The Elite Young Expert Squad, abbreviated as EYES, is a special investigation team affiliated with the SRC. It first appeared in Ultraman Cosmos.[1]
Overview
EYES is a special investigation team under the SRC Treasure Base, consisting of six members. The team is primarily responsible for monitoring and investigating the appearance of monsters and seeking methods to resolve monster-related issues while maintaining the existing ecosystem. This team does not view monsters or aliens as absolute evil and strives to engage with them amicably while implementing "restoration" measures to protect the monsters.
Therefore, in the actions taken to counteract monsters, EYES's goal is not to eliminate monsters but to find a peaceful place for them to live on Earth. Once a harmless monster is successfully cured or captured, the members will transport it to the Monster Conservation Control Center on Kaburaya Islands, where the monsters can live peacefully without threats from humans or Chaos Header.
However, in unavoidable circumstances such as facing aggressive or dangerous monsters and aliens, EYES is permitted to use weapons. Nonetheless, the core beliefs of EYES include always pursuing peace and resolving problems humanely. This reflects SRC's values as a global organization aiming to maintain unity and harmony worldwide.
History
Pre-Ultraman Cosmos
As the Earth Peace Declaration, a global disarmament treaty, was concluded, the space development business was reopened with the assistance of SRC, which had become a global organization. SRC established its headquarters at Treasure Base, built on an artificial island repurposed from the original MITI test site. EYES, founded in 2006, was structured similarly to SRC's initial investigative team, comprising several members. It became the frontline team for the organization's multiple operations aimed at protecting monsters. Members were chosen from both SRC and JADF.
Due to the failure of the Golmede protection mission, EYES subsequently made every effort to prioritize the protection of monsters as its primary goal, rather than resorting to attacking them.
EYES deployed TECCH Thunder as its primary mecha. However, in the early stages of the team's formation, they encountered failure during a mission to capture Golmede. When EYES was attacked, in order to prevent Golmede's destruction from affecting residential areas, they were forced to order an attack, resulting in Golmede's death. These failures highlighted the immense challenges faced by SRC in their initial efforts to protect monsters, and the team's stance on monster protection drew public criticism.Strength and Power In 2007, the team successfully captured Lidorias and placed it in the Monster Conservation Control Center.
Some time before the series began, EYES used the prohibited NX ammunition to shoot at Taildas, causing it to flee.Fubuki Retires?!
Ultraman Cosmos
Chaos Header's attacks had an impact on Earth, so EYES took on the responsibility of protecting monsters and addressing various anomalies.
In 2009, the balance of the ecosystem was disrupted by the attack of the Chaos Header on Earth, resulting in the appearance of more monsters and alien invasions that threatened human peace with various anomalies. EYES began to protect Earth and monsters to counteract the Chaos Header while also needing to compete with the militarized stance of the JADF and face media and public scrutiny.
In the first battle against Chaos Header, a member of the Space Development Center named Musashi Haruno was invited by Captain Hiura to join EYES after rescuing Lidorias. After that, EYES started to participate in various monster capture missions and in fighting against monsters infected by Chaos Header. In these battles, the team also actively assisted Ultraman Cosmos in confronting enemies.
Over the course of a year, EYES completed several missions to protect monsters. However, Chaos Header further awakened monsters that had been sleeping underground. Some members of EYES gradually discovered the connection between Musashi and Cosmos during battles.
EYES members bid farewell to Ultraman Cosmos as he left Earth.
Cosmos and Chaos Darkness engaged in a decisive battle on the moon. However, Musashi's insistence on saving the spirit of Chaos Header led to the birth of Cosmos in Miracluna Mode, which facilitated the reconciliation with Chaos Header. The monsters that appeared on the ground were calmed by the call of Lidorias. Once the threat of the monsters passed, the members of EYES bid farewell to Cosmos, who was leaving Earth.True Hero
Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet
Two years later, Musashi began researching the ecosystems of celestial bodies beyond Earth and left EYES.
When TEAM SEA, with the help of the Alien Gyashi, launched Project Blue to counter Sandros by creating a barrier covering Earth with K2 waves, EYES members provided support. They participated in the battle against Sandros in Kitakyushu City and witnessed the appearance of Cosmos and Ultraman Justice.Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet
Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle
The original members who left the front lines are now referred to as "THE EYES" and have each pursued their own paths in their respective fields.
In 2014, EYES underwent a reorganization of its members. Four of the five original members left the team and were honored with the title "THE EYES" due to their achievements during their time with the team. Keisuke Fubuki was evaluated for his capabilities in EYES and was promoted to captain of the new team.
The second-generation EYES team welcomed four new members and was equipped with the successor to TECCH Thunder, TECCH Raigar, as well as the space-style TECCH Raigar KS. The command center enhanced its military equipment, and the machinery and layout were completely redesigned.
New Team EYES.
When Gloker attacked Earth and Ultraman Justice also appeared on the planet, EYES learned that Delacion, who maintained cosmic order, intended to exterminate all humans and reset Earth. Faced with Delacion's threat, Captain Fubuki showed determination to fight to the end and not lose hope, encouraging his subordinates to do the same. Eventually, they assisted Cosmos and Justice in battling the war machine Giga Endra, witnessing the emergence of the Ultraman legend.
After negotiations, Delacion concluded that Earth was safe and humanity did not pose a threat to cosmic peace, thus resolving the crisis on Earth. EYES continued to carry out its mission to protect the planet.Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle
Members
Team EYES
Captain Hiura
- Main article: Harumitsu Hiura
Harumitsu Hiura is the main captain and leader of EYES. Aged 33 years old, he is one of the founders of the SRC research project. He is also called "Cap," just like "Cap" Muramatsu. He was also the one who recruited Musashi to join the team. Hiura is also the only one in team EYES to suspect the relation between Musashi and Ultraman Cosmos, as well as both of them being the same person.
In Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle, he retires and assumes the role of a technical officer in SRC.
Deputy Captain Mizuki
- Main article: Shinobu Mizuki
Shinobu Mizuki is the vice-captain of Team EYES, 28 years old. Mizuki is one of the original defense instructors and joined Team EYES after sympathizing with their policies and ideals. While she is generally reserved, she often takes the lead in battle and guides her team through dangerous situations with great care and experience.
In Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle, she retires and assumes the return to her previous job as a military instructor.
Member Doigaki
- Main article: Koji Doigaki
Koji Doigaki is the 25-year-old mechanic of Team EYES and seen as the most naive member of the team. He hails from Kochi Prefecture, which leads his teammates to often think of him as a country boy because of this. He was called a genius scientist at a young age and was watched closely by the SRC project. Koji joined the team so he could escape his father, a man who he shares an uneasy relationship with. He also had a crush on Yukari Yoshii, his friend in the college whom the Team EYES seems to be aware of.
In Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle, Koji retires and assumes the role of chief in SRC Science Section.
Member Ayano
- Main article: Ayano Morimoto
A 19-year-old member of the team and the youngest member, younger than Musashi by 10 months, Ayano Morimoto (Ayano Haruno in Ultraman Saga) is very spirited and often spoiled due to her upbringing. She has a habit of falling in love with handsome men and doesn't concern herself with femininity as this is also a weakness which led her into being hypnotized by Alien Migelon in episode 19 of Ultraman Cosmos.
In Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle, Ayano became an employee of the monster protected area while also having learned to befriend Lidorias, Musashi's pet/friend. In the film Ultraman Saga, she is married to Musashi, and they have a son named Sora Haruno while residing at Planet Juran.
Member Fubuki
- Main article: Keisuke Fubuki
Keisuke Fubuki is a 23-year-old former police officer and the rookie member of EYES before Musashi. He has a cool, yet slightly aggressive personality that SRC initially did not want on their Team EYES project. He often comes into conflict with other members on how to deal with the corrupted monsters, especially butting heads with Musashi many times while sharing rivalries with him though however they did become friends in the end. During Gelworm and Sydevakter crisis, he receives a help from Kasumi Sanjoji, a playful student from the university they meet as they did share some relationship.
In Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle, he became the captain of a new Team EYES.
Member Musashi
- Main article: Musashi Haruno
Musashi Haruno is a 19-year-old pilot candidate part of the SRC Space Development Center. Musashi first encountered Ultraman Cosmos as a child and formed a bond with him that would return to aid him as an adult. In the film Ultraman Saga, he is married to Ayano, and they have a son named Sora Haruno.
2015 Team EYES
A new group of Team EYES led by Captain Fubuki, succeeding the first team, to which they referred to as "THE EYES."
Deputy Captain Kashima
Eiichi Kashima is the passionate vice-captain who regularly team up with Fubuki.
Kashima is portrayed by Kei Shimizu.
Member Watarai
Kazumi Watarai is an analyst for Team EYES, with superb computer skills, and is mainly responsible for operating the console in the command room.
Watarai is portrayed by Dai Tojo .
Member Kuramoto
Natsuki Kuramoto is the only female member of Team EYES and is primarily responsible for operations. She often acts with Captain Fubuki.
Kuramoto is portrayed by Yurika Asada.
Member Shoda
Ryojiro Shoda is the cool-headed ace pilot of Team EYES with an occasional hot-blooded moment.
Shoda is portrayed by Masaki Nishina.
Arsenal
Attire
- EYES Saving Suit [2]: A two-piece special fiber uniform with a light blue color scheme, this uniform is resistant to heat and cold, as well as waterproof and windproof. It also has the ability to absorb external impacts, making it ideal for monster protection activities. The boots worn with the uniform have special plastic springs built into the heels. A holster for a curved shooting gun is located on the left side of the belt, and a special radio wave generator is built into the buckle.
- The new generation of EYES member uniform features a deeper blue and gray color combination, and the design has undergone significant changes, adding functions to defend against atmospheric separation and resist G-forces.[3]
- SRC Armored Vest : A special vest that can be worn over a bulletproof vest to provide additional protection and functionality for EYES members during combat.
- EYES Saving Met : The helmet used by the team members in action is equipped with the latest type of CCD camera and a movable head-mounted display. The new generation EYES member's helmet is equipped with a high-performance compact communication device, various sensors, and auxiliary functions for controlling riding machines. It is made of high-hardness FRP, with a more practical design and functionality to enhance protection.
- EYES Saving Cap : Caps worn by EYES members during general mission operations.
Equipment
- Rounder Shot [4]: A small, super-portable weapon suspended on the right hip of EYES team members, an improved version of the Rounder Grip used in SRC's early days. It features an analysis scanner and monitoring visual functions, including navigation vision, communication, and analytical capabilities. Team members can choose different functions by switching modes. Additionally, when using the firearm function, a firearm module (stock, barrel, scope) can be attached to increase range and destructive power.
- EYES Pacer [4]: The EYES team member carries a wristwatch-type ultra-compact communication device, which not only has a detector, navigation, and special camera functions but also has a panel depicting the image of the core module. It can be operated by sliding the panel. The regular type is called a "wrist pager," Hiura's model is called an "intercom pager," and the new generation EYES model is a multi-functional high-performance mobile device.
- EYES Attach [4]: A super-high-performance miniature detector developed by Yasue Sawaguchi, equipped with a special small camera that can instantly identify whether the target is extraterrestrial life through scanning and analysis. This special briefcase includes a digital searcher for identifying extraterrestrial life, a Cosmo Whistle that emits a special sound loved by monsters, a TEAM EYES badge, and a set of old-fashioned round handles.
- Digital Search [4]: A super-high-performance miniature detector developed by Sawaguchi. It incorporates a special small camera that can instantly determine whether the target in front, through scanning and analysis, is of extraterrestrial origin. In the NEW EYES, this device has evolved into a wristwatch model.
- Doigaki Special Powerful Laser Cannon : A powerful laser cannon developed by Doigaki for opening boxes in space.
- Monitor Sunglasses : Custom-made sunglasses with a built-in small CCD camera used for peering into the interior of Ragstone Core.
- Shield Generator Device : An extensive defense system used to protect Arados from Alien Nowar's attacks.
- Object Facsimile : A device developed by Doigaki, used to create replicas by rearranging the molecules in space.
Mecha
- Core Module[5]:
- TECCH Thunder[5]:
- TECCH Spinnar[5]:
- TECCH Booster[5]:
- TECCH Diver[5]:
- TECCH Raigar[5]:
- Shepherd [5]: EYES employs a high-speed special vehicle for ground patrols and tracking during their outdoor missions. Several of these vehicles are available, typically connected to the Capital Area through Treasure Base's underwater secret passages. While not armed, the vehicle is equipped with a plasma shield generator for defense against external threats to the vehicle and the driver, as well as reconnaissance and detection equipment. The vehicle model is based on the Honda Insight.
- Yuke-Yuke Kaeru Tank: A tank with a cartoon frog holding a cat toy on top that can be manuevered with a remote controller. Ayano borrowed it from SRC facility department to try and get Mudon to leave a construction site, naming her plan "Operation: Cat Toy". It is also called the Cat Toy Machine .[5]
Classification System
Condition Level
EYES introduced a system with three deployment condition levels to manage crisis situations:
- Condition Level Yellow : Stance for monster protection.
- Condition Level Orange : A balanced stance for both protection and attack.
- Condition Level Red : Stance for attack.
Merchandise
Since 2001, Team EYES' headquarters/air-crafts has been released.
Gallery
Ultraman Cosmos
Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planet
Ultraman Cosmos vs. Ultraman Justice: The Final Battle
Miscellaneous
References
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/character/teameyes/
- ↑ Ultra Tokusatsu PERFECT MOOK vol. 28: Ultraman Cosmos, pg 19
- ↑ Ultra Tokusatsu PERFECT MOOK vol. 28: Ultraman Cosmos, pg 30
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Ultra Tokusatsu PERFECT MOOK vol. 28: Ultraman Cosmos, pg 15
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Ultra Tokusatsu PERFECT MOOK vol. 28: Ultraman Cosmos, pg 16-17
| Defense Teams | |
|---|---|
| Showa Defense Teams | SSSP | TDF (UG, MAT, TAC, ZAT, MAC, UGM) | Science Guard Party |
| Heisei Defense Teams | UMA | WINR | HEART | Mydo | TPC (GUTS, Super GUTS, Black Buster Corps, Neo Super GUTS) | GUARD (XIG) | GOKAZOKU | SRC (EYES, Team SEA), JADF | BCST | TLT (NR) | UDF (DASH) | GUYS | DEUS | ZAP SPACY | Team U | UPG | UNVER (Xio) | VTL | AIB |
| Reiwa Defense Teams | EGIS | GAF (STORAGE) | TPU (GUTS-Select) | SSSP | GGF (SKaRD) | KDF | GDF (SKIP) |
| Other Defense Teams | Inter Galactic Defense Force | Space Patrol | MIGHTY JACK | SRI | SGM | Team Mouri | SAT | SAF | PAT | Koseidon Corps | MAT | SWORD | SSSP | USP | GIRLS |