THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN

This documentary explores the history and global influence of the Japanese Tokusatsu series Ultraman. It examines how the franchise became a social phenomenon following its 1966 premiere and discusses how Tsuburaya Productions has expanded the universe for new generations over the following sixty years. The film features interviews and perspectives from a variety of international experts in design, cinema, and Tokusatsu.

The production was a collaboration between TOHO, SlowHand, and Tsuburaya Productions, directed by Yu Nakamura and Kazuki Yoshida. Hirokazu Kore-eda served as a producer. The cast includes appearances by Guillermo del Toro, Hideo Kojima, Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi, and Nicolas Winding Refn, along with Hirokazu Kore-eda, all appearing as themselves. In total, 22 cast members are credited in the 105-minute film. Released in Japan on July 3, 2026, the movie provides an analysis of the series' enduring appeal and its impact on creative professionals worldwide.