Ultraman Z


Ultraman Z is a Japanese tokusatsu television series produced by Tsuburaya Productions. It is the 32nd entry to the Ultra Series and the first entry to the post-New Generation Hero lineup, meant to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ultraman Zero. It premiered in TV Tokyo on June 20, 2020.

Synopsis

Following the destruction of Ultraman Belial in Ultraman Geed, the Devil Splinters were scattered and turn monsters into berserker, causing chaos throughout the universes. While the Ultra Heroes fight to restore peace to the galaxy, Celebro uses these items in its despicable schemes to destroy planets one by one. And now, that evil being approaches the "Land of Light." In its way stands the gallant Ultraman Zero and his disciple, Ultraman Z. At the end of a fierce battle, Z chases Genegarg alone, making his way towards Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, a defense force to combat routine monster appearances, the anti-monster robot force STORAGE, is formed and joined by the hot-blooded youth Haruki Natsukawa. When a monster from space invades Earth, Z and Haruki have their fateful encounter while Celebro started to plan his schemes.

Production and Casting

Ultraman Z was immediately announced by official website of Tsuburaya Productions on March 26, 2020. As the first trailer of the series was released on April 16, 2020, the official website of Tsuburaya Productions quickly announced Kiyotaka Taguchi as its main director, Tatsuomi Hamada's return as the show's supporting cast and finally Masaaki Endoh and Nami Tamaki singing the opening and ending themes respectively. The entire cast members of STORAGE and GAFJ members made their live broadcast in June 5, 2020. Automobile manufacturing company Toyota announced their cooperation in the series production by providing Toyota LQ as STORAGE's main transport.
Prior to his passing on May 17, Kōta Fukihara was the writer of the first two episodes of the series. His role as the story editor was subsequently taken over by main director Kiyotaka Taguchi, with Tsuburaya Productions and the production staffs of Ultraman Z publishing their tribute in the official sites. According to Kohshu Hirano, filming of Ultraman Z was among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and went postponed for two months before it was resumed. This happened at some point before the series premiere on June 20.

Episodes

''Ultraman Z & Ultraman Zero Voice Drama''

Ultraman Z & Ultraman Zero Voice Drama is a series of 24-episode audio dramas streamed on Tsuburaya Productions' YouTube channel. The series focuses on Ultraman Z's encounter with Ultraman Zero back in the Land of Light.
  1. The Story of the Encounter Between Z and Zero
  2. If You Encounter a Transparent Monster
  3. Master's Friend
  4. The Reliable Capsule Monsters
  5. Ultraman and Ancient History
  6. Ultra Z Riser
  7. Reverse Time

    Cast

;Opening theme
;Ending theme