Ultraman Z, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman and Ultraman Decker offer their support to sick children with the Ultrakids Project. Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS

Source: Tsuburaya Productions
Official Site: https://www.ultraman-kikin.jp/ (Japan)
Official Twitter: twitter.com/ultraman_series

Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS

In 2011, Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. launched the “Ultraman Foundation” (ウルトラマン基金,  Urutoraman Kikin), an incorporated organization that helps chidlren dealing with trauma and health problems.  The Ultraman Foundation recently collaborated with Solaputi Kids' Camp on the “Ultrakids Project” (ウルトラキッズプロジェクト, Urutora Kizzu Purojekuto),  an online event for children who are being treated for serious and life-threatening diseases, struggling with surgery, and enduring painful medical procedures.  This event for "Ultrakids" was live streamed to 30 hospitals and medical facilities across Japan on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022.

The Ultrakids Project kicked off with the “Ultra Hero Show ~ Support Ultra Heroes with Ultra Charge! ~ " (ウルトラヒーローショー ～ウルトラチャージでウルトラヒーローを応援しよう！～,  Urutora Hīrō Shō ~ Urutora Chāji de Urutora Hīrō o ōen Shiyou!~), a 30 minute-long pre-recorded special starring Ultraman, Ultraman Zero, Father of Ultra, Mother of Ultra, Ultraman Decker, Ultraman Trigger, Ultraman Z and the voice of ULTRAMAN DECKER star Hiroki Matsumoto.  During the show, the Ultrakids sent their support to the Ultra Heroes with applause and a cheering gesture called the "Ultra Charge" (ウルトラチャージ, Urutora Chāji). This was followed by a 15 minute interactive event where the Ultra Heroes and kids engaged in the hand-playing song "1-chome Ultraman" (一丁目のウルトラマン, Ichi-chōme no Urutoraman) and "Ultra Rock Paper Scissors" (ウルトラじゃんけん, Urutora Janken).  The event concluded with the children, Ultraman, and friends from all over the country sending the Ultra Charge to each other.

Author Yoichi Komori was one of the organizers of the Ultrakids Project. "My encounters with Ultraman and the monsters made me who I am today," he explained. "The baton will now be handed over to children with the power of imagination, the spirit of not giving up, and the courage to face challenges."

The reaction for hospitals that participated in the event was very positive. One noted that, "Children who are usually isolated in private rooms said that it was good to connect with friends who are fighting illnesses all over the country." Anotherr stated, "Through Ultraman, we were able to connect with others at the venue, regardless of whether they were children or adults, create friendships, and share a very good time cheering each other on." One hospital explained that, “We set up a venue in the hallway of the ward to project the event on a screen, and even children who usually don’t come out of their rooms walked out and seemed to be enjoying themselves, which made the staff happy.”

 

Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS