The JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) are the unified military forces of Japan in real life. They are composed of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). This organization appears in ULTRAMAN as the upper-level body of BCST and the primary military defense organization.
History[]
ULTRAMAN[]
In 2004, a deep-sea submersible from the JMSDF lost contact while investigating an unidentified flying object that had crashed in the Pacific Ocean. The retrieved submersible was severely damaged, and the sole survivor, Takafumi Udo, was rescued. Udo was then taken to a research center on Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands for investigation, which led the JSDF to confirm that the submersible had been attacked by an unknown blue glowing object. However, due to the fusion effect of the glowing object, Udo's genetic material mutated, transforming him into the ferocious monster known as "Beast the One." The incident was then handled by BCST, a special agency of the Defense Agency.
Three months later, Shunichi Maki of the 7th Air Wing, 204th Fighter Squadron, and his team took off from Hyakuri Air Base at night to investigate a red glowing object. While searching for an unidentified flying object that had entered Japanese airspace, Captain Maki collided with the red glowing object but survived the ensuing crash. BCST learned about the incident and secretly monitored Maki, who had merged with the red glowing object. They used him as a means to lure Beast the One, but the toxin bombs prepared by BCST were ineffective, causing the operation to fail.
Subsequently, the JGSDF took over BCST's duties. After learning about the toxic gas incident in the Nishishinjuku district, they deployed several troops to Shinjuku, Tokyo, to conduct civilian evacuation and readiness operations. The troops also assisted several civilians in seeking shelter during the decisive battle in Shinjuku.
Base[]
Hyakuri Air Base[]
Hyakuri Air Base
Hyakuri Air Base is a base of the JASDF where Maki is stationed. It is the only base in the Kanto region equipped with a fighter air wing and is responsible for air defense missions in the capital area.
Additionally, it houses the only reconnaissance air unit of the JASDF. The base is located on the central Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, covering an area of approximately 4.25 million square meters (about 1.29 million tsubo) and features a runway that is 2,700 meters long and 45 meters wide.
Members[]
JASDF[]
JASDF Base Commander
A JASDF base commander appears in the command center of Hyakuri Air Base and dispatches members of the 7th Air Wing to investigate an unidentified object invading Japanese airspace.
Base Commander is portrayed by Edo Yamaguchi.
JASDF Senior Officials
Several high-ranking JASDF members appear during Maki's interrogation and question him about the circumstances of his crash.
Shunichi Maki
- Main article: Shunichi Maki
Shunichi Maki is a pilot of an F-15J fighter jet in the 7th Air Wing, 204th Squadron at Hyakuri Air Base, holding the rank of second lieutenant. Due to his son's illness, he plans to retire from the front lines.
Gou Kurashima
- Main article: Gou Kurashima
Gou Kurashima is a lieutenant pilot in the 7th Air Wing at Hyakuri Air Base, and he is also Maki's close friend.
JMSDF[]
Takafumi Udo
- Main article: Takafumi Udo
Takafumi Udo is a second lieutenant in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Three months ago, he was attacked and possessed by Beast the One while on a deep-sea investigation vessel.
Arsenal[]
Equipment[]
- Howa Type 64: An automatic rifle used by the JSDF that uses 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition and a detachable 20-round magazine.
- Ingram Model 10: A lightweight submachine gun used by the JGSDF that operates with an open bolt and recoil action.
- 9mm Pistol: An automatic pistol adopted by the JSDF. In the film, it is used to hijack Maki.
Mecha[]
All the Mechas that appear in the film are based on real-world counterparts and were filmed with the assistance of the JSDF.
- Mitsubishi F-15J: A modern fighter jet used by the JASDF.
- F-104J Fighter: A lightweight and high-speed fighter jet that was once widely used by the JASDF.
- F-86F Fighter Jet: A classic fighter jet model, which is only shown on the ground in the film.
- T-33A Trainer Aircraft: An aircraft used for training pilots, also only shown on the ground in the film.
- UH-60J Rescue Helicopter: A modern rescue helicopter used by the JSDF, which appears in the film as belonging to the Hyakuri Rescue Squadron. It heads out to investigate the F-15J fighter jet that collided with a red glowing object and crashed.
- UH-1H Utility Helicopter: A versatile utility helicopter widely used for various missions. It is a general-purpose helicopter produced by Bell Helicopter and was adapted by Fuji Heavy Industries to meet the needs of the Ground Self-Defense Force, known as UH-1J. This helicopter once forced Maki to make an emergency landing with a Cessna 172.
- Type 82 Command Communication Vehicle: A primary deployment of wheeled armored vehicles used for security operations in Shinjuku.
- Type 73 Heavy Truck: A heavy-duty truck used for transport and handling.
- Type 73 Light Truck: A light truck suitable for various tasks.
- 1/4t Truck: A small, lightweight jeep suitable for short-distance transport.
- Super Heavy Truck: A large truck with a 6x4 drive configuration.
- Business Vehicle No.3: A vehicle owned by the JSDF and primarily used as Sara's transportation in the film.
- Type 1 Off-Road Rescue Vehicle: A vehicle used for off-road rescue missions.
- Aircraft Towing Vehicle: A towing vehicle designed for aircraft, with a load capacity of 3 tons.
- Deep-sea submersible: A submersible used by the JMSDF for deep-sea operations, which was destroyed by Beast the One.
Gallery[]
ULTRAMAN[]
Trivia[]
- The film marks the first collaboration with the JSDF in the Ultraman series and also their first appearance in the series. The movie was shot in real-world locations including the Ministry of Defense (Department of Public Relations of the Minister's Office, Public Relations Offices of the Ground Staff Office, Maritime Staff Office, and Air Staff Office, Eastern Army, JASDF Public Relations Center, 7th Air Wing, Hyakuri Rescue Squadron, Hyakuri Control Group, and the JASDF Force Officer Candidate School).
- The JSDF later appeared again in Shin Ultraman for the second time.
- The F-15, Bell UH-1 Iroquois, and Boeing CH-47 Chinook later made brief appearances in Superior 8 Ultra Brothers, representing the JSDF as they went to Yokohama, which had been attacked by monsters.
- In the scene where the F-15 fighter jet battles Beast the One, the original storyboard drawn by Ichiro Itano depicted the F-15 launching a volley of 32 missiles. However, the JSDF pointed out that the F-15 does not have such equipment, so the design had to be modified accordingly.
| Defense Teams | |
|---|---|
| Showa Defense Teams | SSSP, Defense Force | 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, JSDF | 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 | SKIP, GDF | KSCT, NDF |
| 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 |