Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: m-78.jp/taiga, ani.tv/taiga (Japan)

Tsuburaya Productions has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and large high-res images from ULTRAMAN TAIGA (?????????, Urutoraman Taiga), their upcoming series featuring a new hero who is the son of Ultraman Taro. The main character, Hiroyuki Inoue, is also able to transform into different Ultramen. Introduction Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya, Tokyo. President and COO: Masayuki Nagatake) will begin broadcasting their newest TV series, ULTRAMAN TAIGA, from July 6th, 2019 at 9:00am on TV Tokyo. The Ultraman Series has been bringing heroes to the world for more than 50 years, starting with the first ULTRAMAN (???????????????, Urutoraman: Kuso Tokusatsu Shirizu), which made its debut in July 1966. ULTRAMAN TAIGA marks the 7th of the “New Generation Heroes” series, which have aired annually on TV Tokyo since the launch of ULTRAMAN GINGA (?????????, Urutoraman Ginga) in 2013. For the first time in the series, the main character Hiroyuki Kudo will transform into 3 different heroes: Ultraman Taiga, Ultraman Titas and Ultraman Fuma. Please stay tuned for the newest Ultraman TV series ULTRAMAN TAIGA, the first Ultraman series of the new Japanese Era “Reiwa” as Naruhito becomes the next Emperor of Japan. About “New Generation Hero” Series The “New Generation Heroes” series is a group of TV shows created by Tsuburaya Productions and aired on TV Tokyo, ever since 2013. The lineup includes the television series ULTRAMAN GINGA, ULTRAMAN GINGA S (??????????, Urutoraman Ginga S, 2014), ULTRAMAN X (???????, Urutoraman Ekkusu, 2015), ULTRAMAN ORB (?????????, Urutoraman ?bu, 2016), ULTRAMAN GEED (?????????, Urutoraman J?do, 2017) and ULTRAMAN R/B (RUEBE) [?????????(???), Urutoraman R/B (R?bu), 2018]. ULTRAMAN TAIGA is the latest addition to the series. Synopsis Aliens have been secretly emigrating to Earth, but only a handful of humans knows this truth. Living in such a society, the main character Hiroyuki Kudo begins working at a private security organization called E.G.I.S. (Enterprise of Guard and Investigation Services). The organization takes care of cases related with aliens, and Hiroyuki works day and night to protect peace. However, there lies a huge secret hidden within Hiroyuki, which even he himself is not aware of. He carries Ultraman Taiga’s “particle of light”. The new story begins as Taiga’s powers revive in Hiroyuki’s body! The New Ultraman Heroes

? Ultraman Taiga (?????????) Taiga is the son of Ultraman Taro, the hero who saved the Earth in the classic series ULTRAMAN TARO (??????T(???), Urutoraman Tar?, 1973-1974). Deep inside, he wishes that his father would understand and recognize him as a worthy Ultraman, but he cannot admit his true feelings. He has a strong sense of justice and is very enthusiastic. Along with Titas and Fuma, he founds the “Tri Squad”. Although still young and not yet skilled as an Ultraman, he dedicates himself to fight for peace on Earth. Together with Hiroyuki, he grows to become a true Ultraman. ? Ultraman Titas (??????????) The second Ultraman that dwells inside Hiroyuki. Ultraman Titas is a warrior and a sage from Planet U40, the birthplace of Ultraman Joneus -- the hero of the 1979 anime series, THE ULTRAMAN (????????, Za Urutoraman) -- as opposed to the traditional Ultraman homeworld, the Land of Light in Nebula M78. He is a good man with a well-trained body and a healthy spirit, and he specializes in heavyweight battles that make use of his power. ? Ultraman Fuma (?????????) The third Ultraman that dwells inside Hiroyuki.

Ultraman Fuma is from Planet O-50, the place where Ultraman Orb and the Ultraman brothers Rosso and Blu acquired the power of warriors of light. He has quick reflexes and various techniques that make him strong in battles that require speed. He has a rough personality, but also a strong sense of duty. The Villain ? Ultraman Tregear (??????????) Ultraman Tregear is an evil Ultraman who first appeared in ULTRAMAN R/B THE MOVIE ? SELECT! THE CRYSTAL OF BOND (?????????????????????????, Gekij?-ban Urutoraman R/B Serekuto! Kizuna no Kurisutaru). He is from Nebula M78 and was originally a close friend of Ultraman Taro, but fell to the dark side. He is the arch-nemesis of Taiga and relentlessly targets him. Main Character and Lead Actor Profile ? Hiroyuki Kudo (Played By Yuki Inoue) A 22 year-old member of the private security organization E.G.I.S, Hiroyuki has a strong sense of justice and a kind heart that embraces everything, including the unknown. He was attacked by an alien when he was a child, but was saved by the light of Ultraman Taiga, who unexpectedly arrived on Earth. Since then, Ultraman Taiga dwells inside him. However, Hiroyuki does not know about this, and lives an average life with a normal family.

As the story goes on, he encounters Titas and Fuma as well, and become buddies with them. He grows to become the bridge for “humans”, “aliens”, and “Ultraman”. The role of Hiroyuki Kudo is played by Yuki Inoue, who was born on June 6, 1996 in Hiroshima. A relative newcomer to acting, Inoue won the Special Jury Prize at the 2017 Horipro Talent Scout Caravan. In July 2018, he made his debut as Pirate Marins in the Broadway musical "Peter Pan", and that December appeared in the feature film NISEKOI: FALSE LOVE (????, Nisekoi). Comment: I’m Yusuke Inoue, and will be playing the role of Hiroyuki Kudo, the main character. When I was given this role, I was very happy and excited that I will now be playing Ultraman, a hero I had always admired. Once I told my family, my mother sent me photos of the Ultraman shows I used to attend every year since I was 5. These photos reminded me of how much I had admired Ultraman since I was a child. This time I will be giving this feeling to kids, and I hope that Ultraman Taiga will be remembered by many generations. As I just made my debut, character of the newly employed E.G.I.S member Hiroyuki Kudo overlaps with me a lot. With the support of my elder colleagues, I think I am becoming one with the character. With the amazing cast, staff, and of course those who are watching, I would love for everyone to enjoy ULTRAMAN TAIGA. I would greatly appreciate your passionate support! Transformation Items

? Taiga Spark (???????) The Taiga Spark allows for the hidden Ultra Energy to be released, creating a bond between humans and Ultraman. By leading the Ultra Taiga Accessory with the Taiga Spark, one can borrow the powers of the heroes and monsters sealed inside.

? Ultra Taiga Accessory (?????????????) The accessories are items with the powers of Ultra Heroes and monsters sealed within. Different types exist such as key chains, bracelets and rings. The key chain type is used when transforming into Ultraman Taiga, Titas and Fuma. ULTRAMAN TAIGA Credits Premiere Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019 Broadcasting Stations: TV Tokyo Network and 6 Affiliates Air Time: Every Saturday 9:00-9:30am Cast: Yusuke Inoue, Others TBA Production: Tsuburaya Productions, TV Tokyo, Dentsu ©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©ULTRAMAN TAIGA PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM ? TV TOKYO

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About Tsuburaya Productions

Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. has created dozens of heroes and other characters, including Ultraman, who have been loved from generation to generation. The base for the company was Tsuburaya Visual Effects Research, which was launched by the Japanese “Father of Special Effects” Eiji Tsuburaya. After showing his skill and making a name for himself working on many monster movies and special effects laden fantasy science films, in 1963 Tsuburaya incorporated Tsuburaya Visual Effects Research and established Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. in order to advance further research and development of special effects technologies and release visual works that could be enjoyed by a wider audience. The company has continued to maintain Eiji Tsuburaya’s policies even after his death. 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the company’s founding, and it continues its work to this day. Currently, the company carries out activities including production of works for television, original video works, and films for theatrical release; licensing of owned characters’ content; development of various products; event planning and live staged events that bring out the maximum appeal of its owned characters, and development of facilities that handle related items.