Takuma Aoki (Ultraman Tiga)

is a fictional version of real life motorcycle road racer from Japan. He first appears in Ultraman Tiga, where he is Mayumi Shinjoh's fiancé and a motorcycle road racer. 
He later reappeared in Ultraman Dyna along with his real-life brother Haruchika Aoki.
==History==
===Pre-Ultraman Tiga===
Takuma was a renowned motorcycle road racer who lived by the motto "Never give up, which is more important than winning" when participating in races. His younger brother, Haruchika, often watched his brother's performances on the racetrack, which inspired him to pursue a career as a racer.
In the period just before the series, Takuma became romantically involved with Mayumi. However, due to Takuma's busy schedule, they maintained a long-distance relationship and saw each other infrequently. Despite the physical distance, they kept in touch by writing letters to stay updated on each other's lives.
===Ultraman Tiga===
Takuma was initially mentioned when Mayumi and Shinjoh went to an amusement park. Mayumi personally brought him up, and in their conversation, Mayumi mentioned that Takuma is currently overseas participating in racing competitions. She also noted that his recent performance in races has been impressive, as he has already won three individual race championships.
Shortly after, Takuma sent a letter, expressing his plan to return to Japan for the Japan Grand Prix. He mentioned that he wanted to meet Shinjoh in person, as he had some important matters to discuss. He was on board Gorigan Air Flight 206, planning to return to Japan in the evening. To welcome him, Mayumi drove to Tokyo Neo International Airport.
While on the flight, Takuma inquired with the flight attendants about the plane's expected arrival time in Japan, and they assured him that the flight was proceeding smoothly. However, the aircraft unexpectedly experienced strong electromagnetic interference, disrupting communication with the outside world. Subsequently, the plane came under attack by Gazort II and was destroyed. In his final moments, Takuma clung to a necklace with a photo of Mayumi.
Not long after, as Mayumi was on her way to the airport, she was attacked by Gazort II. Takuma's spirit appeared just in time and helped Daigo and Shinjoh distract Gazort II, buying enough time for Shinjoh to get his sister away from the monster. At the same time, Daigo transformed into Ultraman Tiga and destroyed the monster.
In the end, Takuma's spirit had a brief reunion with Mayumi. He apologized to her, stating that he couldn't stay any longer, and then handed her the necklace with her picture, expressing that he would love her forever before moving on to the afterlife. Finally, he told her, "Meeting you was wonderful," and his spirit disappeared in front of Mayumi, leaving her in tears at the same spot.
Takuma's tragedy deeply affected Mayumi, making her more serious and mature. It took her a long time to overcome this grief. Meanwhile, Takuma's brother, Haruchika, became even more determined to pursue his brother's ambitions and ultimately became a race car driver in the future.
===Ultraman Dyna===
Ten years later, Mayumi still couldn't come to terms with Takuma's passing. While resting in the infirmary, she had another dream of Takuma racing on the track. However, this time, Kokakucho appeared in the sky. It said to Mayumi, "The tragedy will repeat itself, just like before." This left Mayumi deeply disturbed upon waking.
Not long after, as Kokakucho appeared in the sky over Tokyo Bay, Mayumi arrived at the scene to find Haruchika and Mai trapped there as well. Despite her advice, Haruchika took the initiative to drive his motorcycle to distract Kokakucho's attention. Unfortunately, he was caught in an explosion wave and disappeared.
At this moment, a person wearing a black helmet and dressed as a knight appeared. It was Takuma, who should have been deceased. Takuma encouraged Ultraman Dyna and said, "What's important is that you must never give up." Afterward, Dyna successfully defeated Kokakucho. During the battle, Takuma also saved the unconscious Haruchika.
When Takuma entrusted Haruchika to Mayumi, they met once again. Despite Takuma remaining silent, Mayumi expressed that the prophecy in her dream wasn't Kokakucho's malevolence; it was Takuma trying to tell her to prevent this tragedy. 
Finally, Takuma's soul departed from the mortal realm once again in the presence of Mayumi, Haruchika, and Mai. Mayumi returned to the racetrack, letting go of her feelings for Takuma, and moved forward toward a new life.
==Gallery==
===Ultraman Tiga===
Takuma Aoki TV 1.png|Takuma's first appearance
Takuma Aoki TV 2.png
Takuma Aoki TV 3.png
Takuma Aoki TV 4.png
Takuma Aoki TV 7.png
===Ultraman Dyna===
Takuma Aoki TV 11.png
Takuma Aoki TV 12.png
Takuma&MayumiPicture.png|A picture of Takuma & Mayumi
Takuma Aoki TV 13.png
Takuma Aoki TV 14.png
Takuma Aoki TV 15.png
==Trivia==
*He is portrayed by the real life motorcycle racer Takuma Aoki, who ironically had his career ended in 1998 after a motorcycle accident caused him to become paralyzed from the waist down, but he has resumed his career since 2007.
*Takuma Aoki's participation in the production was suggested by Kazuo Tsuburaya. At that time, Aoki and his brothers were sponsored by Tsuburaya Productions in the field of racing. As Aoki was not a professional actor, he made a guest appearance in the drama.The Earth Is Ultraman's Planet: Ultraman Tiga Dyna Gaia pg 343
*The scene where Aoki and Mayumi bid farewell was filmed late at night. Initially, it was planned for an outdoor shoot, but it was adversely affected by strong winds and cold temperatures, causing increasing tension due to the changing weather conditions. Eventually, it was decided to relocate the scene indoors during the middle of the storyline.
==References==
Category:Human Characters
Category:Male Characters
Category:Ultraman Tiga
Category:Ultraman Tiga Characters
Category:Ultraman Dyna
Category:Ultraman Dyna Characters
Category:Allies
Category:Deceased Characters
Category:Civilians