Toshio Muramatsu

"The peace of the Earth is our responsibility, we the SSSP will protect it with our own hands."

―Captain Muramatsu to his team when they felt alone when Ultraman returned to space, "Farewell, Ultraman"

Toshio Muramatsu
Data
Type	Protagonist Leader
Gender	Male
Age	36 years old
Affiliation	SSSP Ultraman
First Appearance	Ultraman episode 1 "Ultra Operation No.1"
Latest Appearance	Revive! Ultraman Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth (mentioned)
Portrayed by	Akiji Kobayashi Jason Douglas (voice, Okratron5000 English dub)

Toshio Muramatsu was the leader of the bizarre incident investigation group known as the SSSP.

History

Ultraman

Muramatsu's first appearance.

Muramatsu is the captain of the Japan branch of the SSSP. As the leader of the team, he is known for his disciplined, upright, and honest demeanor, and he deeply cares for his subordinates, earning their respect and admiration. His unwavering loyalty to the SSSP's mission of protecting Earth from invasion enables him to demonstrate calm and rational judgment when necessary. Muramatsu possesses strong decisiveness, never hesitating to issue deployment orders when the situation calls for it. Even under pressure, he maintains a cool head and makes difficult decisions with confidence.

Throughout the series, Muramatsu frequently participates in missions alongside the SSSP members, engaging in countermeasures against kaiju as well as on-site investigations of abnormal incidents. He consistently exhibits a fearless attitude towards both aliens and invaders. When the situation calls for it, he is also a brave man who takes the lead and charges on the front line.

While Shin Hayata was piloting the Sub VTOL during a patrol, he crashed into Lake Ryugamori after colliding with an unknown red sphere. In response, Muramatsu led the SSSP members to the scene, where they joined forces with the local police to search for Hayata. However, despite their efforts, it was not until the next morning that Hayata was found. Around the same time, Bemular emerged from the lake. The SSSP attacked the kaiju with their Supergun, but the weapon proved ineffective, and Bemular disappeared back into the lake.

When the team finally received a response from Hayata, Muramatsu questioned him about what had happened. Hayata explained that his first priority had been to defeat Bemular, who had grown tired after a long space journey and was resting at the bottom of the lake. Hayata devised a plan to attack the submerged Bemular using the Jet Beetle from above. Muramatsu, naming the operation "Ultra Operation No.1," gave the order to commence the attack. However, during the battle, Bemular managed to capture the Special Submarine S16 with its jaws, putting Hayata in a dangerous situation. Unbeknownst to the rest of the team, Hayata transformed into a silver alien figure.

The alien engaged in battle with the monster. During a brief three-minute confrontation, Ultraman unleashed a special attack, the Spacium Beam, to defeat Bemular. After Hayata was located by the team, he introduced the alien as "Ultraman." From that moment on, Muramatsu and the SSSP regularly supported Ultraman in various battles.^{Ultra Operation No.1}

During an incident near the Gotenyama Mountain Science Center involving the observation of mysterious radio waves, the SSSP was dispatched to investigate. However, they encountered resistance from a mysterious alien force. While in a meeting with Japan's other defense leaders, Muramatsu expressed caution and opposed an immediate attack on the aliens. He argued that humanity knew nothing about the identity of the extraterrestrials or the existence of their spacecraft, making any countermeasures unwise at that stage. Despite his objections, the higher-ups in the Self-Defense Forces dismissed Muramatsu's concerns. Once the alien spacecraft was located, they planned to launch a nuclear missile named "Hagetaka" to destroy it.

Muramatsu, after listening to the aliens' requests, advocated for giving them the opportunity to return to space if such a solution was possible. During Hayata's negotiations with the Alien Baltan, he proposed that they could find a new home for their species outside of Earth, such as Mars. However, the Alien Baltan refused, saying, "We don't like Mars..." Listening to this conversation over the phone, Muramatsu deduced that the Alien Baltan' weakness might be linked to a substance called "Specium," which exists on Mars but is absent from Earth. When the Alien Baltan began their invasion of Earth, Ultraman used this knowledge to unleash the Spacium Beam, ultimately defeating the Alien Baltan.^{Shoot the Invader}

In the series, Muramatsu is depicted as a dependable leader who offers calm, thoughtful guidance to his subordinates and makes bold decisions when needed.

During the Alien Zarab incident, Muramatsu expressed skepticism about the Alien Zarab's true intentions. When Imit-Ultraman began rampaging and causing destruction in the city, the Self-Defense Force deployed missile tanks to attack the impostor. Muramatsu remarked that even if it were Ultraman, if he engaged in violent acts on Earth, the SSSP would have to fight him. After Alien Zarab's disguise was uncovered, Muramatsu's suspicions were confirmed, proving that his instincts had been correct.^{Brother from Another Planet}

Recently, a series of unexplained bus accidents has occurred at Hinata Pass in Okutama, Tokyo. Strangely, these incidents consistently happen at noon. In response, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department requested assistance from the SSSP to investigate these occurrences. To probe the situation, Muramatsu and Mitsuhiro Ide boarded a bus that had been involved in multiple accidents. As anticipated, the bus plunged off a cliff and caught fire at noon.

During the fall, Muramatsu was thrown to a midway point on the slope. Upon regaining consciousness, he found a woman lying beside him. After attempting to wake her, they confirmed that both were unharmed. However, other passengers, including Ide, were nowhere to be found. Muramatsu quickly descended to the accident site, only to find the bus empty. A police officer arrived and informed him that the accident had occurred an hour prior. Remarkably, aside from Ide, who had a broken leg and was sent to the hospital, all other passengers were reported to be unharmed.

Upon returning to the cliff, Muramatsu discovered that the woman had vanished. Looking around, he saw her heading towards the Cosmic Ray Research Institute. Muramatsu immediately reported this development to Akiko Fuji and expressed his intention to follow the suspicious woman. However, shortly after sending this message, communication was abruptly cut off.

Meanwhile, Ide encountered a man in a white lab coat in the hospital room. The man claimed to be a researcher from the Cosmic Ray Research Institute, which had been occupied by "Dada" a week earlier. He explained that he had survived by taking refuge in a room protected by special heavy metal doors, while the other four researchers had been captured by Dada and miniaturized into specimens. Suddenly, the researcher experienced intense pain and vanished, clearly having been transported back to the institute by Dada's material transfer ability.

Muramatsu saves Akikawa who is attacked by Dada.

At the Cosmic Ray Research Institute, Dada, following orders from his superiors, was tasked with collecting six human specimens. Shortly thereafter, a woman wearing sunglasses entered the institute. She was Kanako Akikawa, a technician from the Cosmic Atomic Research Institute, who was there to retrieve some report data. Dada, having possessed the newly captured researcher, determined that Akikawa would be suitable as the fifth specimen. Akikawa, puzzled by the researcher's odd behavior, discovered an "SOS DADA" message written in white on the laboratory desk. As she began to suspect something was wrong, the researcher attacked her. Fortunately, Muramatsu arrived in time, using a chair and the Supergun to repel the researcher and force Dada to retreat.

Muramatsu quickly evacuated Akikawa from the laboratory, but Dada reappeared in their path. With the Supergun's energy depleted, they were on the brink of disaster. However, Dada's miniaturization device also malfunctioned, causing Dada to temporarily retreat. Muramatsu then entered the power room, shut down the small electronic power source that Dada had installed, and sent a distress signal to the SSSP via his badge.

Ultraman arrived and intervened to halt Dada's actions. After being attacked, Dada retreated. However, Dada's superior disregarded the situation and ordered him to quickly complete the remaining specimen collection. Dada, equipped with a newly arrived miniaturization device, attempted to capture Muramatsu and Akikawa. Muramatsu used his combat skills and kicks to thwart Dada's efforts. As Dada used his supernatural abilities to force them to the rooftop of the research institute, Ultraman arrived just in time to rescue Muramatsu and Akikawa from falling off the building.

Although Ultraman was initially struck by Dada's shrinking beam, he quickly restored his normal size and defeated Dada decisively. As Dada attempted to escape, Ultraman fired the Spacium Beam, thoroughly destroying him. When the SSSP members finally arrived at the Cosmic Ray Research Institute, Ide anxiously inquired about Dada's whereabouts. Muramatsu informed him that Ultraman had resolved the situation.^{Human Specimens 5 & 6}

A satellite detected a group of mysterious saucers approaching Earth. In response, SSSP branches around the world deployed defensive systems. Muramatsu and other SSSP members received orders from Paris headquarters to intercept the unidentified enemies entering the atmosphere. They discovered that what was believed to be the flagship was about to depart, prompting Muramatsu and Hayata to pursue it. However, they soon lost track of the vessel.

Upon returning to the base, Muramatsu and his team found it under attack. An invader disguised as Dr. Iwamoto had sabotaged the base from within. Outside the base, they eventually captured an alien impersonating Dr. Iwamoto, identified as Alien Zetton. Hayata launched a Mars 133 attack, but Alien Zetton, before dying, summoned Zetton from the saucer. This forced the SSSP to engage Zetton from the ground. Despite Ultraman's efforts, he was defeated by Zetton during the battle.

Muramatsu bids farewell to Ultraman who left Earth.

After rescuing the real Dr. Iwamoto from the base, Iwamoto provided Ide and Daisuke Arashi with a new prototype weapon known as the "Pencil Bomb." They deployed the Pencil Bomb against Zetton, resulting in its explosion and securing a victory for humanity. Subsequently, the SSSP observed the arrival of Zoffy, the emissary from the Land of Light. Zoffy and Ultraman prepared to leave Earth and return to the Land of Light, with the SSSP bidding them farewell.^{Farewell, Ultraman}

Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth

Forty years later, the remaining SSSP members gathered for a group photo alongside a portrait of Muramatsu.

After the SSSP was incorporated into the Earth Defense Force, Muramatsu retired. However, thirty years later, he passed away, and the news of his death brought deep sorrow to all the SSSP members. Due to the global expansion of their activities, the four members were unable to reunite at Muramatsu's funeral.

Forty years later, a part of Ultraman's spirit unintentionally inspired Hayata to send invitations to the other SSSP members, inviting them to a reunion at Muramatsu's old home under the pretense of a "class reunion." When Hayata reunited with Ultraman, the Ultraman noted that the other SSSP members had never realized the connection between them. However, Hayata believed that Muramatsu must have known. He recalled an incident on Tatara Island when Muramatsu had said to him, "But, we can't forget that nature isn't always as beautiful as the sunset."

Ultraman interpreted this as a message from Muramatsu, speaking as a representative of humanity, urging Ultraman not to interfere with Earth's natural processes. Muramatsu, in fact, had always viewed Hayata as an ordinary human. He believed that as long as Hayata, as a person, did his utmost to be true to himself, the Earth would remain protected.^{Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth}

Revive! Ultraman

In another timeline of the original series, one month after Ultraman's defeat by Zetton, as the SSSP's strength gradually increased. However, internal disagreements arose among the team members regarding Ultraman's weakening and the perception that he was no longer needed. Muramatsu, however, cautioned against complacency, reminding the team that even without relying on Ultraman, humanity must still stand and fight using its own strength.

Upon discovering the mysterious space force, Muramatsu led the team in providing support. However, Alien Zetton seized this opportunity to launch another attack on the SSSP headquarters. Despite Alien Zetton's defeat, the sound it emitted signaled a full-scale monster assault. Muramatsu then took an active role in frontline missions to combat the ongoing kaiju threat.

When Ultraman was initially unable to defeat Zetton, Ide handed an energy supplement to Arashi, who successfully fired it, restoring Ultraman's strength. As Zetton was defeated, the members of SSSP cheered jubilantly.^{Revive! Ultraman}

Other Media

Ultraman THE FIRST

Muramatsu (right) in Ultraman THE FIRST

Like the main characters, Muramatsu appeared in this manga and his role was the same as his original counterpart.^{Ultraman THE FIRST}

Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

Muramatsu in Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man

Another version of Muramatsu appears in the series as one of the main members of the SSSP. Alongside Hayata and Akiko, he confronts Peter, who emerges in the city. Following the incident, they take in Peter Parker/Spider-Man, who comes from an alternate universe.^{Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man}

Merchandise

Medicom Toy

• Toshio Muramatsu (Real Action Heroes, 2014)
  • RAH Number: 644
  • Release Date: April 2014
  • Price: 18,690 yen
  • Materials: ABS, PVC (doll), Fabric (clothes)
  • Accessories: Helmet, Tamashii Lab

Released as part of the Real Action Hero Series (and the last Ultra Series character released for the line), Toshio Muramatsu is a 300mm tall action doll complete with fabric clothes, and he utilizes the RAH301 Kai Doll body. He also comes with a removable helmet, and a Tamashii Lab which can be wield by his hands.

Gallery

Ultraman

Miscellaneous

Trivia

• He was called "Cap" (sometimes "Captain") by his subordinates.
  • It is reported that the title "Cap" was created by director Toshihiro Iijima.
• In English dub, his surname was shortened to Mura.
• In the opening credits of Ultraman, Akiji Kobayashi's name is listed first among the cast. This placement is in accordance with the customary practice in Japan at the time, where actors with higher career prominence were featured at the top of the credits.
• During filming, Akiji Kobayashi gained immense trust from his younger co-stars due to his thoughtful care and guidance. He also offered advice to his fellow actors, stating: "Although Ultraman is a show aimed at children, we should not deliberately cater to them. We should approach our roles as we would in any regular drama.
• In a conversation with Masaki Kyomoto, Kobayashi humorously reflected on his experience working on Ultraman. He admitted that upon first seeing the SSSP uniforms, he felt embarrassed and even considered leaving the production.
• During the filming of episodes 26 and 27, the production team conducted outdoor shoots at Osaka Castle. At the time, Akiji Kobayashi did not possess a driver's license, and while driving the SSSP Private Car without one around the castle, he was detained by the police. Kobayashi repeatedly apologized for the incident, and later successfully obtained his driver's license.