MovieChat Forums > Chôhen kaijû eiga: Urutoraman (1967) Discussion > Ultraman in Japan

Ultraman in Japan

posted 18 years ago by larry-425
6 replies | jump to latest

The first time I visited Japan I stayed in Asakusa. I'll never forget walking around the streets and small shops, turning down one of the small side streets and suddenly finding myself staring at an enormous statue of Ultraman. I hadn't seen an Ultraman show since I was a child and was delighted by this discovery. Over the remainder of my stay I saw Ultraman everywhere -- in toy stores I passed, in hundred yen shops, everywhere.

Although I'm fairly well versed in the culture, I guess I never realized just how popular this character is -- I naively assumed that Ultraman was this little show that came and went and had been forgotten by everyone.

I wonder how far reaching the syndication was -- did it go from coast to coast here in the US? I saw it on Channel 20 in Detroit.

[–] ups34 18 years ago

I grew up near Houston, TX. and remember watching this series in the early to mid 70s. I think it was on one of the UHF channels. My friend next door was a year younger and we loved this show. We'd watch it every time is was on at one or the others house and then play like Ultraman! It was great fun. I haven't seen it since then but I'm sure I would enjoy it just the same now.

[–] larry-425 18 years ago

I remember it on a UHF station here in Michigan. There was also a great show called Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot -- similar in style to Ultraman. I've actually seen the old Ultraman shows and they're still a lot of fun to see (especially when watching with nostalgic memories).

[–] jofus224 18 years ago

I vividly remember watching these as a kid in the early 70's. I'm pretty sure it was on Saturday or Sunday morning here in Boston.
Didn't he cross his wrists and shoot out a beam to finish the bad guys off?

[–] larry-425 18 years ago

Ultraman had a lot of moves like that -- he'd cross his wrists, he'd bend one arm up and shoot a beam from the side of his hand, etc. etc. All of them were cool.

Maybe it's just nostalgia talking, but those shows had so many memorable features. Remember the opening, where there was this blob of multi-colored paint that would untwist and spell out the name Ultraman? And the flashing beacon on his chest. And those jets the rest of Hyata's patrol would fly around in. And one of the coolest themes (whether you hear it in English or Japanese, it's still great).

They remake this show every few years, and I've seen a couple of them. If you can find them at Blockbuster or something, I'd definitely recommend watching them.

[–] jy342 18 years ago

I saw it on Channel 20 (WXON -- now different call letters) too...the COOLEST show (along with Johnny Sokko and his Giant Robot) ever! Had the 20th anniversary VHS, now a DVD with the original Japanese openings.

You go, Ultraman!

[–] xtarheelinutah 18 years ago

I am happy to report that I purchased the Season One DVD 20 episode compilation of the TV series of Ultraman from Wal Mart (Go figure?!) If your local Wal Mart doesn't have it, I believe the DVD is distributed by BCI communications(?) The website address escapes me, but I can find it if anyone is interested?

I grew up watching Ultraman in the late 70's - 80's in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was back when, at least for us in the surrounding areas, was when there were only FOUR tv stations (ABC, NBC, CBS and Public Television affilates). Plus, it was before cable TV AND when they actually had from 1pm-5pm, afternoon kids cartoons.

Watching the show now, I never realized how much shows like Power Rangers and other Live Action kids shows really owe to this trailblazer. But, for it's time, it was the best thing going. Cheesy? Oh heck yeah! But that's part of it's charm to me as I watch it now as an adult. But when you're a kid who LOVED the old Toho movie studio "Godzilla" monster flicks, Ultraman was the Be-All to End-All! And much props to the creator of the series as well.

Those of us who remember, GET THE DVD! You WON'T be disappointed!

"Uh-oh! It's The Niggras!" - Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys II