Today, Hiroshi Nagano, who played Daigo Madoka in Ultraman Tiga, made a surprise appearance at the "ULTRA LEAGUE Release Event in Tokyo" held at the TOC Ariake Convention Hall in Tokyo. The event featured Nagano standing at the center alongside Tiga, Dyna, Gaia, Zero, Z, and Blazar, commenting on his prominent position: "It's such an amazing spot to be in."

Ultraman Tiga aired as a commemorative work for the 30th anniversary of the Ultraman series and became a representative work of the Heisei Ultraman series, airing as the first new TV series since Ultraman 80, after a 16-year hiatus. The series, which introduced a brand-new worldview, showcased transformation based on abilities, and broke away from the conventional Showa Ultraman heroes. It also won the Seiun Award in the media category at the Japan Science Fiction Convention, reigniting the Ultraman boom.

It has been quite some time since Nagano, who played Daigo Madoka in the beloved series 'Ultraman Tiga' 28 years ago, attended an Ultraman event. He made his appearance on the very first day of the "ULTRA LEAGUE Release Event," the first official event commemorating the release of the "Ultraman Card Game" on October 25th. The participants in the card game tournament, held during the release event, were thrilled by Nagano's surprise appearance.

It had been a long time since Nagano appeared at an Ultraman event. He greeted the audience with, "I'm Hiroshi Nagano, who played Daigo Madoka in Ultraman Tiga." The audience erupted in cheers, and he responded with a smile, saying, "It makes me so happy. It's an honor to receive such cheers after all these years."

It has been 28 years since the initial broadcast, yet Ultraman Tiga is still beloved today. Speaking at the event for the recently released "Ultraman Card Game," with Tiga as the main character of the first booster pack, Nagano, who actually played the game, commented, "Among all the cards, Tiga is quite strong, isn't he? I'm happy." Upon seeing the Tiga card illustration, he added, "It evokes nostalgia, but it doesn't feel old. It even feels modern," admiring the exquisite design.

At the event, Ultraman Tiga also appeared, and Nagano shook hands and embraced him. "Seeing Tiga again, he's really cool. I'm so happy," said Nagano, reuniting with the iconic hero. Following that, Ultraman Blazar, Ultraman Decker, Ultraman Trigger, Ultraman Mebius, Ultraman Z, Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Geed, Ultraman Dyna, and Ultraman Zero also joined. Standing in the center, Nagano commented, "I've co-starred with Mebius, Dyna, and Gaia before, but being in this amazing position is just extravagant," unable to stop smiling.

The "ULTRA LEAGUE Release Event" will continue in six areas across Japan, starting today. The event includes a card tournament adopting the "Gunslinger Method." Attendees can win a PR card featuring "Space Dinosaur Zetton" based on their victories. Additionally, there will be merchandise sales, photo sessions with Ultraman heroes, a photo spot display, and a card illustration designer autograph session, among other exciting activities.

The current release, Booster Pack 01 "Guardians of Earth," features characters from the Heisei series, the New Generation series, and the latest Ultraman Ark. The packaging prominently features Ultraman Tiga. Meanwhile, Starter Deck 01 "Heroes Beyond Time and Space" focuses on the early Heisei Ultraman trilogy, featuring Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, and Ultraman Gaia. It was also announced that Booster Pack 02 "Raging Red and Blue" and Extra Deck 01 "ULTRAMAN: RISING" will be released on January 24, 2025.

ULTRA LEAGUE PV

ULTRA LEAGUE Official

Source : ORICON NEWS