Ryoko Hoshi is one of the main characters of Ultraman 80. She is Yullian's human form.
History[]
Ultraman 80[]
Ryoko survives the crashed spaceship
When Yullian first appeared, she came to Earth to convey information to Ultraman 80 about King Galtan's planned revenge. However, the spacecraft she was traveling in crashed under the attack of Alien Galagala, a subordinate of King Galtan. In the accident, she temporarily lost her memory. After being rescued by UGM, she was given the name Ryoko Hoshi by Captain Oyama.
However, due to forgetting her true identity as Yullian, Ryoko mistakenly gave her "Bright Bracelet" to Emi, who was taking care of her within the team. Unfortunately, this act led to Emi being mistaken for Yullian and subsequently kidnapped by Alien Galagala.
Meanwhile, while being attacked by Alien Galagala, Ryoko regained her original memories along with the other members. Together with Takeshi, they embarked on a mission to rescue Emi at the Karakara Alien's stronghold. However, Emi ultimately sacrificed herself to protect Takeshi and Ryoko. The loss of Emi and her responsibility in causing her abduction weighed heavily on Ryoko, plunging her into deep self-blame.
Ryoko decided to inherit Emi's behest and become a new member of UGM.
From that moment on, Ryoko made the decision to fulfill Emi's last wish by becoming a trainee female member of UGM. She joined Takeshi in the fight to protect the Earth.The Female Warrior of Ultra
At the beginning, Ryoko often relied on her telepathic abilities and the use of advanced technology brought from the Land of Light to secretly assist Takeshi. However, influenced by Takeshi's belief in "assimilation," over time and through her interactions with UGM, Ryoko gradually adapted to life on Earth. Her character became milder, just like other Ultras who had come to Earth before her. From deep within her heart, Ryoko began to develop a genuine fondness for Earth and its inhabitants.
In the final stages of the series, Takeshi and Ryoko were conducting wavelength collection investigations in the R1·B2 region. During their mission, Plazma and Minazma, located underground, caused disruptions in airflow and mountain collapses to attack the two individuals. However, Takeshi and Ryoko managed to successfully escape the assault. Later, when Plazma emerged on the surface and initiated an attack on Takeshi and another young boy, Sho, who had discovered the existence of monsters, Plazma summoned Minazma to join the confrontation against Ultraman 80. Soon after the battle commenced, Ultraman 80 overwhelmed and suppressed by the combined force of the two monsters.
Ryoko's first transformation.
At the critical moment when Ultraman 80 faced great danger, Ryoko made the decision to transform into Yullian and join the battle. However, Takeshi intervened and prevented her from doing so. He expressed that if he were to fall, Ryoko could become the new Ultraman warrior to continue protecting the Earth. Despite this, Ryoko remained resolute in her choice to transform into Yullian and assist 80 on the battlefield. Together, they utilized their combined skills to confront the enemy and ultimately succeeded in completely annihilating Plazma and Minazma, achieving victory in the battle.
Although the battle concluded with the triumph of the Ultras, Ryoko's transformation stirred some reproach from Takeshi. In the end, Ryoko tearfully said to him, "I wish I had been born an Earthling."80's Greatest Peril! Transform! Lady Ultraman
Ryoko and Takeshi spend their last days on Earth
As the UGM initiated their operation against Margodon, the true identities of Ryoko and Takeshi were uncovered by Oyama. At Oyama's request, both of them agreed not to interfere in the battle as Ultramen and witnessed the successful defeat of Margodon by the UGM. Eventually, Ryoko and Takeshi participated in a farewell party organized by the UGM members. This gathering revealed Ryoko and Takeshi's true identities to all UGM members.
On the last day on Earth, Ryoko and Takeshi spent their time together in Japan, experiencing their final moments of joy. Later, they returned to the Land of Light together. This signified the completion of their mission on Earth while continuing their lives as Ultra Warriors.Ah! The Giraffes and Elephants Turned to Ice!!
Transformation[]
Bright Bracelet: Ryoko can use this to transform back into her Ultra form. Her transformation scene is similar to 80's first, she lifts her right arm into the air and shouts "Yullian!", light covers her body and transforms her into Yullian
Powers and Weapons[]
- Telepathy: Ryoko can communicate with other beings through her mind. However, Takeshi usually scolds her for doing so because it might reveal their true identity.
- Superhuman Agility: Ryoko can jump much higher than a normal human being. It is shown when she is doing an Ultra C.
- Princess Ray: An infrared ray that Ryoko can fire from her fingertips.
- Bright Bracelet: Ryoko can use this device to transform into Yullian.
- Medical Gun : A gun that can replenish health. Yullian discarded it when Takeshi advises her to rely on wits instead of their people's technology when living alongside humans.
Gallery[]
Ultraman 80[]
Miscellaneous[]
Trivia[]
- Ryoko is the third Showa Ultra's human host that only appeared in just one series and she was never seen again after Kotaro Higashi and Choichiro Hikari.
- According to Sayoko Hagiwara's interview in 2013:[3]
- After Eri Ishida left the series, the team began looking for a new lead actress. They found Hagiwara, who was working as a model. She had shown acting talent since junior high and became popular through fashion magazines.
- A producer at Tsuburaya Productions chose her for the main role. Although she had little acting experience and was unsure at first, being chosen for Ultraman 80 made her want to learn. Since she joined late, she only had two months to film.
- Her first scene was filmed with Hatsunori Hasegawa near Mount Fuji. Hagiwara knew she didn't have much experience, so she focused on learning her lines and not making mistakes. She did exactly what the director told her to do to finish the show.
- She remembered that Ryoko’s UGM uniform wasn't custom-made, it was put together from existing materials. It felt a bit tight, like a ski suit. The inner layer was stiff, made from sportswear fabric. The badge was reused from an older costume.
- At the time, Ishida was already a well-known idol. Hagiwara had seen her in films and was thrilled to meet her on set. She said her badge was missing, so Ishida helped her attach it with rubber, which had a big effect on her. Hagiwara felt excited and nervous when she was filming with the senior actors Jin Nakayama and Noriko Shirasaka.
- When she visited the post-production studio, she realised that the whole series had been dubbed. During dubbing, Nakayama helped her and taught her how to improve her voice.
- In the 45th anniversary interview in 2024:[4][5]
- She remembered very well that Director Shohei Tojo would often shout "Idiot!" on set to encourage the cast to do better. He later directed her in Kagaku Sentai Dynaman. Because Tojo was around a lot, she doesn't remember the main director, Noriaki Yuasa, as much.
- In a 2005 interview, writer Hiroyasu Yamaura said Takeshi and Ryoko had an equal but sometimes tense partnership. He explained that people grow through conflict and understanding. Their differences created emotional tension that strengthened their bond and pushed the story forward.[6]
- In Episode 49, Ryoko transforms to save 80 and gets scolded afterward. Takeshi's reaction shows his emotional restraint, not a lack of gratitude. Ryoko understands this but still feels conflicted. Her line, "I wish I had been born an Earthling," shows both her support for 80's mission and the emotional pain it brings.
References[]