Shu Ishido

Shu Ishido
Data
Ultra	Guil Arc
Type	Ally
Age	25 year old
Gender	Male
Affiliation	GDF SKIP
First Appearance	Ultraman Arc episode 1 "Arc to the Future"
Latest Appearance	Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil
Portrayed by	Sho Kaneta Micah Solusod (English dub)

Shu Ishido is a special investigator assigned by the Space Science Division of the GDF.

History

Pre-Ultraman Arc

Shu is a skilled investigator known for his meticulous nature and strong sense of justice, always guided by his principles. As a child, he spent time in the United States and later lived abroad for several years during his school years.

In his diary, Shu recalls growing up with his grandfather, a renowned physicist and genius. Their home frequently hosted experts, colleagues, former students, and readers of his grandfather's work. Shu was deeply influenced by watching his grandfather engage in thoughtful discussions and offer advice.

As an adult, Shu entered the prestigious American university, Space Science University, at a young age and graduated with top honors. He then continued his studies in Europe. Inspired by his grandfather's involvement in establishing the GDF Science Division, Shu decided to join the organization, specializing in alien and space kaiju research. He is equipped with the "Elemagun," an anti-kaiju weapon, for combat during kaiju emergencies.

Ultraman Arc

Shu's first appearance.

In the past year, kaiju disasters in Hoshimoto City have sharply increased. 3 months ago, following the Digelos attack and the appearance of a mysterious giant, Shu received orders from unit chief Nibuya to assist the local SKIP unit in investigating the "Monohorn," analyzing its biological responses, and exploring its connection to space kaiju. In fact, the most important primary objective was to thoroughly locate the Onyx, a "mysterious substance with black hole-like properties," believed to be linked to the event that awakened Earth's kaiju 16 years ago.

Upon arriving at Hoshimoto City Branch, he coincidentally encountered Yuma Hize, who was just about to go on duty. Subsequently, he proceeded to Mt. Shishio where Monohorn was located, and during the investigation, he happened to rescue Yuma from an attack by Shagong. Afterwards, SKIP members expressed their gratitude to Shu for assisting Yuma. Shu shared information about Oo-ze and together with the members, analyzed that Oo-Ze parasitizing Shagong would force it to ingest calcium carbonate, leading to its mutation. Upon receiving news that Shagong was heading towards Hayama Chemical Industries, Shu's sense of justice was deeply ingrained. Despite confusion over SKIP's lack of weapons, he decided to join them in the rescue mission.

In the factory, Yuma was attacked by Oo-Ze, putting him in danger. Shu disregarded the danger and rescued him, but was knocked unconscious and buried under debris. In that critical moment, a "mysterious giant" appeared and transported Shu to safety. Upon waking up, Shu used his phone to record the entire battle between the mysterious giant and Shagong.

Shu named the mysterious giant "Ultraman Arc".

Afterwards, Shu proposed to the upper echelons of GDF that the mysterious giant be named "Ultraman Arc." Subsequently, the name of the giant was officially confirmed. At the request of the higher-ups, the next day, he was assigned to SKIP as a "Special Investigator," officially becoming a new member of the team. ^{Arc to the Future}

Subsequently, Shu, as an investigator, began assisting with SKIP's missions, including inspecting the kaiju sighting locations and searching for evidence. During this period, he also maintained a good relationship with Yuma and others. At the same time, while interacting with the residents of Hoshimoto City, he gradually changed his previously more serious perspective on things and learned from the experience.

A few weeks later, reports of frequent earthquakes and mysterious electromagnetic waves around the site of past UFO sightings near "Suehiro Mountain" prompted Shu, Yuma, and Rin Natsume to investigate. They arrived at "Akebono Inn" at the mountain's base to gather information.

Inside the inn, besides the proprietress Ayaka, there was also a manager named Numata and a waitress named Yamanami working. SKIP immediately began questioning these three individuals, but they seemed to be intentionally concealing certain information. In response, Shu, with a serious expression, interrogated the three and, upon noticing something unusual, used a multipurpose sensor to trace the source of the electromagnetic waves, discovering that they emanated from a hidden shed behind the inn.

Shu caught Alien Croco/Numata.

Following Numata, SKIP discovered a object wrapped in cloth inside the shed. As Numata tried to hide it, a device fell from his waist, exposing his true identity as an Alien Croco. He had been using a holographic device to disguise himself as human. Inside the shed, they found a spaceship he had secretly built, which was leaking electromagnetic waves. Numata admitted he planned to return to his home planet. Shu, acting as a special investigator, interrogated the alien. Despite Yuma's attempts to mediate, Shu sternly reminded him of the investigators who had died at the hands of disguised aliens.

Suddenly, a powerful tremor shook the area. Outside, the mountain split open, and Shagong emerged. Shagong summoned another of its kind, and the two began their attack. Shu and Rin quickly escorted Ayaka and Yamanami into the shed for safety, while Yuma transformed into Arc to battle the kaiju. Arc managed to defeat one, but a third Shagong appeared. As the kaijus turned their attention to the inn, Numata made a desperate decision. Launching his small spaceship, he charged at the Shagongs. The ship exploded on impact.

After seeing Alien Croco willing to sacrifice itself to protect someone important, Shu reflected on himself and changed his attitude.

After witnessing the Alien Croco's self-sacrifice to protect others, Shu reflected on his own attitude. Arc defeated the remaining Shagong, and the fleeing one escaped underground. Though the Alien Croco seemed to have perished in the explosion, he survived. The escaped Shagong was placed under close surveillance by SKIP, and the Alien Croco was sent to the GDF for investigation.

Shu later reconsidered his approach. When he asked Yuma why he believed Numata wasn't a bad person, Yuma explained that the Alien Croco and the innkeepers conveyed "warmth" and "enthusiasm." Shu realized that Yuma had the ability to empathize and consider others' perspectives, a trait he recognized he needed to develop. Later, when Shu learned that Numata's gesture meant "thank you," he smiled in understanding. Welcome to the Akebono Inn. ^{Welcome to the Akebono Inn}

After a while, Hoshimoto City began to embrace the contactless digital currency "HoshiPay", The HoshiPay app also includes SNS features that allow users to earn money through live video streaming. Viewers can send any amount of HoshiPay to online streamers, providing additional income opportunities for the residents of Hoshimoto City.

In response to the HoshiPay trend, Shu forcibly recruited Yuma to become a VTuber.

With rising prices, SKIP worked to conserve resources, and Shu cut his coffee intake to three cups a day. Refusing to sacrifice enjoyment, Shu started a VTuber channel, "Alpha and Omega," with Yuma, hoping to earn tips through HoshiPay. Despite an initial buzz, the channel struggled to attract viewers, leading Shu to consider using SKIP's official channel to gain more attention.

After seeing the "collaboration" between Kanegon and Arc, Shu was fully captivated by the excitement of online streaming.

During the countermeasure mission against Internet Kanegon, Shu gained valuable experience on becoming a popular streamer. After watching the battle between Arc and Kanegon in the information space, Shu became obsessed with Kanegon, calling him the "true top-tier streamer." Following a successful job, Shu and Yuma conducted a HoshiPay livestream together, where they received a tip from Kanegon… which somehow turned Shu into a Kanegon as well?! ^{Internet Kanegon}

After the incident with Givas, Shu prepared to submit a report on Givas to the GDF. Following the instructions of unit chief Nibutani, Shu needed to analyze and investigate the "Giving Moon" that Givas was searching for. As he recalled previous kaiju disasters, members of SKIP also joined the discussion, and the topic of Ultraman Arc became a point of focus.

According to Shu, some within the GDF believe that Ultraman Arc has repeatedly let kaijus go without defeating them. Whether there is a special reason behind this behavior, they argue that Arc should not be easily considered a friend to humanity. That night, Shu completed the 13th report titled "Onyx Report". ^{Shu's Report}

Soon after, Nibuya visited Hoshimoto City and informed Shu that their investigation into the green light emitted by Kivas revealed it was reacting to the high energy levels of Onyx, which was present in the city. Further analysis pinpointed Onyx's location in Kitsune Forest, in the eastern part of the city. Later, after reports of anomalies related to the "Monohorn," Nibuya and Yuma went to Suehiro Mountain, where they were attacked by a mysterious floating polyhedron called "Tesseracton." The situation grew dire until a translucent wall suddenly appeared, shielding them— Arc had arrived to save them.

Sweed used Memory Reading to attack Shu.

When Shu regained consciousness, he found himself alone in an old movie theater. A mysterious "woman in black" appeared and struck him with a powerful energy wave. After extracting all the information Shu knew about Onyx, she left silently. Outside, Shu saw Ultraman Arc battling Zadime, but Arc vanished from exhaustion. Shu then discovered Yuma unconscious on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Onyx finally emerged. GDF headquarters convened an emergency meeting to manage the situation and plan for Onyx's transport to a research facility. ^{Flash of the Past}

As other SKIP members grew confused by the deletion of information, Shu decided to reveal the main reason for his assignment to the Hoshimoto City branch: the existence of Onyx and the truth behind K-DAY. When they learned that Onyx's energy was on the verge of exploding, Shu and the team rushed to its location, where they saw Arc battling Zadime, who was trying to break the seal. During the confrontation, Youpi spotted the woman in black in the sky. Shu used his Elemagun to strike her, preventing her from weakening Arc's strength with her mental waves.

As the situation reached its peak, Arc charged into the energy explosion of Onyx, converting the energy into new armor that defeat Zadime. With Onyx's disappearance, Earth was saved from destruction. However, Shu was left in disbelief when he realized that all data related to Onyx had completely vanished. ^{The Wandering Future}

The conclusion of the Onyx incident marked the end of Shu's mission in Hoshimoto City, as he was scheduled to return to the GDF and leave SKIP. However, a strange event occurred at the Sorajima campsite on the city's outskirts. Campers had reported sighting a mysterious "entity," sparking widespread panic. SKIP was alerted by YouPi, who arrived at the scene first. Initial checks revealed no toxic gases or pathogens, and Hiroshi suspected a kaiju might be involved, sending Yuma to assist.

Shu fell into Mogusion's fantasy fear.

Shu, determined to fulfill his duty, decided to accompany Yuma to the scene. Their detectors found nothing unusual in the forest—until a deafening roar shattered the silence. The kaiju Mogusion emerged, raising its arms as a light erupted. Sensing danger, Shu instinctively pushed Yuma aside, but the light struck him directly in the eyes. For a moment, he saw a gigantic version of Yuma, followed by illusions of Rin, Hiroshi, and YouPi, each bidding him farewell. It became clear that Shu's deepest fear was losing his longtime SKIP colleagues, leaving him paralyzed with terror.

Just as Mogusion prepared to attack, Yuma acted quickly, shoving Shu out of the way. He noted that Mogusion's tongue couldn't touch solid objects. Shu attempted to fight back with his Elemagun, but the shots had no effect on the creature. Back at SKIP, Shu theorized that Mogusion's light caused illusions based on a person's deepest fears, creating overwhelming panic. Before the meeting could end, Mogusion reappeared in the city center, attacking civilians and buildings. It became clear that Mogusion could shift between a spectral and physical form, making it immune to attacks from both the GDF and Arc.

As Arc's timer began to glow red, a mysterious alien appeared to assist, ultimately helping to defeat Mogusion. Afterward, GDF headquarters decided to let Shu stay in Hoshimoto City to continue the investigation and work with his team. When he reunited with Yuma, Shu asked him to call him "Shu" instead of "Mr. Ishido." ^{The Light of Fear}

After the Hellnarak incident, Hoshimoto City enjoyed a brief period of peace. However, it wasn't long before another dimensional disturbance appeared in the skies. Shu and SKIP members rushed to investigate, while he grew increasingly uneasy about Yuma's recent unusual behavior.

During the disturbance, Trigelos emerged from the dimensional rift. While evacuating civilians, Shu spotted Yuma, who was supposed to stay at the base, heading toward the scene unauthorized. Before Shu could intervene, Trigelos unleashed resonating soundwaves that triggered the Onyx light within Yuma's chest to manifest. Realizing at last that Yuma was Ultraman Arc, Shu quickly drove him away from the danger zone and tried to confirm the truth. Yuma, however, refused to explain. Respecting his silence, Shu chose not to push further but assured Yuma of his support and concern.

"I see. Then I won't ask further. "If we're a team, you should have nothing to hide." That's what I might have said before. To empathize with others... you taught me to do that. You've rubbed off on me. I don't want to lose you. I swear I'll get us away."

―Shu, Calamity Thrice

Shu revealed his inner thoughts to Yuma.

Moved by Shu's words, Yuma affirmed his determination to protect everyone. With newfound resolve, he left the vehicle, transformed into Arc, and faced Trigelos. As the battle unfolded, Arc struggled against Trigelos' attacks. Watching from a distance, Shu's usual composure began to falter, prompting Rin to criticize him for staying too calm. This led to an emotional outburst from Shu. When Arc was pinned to a cross-like structure by Trigelos' energy restraints, Shu, in desperation, tried to intervene but was stopped by Hiroshi, who reminded him not to act recklessly.

At a critical moment, GDF fighter jets launched missiles that destroyed the bindings holding Arc. Freed from the restraints, Arc unleashed a decisive attack, overwhelming Trigelos with sheer power. Unable to withstand the assault, Trigelos erupted in a massive explosion, leaving the battlefield in ruins. ^{Calamity Thrice}

Shu witnesses Yuma's transformation into Arc.

In the ruins, Shu and the SKIP members tirelessly searched for Yuma. Shu's calls eventually guided the trapped Yuma, allowing them to rescue him from the debris. However, the chaos escalated with the arrival of Guilebaku, forcing the group to retreat to the headquarter. Watching over an unconscious Yuma, Shu was consumed by guilt for failing to protect him and vowed to ensure his safety. But as Guilebaku's threat grew, the team could only watch helplessly as Yuma transformed again to confront the kaiju, falling prey to Guilebaku's Dream Ray and its illusions. ^{The Descending Dream}

Shu fired Onyxium Particles at Guilebaku.

To save Arc and Yuma, SKIP analyzed Guilebaku's electromagnetic properties and developed a device using Onyxium Particles to disrupt the kaiju's barrier. Shu volunteered to deploy the equipment and, with YouPi clearing the way, reached the frontlines to activate it. His efforts successfully weakened Guilebaku's control over Arc.

Shu expressed his gratitude to Yuma.

After Sweed's defeat, the crisis on Earth was resolved. Determined to save Arc's homeworld, Yuma decided to leave Earth, bidding an emotional farewell to the SKIP team. Before departing, he entrusted his father's watch to Shu. In a heartfelt moment, Shu embraced Yuma, thanking both him and Arc. The team watched as Arc departed.

3 months later, Shu prepared to return to the GDF. Just before leaving, he and the SKIP team received a surprise call on the Kaiju Hotline—from none other than Yuma. ^{Time to Run, Yuma!}

Ultraman Arc The Movie: The Clash of Light and Evil

Main article: Guil Arc

Counterpart

Shu's counterpart from "another universe" also appears in this series. In his own universe, this version of Shu is a member of the Kaiju Research Team within GGFJ. When Hellnarak launched its attack on "Hoshi-moto City", Earth Garon arrived at the scene to carry out its assault mission. Amid the chaos, this version of Shu appeared just in time to save Yuma, who had accidentally crossed into this universe from a dimensional rift. Yuma immediately recognized Shu at first glance. ^{Arc Cooperation Request}

Another Shu meets Yuma.

Shu realized that Yuma was from another universe and calmly explained his own world, introducing Earth Garon, SKaRD, Ultraman Blazar, and the ongoing efforts to combat Hellnarak. When Hellnarak retreated through the dimensional rift, it was because it detected another high-energy presence, which led it to Yuma. During their conversation, Shu also mentioned his previous encounter with Zangill. Upon hearing of Zangill's death from Yuma, Shu expressed his regret. As the rift in space-time closed, Yuma realized that another universe, aware of his own, was trying to stop Hellnarak from reaching their world. Shu then remarked:

"We can't push a threat onto another world for the sake of our own peace."

―Another Shu, The Transcending Wish

After witnessing Yuma transform into Arc and team up with Blazar in battle, Shu and the other GGF members saw Hellnarak and Arc enter the rift. They also witnessed Blazar and Earth Garon's victory over Bazanga. Additionally, this version of Shu does not like coffee but prefers tea. ^{The Transcending Wish}

Transformation

Alien Repo inserts the Guil Arc Cube into the Arc Ariser, manipulating them with their mind. The cube then emits a purple mist that brainwashes Shu when its inserted, making him twist the top and sides of the Ariser and transform into Guil Arc against his will.

Gallery

Ultraman Arc

Miscellaneous

Trivia

• During the audition process, Sho Kaneta initially applied for the role of the protagonist, Yuma. However, based on the staff's recommendation, he was eventually offered the role of Shu Ishido instead. Although Shu is portrayed as a coffee lover, Kaneta himself isn't particularly fond of coffee.
• Shu is depicted as someone who can't function without coffee—without it, he becomes flustered and restless, almost as if he's a completely different person.
• The partnership between Shu and Yuma is one of the core elements of the series. The GDF serves as the backdrop for their story, with Shu acting as a bridge between SKIP and the GDF. Although he is stationed at SKIP, he also serves as a special investigator for the GDF. This setup was the idea of series compositor Jun Tsugita, who felt that the story would struggle to progress without someone at SKIP who understood the movements of the kaiju. Even if the GDF isn't depicted heavily, having a representative character involved in the plot helps move the story forward.
• Takanori Tsujimoto found Shu to be a compelling character, which led to the creation of a "buddy relationship" dynamic. As he worked on the character with Tsugita, Shu's role became more complex and even showed the potential to rival the protagonist in importance. Tsujimoto emphasized that this time, they wanted to focus on a “man-to-man buddy relationship,” a theme that has been fully supported by the production team.
• To keep up with his duties as an investigator, Shu began keeping a diary after joining SKIP. This diary not only serves as a record for kaiju cases but also documents the workings of SKIP and his experiences living in Hoshimoto City.