Update as of August 5:
I mistakenly translated Hatsunori Hasegawa's name as Masaharu Hasegawa. The correct name is Hatsunori Hasegawa. I apologize for the error and have made the correction.

A special event, 'The☆Ultraman & Ultraman 80 45th Special Night,' was held on the 1st as part of the ongoing 'Ultraman Heroes EXPO 2024 Summer Festival in Ikebukuro Sunshine City' (Urusama, until August 26). The event featured Sumi Shimamoto (voice of Mutsumi Hoshikawa) and Hidekatsu Shibata (voice of Captain Daisuke Gondou) from the anime 'The☆Ultraman,' celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, and Hatsunori Hasegawa (as Takeshi Yamato), Eri Ishida (as Emi Jouno), and Sayoko Hagiwara (as Ryoko Hoshi/Princess Yullian) from 'Ultraman 80,' which will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year in 2025.

The anniversary event saw not only longtime fans who watched the series in real-time 45 years ago but also many younger fans in their teens and twenties, showcasing the cross-generational love for these two iconic series. The event began with the opening theme of 'The☆Ultraman' playing, and fans were greeted with a special live stage featuring newly recorded narration by Shimamoto as Mutsumi Hoshikawa, accompanied by animation footage from the original series. The audience was thrilled by the nostalgic return of Ultraman Joneus. The event reached a climax as Shimamoto and Shibata appeared in response to the crowd's enthusiastic shouts of "Science Guard Team!!" Their powerful voices, unchanged from the past, were met with cheers and applause.

During the talk session, Shimamoto reminisced about her early days in voice acting, joking, "If this series is 45 years old, then I'm 45 years old too!" She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from many seasoned professionals on the set. Shibata, now 87 years old, entertained the audience with his sharp recollections of the production, humorously noting, "I'll be 90 in three years, and being able to talk in front of so many people makes me feel like an 'idol'!" He added with a smile, "I need to keep working until I'm 90 to cover my implant costs," and promised to keep giving his best, much to the delight of the fans.

Shimamoto thanked the audience, asking if they enjoyed her new narration, to which they responded with warm applause. She vowed to continue giving her best, reminiscent of her character Mutsumi Hoshikawa. Shibata echoed the sentiment, saying, "Today, I feel like an idol! Thank you all! I look forward to continuing to enjoy 'The☆Ultraman' with everyone!" He ended with a heartfelt promise to keep the story alive.

Following this, the event transitioned to celebrating 'Ultraman 80,' which will also mark its 45th anniversary next year. The familiar chant "Let's go UGM! UGM!" from the ending theme 'Let's Go UGM' resonated through the venue as Hatsunori Hasegawa, Eri Ishida, and Sayoko Hagiwara took the stage. They were greeted with applause and began a special talk session. Attendees received student handbooks from Sakuragaoka Middle School, where the protagonist Takeshi Yamato works, further immersing everyone in the world of 'Ultraman 80.'

Reflecting on their memories, Ishida remarked on the warmth of the fans, saying it felt like returning home, while Hagiwara expressed her joy at being part of 'Ultraman 80,' referring to it as an 'Ultraman happiness.' Hasegawa recalled his dual role as UGM member and middle school teacher, sharing an amusing interaction with fans who called out to him as "Mr. Yamato!"

The actors reminisced about the past, with Hasegawa noting that playing Takeshi Yamato was like being his true self. He expressed his attachment to the character, who was simple and relatable. Ishida and Hagiwara also shared their joy of reuniting after 45 years. Hagiwara, who loved special effects shows since childhood, shared her excitement and admiration for Ishida, revealing how she had secretly been a huge fan.

For Ishida, this was her first time participating in an Ultraman event. She humorously noted the discomfort of the UGM uniform, which was hot in summer and cold in winter, eliciting laughter from the audience. Hagiwara shared a touching memory of an overseas fan who credited 'Ultraman 80' for inspiring them to stop doing bad things, expressing her gratitude for being part of such an impactful series. Hasegawa, reflecting on the show's legacy, encouraged everyone to focus on positive thoughts and actions, embodying the spirit of Ultraman.

The event concluded with a special live stage featuring Hasegawa and Hagiwara reprising their roles as Ultraman 80 and Princess Yullian. Hasegawa's message to pass on the light of hope to future generations moved many to tears. The five main cast members of 'The☆Ultraman' and 'Ultraman 80' came together for a final curtain call, with Hasegawa and Hagiwara striking their transformation poses, bringing the heroes to life and ending the night on a high note with enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Source : ORICON NEWS