Anti-Monster Robot Unit STORAGE is a unit that deals with the use of robot mechas in order to combat daily monster attacks and participate in rescue missions. The team's name, "STORAGE" is an acronym for Special Tactical Operations Regimental Airborne and Ground Equipment .[1][2][3]
The reason for STORAGE's development in Japan is due to a slogan, "If you're speaking about Japan, then it's robots" . They are the only branch of GAF in the world that uses giant robots, with other branches only using enhanced vehicles.[4][5]
History[]
Ultraman Z[]
At some point, the Global Allied Forces Japan Branch decided to approve the construction of giant robots called Special Airborne Armor to fight against monsters, being the only GAF branch in the world to approve of such a plan. Thus, the special team STORAGE was formed and put in charge of the robots. The data of Grigio Raiden was used to build the first SC unit, Sevenger. Sevenger was later joined by Windom and King Joe STORAGE Custom, the latter being reverse engineered from a King Joe brought to Earth by the first Alien Barossa.
STORAGE is berated by members of GAF, including Kuriyama, for ignoring orders given by GAF General Command, specifically to fire the D4 Ray at invading Kelbims. For these infractions, STORAGE was immediately disbanded. While Haruki and Yoko are deeply disturbed by this statement, Hebikura can only scoff at it. D4 After STORAGE was disbanded, GAFJ took over its operations and set up the 1st Special Airborne and Armored Group in its place, and development on Ultroid Zero had started. The previous members of STORAGE had either left for their own paths, or were reassigned to different departments. Individual Tomorrows
Following the defeat of Ultraman Z at the hands of Destrudos, STORAGE was officially reactivated by GAF to spearhead the attempts at stopping the chimeric monster. The Game to Extinction
Later on, they would upgrade Sevenger into Space Sevenger, which would reencounter Ultraman Z and Juggler on a distant planet, Sevenger Fight and chase down Alien Barossa IV in outer space after the theft of King Joe. Inter Universe
Base[]
STORAGE Headquarters[]
STORAGE Joint Base
The STORAGE Joint Base [6] is a six-story warehouse-like building. It features an underground garage for storing various mecha and a main room where the operations team stands by. These mecha can be deployed through the elevator shaft and the fourth gate on the roof.
Given the priority of promptly deploying in case of monster appearances, the command room is located near the maintenance room where maintenance personnel work. The design of the command room allows overseeing the entire maintenance area through windows, while the maintenance area is integrated with the mecha hangar.
Members[]
Attack Team[]
Shota Hebikura
- Main article: Jugglus Juggler
Shota Hebikura [7] is the 34-year-old captain of STORAGE. He is very athletic and acts as a reliable older brother figure to the team. Hebikura usually puts Haruki through intensive drills in the training room.[1][3]
In episode 5, it is revealed that "Hebikura" is actually Jugglus Juggler's alter ego.
Shota Hebikura is portrayed by Takaya Aoyagi , reprising his role as Jugglus Juggler from Ultraman Orb.[1][3]
Haruki Natsukawa
- Main article: Haruki Natsukawa
Haruki Natsukawa [8] is the 23-year-old rookie member, who is assigned to pilot the Special Airborne Armors. He later becomes the human host of Ultraman Z. Despite being a newcomer to the team, Haruki is a natural-born athlete and a master of Karate.[9][10]
Haruki Natsukawa is portrayed by Kohshu Hirano .[9][10]
Yoko Nakashima
- Main article: Yoko Nakashima
Yoko Nakashima [7] is a 24-year-old ace pilot and Haruki's inspiration. Although she has a cheerful and determined personality, she also has a girly side and likes older men, including Ultraman Z. When asked out by an admirer, she challenges them to an arm-wrestling match that Yoko usually wins.[2][3] Nearing the finale, she was possessed by Celebro.
Yoko Nakashima is portrayed by Rima Matsuda .[2][3]
Yuka Ohta
- Main article: Yuka Ohta
Yuka Ohta [7] is a 22-year-old lead scientist in STORAGE. A monster enthusiast, Yuka's knowledge in biology and historic legends frequently helps her in analysis. In addition to giving a hand in creating the anti-monster combat robots, she joined STORAGE as an opportunity to work closer with monsters. She often makes a questionable juice mix for nutrients and offers it to others, despite the mysterious nature of its ingredients.[11][12]
Yuka Ohta is portrayed by Hikari Kuroki .[11][12]
Mechanics Team[]
Kojiro Inaba
- Main article: Kojiro Inaba
Kojiro Inaba [7] is the 59-year-old leader of the mechanics in overseeing the maintenance of Sevenger and the other Special Airborne Armor robots. His nickname is Mr. Bako and the members of the maintenance crew trust him deeply. He's a quiet man who gives off an old-fashioned Showa atmosphere and sometimes displays an unexpected skill, but his past in shrouded in mystery.[13][12]
Kojiro Inaba is portrayed by Jun Hashizume .[13][12]
Satoshi Watahiki
Satoshi Watahiki is one of Inaba's maintenance crew members. His family name is Watahiki (seen on his name tag), but is yet to be revealed for its Japanese rendition of the name. He is also one of Yoko's admirers, but loses to her in an arm-wrestling match.
Due to STORAGE's disbandment and re-establishment as SAAG, Satoshi was one of the many staff members to quit GAFJ entirely out of protest.
Satoshi is portrayed by Reo Satou .
Seiji Siose
Seiji Siose is one of Inaba's maintenance crew members.
Seiji is portrayed by Fuuma Kakuda .[14]
Hiroshi Irizuki
Hiroshi Irizuki is one of Inaba's maintenance crew members.
He is portrayed by Daichi Takaoka .[15][16]
Iwabuchi Junpei
Iwabuchi Junpei is one of maintenance crew members. He was once controlled by Alien Barossa during the retrieval operation of King Joe.
He is portrayed by Kazumasa Yoshikawa .
Some other unnamed members also appear in the series:
![Male member, he is portrayed by Yuki Nanjo (南條 裕貴, Nanjo Yuki).[17]](/wiki/File:Yuki_Nanjo_Z.png "Yuki Nanjo Z.png (390 KB)")
![Tsutsuki, she is portrayed by Tomomi Ichinose (一ノ瀬 友美, Ichinose Tomomi).[18]](/wiki/File:Tomomi_Ichinose_Z.png "Tomomi Ichinose Z.png (248 KB)")
![Sakamoto, she is portrayed by Arai Hanana (新井 花菜, Hanana Arai).[19]](/wiki/File:Sakamoto_Z.png "Sakamoto Z.png (636 KB)")
![Inoue, she is portrayed by Erika (恵理加).[20]](/wiki/File:Inoue_Z.png "Inoue Z.png (1.83 MB)")
Security Team[]
Masashige Yoshikawa
Masashige Yoshikawa served as a security guard for the Security Team and encountered an attack from Alien Barossa while on patrol.
Yoshikawa is portrayed by Shota Taniguchi .
Arsenal[]
Attire[]
- STORAGE Uniform : The uniform worn by members when operating special aircraft or performing missions outside. It is equipped with a helmet, gloves, vest, knee pads, and other gear, making it suitable for both combat uniforms and pilot suits.
- UHG-6SC General-purpose Helmet : A general helmet worn by members, featuring a retractable visor and usable by non-pilots as well. Since the helmet itself lacks communication functions, communication is carried out using a device worn on the neck or a throat microphone.
Equipment[]
- Type 20 Laser Rifle : abbreviated as LAR20, it is a laser rifle that utilizes Picatinny standard rail for targeting control. It emits laser beams powered by batteries, designed for both offensive strikes and deterring monsters. Depending on the battlefield conditions and mission objectives, it can be equipped with interchangeable barrels, missiles, and other ammunition, along with enhancers such as scopes.
- LAR20C: The compact version of the LAR20, featuring a shorter barrel. It can be equipped with small-sized lights, night vision scopes, and stun rounds.
- 17th Type Anti-Kaiju Electromagnetic Cannon :: A type of electromagnetic cannon weapon equipped with gyroscopes for stable aiming, fixed arms, and counterweights. Upon firing, the barrel contracts to absorb the recoil.
- Field Emission Bullet : A small missile developed by Yuka, used in countermeasure missions against Neronga. This weapon works by applying a strong electric field to the surface, thinning the electric potential barrier, and then utilizing the tunneling effect to extract power from Neronga.
- Flashbang : Also known as the Stun Grenade , this is a hand grenade capable of emitting powerful flashes of light and loud noises. It was used in the operation to raid the hiding place of Cerebro.
- Universal Portable Terminal Type 2 : This is a tablet device used by STORAGE members primarily for purposes such as monster analysis.
- Infrared Thermography Camera : A handheld device that are used to find heat sources.
- Type 18 Mobile Communication Terminal : A small terminal device similar in function to a smartphone, capable of transmitting map information.
- Multifunctional Sensor Camera for Analysis : A type of camera used for analysis, including small models suitable for use within STEGG.
- ACEPIII (Advanced Escape Backpack) : A special jetpack equipment used by STORAGE pilots, designed as a portable booster for emergency escapes in SC units. It achieves brief flights by ejecting compressed air from left and right nozzles.
- Portable Speaker : A device used by Yuka to convey the Sound of conch to Metsuboros.
Mecha[]
- STEGG : A patrol car.
- Drone: Used to carry monsters and large items.
- Anti-Monster Specialized Airborne Mechanical Armor : Often shortened to just Special Airborne Armor [21], are giant robots utilized by STORAGE to assist them in against monster attacks and disaster relief missions. Yuka was their creator, whereas Inaba lead his mechanics to perform maintenance after their return from missions. Only two robots were produced due to budget restraints, though additional units are being considered.[22] According to Kuriyama, some of the reason of the delayed developments are due to said funding being used to pay collateral damages from the conflict between STORAGE and the daily monster attacks. The machines were built using a decade-worth of studying Grigio Raiden's cybernetic parts in Yamanashi Prefecture.
- Type 20 General-Purpose Drone I : A large unmanned aerial vehicle used for transporting Gomora.
- Type 20 General-Purpose Drone II : A medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicle used for collecting King Joe parts.
Gallery[]
Ultraman Z[]
Miscellaneous[]
![Inaba and the three maintenance group members.[23]](/wiki/File:Ef_WO3GUwAAcnN_.jpg "Ef WO3GUwAAcnN .jpg (54 KB)")
![STORAGE in the 2024 showing of Ultra Heroes EXPO 2021 Battle Stage[24]](/wiki/File:STORAGE_2024_01.jpg "STORAGE 2024 01.jpg (793 KB)")
![[24]](/wiki/File:New_Year_2021_Battle_Stage_2024_Image_2.jpg "New Year 2021 Battle Stage 2024 Image 2.jpg (473 KB)")
Trivia[]
The Tamagawa Sanitation Association facility, used as the basis for STORAGE's HQ.
- STORAGE, and by extension its parent organization Global Allied Forces Japan is the first defense team since Xio from Ultraman X to actively take part in the fight against monsters while having an Ultra Host being part of their ranks.
- STORAGE HQ in real life, is actually a water treatment facility named "Tamagawa Sanitation Association" located in Omaru, Inagi, Japan.[25] Several aspects of the building were changed during post-production; for example, a large chimney on the facility roughly corresponds to the location of the HQ's control tower.
- This is acknowledged by the mayor of Inagi, Katsuhiro Takahashi, in his Twitter account.[26]
- The STORAGE helmets are repaints of motorcycle helmets manufactured by OSBE Helmets Italy.[27]
- In the Ultraman Series' Twitter site, weekly reports of STORAGE's exploits were uploaded and claimed to be written by Sosuke Yoshida , an unseen member of the team's public relations officer. His position is similar to Teruo Sera of UGM from Ultraman 80.[28]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5493/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5498/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1972
- ↑ Figure-Oh 268
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/character/strage/
- ↑ Ultraman Z Complete Super Complete Works pg 63
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 File:EY9HIdUXsAAmKDd.jpg
- ↑ File:100099641_2540349729400479_1959619317456699392_n.jpg
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5477/
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/1810
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5509/
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/2029
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 https://m-78.jp/news/post-5506/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Fuma_Kakuda/status/1269838542605148160
- ↑ https://twitter.com/daaaaaaing/status/1269843105387122690
- ↑ https://twitter.com/daaaaaaing/status/1276676687141285888
- ↑ https://twitter.com/uk_5430_nj/status/1309869200240865280
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Tonmy0915/status/1277132839503314944/photo/1
- ↑ https://twitter.com/KanaA918/status/1340291817800024071/photo/1
- ↑ https://twitter.com/eeeee1123/status/1279214413300391936
- ↑ https://en.tsuburaya-prod.co.jp/news/2106
- ↑ File:STORAGE Budget.jpg
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Studio_Fuzios/status/1296990774500851712
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 https://twitter.com/m78expo/status/1743256433612014050
- ↑ https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zc8XRDRYKRr9Aju77
- ↑ https://twitter.com/inagikatchan/status/1296237608557715457
- ↑ https://twitter.com/mach_slap/status/1274371886080638977
- ↑ https://twitter.com/ultraman_series/status/1274137414387159040
| 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 |