Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: ani.tv/ultraman_z, m-78.jp/z (Japan) Official Twitter: twitter.com/ultraman_series Tsuburaya Productions has provided SciFi Japan with an update for ULTRAMAN Z (ZETT) ????????(???), Urutoraman Z (Zetto)?. The latest Ultraman series focuses on two young heroes: Haruki Natsukawa (played by Kohshu Hirano), a new pilot for the anti-monster robot force “STORAGE,” and Ultraman Z, a new hero and disciple of Ultraman Zero with a passionate heart. ULTRAMAN Z will begin broadcasting on Japanese television at 9am on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Tsuburaya recently announced the theme song of ULTRAMAN Z is “Chant My Name!” by Masaaki Endoh, while the ending song is “Connect the Truth” by Nami Tamaki.

Main director Kiyotaka Taguchi. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

Riku Asakura (played by Tatsuomi Hamada), the main character of ULTRAMAN GEED (?????????, Urutoraman J?do, 2017) will guest star in the new series. Tsuburaya has also released a video revealing additional forms for Ultraman Z and a new look for Ultraman Geed. The main director for ULTRAMAN Z is Kiyotaka Taguchi, a veteran of the Ultraman franchise. He worked on FX for the Godzilla movie series starting with GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRUS (??? × ????? G????, Gojira Tai Megagirasu: G Sh?metsu Sakusen, 2000) and made his directing debut with the independent production G (????? ?, Daikaij? Eiga G, 2007). After making the popular NHK short film GEHARHA: THE DARK AND LONG HAIR MONSTER (????????, Ch?hatsu Daikaij? Gehara, 2009), Taguchi directed episodes of Tsuburaya’s NEO ULTRA Q (???????Q, Neo Urutora Ky?, 2013), KAIKI DAISAKUSEN: MYSTERY FILE (????? ??????????, Kaiki Daisakusen Misuter? Fairu, 2013) and ULTRAMAN GINGA S (??????????, Uurutoraman Ginga S, 2014). He was the main director for ULTRAMAN X (???????, Urutoraman X, 2015) and ULTRAMAN ORB (?????????, Urutoraman ?bu, 2016), and also directed the theatrical feature films for both series. ? Main Director of ULTRAMAN Z: Kiyotaka Taguchi Comment: This time, in addition to being the main director, I’m in charge of the series composition. I’ve been involved in the project since the early development stage and, from the ground up to the branches and leaves, I`ve added in many of my own thoughts such as “I think we need this,” and “Wouldn’t this be fun?” While composing the series, I thought out the final chapter from the beginning and then worked backwards. Please look for all of the storytelling tricks leading up to the climax! Although today`s world is filled with all kinds of hardships, the staff and cast are pouring all of their heart and soul into this work to create something that can cheer people up. A “bright and fun Ultraman” is the number one theme above all, so please chant with me, "ULTRAMAN Z!" Appearing Heroes

Ultraman Z Alpha Edge with the Ultra Medals for Ultraman Zero, Ultraseven and Ultraman Leo. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultraman Z Alpha Edge (????????? ???????, Urutoraman Zetto Arufa Ejji) Space Kempo, the Inherited Fighting Technique! Z transforms into Alpha Edge using Ultra Medals containing the power of the masters and disciples Ultraseven, Leo, and Zero. This speedy form fights with Space Martial Arts handed down by his master, and specializes in quick moves using kempo karate.

Ultraman Z Beta Smash and the Ultra Medals for Ultraman, Ultraman Ace and Ultraman Taro. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultraman Z Beta Smash (????????? ????????, Urutoraman Zetto B?ta Sumasshu) The Power of Courage, Burning in Scarlet Flames! Z transforms into Beta Smash using Ultra Medals of the legendary Ultra Brothers: Ultraman, Ace, and Taro. This powerful form has a dignified fighting style and specializes in courageous and impressive pro-wrestling type battles.

Ultraman Z Gamma Future and the Ultra Medals of Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna and Ultraman Gaia. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultraman Z Gamma Future (????????? ?????????, Urutoraman Zetto Ganma Fuy?ch?) Shine with Mystery, the Mystic Lights of Transformation! Z transforms into Gamma Future using Ultra Medals of the lights who bring hope: Tiga, Dyna, and Gaia. This psychic form fights with mysterious powers and is skilled at versatile beam attacks. Ultraman Z Gamma Future fights in a tricky manner like a wizard.

The Ultra Medals of Ultraman Ginga, Ultraman X and Ultraman Orb with Ultraman Geed`s new form, Galaxy Rising. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultraman Geed Galaxy Rising (????????? ???????????, Urutoraman J?do Gyarakush? Raijingu) Ultraman Geed -- aka Riku Asakura -- will guest star in ULTRAMAN Z with a new look! Although Geed inherited the genes from the evil Ultraman Belial, he’s an Ultraman who fights for justice in defiance of that destiny. Riku, entrusted with an Ultra Z Riser and medals for Ginga, X, and Orb, takes on a new Galaxy Rising form and comes to the Earth to help Z. Cast Additions

Tasuku Hatanaka is the voice of Ultraman Z. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©kenproduction Co.,Ltd.

? Ultraman Zett (Voice): Tasuku Hatanaka Tasuku Hatanaka is a highly-regarded voice actor whose credits include the anime series YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL (?????ZEXAL [???], Y?-Gi-? Zearu, 2010-15), USHIO AND TORA (??????, Ushio to Tora, 2015-16) and MY HERO ACADEMIA (???????????, Boku no H?r? Akademia, 2018). Comment: I remember writing my dream at [the Japanese festival] Tanabata when I was little. My dream was that I wanted to become Ultraman. Ultraman has been my hero since I was a kid. How he fights, how he rises up again and again, gave me courage, and I’d shout and scream myself hoarse rooting for him in front of the TV. It still feels like a dream a dream that I can be involved with Ultraman, and that I can be Ultraman Z’s voice. It’s an incredible honor. This Ultraman is still young and inexperienced, but his heart and passion are stronger than anybody. I think that with such life-sized feelings, he’ll continue to grow together with Haruki as an Ultraman! Full speed ahead! Thank you!!

Tatsuomi Hamada as Riku Asakura. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM ?TV TOKYO

? Riku Asakura/Ultraman Geed (Voice): Tatsuomi Hamada Tatsuomi Hamada has played Riku Asakura and provided the voice of Geed in multiple shows and films, starting with the ULTRAMAN GEED series in 2017 and continuing through this year`s ULTRAMAN CHRONICLE ZERO & GEED (?????? ????? ZERO&GEED [?? ??? ???], Urutoraman Kuronikuru ZERO & GEED [Zero Ando J?do]). Comment: When I heard that I’d be appearing in ULTRAMAN Z, I couldn’t believe that I would get to participate in the Ultraman series for four years in a row. I am honestly very proud and happy to have this opportunity! And since this time Riku transforms with the Ultra Z Riser instead of [his traditional device] the Geed Riser just like Haruki does, Geed gets to have a new form, including a new transformation sequence! I hope viewers will look forward to seeing Z, the disciple of Zero, and how my character Riku Asakura and Geed will be involved in Z’s world! Sitting around doing nothing won’t get us anywhere!



Transformation Items

The Ultra Z Riser. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultra Z Riser (???????????, Urutora Zetto Raiz?) The Ultra Z Riser is a device, originally developed in the Land of Light, entrusted to Ultraman Z in order to deal with chaos on a galactic scale. By registering each user’s distinctive Ultra Access Card and scanning three inserted Ultra Medals that contain the power of previous Ultras to the Z Riser, Ultraman Z can be imbued with that power. Additionally, it can be used as a weapon after transforming. While transformed, Haruki Natsukawa can switch to attack mode and activate three medals to perform a special signature attack.

Ultra Access Cards for Z`s human host, Haruki Natsukawa, and Riku Asakura. Photos courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultra Access Card (???????????, Urutora Akusesu K?do) The Ultra Access Card acts as an authentication key to activate the Ultra Z Riser transformation device. A picture of the user is printed on the card. When Haruki uses his card, he can transform into one of Ultraman Z’s various forms. Riku Asakura transforms into Ultraman Geed Galaxy Rising with his card.

The Ultraman Zero Ultra Medal. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

? Ultra Medal (???????, Urutora Medaru) Developed in the Land of Light along with the Z Riser, each Ultra Medal contains the power of a previous Ultraman. Haruki carries them in the Z Holder worn on his hip.







Opening Theme Song

Masaaki Endoh. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©HIGHWAY STAR, Inc.

The opening theme song for ULTRAMAN Z, “Chant My Name!" (??????? ?????, Gosh?wa Kudasai Ware no Na Wo!), will be performed by Masaaki Endoh, a member of the anime song super unit JAM Project. The song is representative of the series and “the (self-proclaimed) hottest theme song in the history of Ultraman!” Comment: When I was a kid, I used to sit in front of the TV each week and go crazy over Ultraman. At the neighborhood park I’d always play Ultraman with my friends. Even now I remember the lyrics and can sing the ULTRAMAN song. I feel that Ultraman taught me important things in my life. I learned to not give up, to believe, to have a kind heart, to value life -- all of it came from Ultraman. It’s really an honor to make a song for the Ultraman series, given that I grew up with Ultraman; it feels like destiny. I think it’s time to repay the Ultraman who raised me. Like me at that time, sitting every week in front of the TV, I want to passionately cheer on ULTRAMAN Z through song and pump up all the cheering kids! ? Song Information Title?"Chant My Name!" Artist: Masaaki Endoh Lyrics and Composition: Masaaki Endoh Arrangement: Kyoichi Miyazaki (KEYTONE), Ryota Iida (KEYTONE) Release Date: July 15, 2020 Label: Bandai Namco Arts Co., Ltd. Product No.: LACM-24014 Price: ¥1,200 (Approximately $11.18 US, Excluding Tax) Ending Song

Nami Tamaki. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©HIGHWAY STAR, Inc.

The ending song, “Connect the Truth,” will be sung by Nami Tamaki. Comment: “Connect the Truth” expresses another theme of ULTRAMAN Z: “In a fight, what is the ethical use of power, what is true kindness?” I want to bring that truth to all of the important people who are struggling, working, and forging new paths together, and to the newly spun future. It’s a song with those kinds of intentions. It’s an incredible honor to be involved in creating the ending song of this time’s historical Ultraman series ULTRAMAN Z. I’d love for fans to listen to the song at the end of the episode while looking forward to next week. We’ve created a powerful and danceable song, so please look forward to it!! ? Song Information Title?"Connect the Truth" Artist: Nami Tamaki Lyrics, Composition and Arrangement: Takami Ozawa Release Date: July 15, 2020 Label: Bandai Namco Arts Co., Ltd. Product No.: LACM-24015 Price: ¥1,200 (Approximately $11.18 US, Excluding Tax)

ULTRAMAN Z key art, courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

ULTRAMAN Z (ZETT) Credits Premiere Date: Saturday, June 20, 2020 Broadcasting Stations: TXN Network and 6 TV Tokyo Affiliates Air Time: Every Saturday 9:00-9:30am Cast: Kohshu Hirano, Mamoru Miyano, Tatsuomi Hamada, Tasuku Hatanaka, Others TBA Director: Kiyotaka Taguchi Theme Song: “Chant My Name!” by Masaaki Endoh Ending Song: "Connect the Truth" by Nami Tamaki Production Companies: Tsuburaya Productions, TV Tokyo, Dentsu ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM?TV TOKYO

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.

For more information on ULTRAMAN Z please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• ULTRAMAN Z (ZETT) -- Press Notes and Large Photos For New TV Series From Tsuburaya Pro