Akiko Fuji

"Ultraman, you can do it. Ultraman!"

―Fuji yelling at Ultraman to stand up and face Zetton.

Akiko Fuji
Data
Type	Ally
Gender	Female
Age	21 years old
Family	Satoru Fuji (younger brother) Isamu Hoshino (younger brother, only in the US ver)
Affiliation	SSSP
First Appearance	Ultraman episode 1 "Ultra Operation No.1" Ultraman episode 33 "The Forbidden Words" (Giant Officer Fuji debut)
Latest Appearance	Superior 8 Ultra Brothers
Portrayed by	Hiroko Sakurai Katelyn Barr (voice, Okratron5000 English dub)

Akiko Fuji is the main communications officer of the SSSP, as well as the only main female character from Ultraman.

History

Ultraman

Fuji's first appearance

As the sole female member of the SSSP Japan Branch, Fuji is primarily responsible for internal communication and coordination within the team. Additionally, she frequently engages in frontline battles, demonstrating a highly active performance. Together with the team, she shoulders the crucial mission of addressing various mysterious incidents and protecting Earth from Alien invaders and Kaiju.

When initially introduced, Fuji, along with other SSSP members, was on standby at the headquarters. She learned that Shin Hayata had discovered a blue sphere while patrolling the skies over Lake Ryugamori. Later, upon receiving information about the Sub VTOL, piloted by Hayata, crashing, she and Isamu Hoshino continued to send messages to Hayata from the headquarters. Despite Hoshino's reassurance by her side, she expressed considerable concern for Hayata's safety and remained particularly worried.

Subsequently, upon successfully establishing communication with Hayata, she felt joyous. Hayata requested that she transport the Special Submarine S16 to Lake Ryugamori, presenting this request. Fuji then used the Jet VTOL to transport S16 and landed it on the lake. Upon learning about Hayata's plan, Captain Toshio Muramatsu referred to this operation as "Ultra Operation No.1" and ordered the commencement of the attack on the true identity of the blue sphere, the "Bemular".

After Ultraman appeared and defeated Bemular, the members of the SSSP found Hayata miraculously alive. Hayata explained that he was saved by Ultraman. Fuji promptly inquired about where the alien known as "Ultraman" went after disappearing. Hayata replied, stating that after Ultraman's spaceship exploded, he could no longer return to his own planet.^{Ultra Operation No.1}

In her personal life, Fuji has a special fondness for shopping and a deep passion for her birthstone, "pearl".

On payday, Fuji and Mitsuhiro Ide went to a jewelry store in Ginza for shopping. However, Fuji discovered that the price of her favorite birthstone, "pearl", was exceptionally high. According to the store clerk, pearl cultivation has almost vanished this year, making it impossible to harvest pearls. The exact reason remains unclear, as ocean currents are flowing normally, and there haven't been any major typhoons. Fuji suspects that Kaiju might be the cause of the disappearance of pearls, so she shortens her rest time and begins an investigation.

When a Kaiju named Gamakugira attacked a truck traveling along the coast and started eating pearls with its tubular tongue, the SSSP immediately mobilized and launched an attack but faced retaliation. Seeing Gamakugira devouring pearls made Fuji particularly angry.

The next day, Gamakugira began moving, searching for more pearls. The SSSP launched a balloon bomb towards Gamakugira, intending to track and prevent it from coming ashore by attaching the bomb to floating balloons on the sea surface.

Following Hayata's instructions, Fuji arranged a small jet bomb from the headquarters. They attempted to capture Gamakugira with a small jet and send it into space. The mission was highly successful. Gamakugira's body floated in the air, heading towards the sky. However, it turned towards Ultraman, who was escorting it, and Ultraman ultimately destroyed it with a high-speed flying attack.

With Gamakugira defeated, pearl cultivation resumed its normal production, and Fuji could now purchase pearls with her salary. She asked Ide to help her carry the luggage, fully enjoying the pleasure of shopping.^{The Pearl Defense Directive}

Alien Zarab disguised as Fuji.

In the Alien Zarab invasion plan, while Fuji was attending a meeting at the Space Bureau, the Alien Zarab disguised themselves as her and drugged the coffee, causing Daisuke Arashi, who was on standby at the headquarters, to fall into a coma.^{Brother from Another Planet}

Some time later, the Undersea Science Center, constructed to support underwater resource development, is about to hold its inauguration ceremony. The SSSP's mission is to guide Mr. Yoshimura, the president of the scientific company, and a special guest named Jenny to the facility. However, when the Special Submarine S25, piloted by Fuji, approaches the pipeline connecting the Science Center and the base, the vessel suddenly experiences abnormal turbulence.

Upon reaching the Science Center, President Yoshimura presses the switch to activate the facility. Fuji returns to the base to greet the press, while Hoshino accompanies President Yoshimura and Jenny on a tour of the Science Center. Suddenly, the Science Center starts shaking violently. Muramatsu tries to call Fuji, but communication is lost. At the same time, Fuji also discovers that the air supply pipeline to the Science Center is damaged. Additionally, the pier storing submarines is also damaged. At that moment, flooding begins to wreak havoc on the facility.

To make amends for the mistake, Fuji volunteered to take on the responsibility of the underwater rescue mission.

Feeling responsible for what she believed was a piloting error that caused the pipeline damage, Fuji displayed strong regret and a sense of responsibility. She voluntarily requested to undertake a dangerous underwater mission. She installed a melting device in the Science Center underwater to rescue trapped personnel. In the end, she successfully used the melting device to create an opening and complete the rescue. The mastermind behind the pipeline sabotage, "Gubila", was also defeated with the assistance of Ultraman.^{The Undersea Science Center}

Because her younger brother Satoru loves airplanes, she and Hayata accompanied Satoru to watch an airshow. However, the three of them witnessed a large oil tanker flying in the sky. Subsequently, supersonic airliners and fighter jets were pulled towards the sky and disappeared, while a refueling aircraft exploded in mid-air. Fuji and the others decided to investigate the scene, but their car suddenly floated in the air and disappeared. They were then abducted by Alien Mefilas.

Under the manipulation of Alien Mefilas, Fuji in an unconscious state, transformed into a giant and began to wreak havoc in the city, becoming Mefilas' challenge to the SSSP and humanity.

Later, she and Satoru were rescued by the SSSP, but she has no memory of transforming into a giant.^{The Forbidden Words}

Upon learning about the existence of the Monster Graveyard, Fuji briefly expressed her personal perspective on the existence of Kaiju. She believed that Kaiju were, in fact, quite pitiful. The mere fact that they looked different from humans and possessed overwhelming power led to their exile into space, a situation that she found to be particularly cruel.^{The Monster Graveyard}

When a mysterious fleet of spacecraft was heading towards Earth, SSSP branches worldwide activated their defense systems, preparing for the potential attack from unknown enemies. During communication at the headquarters, Fuji was attacked by a Alien Zetton disguised as Dr. Iwamoto, resulting in damage to the base.

Upon the return of the other SSSP members to the base, they discovered that the facility had suffered severe damage, putting them in a difficult situation. They successfully rescued the unconscious Fuji, who revealed that the mastermind behind the attack was the Alien Zetton.

Fuji bids farewell to Ultraman who left Earth.

After Zetton defeated Ultraman, Ide and Arashi joined forces to use the Zero Gravity Bullet to attack Zetton, ultimately causing it to float in the air and explode. Humanity achieved victory through its own efforts. The SSSP witnessed the arrival of the emissary Zoffy from the Land of Light, bidding farewell to Ultraman and Zoffy, who were about to leave Earth and return to the Land of Light.^{Farewell, Ultraman}

Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth

Fuji and SSSP members 40 years later.

After the SSSP was absorbed by the Earth Defense Force, Fuji chose to retire and pursued her own path in life. Thirty years later, the death of Captain Muramatsu deeply saddened the SSSP members. Despite their activities expanding globally, they failed to reunite at Captain Muramatsu's funeral.

40 years later, Fuji received an anonymous letter, hoping that she could visit Captain Matsumura's former residence for a meeting, allowing her to reunite with her former comrades. She and Ide speculated that the letter might be from Hayata, believing that he could be intending to reveal his true identity as Ultraman. This speculation arose from the observation that whenever Hayata was absent during past battles, Ultraman would appear. However, Hayata considered himself as "possibly" being Ultraman, now just an elderly person.

After taking a group photo with Captain Muramatsu's memorial portrait, the members of SSSP left Captain Muramatsu's home. However, before departing, Fuji remained puzzled about the identity of the sender of the anonymous letter. ^{Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth}

Revive! Ultraman

In another timeline of the original series, one month after Ultraman's defeat by Zetton, as the SSSP's strength gradually increased, members began advocating that "Ultraman is no longer needed". Fuji opposed Ide's assertion that "Ultraman's power has declined," emphasizing that Ultraman had suffered severe injuries during the battle with Zetton.

After a mysterious space force was detected, Fuji stayed at the headquarters to handle communications. However, Alien Zetton took advantage of the situation to once again invade the headquarters and attack Fuji. When the returning SSSP defeated Alien Zetton, the sound it emitted became a signal for Kaijus to launch a full-scale attack. Fuji then actively participated as a frontline member in the mission to counter the Kaiju threat.

When Ultraman finally defeated Zetton alone, members of the SSSP celebrated together in joy.^{Revive! Ultraman}

Giant Member Fuji

Giant Member Fuji was the giant form of Akiko Fuji after Alien Mefilas used his saucer to turn her large temporarily in order for her younger brother to give him the control over Earth.

History

When Alien Mefilas kidnapped Hayata, Fuji and her little brother, he turned Fuji into a giant and placed her in the middle of a city, and tried to convince Satoru to give him the Earth in return for a star, explaining that he wanted to "challenge the heart of an earthling".

But Satoru refused to give Alien Mefilas the Earth. Enraged, Alien Mefilas made the giant Fuji go on a rampage in the city. The SSSP, who had arrived earlier where tried to keep the police from hurting Fuji. Alien Mefilas then made his presence known to them and took away Fuji and replaced her with illusions of Alien Baltan, Kemur, and Alien Zarab.

Captain Muramatsu demand that Alien Mefilas show himself, but the alien said he could see them and said he wanted the hearts of the Earth. The SSSP asked what he meant, but heard him arguing with Satoru, who still refused to give in to the Mefilas Man's wishes. Alien Mefilas then turned off his illusions and left the SSSP dumbfounded. However the conversation gave the SSSP the time they needed to located the Mefilas space ship, and an air strike was sent to assault.

With his ship under attack and again with no other option, Alien Mefilas seemed to runaway and leave his ship behind, while the Science Patrol rescued Fuji and Satoru.

Trivia

• Alien Mefilas turning Fuji into a giant marks the second time a human was turn into a giant kaiju, the first being Koji.
• According to Hiroko Sakurai, she stated that she felt stressed after her role during the set but at the same time she felt proud due to having experienced her character as a Kaiju.

Sakurai (Fuji) reconciles with Alien Mefilas.

• On August 23, 2015, 49 years later, Sakurai attended the event "Ultra Kaiju Walk in Odaiba Dreamland 2015" as a guest. During the event, when Sakurai jokingly pointed out that, despite being the heroine, she was listed in the Kaiju Encyclopedia, the Alien Mefilas present at the scene felt quite embarrassed. He deeply regretted turning Fuji into a giant that year and knelt down to apologize. Sakurai forgave him, leading to a "historic reconciliation" between the two.

Data

Stats

• Height: 40 m
• Weight: 10,000 t
• Origin: Alien Mefilas' saucer

Counterparts

Ultraman THE FIRST

Akiko Fuji in Ultraman THE FIRST

An alternate Akiko Fuji appeared in this manga where her role was the same as the original alongside with other main characters. However, during the final arc of the manga, it was revealed that she was possessed by an Alien Baltan all along ever since the first Baltan's defeat at the hands of Ultraman.

Alien Baltan races seek revenge by possessing Fuji to monitor Shin Hayata/Ultraman's fight by sending various monsters that they mutated from Earth organisms in order to create their ultimate kaiju, Zetton. When they captured Hayata on top of the space sattelite, Fuji threatened him by attempting to destroy his Beta Capsule using her supergun.

However, it hit on her arm instead and seemingly attempted to kill herself. A Baltan was released from her and fatally attacked her with a single beam. While being tossed out from the satellite as a result of the said fatal attack, Fuji threw the Beta Capsule to Hayata, allowing him to transform into Ultraman.

In the end, after Zetton's death, Ultraman was visited by Zoffy where he urged Ultraman to return to the Land of Light. The Ultra agreed, under one condition that both Fuji and Hayata must be given a second life force.

Trivia

• Unlike her original counterpart, she appeared to be more of Hayata's love interest.

Superior 8 Ultra Brothers

Akiko Hayata from Superior 8 Ultra Brothers.

In this movie, an alternate version of Akiko Fuji emerges as the wife of an alternate Shin Hayata/Ultraman. Together, they operate a bicycle shop, and the couple is blessed with a daughter named Rena.

When Kaiju began attacking Yokohama, she evacuated alongside Anne Moroboshi. Before the final battle, she reminisced about her experiences in the "Ultraman" world. Anne bid farewell to her husband Hayata, who was about to join the battle. She witnessed the moment when he along with seven Ultras joined forces to save the world.

Several years later, at the commissioning ceremony of the Nippon Maru space vessel, she and Hayata boarded Jet VTOL, embarking on a journey to explore the M78 Nebula in space with other friends. ^{Superior 8 Ultra Brothers}

ULTRAMAN manga

An elder Fuji in the manga

Main article: Akiko Fuji (ULTRAMAN)

An elder Akiko Fuji appeared in this manga where she becomes the chief of the renewed SSSP. Like most of the SSP members, after the events of the original Series, the SSSP officially disbanded however, the members of the original team, now knowing of Hayata's secret, that he was the host of Ultraman, sought to protect their amnesic friends from becoming a lab rat.

While working in the new SSSP, Fuji appears as Moroboshi's superior, while he was having some manner of tests done on him. She reminded him that he was pushing himself too far.

Ultraman F

Main article: Akiko Fuji (Ultraman F)

The Rise of Ultraman

Main article: Kiki Fuji

Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

Fuji in Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

In this series, an alternate version of Fuji appears as one of the main members of the SSSP. She initially teams up with Muramatsu to confront Peter, who appears in the city, and together they attempt to lure him to the coast. However, Peter grows enormous due to heat exposure, escalating the battle and complicating the situation, while the Defense Force continues its assault. When Peter attacks the Jet VTOL piloted by Fuji, she is saved at the last moment by Peter Parker/Spider-Man from another universe.

After Spider-Man questions her about the nature of Ultraman and why they are protecting Peter despite the Defense Force's attack, Fuji responds, "Because he is Ultraman, anything that is loved holds great significance to him." Following this, Fuji and the SSSP offer refuge to Spider-Man.

Giant Member Fuji in Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

Another version of Giant Member Fuji appears in the series, where she is chosen by Alien Mefilas to exploit Ultraman's weakness of "gentleness." Through controlling Gango, Fuji's appearance is assumed, and she is used to attack Ultraman.

However, when Spiderman and Tatsuya Onida notice her crying, they realize that Gango doesn't actually want to fight. Ultraman then embraces her, breaking Alien Mefilas' brainwave control and restoring her to her original form.^{Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man}

Merchandise

Ultra Heroine Fantasy Movies Girls Dictionary

• Akiko Fuji (2008)
  • Release Date: December 2008
  • Price: ¥770
  • Materials: ABS, PVC

Fuji was announced as part of the first batch of figurines in the Ultra Heroine Fantasy Movies Girls Dictionary series. This product features an anime-style design and comes in two versions: with and without a helmet. Additionally, the product includes information cards about each defense team.

Medicom Toy

• Akiko Fuji (Real Action Heroes, 2009)
  • RAH Number: 414
  • Release Date: January 2009
  • Price: 13,440 yen
  • Materials: ABS, PVC (doll), Fabric (clothes)
  • Accessories: Helmet, Tamashii Lab

Released as part of the Real Action Hero Series, Akiko Fuji is a 300mm tall action doll complete with fabric clothes, and she utilizes the RAH301 Kai Doll body. She also comes with a removable helmet, an Tamashii Lab which can be wield by his hands.

Miscellaneous

Ultra Kaiju Encyclopedia Giant Member Fuji

Gallery

Ultraman

Akiko Fuji vs Suflan

Fuji is attacked by Keronia

Giant-Fuji

Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth

Superior 8 Ultra Brothers

Miscellaneous

Trivia

• According to a 2019 and 2024 interview with Hiroko Sakurai:
  • Sakurai, who previously played the role of Yuriko Edogawa in the earlier series Ultra Q, gained the opportunity to appear in Ultraman thanks to a suggestion by Hajime Tsuburaya. She recalled that when about two-thirds of Ultra Q had been completed, Tsuburaya remarked to her, "Your makeup is starting to exude the aura of a true actress. Let's have you star in the next series too!" Although talk of a "next series" for television dramas at the time was often casual and not guaranteed, Sakurai firmly believed that there would indeed be another installment in the series.
  • In the series, Fuji not only serves as a communications officer but also frequently participates in field missions. This was a suggestion made by Sakurai Tsuburaya to Hajime, pointing out that the concept of "female team members mainly responsible for communication tasks within the base" seemed outdated for the "near-future" setting of the series. After this proposal was accepted, it provided Fuji with more opportunities to take part in various missions throughout the series.
  • When discussing the uniforms of the SSSP, Sakurai recalled that the combination of orange jumpsuits and royal blue blazers left the strongest impression on her. However, she admitted that she didn't like the uniform at first, especially the helmet, which she particularly disliked. It was said that Akiji Kobayashi even joked, "If I have to wear this, I might as well quit the series altogether!" Sakurai also mentioned feeling quite embarrassed when filming scenes on the street while wearing the uniform.
  • During the filming of Ultra Q and Ultraman, Sakurai considered herself merely a "material." She didn't overthink her performance or try to stand out, simply following the instructions of the staff to complete her scenes. Even her hairstyle and hair color were adjusted entirely according to their requirements, with little input from her.

• • When discussing directors, Sakurai specifically mentioned Akio Jissoji's unique approach to directing, which she found both challenging and unforgettable. For example, in episode 34, "A Gift from the Sky," Jissoji used a wide-angle lens for her close-up, making her so uncomfortable that she was nearly furious. Jissoji, however, laughed it off, saying, "We'll add a scene of an outdoor tea ceremony with you in a kimono at the end—how about that as compensation?" Sakurai retorted, "Everyone's already burned that wide-angle shot of my face into their minds. No added scene is going to fix that!"
  • In episode 14, "The Pearl Defense Directive," there is a scene where Fuji is supposed to look at the pearls through a showcase window. However, Jissoji insisted that Sakurai press her face even closer to the glass, until her nose was almost flattened against it. Sakurai thought at the time that this shot would surely not be used, but it ended up being included in the final cut.

• • In episode 35, "Monster Graveyard," Jissoji asked Sakurai, dressed in mourning attire, to “sob uncontrollably in front of the monster's portrait!” Sakurai flatly refused, saying, “I can't do that!” In response, Jissoji pressed further, asking, “Don't you feel sorry for the monster?” However, reflecting on this incident after filming had ended, Sakurai came to believe that Jissoji's requests were less about the narrative and more about exploring “what angles and portrayals of Sakurai herself would best satisfy his aesthetic vision.” This pursuit of artistic challenge ultimately reached its peak in Operation: Mystery! episode 4 "Fearful Phone Calls," where Sakurai played the role of Reiko Takiguchi.
  • When Ultraman aired in 1966, there were relatively few promotional events or autograph sessions, and the filming set rarely had visitors. Sakurai recalled that at the time, she had no real sense of her growing fame and regarded the work merely as part of her routine duties as an actress. However, both Eiji Tsuburaya and Hajime Tsuburaya were confident in the series' success, even proclaiming, "In 30 years, Ultraman and all of you will be stars." Today, that prophecy has indeed come true.
• The original SSSP helmet worn by Fuji during the series' filming has also been preserved and was exhibited at the Tokusatsu DNA: ULTRAMAN Genealogy Exhibition in 2020..