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Ultraseven
Original Japanese title card
Also known asUltra–7
Japanese name
Kanjiウルトラセブン
Transcriptions
Revised HepburnUrutora Sebun
Genre
Created byEiji Tsuburaya
Developed byTetsuo Kinjo
Starring
ComposerTōru Fuyuki
Country of originJapan
No. of episodes49
Production
Running time24 minutes
Production companiesTsuburaya Productions
TBS
Original release
Network
ReleaseOctober 1, 1967 (1967-10-01) –
September 8, 1968 (1968-09-08)
Related
Ultraman
Return of Ultraman

Ultraseven (ウルトラセブン, Urutora Sebun) is a Japanese tokusatsu science fiction television series created by Eiji Tsuburaya. It is the second entry (third overall) in the Ultra Series and was produced by Tsuburaya Productions. The series aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System from October 1, 1967 to September 8, 1968.

Premise

[edit]

In the not-too-distant future, Earth finds itself constantly under attack from extraterrestrial threats. To combat them, the Terrestrial Defense Force establishes the Ultra Garrison, a team of six elite members who utilize high-tech vehicles and weaponry. Joining their fight is the mysterious Dan Moroboshi who is secretly an alien from the Land of Light in Nebula M-78 and transforms into his true alien form, Ultraseven, in times of crisis.[2]

Production

[edit]

After the success of space-themed science fiction shows such as Ultraman, Captain Ultra, and the Japanese broadcast of Lost in Space, Tokyo Broadcasting System pursued Tsuburaya Productions to produce another sci-fi series. This led Eiji Tsuburaya to assemble Hajime Tsuburaya, Akio Jissoji, Tetsuo Kinjo, Masami Sueyasu, and Shoji Otomo to brainstorm ideas.[3]

Eiji Tsuburaya proposed a series that would have been a hybrid of Thunderbirds and Lost in Space, Hajime proposed a new Ultraman series that would have included network and sponsors' input for each season, Jissoji proposed a time-travel themed show which would have focused on a time patrol team and their families, Kinjo proposed a children's horror/mystery show that would have been a hybrid of Ultra Q and The Twilight Zone, Sueyasu proposed a fairy tale-themed series, and Otomo proposed a space-themed series which would have been a cross of Lost in Space and Men into Space featuring giant monsters.[3]

TBS eventually settled on a fusion of Eiji's and Otomo's ideas and Eiji submitted a treatment titled The Ultra Garrison, which featured six trained astronauts (including an android named "John") stationed on a satellite called "Mother", the first line of defense against alien invaders. Kinjo felt that the idea was lacking an essential element and suggested adding a superhero.[3]

The treatment underwent massive revisions after TBS felt the idea was too similar to The Great Space War and the new version included giant monsters while retaining the original Earth Defense Force element at TBS' request.[3] TBS eventually suggested to make the series a direct sequel to Ultraman and have it focused on Hayata and Fuji's son, who would be able to call upon Earth monsters for help and only transform into Ultraman in times of desperation.[4]

Tetsuo Kinjo began working on an outline, combining elements of TBS' best ideas and his own, such as elements from his rejected proposal WoO, which featured an alien unwittingly becoming a savior of mankind. Kinjo's outline was titled Ultra Eye and featured Dan Moroboshi being the son of a human and an alien, with Dan coming to Earth in search of his mother. This version also featured Capsule Monsters that Dan would have used when he could not transform. Originally, monsters from Ultra Q and Ultraman were going to be used as the Capsule Monsters in order to cut down production costs.[5]

Ultraseven battles Narse in episode 11: Fly to Devil Mountain.

Tohru Narita was assigned to design the aliens, monsters, and vehicles. Narita's design for Ultraseven was inspired by Mayan culture and originally chose silver and blue for the colors, but changed them to silver and red to avoid problems with the blue-screen matte process.[6] Principal photography on the special effects began in May 1967 and casting began in June 1967. Many of the actors hired were chosen from Toho's acting pool, since the studio was one of the financial investors for Tsuburaya Productions.[7] Yoji Hashimoto and Toshimichi Miwa were put in charge of duties with TBS for the show, while Eiji Tsuburaya served as the chief producer and supervisor for the show and Masami Sueyasu reprised his role as a hands-on producer for Tsuburaya Productions.[8]

Four episodes were completed before copyright was approved for the show's title, which was changed to Ultraseven. The show was filmed silent, a common practice for Japanese shows at the time, and post-production, including editing and voice dubbing, began in September 1967. Toru Fuyuki was hired to compose the soundtrack, gearing towards a more classical direction as opposed to the jazz-inspired direction Kunio Miyauchi took for the Ultraman soundtrack.[9]

Ultraseven aired on October 1, 1967 and earned a 33.7% rating, an achievement at the time.[9] Due to the show's high ratings, TBS ordered an additional 10 episodes during preparations for the show's third Cours (episodes 27-39). Despite ratings dropping during the final weeks, Ultraseven still remained in the top five highest rated shows in Japanese television at the time.[10]

Sequels for both Ultraman, titled Ultraman Continues, and Ultraseven, titled Fight! Ultraseven, were proposed, but Tsuburaya Productions would not produce another Ultra series until 1971, with Return of Ultraman.[10]

Cast

[edit]
  • Kohji Moritsugu as Dan Moroboshi/Ultraseven: Spelled as "Dan Moroboshe" in the Cinar English dub.[11] Ultraseven borrows the look of Jiroh Satsuma and transforms into his true alien form using the Ultra Eye ("Task Mask" in the Cinar dub). At the time of the show's production, Moritsugu was married and poor. This was kept secret in order to publicize Moritsugu as a rising young heartthrob.[8]
  • Shōji Nakayama as Captain Kaoru Kiriyama: The captain of the Ultra Garrison.
  • Sandayū Dokumamushi as Shigeru Furuhashi: The rotund, strong and trigger-happy member of the Ultra Garrison.
  • Yuriko Hishimi as Anne Yuri: Known as "Donna" in the Cinar dub.[12] The team's communications operator and nurse. Yoshiko Toyoura was originally cast in the role, but was pulled out by director Takashi Tsuboshima to cast her in his then-latest film. Hishimi was given the role after doing an immediate audition and photo shoot.[13]
  • Shinsuke Achiha as Soga: The Ultra Garrison's expert marksman.
  • Bin Furuya as Amagi: The team's strategist. Furuya had been the suit performer for Ultraman in the preceding series and stated that, although he liked being Ultraman, Amagi was more enjoyable due to having an exposed appearance.[14]
  • Koji Uenishi as Ultraseven (suit performer): Uenishi portrayed Ultraseven for the entire series while Eiichi Kikuchi did the suit performance for episodes 14 and 15.[15][16]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"The Invisible Challenger"
Transliteration: "Sugata naki Chōsensha" (Japanese: 姿なき挑戦者)
Hajime TsuburayaTetsuo KinjoOctober 1, 1967 (1967-10-01)
2"The Green Terror"
Transliteration: "Midori no Kyōfu" (Japanese: 緑の恐怖)
Samaji NonagaseTetsuo KinjoOctober 8, 1967 (1967-10-08)
3"The Secret of the Lake"
Transliteration: "Mizumi no himitsu" (Japanese: 湖のひみつ)
Samaji NonagaseTetsuo KinjoOctober 15, 1967 (1967-10-15)
4"Max, Respond!"
Transliteration: "Makkusu-gō Ōtō seyo" (Japanese: マックス号応答せよ)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo Kinjo & Masahiro YamadaOctober 22, 1967 (1967-10-22)
5"Vanished Time"
Transliteration: "Kesareta Jikan" (Japanese: 消された時間)
Hajime TsuburayaAkihiko SuganoOctober 29, 1967 (1967-10-29)
6"Dark Zone"
Transliteration: "Dāku Zōn" (Japanese: ダーク・ゾーン)
Kazuho MitsutaBunzo WakatsukiNovember 5, 1967 (1967-11-05)
7"Space Prisoner 303"
Transliteration: "Uchū Shūjin San-Maru-San" (Japanese: 宇宙囚人303)
Toshitsugu SuzukiTetsuo KinjoNovember 12, 1967 (1967-11-12)
8"The Marked Town"
Transliteration: "Nerawareta Machi" (Japanese: 狙われた街)
Akio JissojiTetsuo KinjoNovember 19, 1967 (1967-11-19)
9"Operation Android Zero"
Transliteration: "Andoroido Zero Shirei" (Japanese: アンドロイド0指令)
Kazuho MitsutaShozo UeharaNovember 26, 1967 (1967-11-26)
10"The Suspicious Neighbor"
Transliteration: "Ayashii Rinjin" (Japanese: 怪しい隣人)
Toshitsugu SuzukiBunzo WakatsukiDecember 3, 1967 (1967-12-03)
11"Fly to Devil Mountain"
Transliteration: "Ma no Yama e Tobe" (Japanese: 魔の山へ飛べ)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoDecember 10, 1967 (1967-12-10)
12"From Another Planet with Love"
Transliteration: "Yūsei yori Ai o Komete" (Japanese: 遊星より愛をこめて)
Akio JissojiMamoru SasakiDecember 17, 1967 (1967-12-17)
13"The Man Who Came from V3"
Transliteration: "Bui Surī kara Kita Otoko" (Japanese: V3から来た男)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShinichi IchikawaDecember 24, 1967 (1967-12-24)
14"The Ultra Guard Goes West: Part 1"
Transliteration: "Urutora Keibitai Nishi e Zenpen" (Japanese: ウルトラ警備隊西へ 前編)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoJanuary 7, 1968 (1968-01-07)
15"The Ultra Guard Goes West: Part 2"
Transliteration: "Urutora Keibitai Nishi e Kōhen" (Japanese: ウルトラ警備隊西へ 後編)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoJanuary 14, 1968 (1968-01-14)
16"The Eye That Shines in the Darkness"
Transliteration: "Yami ni Hikaru Me" (Japanese: 闇に光る目)
Toshitsugu SuzukiKeisuke FujikawaJanuary 21, 1968 (1968-01-21)
17"Underground Go! Go! Go!"
Transliteration: "Chitei Gō! Gō! Gō!" (Japanese: 地底GO! GO! GO!)
Hajime TsuburayaShozo UeharaJanuary 28, 1968 (1968-01-28)
18"Escape Dimension X"
Transliteration: "Kūkan Ekkusu Dasshutsu" (Japanese: 空間X脱出)
Hajime TsuburayaTetsuo KinjoFebruary 4, 1968 (1968-02-04)
19"Project Blue"
Transliteration: "Purojekuto Burū" (Japanese: プロジェクト・ブルー)
Samaji NonagaseRyu MinamikawaFebruary 11, 1968 (1968-02-11)
20"Destroy Earthquake Epicenter X"
Transliteration: "Jishingen Ekkusu o Taose" (Japanese: 地震源Xを倒せ)
Samaji NonagaseBunzo WakatsukiFebruary 18, 1968 (1968-02-18)
21"Pursue the Undersea Base!"
Transliteration: "Kaitei Kichi o Oe" (Japanese: 海底基地を追え)
Toshitsugu SuzukiOnisuke AkaiFebruary 25, 1968 (1968-02-25)
22"The Human Farm"
Transliteration: "Ningen Bokujō" (Japanese: 人間牧場)
Toshitsugu SuzukiHiroyasu YamauraMarch 3, 1968 (1968-03-03)
23"Search for Tomorrow"
Transliteration: "Ashita o Sagase" (Japanese: 明日を捜せ)
Samaji NonagaseRyu Minamikawa & Shozo UeharaMarch 10, 1968 (1968-03-10)
24"Return to the North!"
Transliteration: "Kita e Kaere!" (Japanese: 北へ還れ!)
Kazuho MitsutaShinichi IchikawaMarch 17, 1968 (1968-03-17)
25"Showdown at 140 Degrees Below Zero"
Transliteration: "Reika Hyakuyonjū-do no Taiketsu" (Japanese: 零下140度の対決)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoMarch 24, 1968 (1968-03-24)
26"Super Weapon R-1"
Transliteration: "Chōheiki Āru Ichi-gō" (Japanese: 超兵器R1号)
Toshitsugu SuzukiBunzo WakatsukiMarch 31, 1968 (1968-03-31)
27"Operation: Cyborg"
Transliteration: "Saibōgu Sakusen" (Japanese: サイボーグ作戦)
Toshitsugu SuzukiKeisuke FujikawaApril 7, 1968 (1968-04-07)
28"The 700 Kilometer Run!"
Transliteration: "Nanahyaku Kiro o Tsuppashire!" (Japanese: 700キロを突っ走れ!)
Kazuho MitsutaShozo UeharaApril 14, 1968 (1968-04-14)
29"The Earthling All Alone"
Transliteration: "Hitoribotchi no Chikyūjin" (Japanese: ひとりぼっちの地球人)
Kazuho MitsutaShinichi IchikawaApril 21, 1968 (1968-04-21)
30"Glory for Whom?"
Transliteration: "Eikō wa Dare no Tame ni" (Japanese: 栄光は誰れのために)
Toshitsugu SuzukiKeisuke FujikawaApril 28, 1968 (1968-04-28)
31"The Flower where the Devil Dwells"
Transliteration: "Akuma no Sumu Hana" (Japanese: 悪魔の住む花)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShozo UeharaMay 5, 1968 (1968-05-05)
32"The Strolling Planet"
Transliteration: "Sannpo suru Wakusei" (Japanese: 散歩する惑星)
Samaji NonagaseMasahiro Yamada & Shozo UeharaMay 12, 1968 (1968-05-12)
33"The Invading Dead"
Transliteration: "Shinryaku suru Shishatachi" (Japanese: 侵略する死者たち)
Hajime TsuburayaShozo UeharaMay 19, 1968 (1968-05-19)
34"The Vanishing City"
Transliteration: "Jōhatsu Toshi" (Japanese: 蒸発都市)
Hajime TsuburayaTetsuo KinjoMay 26, 1968 (1968-05-26)
35"Terror on the Moon"
Transliteration: "Gessekai no Senritsu" (Japanese: 月世界の戦慄)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShinichi IchikawaJune 2, 1968 (1968-06-02)
36"A Lethal 0.1 Seconds"
Transliteration: "Hissatsu no Rei-ten-ichi Byō" (Japanese: 必殺の0.1秒)
Samaji NonagaseHiroyasu YamauraJune 9, 1968 (1968-06-09)
37"The Stolen Ultra Eye"
Transliteration: "Nusumareta Urutora Ai" (Japanese: 盗まれたウルトラ・アイ)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShinichi IchikawaJune 16, 1968 (1968-06-16)
38"The Courageous Battle"
Transliteration: "Yūki aru Tatakai" (Japanese: 勇気ある戦い)
Toshihiro IijimaMamoru SasakiJune 23, 1968 (1968-06-23)
39"The Seven Assassination Plan: Part 1"
Transliteration: "Sebun Ansatsu Keikaku Zenpen" (Japanese: セブン暗殺計画 前篇)
Toshihiro IijimaKeisuke FujikawaJune 30, 1968 (1968-06-30)
40"The Seven Assassination Plan: Part 2"
Transliteration: "Sebun Ansatsu Keikaku Kōhen" (Japanese: セブン暗殺計画 後編)
Toshihiro IijimaKeisuke FujikawaJuly 7, 1968 (1968-07-07)
41"Challenge from Underwater"
Transliteration: "Suichū kara no Chōsen" (Japanese: 水中からの挑戦)
Kazuho MitsutaBunzo WakatsukiJuly 14, 1968 (1968-07-14)
42"Ambassador of the Nonmalt"
Transliteration: "Nonmaruto no Shisha" (Japanese: ノンマルトの使者)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoJuly 21, 1968 (1968-07-21)
43"Nightmare on Planet No. 4"
Transliteration: "Daiyon Wakusei no Akumu" (Japanese: 第四惑星の悪夢)
Akio JissojiTakashi Kawasaki & Shozo UeharaJuly 28, 1968 (1968-07-28)
44"The Terrifying Super Ape-man"
Transliteration: "Kyōfu no Chōenjin" (Japanese: 恐怖の超猿人)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShozo Uehara & Shinichi IchikawaAugust 4, 1968 (1968-08-04)
45"The Saucers Have Come"
Transliteration: "Enban ga Kita" (Japanese: 円盤が来た)
Akio JissojiTakashi Kawasaki & Shozo UeharaAugust 11, 1968 (1968-08-11)
46"The Showdown of Dan vs. Seven"
Transliteration: "Dan tai Sebun no Kettō" (Japanese: ダン対セブンの決闘)
Toshitsugu SuzukiShozo Uehara & Shinichi IchikawaAugust 18, 1968 (1968-08-18)
47"Who Are You?"
Transliteration: "Anata wa dare?" (Japanese: あなたはだぁれ?)
Tatsumi AndoShozo UeharaAugust 25, 1968 (1968-08-25)
48"The Biggest Invasion in History: Part 1"
Transliteration: "Shijō Saidai no Shinryaku Zenpen" (Japanese: 史上最大の侵略 前編)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoSeptember 1, 1968 (1968-09-01)
49"The Biggest Invasion in History: Part 2"
Transliteration: "Shijō Saidai no Shinryaku Kōhen" (Japanese: 史上最大の侵略 後編)
Kazuho MitsutaTetsuo KinjoSeptember 8, 1968 (1968-09-08)

Banned episode

[edit]

The 12th episode, titled "From Another Planet with Love", was banned due to Alien Spell (which had keloid scars) being labeled as "Hibaku Seijin" (A-Bomb Survivor Alien) which was lifted from the term "hibakusha", referring to the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The issue was featured on an article of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which sparked public outrage and forced Tsuburaya Productions to change the name to "Kyuketsu Seijin" (Vampire Alien). Despite this, Tsuburaya Productions still received negative public opinion and as a result, Tsuburaya pulled the alien character and episode from official publications, broadcasts and home media releases. However, the Hawaiian English dub and Cinar dub of the series broadcast the episode (which was re-titled "Crystallized Corpuscles") in North America.[17]

English versions

[edit]
Title card for the Cinar dub

In 1985, Turner Program Services licensed the series in a 15-year contract from Tsuburaya Productions, who provided the English dubbed versions produced in Honolulu by Tsuburaya-Hawaii, Inc. in the mid-1970s. Finding this English version to be lacking, Turner commissioned the Canadian children's programming production house, Cinar, to dub all 49 episodes for run in syndication.[18] The TPS/Cinar produced episodes featured new opening and closing credits, eyecatches, new episode names, and even a change of name for the character of Anne Yuri, who was dubbed as "Donna Michibata". Cinar edited the episodes for violence, language and commercial time and featured new music cues.

Unsatisfied with Cinar's resultant work, Turner put the series into their vaults until 1994, when they were alerted that the episodes were never broadcast. Ultraseven was dusted off for the "Toons 'Til Noon" and "MonsterVision" blocks on TNT. The "Toons 'Til Noon" broadcasts received substantially heavy editing to make them suitable for the time slot, while the "MonsterVision" broadcasts were the full-length Cinar adaptations. Episodes 3 and 5-7 were missing or mislabeled and were never broadcast. Clips from the series were later used in the "Messages from Space" and "Vacation Spots Around the Universe" segments on the animated variety show Cartoon Planet, which aired on TBS and Cartoon Network. When the contract expired in 2001, Turner returned all the materials (film elements, videotapes, audio masters) to Tsuburaya Productions.[17]

Home media

[edit]

Japan

[edit]

Bandai Visual released the series on Blu-ray in Japan as two separate sets with the first released on November 21, 2014 and the second on January 28, 2015.[19] In September 2020, NHK aired 4K remasters of the series, converted from 16 mm film with HDR.[20] In April 2023, Tsuburaya announced that Pony Canyon would release the 4K remasters in an 11-disc box set (containing 4K Blu-ray's with HDR and standard Blu-ray's) on July 7, 2023 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Ultraseven.[21]

North America

[edit]

In December 2012, Shout! Factory released the Japanese version on DVD, licensed from UM Corporation through Tiga Entertainment.[15][22] In July 2019, Mill Creek Entertainment announced that it had acquired most of the Ultraman library from Tsuburaya Productions through Indigo Entertainment, including 1,100 episodes and 20 films.[23] Mill Creek released the series on Blu-ray and digital on December 10, 2019 in standard and steelbook editions.[24]

In July 2020, Shout! Factory announced to have struck a multi-year deal with Alliance Entertainment and Mill Creek Entertainment, with the blessings of Tsuburaya and Indigo, that granted them the exclusive SVOD and AVOD digital rights to the Ultra series and films (1,100 episodes and 20 films) acquired by Mill Creek the previous year. Ultraseven, amongst other titles, will stream in the United States and Canada through Shout! Factory TV and Tokushoutsu.[25]

Legacy

[edit]

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri said that the Poké Ball concept was inspired by Ultraseven's Capsule Monsters.[26]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
(Japanese: ウルトラセブン, Hepburn: Urutorasebun) is a Japanese tokusatsu science fiction television series produced by Tsuburaya Productions as the second entry in the Ultra franchise. The program follows Ultraseven, an extraterrestrial protector from Nebula M78 who arrives on Earth, adopts the human guise of Dan Moroboshi—a member of the Terrestrial Defense Force's elite Ultra Guard unit—and battles invading aliens, kaiju, and other threats to humanity using advanced abilities and weaponry such as the Eye Slugger. Created by special effects pioneer Eiji Tsuburaya, the series aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968, spanning 49 episodes each approximately 25 minutes in length. Notable for its emphasis on espionage, moral dilemmas, and environmental themes amid giant monster action, Ultraseven distinguished itself from its predecessor Ultraman by featuring a more agile, human-proportioned hero and innovative special effects techniques that influenced subsequent tokusatsu productions. The show's enduring legacy includes extensive reboots, films, and international adaptations, cementing its role in popularizing the kaiju genre globally.

Premise and Setting

Core Narrative

Ultraseven, a giant alien warrior standing 40 meters tall and weighing 35,000 tons, originates from the Land of Light in Nebula M-78 and serves as a guardian dispatched to protect from extraterrestrial invasions and monstrous threats. Upon arriving on the planet, Ultraseven witnesses a young earthling's act of to save a companion, which profoundly inspires him to commit to defending despite the harsh environmental limitations that restrict his energy reserves to approximately three minutes of full-powered activity per transformation. In a departure from symbiotic mergers seen in prior Ultra series entries, Ultraseven independently assumes a named Dan Moroboshi, a form modeled after the deceased to integrate seamlessly into without relying on a host. Dan Moroboshi joins the Ultra Guard, an elite branch of the Terrestrial Defense Organization (TERRES), tasked with monitoring and countering alien incursions using advanced aircraft such as the Max Arrow fighter and ground vehicles equipped for rapid response to kaiju and interstellar aggressors. The Ultra Guard operates from a high-tech base, employing scientific analysis, weaponry, and tactical maneuvers to address threats, but frequently encounters overwhelming foes that necessitate escalation. In these scenarios, Dan activates the Ultra Eye—a compact device resembling corrective lenses—to initiate his metamorphosis into Ultraseven by positioning it before his face and invoking a transformation command, enabling him to deploy signature abilities like the Emerium Ray emitted from his forehead's Beam Lamp and the detachable Eye Slugger crest for ranged attacks. The series unfolds across 49 episodes, each centering on a self-contained crisis precipitated by hostile entities from space, such as shape-shifting aliens deploying kaiju proxies or rampaging creatures disrupting human infrastructure, with the Ultra Guard's investigations revealing underlying invasion plots. Ultraseven intervenes covertly to avert catastrophe, emphasizing resourcefulness and precision in combat to minimize collateral damage, while Dan maintains his cover amid team dynamics that highlight human ingenuity alongside the hero's extraterrestrial intervention. This episodic structure underscores a narrative of vigilance against cosmic perils, broadcast from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968, on Tokyo Broadcasting System.

Key Characters and Abilities

Ultraseven serves as the central protagonist of the series, depicted as an extraterrestrial guardian from the Land of Light in M78 who travels to to defend it against invasive monsters and aliens. Inspired by a human's act of during his arrival, he adopts the human identity of Dan Moroboshi, enabling him to integrate into Earth's defenses as the seventh member of the Ultra Guard, a specialized unit of the Terrestrial Defense Force. In this guise, Moroboshi possesses enhanced physical capabilities, including superior strength and agility beyond typical limits, allowing him to support investigations and combat operations covertly. As Ultraseven, he transforms using the Ultra Eye device, which enables him to assume his giant form standing 40 meters tall. Key abilities include flight at high velocities, size alteration from giant to microscopic scales, and emission of the Emerium Ray—a powerful energy beam fired from his Beam Lamp on the , serving both as an offensive weapon and a vital sign indicator in lieu of a traditional Color Timer. His Eye Slugger, a detachable curved blade from his head crest, functions as a boomerang-like capable of slicing through armored foes or returning to him after use. Protective armor on his chest and shoulders absorbs and redirects energy attacks, enhancing his durability in prolonged battles against . The Ultra Guard comprises five core human members alongside Moroboshi, each with defined roles in aerial, ground, and analytical operations. Captain Kaoru Kiriyama commands the team, directing strategic responses to threats with authoritative oversight. Shigeru Furuhashi handles piloting and reconnaissance duties, leveraging his affable demeanor for team cohesion during high-stakes missions. Anne Yuri operates as the team's nurse and communications specialist, providing medical support and coordinating Ultra Hawk vehicle deployments. Masayoshi Soga excels as a , employing precision marksmanship against extraterrestrial incursions. Isamu Amagi contributes analytical expertise, devising tactical plans to counter alien invasions. Collectively, the Ultra Guard utilizes advanced weaponry and vehicles, such as the multi-role Ultra Hawk, to engage threats before resorting to Ultraseven's intervention.

Thematic Elements

Ultraseven examines themes of interstellar warfare and humanity's precarious position amid advanced extraterrestrial threats, framing in an "Age of Interplanetary War" where the Ultra Guard defends against alien incursions that test human resolve. The narrative underscores militarism's role in survival, expanding on concepts to depict organized human defense forces confronting not only monsters but sophisticated invaders exploiting planetary vulnerabilities. Social commentary permeates episodes, critiquing human flaws such as susceptibility to manipulation and internal conflict; in "The Targeted Town" (episode 8), Alien Metron disseminates space opium via cigarettes to incite societal chaos, probing 's commitment to humanity by illustrating how easily self-destruction can arise from . Similarly, "Dark Zone" (episode 6) confronts ethical dilemmas of survival, as fleeing Pegassa aliens endanger to preserve their dying world, highlighting humanity's relative primitiveness and the moral ambiguities of interstellar displacement. The series probes the human soul's endurance, portraying Ultraseven's alien protagonist—moved by a human's self-sacrifice—as a guardian inspired by mortal potential amid despair, blending with reflections on resilience against chaos and the unknown. This motif aligns with Eiji Tsuburaya's vision of educational storytelling, emphasizing human bonds and moral fortitude in the face of apocalyptic risks, though executed with darker tones than prior Ultra works.

Development and Production

Conception and Influences

Ultraseven was conceived by , founder of , as a follow-up to the successful series, aiming to blend elements of and for a more mature audience. Initially titled Space Base No. 7, the concept focused on a space defense team called the Ultra Guard protecting Earth without relying on giant monsters or transforming heroes, emphasizing human drama and grounded . TBS, the broadcasting network, approved development in 1967 following the acclaim of prior Tsuburaya shows like and , but stipulated a color production, inclusion of a familiar actor, monster-fighting elements, and reduced costs compared to previous entries. Tsuburaya refined the idea into what was temporarily called Ultra Eye or Redman, centering on Dan Moroboshi, an alien from Nebula M78 who disguises himself as a human Ultra Guard member and transforms via the Ultra Eye device to battle intelligent extraterrestrial threats. This shift incorporated spy thriller dynamics, drawing from Western series such as for tense team interactions and covert operations. Visual and narrative influences also stemmed from Gerry Anderson's puppet-based productions like Thunderbirds, which inspired sophisticated and team-based defense motifs, as well as Irwin Allen's live-action sci-fi like and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea for exploratory and peril-laden storytelling. The final title Ultraseven derived from writer Tetsuo Kinjo's input, referencing Dan as the seventh member of the Ultra Guard and alluding to themes of from Kinjo's novel. Production leveraged Tsuburaya's established techniques from , including the Terrestrial Defense Organization structure reimagined as Ultra Guard, while targeting adult viewers with philosophical undertones on and human resilience rather than purely juvenile monster battles.

Filming Techniques and Innovations

Ultraseven's production relied on techniques pioneered by , including suitmation, where performers in heavy latex suits depicted the titular hero and while interacting directly with detailed miniature sets to simulate giant-scale battles. These suits, often weighing over 100 pounds, demanded athletic suit actors capable of dynamic movements, such as Ultraseven's aerial maneuvers achieved via wires and harnesses, building on methods refined during the prior series. Miniature cityscapes and landscapes, constructed from materials like plaster and wood, formed the backbone of destruction sequences, with pyrotechnics and controlled explosions adding realism to kaiju rampages; sets were frequently rebuilt after takes due to irreparable damage from suit actors' actions. Cinematographer Masao Nakabori noted the use of wide-angle lenses to capture these miniatures effectively, alongside resourceful improvisations like wedging hoses into props for effects in episodes such as the Jamila story, reflecting budget constraints that necessitated creative problem-solving over elaborate new builds. Optical handled energy beams and flight sequences, with practical props like the Eye Slugger—Ultraseven's detachable crest weapon—crafted from foam, plastic, and rubber for both close-up and action shots. Later episodes incorporated backlighting and to economize amid tightening schedules and reduced funding, prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing the series' visual spectacle. These methods advanced the Ultra series' realism in portraying interstellar threats, emphasizing practical effects over emerging electronic alternatives prevalent in contemporary Western productions.

Crew Contributions

Eiji Tsuburaya served as producer and special effects director for Ultraseven, leveraging his expertise in to integrate practical effects with narrative demands, including the design and execution of Ultraseven's transformation sequence via the Ultra Eye device. His oversight ensured the series' 49-episode run from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968, maintained high production values despite tight budgets, building on techniques from prior Ultra series like miniature sets for city destruction scenes. , executive producer from , facilitated resource sharing that enhanced the collaboration between and external talent. Shozo Uehara acted as a primary writer, penning numerous episodes that introduced diverse alien antagonists and explored themes of extraterrestrial espionage, contributing to the series' shift toward more mature storytelling compared to Ultraman. Tetsuo Kinjo supplemented the writing team, focusing on scripts that balanced action with character development for the Terrestrial Defense Organization (TERO) members. Kazuho Mitsuta directed 14 episodes, emphasizing fluid camera work to heighten tension in monster confrontations and human-alien interactions. Tsuburaya, Eiji's son, helmed 6 episodes, incorporating familial insights into directing battles with innovative use of and wire work. Other directors, including for 4 episodes, added stylistic variety through experimental framing in invasion sequences. The special effects crew, led by Tsuburaya and including Teruyoshi Nakano, crafted over 50 unique and alien designs using latex suits, , and optical , enabling seamless integration of hero fights with practical explosions on scaled cityscapes. Yuzo Inagaki captured these elements with dynamic lighting to convey otherworldly threats, while editor Yoshiyuki Miyazaki streamlined sequences for the 25-minute format, preserving narrative momentum across episodes. Masami Oe provided the series' theme and , using brass-heavy orchestration to underscore heroic transformations and climactic battles.

Cast and Performances

Lead Actors

Kohji Moritsugu portrayed Dan Moroboshi, the human disguise of the titular alien protector Ultraseven and a key operative in the Terrestrial Defense Force's Ultra Guard unit, appearing in all 49 episodes of the series. Born on March 15, 1943, in Hokkaido, Japan, Moritsugu's performance emphasized Moroboshi's secretive and strategic demeanor as he balanced covert heroism with team dynamics. Shōji Nakayama played Captain Kaoru Kiriyama, the authoritative leader of the Ultra Guard who coordinated responses to extraterrestrial threats. Nakayama's depiction highlighted Kiriyama's decisive command style amid escalating invasions. Yuriko Hishimi embodied Anne Yuri, the skilled female member of the Ultra Guard responsible for piloting vehicles and providing analytical support. Sandayū Dokumamushi acted as Shigeru Furuhashi, a dependable engineer and team supporter focused on technical defenses. Shinsuke Achiwa portrayed Soga, another Ultra Guard operative involved in ground operations and reconnaissance. The ensemble's portrayals underscored the series' emphasis on coordinated human efforts augmented by Ultraseven's interventions, with Moritsugu's central role driving the narrative across the 1967–1968 broadcast.

Suit Actors and Stunt Work

Kōji Uenishi portrayed Ultraseven as the primary suit actor across the series' 49 episodes, which originally aired weekly from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968. Eiichi Kikuchi substituted for Uenishi in episodes 14 ("The Red Killer") and 15 ("The Girl Who Cuts Time"), performing the suit duties during battles against the robot King Joe. Suit actors for the and alien antagonists rotated among ' stunt team, with performers enduring heavy costumes that restricted movement and visibility while executing choreographed sequences. These sequences often incorporated wire suspension for simulated flight and leaps, as well as close-quarters action amid explosive effects and collapsing miniature sets, demanding precise timing to avoid injury under studio lighting that exacerbated heat buildup within the suits. The physical toll of stunt work was significant, with actors limited to brief filming bursts—typically 2-3 minutes per take—due to exhaustion, , and suit deterioration from sweat and strain, yet this enabled the production of high-energy confrontations central to the series' appeal.

Episodes and Broadcast

Original Airing and Structure

Ultraseven originally aired in on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968. The program broadcast weekly on Sunday evenings in the 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. time slot, filling a half-hour format that included commercial breaks. The series consists of 49 self-contained episodes, each running approximately 24 minutes exclusive of opening and closing sequences.) Episodes typically follow a procedural structure: members of the Terrestrial Defense Organization (TERRA) investigate anomalous events or extraterrestrial incursions, leading to confrontations with alien invaders or kaiju, resolved by the intervention of Ultraseven in his giant form.) While most installments emphasize episodic threats, later episodes incorporate serialized elements, such as escalating invasions and character development for Dan Moroboshi, Ultraseven's human host.) No significant production hiatuses interrupted the schedule, allowing consistent weekly delivery over nearly one year, which contributed to its sustained viewership amid competition from other tokusatsu programs.

Notable Episodes

Episode 1, "The Invisible Challenger," aired on October 1, 1967, serves as the series premiere and establishes the core premise of extraterrestrial threats to Earth, with the Ultra Guard investigating human abductions by the crab-like Alien Cool. Dan Moroboshi, an alien from Nebula M-78 disguised as a human, joins the Ultra Guard and transforms into Ultraseven to deploy the Capsule Monster Windam and defeat the invader using his Eye Slugger weapon, highlighting the show's espionage elements and darker tone compared to prior Ultra series. Episode 3, "The Secret of the Lake," broadcast on October 15, 1967, introduces Eleking, an aquatic electric controlled by the Pitt alien race, which emerges from a lake to drain human vitality and becomes one of Ultraseven's most enduring monster designs due to its bizarre, eel-like appearance and recurring appearances in later Ultra media. The episode features Ultraseven's battle against Eleking's energy absorption abilities, underscoring the series' emphasis on creative threats tied to alien manipulation. The finale, Episode 49, "The Biggest Invasion in History: Part 2," aired on September 8, 1968, depicts a massive coordinated alien assault led by the Alien Guts, forcing a depleted Ultraseven into a desperate defense amid the Ultra Guard's surrender demands, earning it a 9.2/10 fan rating and selection as the greatest episode across all Ultraman series in a 2016 poll for its high-stakes conclusion and thematic depth on interstellar conflict.

Controversies and Bans

Episode 12 of Ultraseven, titled "From Another Planet with Love" (Yūsei yori ai o komete), originally aired on December 9, 1967, and depicts aliens from the planet Spell attempting peaceful contact with but being met with hostility due to their disfigured appearance. The episode's antagonist, Alien Spell, features grotesque, burned-like skin and frail physiology, which post-airing drew complaints for evoking imagery of —survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of and —amid Japan's cultural sensitivities to nuclear trauma and victim depictions. In response to these concerns, withdrew the episode from re-broadcasts in starting in 1970, effectively banning it from official domestic reruns and releases for decades, though bootleg copies circulated among fans. A second episode, number 26 titled "Super Weapon R-1" (Chōki-heiki R-1), aired on March 23, 1968, and centers on a massive alien capable of planetary destruction through explosive energy, with visuals of massive blasts and environmental devastation. Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which heightened public aversion to nuclear-themed content, this was similarly pulled from re-airings in due to parallels with real-world radiation fears and catastrophic weaponry. The decision reflected broader by broadcasters and producers to avoid offending audiences amid national grief, rather than formal government prohibition. These bans did not extend to the series as a whole, which maintained strong popularity without widespread violence-related backlash typical of 1960s critiques; instead, they stemmed from specific historical and post-disaster sensitivities, with Tsuburaya prioritizing cultural decorum over full archival access. Overseas distributions, such as the 1970s U.S. syndication as Ultra Seven, often included edited versions omitting or altering problematic elements, but the original episodes resurfaced in limited international releases and fan archives by the .

Adaptations and Distribution

International Versions

Ultraseven received limited international distribution primarily through English-language dubs targeted at the market. The first such adaptation was a partial dub produced by Commercial Recording in , , which aired starting in 1975 on local station . This version covered select episodes but remained regionally confined and is now considered partially . A more widespread English dub followed in 1985, produced by Turner Broadcasting System in collaboration with CINAR, intended for national syndication. This version, often titled Ultra 7, featured altered character names such as Dan Moroboshi becoming "Dan Moroboshe" and included narrative changes with occasionally humorous or simplified dialogue. It aired on cable network TNT during the 1990s, including programming blocks like Toons 'Til Noon and MonsterVision, exposing the series to broader American audiences. English versions underwent editing for content, with some episodes shortened to remove violent scenes and others, like episode 12 banned in for its depiction of the atomic bomb, retained in overseas broadcasts. Distribution beyond the U.S. was minimal, with no verified widespread dubs or airings in other regions during the original era, though bootleg copies circulated informally. Modern access relies on subtitled streams or home media rather than these historical dubs.

Home Media and Merchandising

In Japan, Tsuburaya Productions has issued multiple home video releases of Ultraseven, including DVD box sets in the early 2000s and a complete series Blu-ray edition on October 27, 2017, containing all 49 episodes across multiple discs with Japanese audio and subtitles. These releases typically exclude the controversial 12th episode, "From Another Planet with Love," due to its pacifist themes depicting aliens as victims of human aggression, which led to a broadcast ban in 1970 and subsequent omission from official distributions. Internationally, particularly in the United States, Shout! Factory released a DVD of the complete available series (48 episodes, excluding the banned 12th) on September 11, 2012, featuring English subtitles and original Japanese audio. Mill Creek Entertainment followed with a Blu-ray edition of the complete series in 2019, offering 48 episodes across six discs with a runtime of approximately 20 hours, and later the Ultraseven: 55th Anniversary Anthology Blu-ray set on November 14, 2023, spanning 27 hours and 25 minutes of content with similar exclusions. Digital streaming availability includes free ad-supported options on and , as well as purchase or rental on Amazon Video. Merchandising for Ultraseven centers on collectible action figures and model kits, leveraging the character's enduring popularity in the kaiju genre. Bandai Spirits' S.H.Figuarts line includes a 5.9-inch articulated Ultraseven figure released in 2019, featuring detailed suit texturing, multiple accessories like the Eye Slugger, and full poseability for approximately $60–$70 retail. Additional figures from manufacturers such as Mego (8-inch retro-style edition) and MegaHouse (premium statues up to $340) are sold through specialty retailers like BigBadToyStore and Entertainment Earth, often as limited editions tied to anniversaries or events. Apparel, posters, and scale models from brands like Bandai and Plex further extend the franchise's commercial footprint, though specific sales data remains proprietary to Tsuburaya Productions.

Reception and Analysis

Initial Viewer and Critical Response

Ultraseven debuted on Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) on October 1, 1967, achieving household ratings around 30% for its early episodes, which rivaled or exceeded those of the preceding Ultraman series.) This strong viewer engagement reflected broad appeal among Japanese audiences, particularly children, and prompted TBS to commission an additional 10 episodes after the first production block of 49, extending the run to 59 total. The series' initial popularity stemmed from its innovative elements, including a more alien protagonist and narratives emphasizing infiltration, , and ethical conflicts over straightforward monster battles, which sustained public enthusiasm comparable to Ultraman's peak. Merchandise sales and fan merchandise demand further evidenced this response, with toys and related products seeing rapid uptake akin to the prior show's commercial boom. Contemporary critical commentary from 1967 remains limited in English-language archives, but the prompt network extension and sustained viewership indicate endorsement from broadcasters and sponsors for its production values and narrative maturity. Later analyses attribute early acclaim to its departure from formulaic tropes toward sci-fi realism, though ratings began to decline after the initial quarters due to escalating production costs rather than content rejection.)

Technical Achievements and Limitations

Ultraseven's , supervised by , advanced techniques through the use of precise miniature models to depict urban destruction and alien sequences, allowing for scalable representations of battles on a television budget. Optical printing and integrated energy rays, such as the Emerium Beam fired from Ultraseven's head crest, with live-action footage shot primarily on 16mm film for cost efficiency, supplemented by 35mm for enhanced effects layers. These methods, refined from prior Tsuburaya projects like , enabled fluid suitmation where performers in suits executed against oversized props, contributing to the series' 49 episodes airing weekly from October 1, 1967, to September 8, 1968. Despite these innovations, production limitations stemmed from stringent financial and temporal constraints inherent to 1960s Japanese broadcasting. Budgetary pressures, managed more effectively than in the preceding series, still led to the cancellation of several scripted episodes to avoid overruns, prioritizing completion over expansion. The accelerated schedule—principal photography commencing in May 1967—necessitated silent filming followed by , which exposed artifacts like wire suspension for flight and visible suit textures under standard-definition color cameras, unmitigated by contemporary digital enhancements. Such challenges underscored the era's reliance on practical over post-processed effects, limiting seamless realism in high-speed or action.

Legacy and Impact

Influence on Genre and Media

Ultraseven advanced the genre by shifting focus from purely terrestrial confrontations to interstellar threats and human-alien moral dilemmas, incorporating militaristic defense teams and tactics that added narrative depth to giant hero battles. This evolution sustained the and sci-fi boom ignited by its predecessor , enabling to dominate televised special effects content through 1968, with the series' 49 episodes drawing weekly audiences in the millions across . The disguised alien protagonist model—Ultraseven posing as agent Dan Moroboshi—became a recurring trope in subsequent Ultra entries, influencing character designs and plot structures emphasizing covert over overt heroism. The series' commercial success contributed to the 1970s "henshin" (transformation) boom, pressuring competitors like Toei to develop rival properties; debuted in 1971 explicitly to challenge Tsuburaya's market share, expanding into motorcycle-riding anti-hero formats while borrowing -scale action sequences. Elements like Ultraseven's deployable capsule monsters, used to summon compact allies in episodes such as "The Super Weapon" (aired October 29, 1967), directly inspired collectible creature mechanics in later media; creator referenced these capsules as a foundational influence for the franchise's capture-and-battle system launched in 1996. In , Ultraseven's motifs permeated sci-fi storytelling, with Capsule Corporation's containment technology in (serialized from 1984) mirroring the series' utility capsules for weapons and vehicles, and (1995) incorporating -style defense agencies and silhouette homages to Ultra heroes in its production design, as acknowledged by director Hideaki Anno's fandom. Internationally, English-dubbed versions broadcast in the U.S. from 1975 introduced aesthetics to Western audiences, influencing low-budget sci-fi TV effects, though adaptations remained niche until later Ultra revivals.

Cultural and Societal Interpretations

Ultraseven's narratives often critique and the perils of unchecked technological advancement, reflecting Japan's constitutional and societal unease with remilitarization during the era. The Terrestrial Defense Force (TDF), tasked with protecting Earth, repeatedly deploys experimental weapons that provoke alien retaliation or cause unintended destruction, as seen in episodes where human aggression escalates conflicts rather than resolving them. This portrayal underscores a cautionary message against blind faith in military solutions, aligning with contemporary Japanese debates over the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and opposition to involvement in foreign wars like . The series further interprets human society as inherently flawed yet redeemable, depicting characters driven by , , and shortsightedness that invite extraterrestrial incursions, only to evolve through empathy and . Alien antagonists symbolize existential threats from the "other," mirroring post-war Japanese anxieties about foreign domination and cultural , while Ultraseven's human host, Dan Moroboshi, embodies the tension between individual heroism and institutional rigidity. Such themes position the program as a vehicle for philosophical inquiry into humanity's capacity for violence and moral growth, distinct from the more monster-focused escapism of its predecessor, . Religious and existential motifs appear in select episodes, notably "The Crucifixion of Ultraseven," where the hero endures a cross-like torment imposed by invaders, evoking Christian symbolism of sacrifice for salvation amid themes of persecution and resurrection. Interpretations link these elements to broader tokusatsu traditions exploring minority perspectives, akin to folkloric views of otherworldly beings in regions like Okinawa, where invaders represent marginalized or misunderstood entities rather than pure evil. While some analyses attribute these to Eiji Tsuburaya's intent to foster ethical reflection in youth audiences, others view them as products of Japan's rapid modernization, grappling with identity in a globalized, threat-laden world.

Ongoing Relevance and Revivals

Ultraseven continues to hold cultural significance in and among tokusatsu enthusiasts, evidenced by periodic revivals and anniversary initiatives from that sustain its visibility through new media and merchandise. The Heisei Ultraseven series, produced between 1994 and 2002, served as a direct continuation in an alternate timeline where Ultraseven remains the sole Ultra warrior on Earth, comprising four OVAs that revisited core themes of alien threats and human defense. This project extended the original narrative while adapting to contemporary production techniques, maintaining fan interest amid the evolving Ultra franchise. In 2007, revived the character in ULTRASEVEN X, a 12-episode television series that reimagined Ultraseven's battles against extraterrestrial invaders in a modern context, emphasizing psychological elements and updated to appeal to new audiences. The 55th anniversary in 2022 marked a major revival effort, launching on October 1 with multifaceted projects including merchandise lines, live events, streaming content, and promotional videos highlighting seven thematic pillars such as and . A concept , Ultraseven IF Story: The Future 55 Years Ago, was released in fall 2023, exploring an alternate historical scenario tied to the series' debut episode. Complementing this, a 4K/HDR remastered edition of the original series, ULTRAMAN ARCHIVES Ultraseven 4K UHD & MovieNEX, debuted on July 7, 2023, enhancing accessibility and visual fidelity for contemporary viewers. These efforts underscore Ultraseven's enduring appeal within the broader Ultra Series, which benefits from Tsuburaya's ongoing franchise expansions, including the 60th anniversary project initiated in July 2025 featuring new television content and stage shows, though primarily focused on the archetype. Ultraseven's distinct emphasis on and interstellar conflict continues to influence fan discussions and merchandise sales, positioning it as a foundational yet distinct entry amid the series' .

References

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