starred as Masaki Kazamori, the human host of Ultra Seven, in the direct-to-video series ULTRA SEVEN (?????????30????3??, Urutorasebun Tanj? 30 Sh?nen Kinen 3-bu Saku, 1998), ULTRA SEVEN 99 (???????1999???6??, Urutorasebun 1999 Sai Sh?sh? 6-bu Saku, 1999) and ULTRA SEVEN EVOLUTION (?????????35??“EVOLUTION”5??, Urutorasebun Tanj? 35-Sh?nen “EVOLUTION” 5 Busaku, 2002). He also provided the voice for Seven in the trilogy. Additional credits include Akai in MASKED RIDER FAIZ (??????555??????, Kamen Raid? Faizu, 2003-04), and motion capture for the video games TALES OF ZESTIRIA (2015), PERSONA 5 (2016) and NIER: AUTOMATA (2017).

Dan Moroboshi: Shinji Kasahara "To be able to play Ultra Seven was a childhood longing of mine. This was a very special time because I never dreamed that the day would come when I would throw the Eye Slugger." "As an actor from live-action productions, it was also an invaluable experience that I was able to work with both directors Kamiyama and Aramaki. Please stay tuned for the ULTRAMAN by these two people. Thank you for your support." Shinji Kasahara`s acting credits include Naoto Takizawa in TIME RANGER (????????????, Mirai Sentai Taimurenj?, 2000-01), Cross in GARO: RED REQUIEM (?? ?RED REQUIEM?, 2010), WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL? (???????, Jigoku de Naze Warui, 2013), and Fujio in KAMEN RIDER AMAZONS (???????????, Kamen Raid? Amazonzu, 2017). He has also performed motion capture for the anime film GANTZ: O (2016) and the video game CRISIS CORE: FINAL FANTASY VII (2007).

Rena Sayama/Seiji Hokuto: Haruka Shibai "It was a privilege to do the motion acting under the supervision of Kamiyama and Aramaki. I played two characters with completely different thoughts about Ultraman so I experienced the work from multiple angles." "I think Ultraman is a `hero of justice`. But, there are conflicts within himself; there are the complicated thoughts of the human involved..." "I am glad that you can experience this world from various perspectives. To all of you who see it, I played Rena and Hokuto!" Haruka Shibai acted in the television dramas 99.9: CRIMINAL LAWYER (99.9?????????, 99. 9 -Keiji Senmon Bengoshi-, 2016-18) and SPEC: BIRTH (SPEC???????????? ?????????????, SPEC ?Keishich? K?anbu K?an Daigoka Mish? Jiken Tokubetsu Taisaku-gakari Jiken-bo?, 2010). Her motion capture performances include the sisters Serena and Veronica in the video game DRAGON QUEST XI (2017), and Cindy and Aranea Highwind in FINAL FANTASY XV (2016).

Shin Hayata/Edo: Teruaki Ogawa "This time, as a motion actor, I performed Shin Hayata, who is the `first generation` Ultraman, and the alien Edo. I was involved in the differences in how these two characters talk and behave. I would like the audience to see the personality of each character compared to the other." "I think that this is an anime that will surprise people familiar with Ultraman and those seeing it for the first time." Teruaki Ogawa starred as Sasuke in KAKURANGER (???????????, Ninja Sentai Kakurenj?, 1994-95), and Hyuuga in GINGAMAN (?????????, Seij? Sentai Gingaman, 1998-99). He also provided the voices for Donald Pierce in the Japanese dub of LOGAN (2017) and Quinn McKenna in THE PREDATOR (2018). His motion capture credits include FINAL FANTASY XV (2016) and DRAGON QUEST HEROES (2015).

Mitsuhiro Ide/Bemlar: Kaiji Soze "I played Ide! I was really excited to be on set to portray him after the events of the original show. I will be happy if the motion capture helps present Ide`s character, which is full of humanity." "And, this time, I am also playing the role of Bemlar. I also put his mission and thoughts into motion." "Please enjoy a new Ultraman world, which has both a human drama and fierce battles!"

? ULTRAMAN Live Stage Show at Wonder Festival on February 10! This coming Sunday, February 10, there will be an "Anime ULTRAMAN Special Stage" (????ULTRAMAN??????????, Anime “Urutoraman” Supesharu Sut?ji) event at the Japanese hobby show, Wonder Festival. Emceed by actor Minoru Shiraishi, the guest speakers will include ULTRAMAN comic creator Eiichi Shimizu, actress Megumi Han, Kotobukiya (maker of Ultraman figures) product planner Genku, and Tsuburaya Productions rep Takafumi Kubuchi. Event Title: Anime "ULTRAMAN" Special Stage Date and Time: February 10, 2019 (Sunday) 11:00-11:30am Venue: Wonder Festival 2019 [Winter], Kotobukiya Booth Location: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall 1-8 (2 Chome-1 Nakase, Mihama Ward, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture) Admission: Free

? ULTRAMAN Anime Details Worldwide Release Date: Monday, April 1, 2019 Episodes: 13 Cast Shinjiro Hayata: Ryohei Kimura Dan Moroboshi: Takuya Eguchi Seiji Hokuto: Megumi Han Shin Hayata: Hideyuki Tanaka Rena Sayama: Sumire Morohoshi Mitsuhiro Ide: Ken Uo Edo: Shigeru Ushiyama Jack: Ryota Takeuchi Yosuke Endo: Eiji Hanawa Kurata: Hirokazu Sekido Shiraishi: Minoru Shiraishi Adad: Kenjiro Tsuda Bemlar: Kaiji Soze Motion Actors Shinjiro Hayata: Katsuyuki Yamazaki Dan Moroboshi: Shinji Kasahara Rena Sayama, Seiji Hokuto: Haruka Shibai Shin Hayata, Edo: Teruaki Ogawa Mitsuhiro Ide and Bemlar: Kaiji Soze Staff Directors: Kenji Kamiyama, Shinji Aramaki Original Story: Tsuburaya Productions, Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi (Serialized in HERO’S monthly magazine) Music: Nobuko Toda, Kazuma Jinnouchi Theme Song: "Sight Over The Battle" by OLDCODEX Production: Tsuburaya Productions Animation Studios: Production I.G. × SOLA DIGITAL ARTS Distributor: Netflix ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

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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 Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with 139 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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For more information on the ULTRAMAN (2019) anime, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• Tsuburaya Pro to Release ULTRAMAN Anime Film in 2019
• ULTRAMAN Anime Gets Worldwide Release on Netflix in Spring 2019
• ULTRAMAN Anime Debuts Worldwide On Netflix In April 2019