Ultraman Z (series)

is the 30th entry of the Ultraman Series, created by Tsuburaya Productions.http://m-78.jp/zhttps://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1810 In addition to airing on TV networks, the series was aired with English subtitles on Tsuburaya Productions' official YouTube channel.https://web.archive.org/web/20210805033900/https://ultramangalaxy.com/catch-up-with-ultraman-z-on-the-official-ultraman-youtube-channel/
On April 2, 2023, it was announced that the series would receive an official English dub from Okratron 5000, the same team behind the dubbed version of Shin Ultraman. The dub began releasing episodes every Saturday and Sunday on Tsuburaya Productions' official YouTube channel and Ultraman Connection from April 8, 2023.http://tsuburaya-prod.com/news/5963
==Production==
This series is the second installment of the Ultraman series in the Reiwa era. Tsuburaya Productions initially announced its production on March 26, 2020.https://m-78.jp/news/post-5477https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/266928 The entire cast was revealed in an online production announcement on June 5, 2020.https://m-78.jp/news/post-5525https://m-78.jp/news/post-5517
The New Generation Heroes series was launched with the birth of Ultraman Zero in 2009, with the development of theatrical films and the start of the planned program Ultraman Retsuden in 2011. This reboot of the Ultraman series began a new path in 2013, producing one series each year, continuously expanding and solidifying the character's popularity. Compared to the Showa and Heisei series, the New Generation Heroes series has seen significant changes in its world settings.
One major change is that the protagonists are no longer members of a defense team. Some series don't even feature a defense team at all; this is partly due to the high production costs associated with depicting a defense team. As a result, other methods are used to replace the impact that defense teams traditionally brought. During this period, each series strengthened its story's uniqueness by adopting distinct styles., pg 4
In this context, the 2020 Ultraman project, which followed Ultraman Taiga, began within Tsuburaya Productions in the spring of 2019. By around July 2019, when Ultraman Taiga started airing, the basic planning, including transformation devices, was largely completed. At this time, chief producer Tsugumi Kitaura invited Kiyotaka Taguchi, who had previously directed Ultraman X and Ultraman Orb and contributed significantly to the series, to be the main director of the new series.
When Taguchi initially took on the task of directing this series, he already had plans to produce another piece in the fall of 2020. However, due to the early planning of this project, he managed to avoid overlapping responsibilities. By the time Taguchi joined, Tsuburaya Productions already had a rough outline for the work. Nevertheless, upon accepting the invitation, Taguchi expressed that if he were to take charge, he hoped to build the story according to his vision. Subsequently, Taguchi, along with screenwriter Kota Fukihara, met with Kitaura again and presented a new plan during the meeting.
Kota Fukihara is a versatile screenwriter and series compositor who had previously collaborated with Taguchi on the late-night drama Rooming with a Gamer Gal by Mainichi Broadcasting System. Taguchi believed that if he were to handle the structure of the Ultraman series, Fukihara would be the best partner. At this stage, Taguchi wanted to create a new series where the protagonist belonged to a robot squad of the "Defense Team." Taguchi highly valued the traditional presence of the defense team. However, developing a storyline centered around the defense team would significantly increase the costs of operating models like aircraft or producing CG and other special effects. Therefore, Taguchi proposed handling the defense team's combat power with robots that could be portrayed using suits, leveraging existing monster special effects equipment and technology for visualization. He suggested a setting centered on a robot squad and envisioned the protagonist as an ace pilot. Through this setting, the main characters could not only witness Ultraman's battles but also participate in combat through the robots, making the storyline more compelling.
At the time, Taguchi and Fukihara had almost no prior discussion. When presenting to Kitaura, they almost spontaneously proposed the concept of the robot squad and quickly formulated a corresponding series composition plan. Kitaura was impressed by their synergy and efficiency, agreeing to let them be responsible for the new series composition. Thus, the new series scheduled to air in June 2020 would be led by Taguchi and Fukihara. As they advanced with this structure, Tsuburaya Productions made two main requests to Taguchi and his team. First, they needed to incorporate the transformation device setting, and second, they should focus on Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial, who were approaching their 10th anniversary. Therefore, the duo had to consider how to seamlessly integrate these elements into the story. The overall structure of the story was derived by working backward from the final episode, with the intention of connecting individual episodes to portray the characters in a comprehensive manner. This approach aimed to make it the most meticulously designed plot and setting in recent series. A concrete example of this meticulous planning was the detailed organization chart and character timeline for the GAFJ, providing hints and crucial information through the series. Additionally, screenwriter Keigo Koyanagi was appointed as the military advisor for the series.Spaceship 169 pg 70–71
The protagonist Ultraman's image in his growth phase originates from the concept of transforming using three medals. This setup, where Ultraman fights using three different powers, guided the storyline where both the protagonist and Ultraman grow together. Initially, there was an idea to start with an unnamed Ultraman without a chest timer, symbolizing his immaturity. However, this concept was abandoned due to conflicts with the film Shin Ultraman, which was already in production at the time. Later, this immature image was transformed into a characteristic of revering Ultraman Zero, with the protagonist set as his disciple and a new member of the Inter Galactic Defense Force. This semi-mature aspect also brought about his peculiar Japanese speech., pg 5
From the beginning, there was an intention to include the letter "Z" in the protagonist Ultraman's name. Although names with "2" were also considered, none seemed fitting, so Fukihara simply suggested calling him "Z." Despite many characters featuring the letter "Z," it seemed appropriate, especially since it related to Zero. Thus, the new Ultraman was named "Ultraman Z." Regarding Belial, since his story had a conclusive end in Ultraman Geed, it wasn't planned to mention him repeatedly. Instead, he was set as "Devil Splinters," playing a supplementary role in the story and connecting to Z's ultimate power-up and weapons.
Regarding the specific story structure, from August to November 2019, the 25-episode story arc and key points were determined by sticking idea notes on several partitions in a meeting room. Taguchi, Fukihara, and assistant producer Junichiro Ashiki participated in these meetings. The intent was to create a bright and fun atmosphere for Ultraman Z, which was scheduled to air in the year of the planned "2020 Summer Olympics." Therefore, the defense team was envisioned as a sunny group like an athletic team, with a dynamic stage show feel throughout the story. Then, the specific scripts for each episode were gradually written.
In August 2019, the participating directors and writers were called to the meeting room, where they viewed the notes on the partitions and engaged in in-depth understanding and discussion. Taguchi hoped the scripts could be monster-centric, similar to the original Ultraman, building unique storylines for each monster. Filming for the main scenes of the first episode of Ultraman Z began on January 20, 2020, in Chofu City, starting about two months earlier than usual to avoid potential impacts from the Olympics. Additionally, since Shin Ultraman was slated for an early summer 2021 release, there were no plans for a Ultraman Z movie version.Ultraman Z Complete Collection Art Book pg 116-119
However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the series was delayed by two months before resuming filming, which initially aired on June 20.https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202006270000609.html After Fukihara's passing on May 17, Taguchi took over the role of series compositor. Tsuburaya Productions and the production team of Ultraman Z posted tributes to him on the official website.
After its broadcast, the series was enthusiastically received by audiences of all ages for its innovative storyline, pushing its popularity and influence to new heights.https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220317-2295266/ It was named one of the best TV shows of 2020 by the gaming media "Nerdist."https://nerdist.com/article/best-tv-shows-2020/ On December 15, 2020, the series ranked sixth in the "Internet Buzzword Award" hosted by NicoNico and Pixiv, with the character Shohta Hebikura ranking 45th. Director Kiyotaka Taguchi received an award for the accomplishment.https://m-78.jp/news/post-5732/ In 2021, the series won the 52nd Seiun Award in the Best Media (Theater, Cinema, TV, Video game, and whole Entertainment) category, becoming the first series to win this honor since Ultraman Tiga in 1998.http://www.sf-fan.gr.jp/awards/2021result.html
==Synopsis==
In the past, the Devil Splinters were scattered across space. Today, the splinters are still causing chaos throughout the universe. While the Ultra Heroes fight to restore peace to the galaxy, a mysterious being 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 a monster 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. Here begins the passionate story of our two young heroes' battles!https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1810
===Haruki's Ultra-navi===
 is a segment at the end of the show where Haruki showcases the Ultra Medal and Kaiju Medal of the week.
==Voice Drama==
An episode of is uploaded to Tsuburaya Productions' YouTube channel as a follow up to each episode of the series.https://m-78.jp/z/post-828/
==Characters==
===Protagonist===
*Haruki Natsukawa
===GAFJ===
====High-Ranking Officers====
*Saburo Kuriyama
====STORAGE====
*Jugglus Juggler/Shota Hebikura
*Yoko Nakashima
*Kojiro Inaba
*Yuka Ohta
====Monster Research Center====
*Shinya Kaburagi
===Antagonist===
*Celebro
===Others===
*Riku Asakura
*Masaru Natsukawa
*Junko Natsukawa
*Kaori
*Ruri Inaba
===Ultras===
*Ultraman Z
*Ultraman Zero
*Ultraman Geed
*Ultraman Taro 
*Ultraman Belial 
*Ultraman Ace
===Kaiju===
*Gomess
*Sevenger
*Genegarg
*Bullton
*Neronga
*Majappa
*Bemstar
*Segmeger
*Windom
*Guigass
*Gomora
*Telesdon
*Erimaki-Telesdon
*Peguila
*Jugglus Juggler
*Zeppandon
*Gillvalis
*Alien Pegassa Pega
*Valis Raider
*Skull Gomora
*Thunder Killer
*Pedanium Zetton
*Alien Pitt
*Tri-King
*Five King
*King Joe
*Alien Barossa
*Red King A & B
*Giestron
*Grigio Raiden
*Kanegon
*Greeza
*Horoboros
*Metsuboros
*Alien Barossa II
*Pagos
*Kemur
*Baraba
*M1
*Kelbim
*Mother Kelbim
*Alien Barossa III
*Ultroid Zero
*Takkong
*King Guesra
*Demaaga
*Gomess (S)
*Destrudos
==Cast==
Character	Japanese 	English
 	 	Zeno Robinson
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5498/ 	Mallorie Rodak
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5509/ 	Macy Anne Johnson
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5493/https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1972	Mick Lauer
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5506/https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/2029	Kent Williamshttps://news.ultramanconnection.com/ultraman-z-dub-comments-from-the-cast-and-crew-part-2/
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5513/ 	Howard Wang
 	https://m-78.jp/news/post-5515/ 	Ben Phillipshttps://twitter.com/benaphil/status/1645611589075124224/photo/1
 	 	Kevin K. Gomezhttps://twitter.com/kevinkgomez/status/1644155116495224832?s=46&t=4W68uAzA_1OYziEn80XWVA
 	 	Micah Solusodhttps://twitter.com/BrittanyLaudaVO/status/1645885563940098048
 	 	Bryson Baugus
 	 	Nazeeh H. Tarsha
===Voice Actors===
Character	Japanese	English
 	 	Matt Shipman
 	 	Mike "Mach" Denthttps://twitter.com/Mach_Dent/status/1645821587872948224
 	 	Patrick Seitzhttps://twitter.com/BrittanyLaudaVO/status/1645885551235551233
Narrator 	 	Christopher Sabat
===Guest Cast===
Character	Japanese 	English
 	 	Sean Schemmel
 	 	Brina Palencia
 	Stock audio of Katsuyuki Konishi	Kamran Nikhad
 	Stock audio of Saburo Shinoda 	Jim Foronda
 	 	Brittany Lauda
 	 	Shawn Gann
 	 	Charlie Campbellhttps://twitter.com/BrittanyLaudaVO/status/1667565037479682049
Extras 	 	Ben Balmaceda
==Staff==
*Directors: Kiyotaka Taguchi (main director), Takanori Tsujimoto, Koichi Sakamoto, Kazuhiro Nakagawa, Katsuro Onoue, Masayoshi Takesue, Tomonobu Koshi, Naoyuki Uchidahttps://tsuburaya-prod.com/news/2085
*Series compositors: Kota Fukihara, Kiyotaka Taguchi
*Screenplay: Kota Fukihara, Satoshi Suzuki, Takao Nakano, Sotaro Hayashi, Yuji Kobayashi, Toshizo Nemoto, Jun Tsugita, Ryo Ikeda
*Music composers: 
**
** (ep 6)
==Music==
:;Opening Theme
*
**Artist: Masaaki Endoh
:;Ending Theme
*Connect the Truth
**Artist: Nami Tamaki
*Promise for the futurehttps://m-78.jp/z/post-1679/
**Artist: Tasuku Hatanaka
==Home Media==
The series was released on 6 DVDs, as well as two Blu-rays.https://m-78.jp/z/music_bd/ The first Blu-ray released on January 27, 2021 and contains trailers, a behind-the-scenes video, and a booklet with information by staff and interviews with the cast. The second released on March 26, 2021 and contains another behind-the-scenes video, a recorded discussion by the cast and main director, and the Ultraman Z and Ultraman Zero Voice Drama series.
Ultraman Z DVD 1.jpg|Volume 1 (episodes 1-4)
Ultraman Z DVD 2.jpg|Volume 2 (episodes 5-8)
Ultraman Z DVD 3.jpg|Volume 3 (episodes 9-12)
Ultraman Z DVD 4.jpg|Volume 4 (episodes 13-17)
Ultraman Z DVD 5.jpg|Volume 5 (episodes 18-21)
Ultraman Z DVD 6.jpg|Volume 6 (episodes 22-25)
Ultraman Z Blu-ray BOX I.jpg|Blu-ray BOX I (episodes 1-13)
Ultraman Z Blu-ray BOX II.jpg|Blu-ray BOX II (episodes 14-25, SP2, SP3)
==Gallery==
===Images===
ウルトラマンＺロゴ-1024x279.jpg|Title Logo
Z online-event 2.jpg|English Title Logo
ZPoster1.jpg
Post-5517-ultramanz.jpg
Ultraman Z 058.webp
Ultraman Z 059.jpg
Ultraman Z 060.jpg
===Videos===
新TVシリーズ『 ウルトラマンＺ 』PV初公開！ -公式配信- 変身アイテム & 3タイプの姿、初登場！
6 20(土)～新番組『ウルトラマンＺ(ゼット)』スペシャルムービー【初公開映像満載!】
『ウルトラマンZ』Blu-ray BOX 全2巻発売! Blu-ray BOXだけの豪華な特典が満載!!
==Trivia==
*Originally, Ultraman R/B, and the then-singular Ultra Hero of the series, was supposed to have this name to mark the end of the Heisei Era series.:File:Z_Confidential.jpg:File:Z_Confidential_2.jpg
==External Links==
*Official website
==References==
ms:Ultraman Z
Category:Productions
Category:Series
Category:Reiwa Series
Category:Ultraman Z
Category:New Generation Series
Category:Shows Dubbed in English