New ULTRAMAN (Anime) Pachislot Machine Coming In June

Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Fields Holdings. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu,Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM ©OK!!

Source: Tsuburaya Fields Holdings Inc. press release

Tsuburaya Fields Holdings Inc. has announced that their consolidated subsidiary, Fields Corporation, will be releasing a new pachislot machine, "L ULTRAMAN" (L・ウルトラマン, L Urutoraman), to pachinko halls throughout Japan in June.

This game will be a smart pachislot machine (スマスロ, (Sumasoro) that allows players to enjoy quicker play. Based on the popular manga and Netflix ULTRAMAN (ウルトラマン) anime series, L ULTRAMAN is not only for pachinko and pachislot enthusiasts but a wide range of people, including movie and Ultraman series fans.

Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions.©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©Eiichi Shimizu,Tomohiro Shimoguchi ©ULTRAMAN PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM

■ About ULTRAMAN

ULTRAMAN is a popular manga series written by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi that began serialization in the first issue of the manga magazine Monthly Hero's (launched on November 1, 2011). The book has been published in 11 languages and 24 countries around the world, with a total circulation of over 4 million copies.

The story is set in the world after the 1966 special effects TV program ULTRAMAN (ウルトラマン　空想特撮シリーズ, Urutoraman Kūsō Tokusatsu Shirīzu) and depicts a "life-size" hero drama in which Shinjiro Hayata, the son of Ultraman's protagonist Shin Hayata, fights in a reinforcedUltraman suit. The story incorporates a novel setting of a "mechanical life-size hero" rather than a giant-sized hero, as well as new elements such as the "fate of father and son" and "speedy battle action," greatly overturning the image of Ultraman that had existed up until now, and has gained high popularity not only in Japan but also among fans overseas.

In 2019, a 3DCG anime was produced and distributed worldwide as a Netflix original work. The film is directed by Kenji Kamiyama (GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX) and Shinji Aramaki (APPLESEED), and animation is handled by Production I.G x SOLA DIGITAL ARTS. The film uses a cel-look (a style of art close to traditional anime) to retain the intricate texture of the Ultraman suit and the image of the original manga, while using motion capture technology to reflect the actor's performance on the character, resulting in dynamic action scenes.

According to Netflix's "What's Hot? 2019," ULTRAMAN was ranked first in the anime category and sixth overall as the most viewed work in Japan in 2019. Directors Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki were also nominated for the 47th Annie Awards for Best Director (TV/Media) for this work.

Season 2 was distributed in 2022 and Season 3 (final season) in 2023, and the stylish ending video in which the Ultramen perform a dance also proved popular with fans. In addition to the series of videos, various developments have been made, such as anime screening events, orchestra concerts where anime music is played to accompany the videos, and goods and games.

■ L ULTRAMAN Smart Pachislot Machine Details

Manufactured by Kyoraku Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Sold by Fields Corporation

About Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions is one of the leading independent production companies in Japan. Founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, the company continues to produce content that has been licensed to both the domestic and international markets. The company also engages in licensing, merchandising, publishing, and live stage shows and events, exploiting the IP it creates and owns.