Ultraman 80

Ultraman 80
Ultraman 80 is the 9th entry in the Ultraman Series
Series
Episodes
Information
Format/Genre	Tokusatsu, Sci-Fi
Created by	Tsuburaya Productions
Starring	Hatsunori Hasegawa Jin Nakayama Masaaki Daimon Daisuke Muso Shuhei Nitta Eri Ishida Masashi Furuta Tatsuya Okamoto Sayoko Hagiwara Mayumi Asano Saburo Boya
Original Air Date	April 2, 1980 - March 25, 1981
Opening Theme	Ultraman 80 (episodes 1-39) Ganbare Ultraman 80 (episodes 40-50)
Ending Theme	Let's Go UGM (episodes 1-39) Chikyu-jin Dayo (episodes 40-50)
Number of Episodes	50
Running Time	24 minutes
Original Channel	Tokyo Broadcasting System TOKU (US) SCTV (ID)
Streaming	Shout TV Tubi Roku
Continuity
Previous	Ultraman Leo
Next	Andro Melos Ultraman Mebius
Production/Release
Previous	The☆Ultraman
Next	Andro Melos

Ultraman 80 is the 9th entry of the Ultraman Series, created by Tsuburaya Productions. The series aired from April 2, 1980, to March 25, 1981, following The☆Ultraman, and marked the franchise's return to its original live-action format.

The series can be watched on Shout TV, Tubi, and Roku.

Production

Development

The finalized concept art of Ultraman 80. Designed by Shu Yamaguchi.

In the late 1970s, as the Ultraman series regained attention among fans in Japan, there was an increasing call among industry insiders to revive a live-action version of Ultraman. The anime series The☆Ultraman, which aired in 1979, further fueled this anticipation. As expectations for higher ratings grew, Tsuburaya Productions and TBS began holding weekly meetings to discuss the feasibility of producing a new live-action series. These meetings were primarily organized by TBS. Initially, Tsuburaya Productions proposed continuing the traditional route of the previous series, but the producers at TBS believed that "the Ultraman of the 1980s should not follow the same style as past series." Yoji Hashimoto, head of TBS's film department, introduced a key question: "Why is it necessary to create a new Ultraman series now?" to assess the project's relevance.

Taking into account the social conditions in Japan at the time, Tsuburaya Productions' scriptwriter Bunpei Ai presented two discussion scripts to TBS. Both stories, titled "New Ultraman," shared a common feature: the protagonist was an elementary school teacher named Akira Hojo . This character setting, being a teacher, was more relatable to children as it was closer to their daily lives. The school was to become the primary setting for the series. The scripts also introduced a premise that 'monsters are born from the evil hearts of humans, such as hatred and sorrow.'

Akira was not a hero from outer space but an ordinary young man who sacrificed himself to save his students from a monster. He was then granted a new life as Ultraman by the Ultra Brothers. Therefore, as Ultraman, Akira not only needed to fight monsters but also to guide human hearts from evil to good. The scripts incorporated social issues reflecting Japan's economic growth and applied the spirit of Ultraman to the field of education. The aim was to convey messages about "the dignity of life," "the beauty of love," and "the pride of courage" to the audience, thereby creating a hero image fitting for the "new era."

The initial project proposal for the Ultraman 80 series.

The second discussion script retained the basic settings from the initial story, with the only difference being a more detailed exploration of the Defense Team "UGM" featured in the story. A new character, Junichi Minamikawa , who was the same age as the protagonist Akira, was added. He was designed to be both Akira's rival and partner. At that time, there was no plan for Akira to become a UGM member, so Minamikawa's presence served as the link between the protagonist and the defense team.

In the winter of 1979, a new program proposal titled "Ultraman 80 (tentative name)" was created and submitted to TBS in 1980. The basic content of this proposal was almost identical to the actual series that aired. The protagonist's name was changed to Takeshi Yamato and was set as Ultraman himself from Nebula M78. Although some content was simplified, the portrayal of the protagonist's diligent spirit and the "Ultraman teacher" concept remained intact.

Within this framework, by thoroughly depicting each student's story, every episode was intended to have a clear theme. The idea of "place-time commitment, lifetime commitment" applied not only to Takeshi's motto but also to other characters in the series. Takeshi, both as a teacher in his daily life and as a UGM member fighting monsters, had to work earnestly to grow. Due to the influence of the popular drama series Kinpachi-sensei at that time, the school setting was changed from an elementary school to Sakuragaoka Middle School.

Concept

"Ultraman 80 is the first superhero of the 1980s that Tsuburaya Productions created with great confidence and pride. To all the longtime fans of the Ultraman series, and to those who became fans through Ultraman 80, we ask for your continued support of this work for years to come."

―Noboru Tsuburaya

The cover of "Ultraman 80 Ultraman Film Book," published by Shogakukan.

In the early episodes of Ultraman 80, the initial concept of integrating school life into the narrative—centered around protagonist Takeshi Yamato working as a teacher—struggled to take root. This failure was largely due to the constraints of the broadcast time slot, the limitations of outdoor filming schedules, and a major behind-the-scenes shift: producer Yoji Hashimoto was reassigned to TBS Radio during the airing of the series.

Following Hashimoto's departure, TBS's programming department proposed reverting the series to a more traditional Ultraman format. As a result, starting from episode 13, the "School Arc" storyline was dropped, along with Yamato's teacher identity. The focus shifted to the UGM, emphasizing a classic team-based science fiction structure more in line with earlier Ultraman series.

The initial promotional title for the announcement of Ultraman 80.

This change aimed to recapture the serious sci-fi tone of the early Ultraman entries, but ironically led to a decline in ratings. From episode 31 onward, the show pivoted again—this time toward a more fantastical and comedic approach. Each episode began featuring a guest child character who would form a bond with the monster, evoking a style similar to Ultraman Taro. The show's structure was also adjusted accordingly.

Following the departure of the female lead, Eri Ishida, the character Yullian/Ryoko Hoshi, the first female warrior in the series, was introduced in episode 43. Despite these attempts to revive interest, the changes failed to reverse the trend: the series averaged only a 10.0% rating in the Kanto region, falling short even of Ultraman Leo's 10.9%.

Tsuburaya Productions president Noboru Tsuburaya expressed strong dissatisfaction with TBS's handling of the series. He clashed with the TBS programming director, ultimately resulting in Tsuburaya executives being barred from TBS's senior offices. Ultraman 80 would become the last Ultraman series produced in collaboration with TBS and broadcast in a prime-time slot. Following this, the Ultraman series entered a 15-year hiatus from domestic television. It wasn't until Ultraman Tiga in 1996 that the franchise returned to TV. During the interim, Tsuburaya Productions shifted its focus toward developing international co-productions and overseas markets.

Filming

The special effects in Ultraman 80 are considered a peak of tokusatsu and optical compositing.

At the time of filming, Ultraman 80 was influenced by the growing popularity of American science fiction cinema such as Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Drawing on the momentum from Tsuburaya's 1978 production Star Wolf, the series incorporated similar sci-fi elements into its special effects production. Each week, the special effects team typically filmed for four to five days.

Director Noriaki Yuasa, who worked on the main drama portion of the series, often clashed with the special effects team. Dissatisfied with how the defense teams were portrayed in past Ultraman series, he once suggested a storyline where Ultraman would only appear after the UGM had defeated the monster—a concept strongly rejected by Tsuburaya.

Despite creative differences, the UGM base was constructed with remarkable attention to detail. The set featured a realistic open-air runway, vehicles modified from actual fighter jets, and skillful composite shots that integrated real-world control tower footage. The miniature effects emphasized realism, aided by the use of Front projection effect—a technique clearer than traditional rear projection. This not only reduced costs but also significantly improved the visual integration of actors and tokusatsu elements.

For large-scale destruction scenes, especially nighttime city battles, finely crafted miniatures and expert lighting created a striking sense of realism. Art direction for both the main drama and special effects segments was led by Shu Yamaguchi, a former assistant to the art director Noriyoshi Ikeya.

Plot

The ninth member of the Ultra Brothers, Ultraman 80 comes to earth under the guise of Takeshi Yamato. He becomes a schoolteacher, but in the first episode also becomes a member of UGM (Utility Government Members).

For the first thirteen episodes Takeshi must keep his identity secret from his students and balance life between his multiple commitments: defending the earth as a member of UGM and as an Ultra, and teaching students going through puberty.

This plot line, however, was dropped later in the series in favor of a more Ultraman-like story focusing on the defense team members exploring various monster-related mysteries. The school and (now grown) students, however, would make an appearance in episode 41 of Ultraman Mebius.

Later in the series Yullian, princess of Nebula M78, shows up to aid 80 in a few of his battles, culminating in a climactic battle against Plazma and Minazma. Shortly afterwards, one final Minus Energy monster appears, named Margodon. 80 and Yullian are prepared to fight it, but are found out by UGM, who insist that they should fight the monster alone. With Margodon defeated by the humans, 80 and Yullian depart for the Land of Light, confident that the planet is safe in the hands of humanity.

Characters

Protagonists

• Takeshi Yamato
• Ryoko Hoshi

UGM

• Kazuki Oyama
• Junkichi Ito
• Tokihiko Harada
• Hiroshi Tajima
• Emi Jono
• Shinhachiro Fujimori
• Noboru Ikeda
• Teruo Sera
• Yuriko Kosaka

Sakuragaoka Middle School

• Kennosuke Hayashi
• Kumi Nozaki
• Kyoko Aihara
• Non Yamaguchi
• Hiroshi Ueno
• Junichi Kitai
• Susumu
• Fashion
• Yukio Tsukamoto
• Shinichi Nakano
• Akio Oshima
• Akira Okajima
• Mari

Ultras

• Ultraman 80
• Father of Ultra
• Yullian

Kaiju

• Crescent
• Gikogilar
• Hoe
• Zandrias
• Alien Bam
• Mechagiras
• Abdolaars
• Noiseler
• Tabra
• Gabishale
• Jacky
• Aruma
• Zuruzla
• Medan
• Alien Vibros
• Gora
• Alien Gorgon
• Saramandora
• Zarudon
• Myu
• Alien Ruria
• Devilon
• Lavras
• Daron
• Gymaira
• Gaus
• Okorin Ball
• Alien L85 Zuckal
• Gamos
• Queen Einus
• Underground Men
• Gomora II
• Amoeza
• Alien Fantas
• Robo-Fo
• Argon
• Akuzone
• Gera
• Alien Argo
• Val
• Zakira
• Cathy
• Alien Zatan
• Zatan Silver
• Zora
• Barrack Ship
• Gazera
• Angoras
• Fire-Draco
• Guwaganda
• Alien Baltan V
• Ghostdon
• Tetsuon
• Space Plant
• Jihibikiran
• Barebadon
• Zurasuimar
• Alien Galagala
• King Galtan
• Delusion Ultraseven
• Alien Baltan VI
• Marjin
• Red King III
• Glovusk
• Idatenran
• Plazma
• Minazma
• Margodon

Reception

Ultraman 80 had average ratings due to tokusatsu not being popular during the time (in the 80's anime was having big fame due to the popularities of Mazinger, Getter Robo and Gundam franchises). 80 is considered among the least known of the Showa era Ultraman Series. In other countries, like France, due to the show being named Ultraman 80, in many promos 80 was named "Ultraman 2080". Tokuriders.com commented that the series are "a little conserved and a little new; it seems the creators had a drought of ideas, and had the imagination with the handbrake on, yet it has points of interest and valuable aspects...". The series currently has a 7.1 rating on the Internet Movie Database.

Cast

• Takeshi Yamato : Hatsunori Hasegawa
• Kazuki Oyama : Jin Nakayama
• Emi Jono /Android Emi Jono: Eri Ishida
• Hiroshi Tajima : Shuhei Nitta
• Junkichi Ito : Masaaki Daimon
• Tokihiko Harada : Daisuke Muso
• Shinhachiro Fujimori : Masashi Furuta
• Ryoko Hoshi : Sayoko Hagiwara
• Noboru Ikeda : Tatsuya Okamoto
• Teruo Sera : Akihiko Sugisaki
• Non Yamaguchi /Yuriko Kosaka : Noriko Shirasaka
• Kennosuke Hayashi : Saburo Boya
• Kumi Nozaki : Ikuko Wada
• Kyoko Aihara : Mayumi Asano
• Hakase : Ikumi Ueno
• Rakugo : Junichi Kitai
• Super : Hirotomo Shimizu
• Fashion : Midori Kuno
• Narrator : Yusaku Yara , Shiro Suzuki

Suit Actors

• Ultraman 80 (ep. 1-8, 27-28): Junichi Akasaka
• Ultraman 80 (ep. 9-10, 12, 29-50), Kaiju: Koichi Nara
• Ultraman 80 (ep. 11), Yoshitake Iwaizumi
• Ultraman 80 (ep. 12-26), Kaiju: Hiroshi Fukuda
• Yullian: Maki Kiyota
• Delusion Ultraseven, Kaiju: Hiroshi Atsumi

Staff

• Directors: Noriaki Yuasa, Kiyosumi Fukazawa, Jo Hirose, Samaji Nonagase, Toru Toyama, Isamu Aitsuki, Shohei Tojo, Kiyohiko Miyasaka, Kazuho Mitsuta
• Screenwriters: Bunpei Ai, Hiroyasu Yamaura, Jo Hirose, Shigemitsu Taguchi, Yasushi Hirano, Tatsuhiko Takada (as Tsutomu Tsukushi), Bunzo Wakatsuki, Samaji Nonagase (as Ryu Minamikawa), Toshiro Ishido, Matasaburo Mizusawa, Kosuke Yoshida
• Special effects directors: Koichi Takano, Koichi Kawakita, Kazuo Sagawa, Shinichi Kamizawa
• Producers: Noboru Tsuburaya, Kazuho Mitsuta, Kiyoshi Nomura (TBS)
• Music: Toru Fuyuki
• Art chief: Shu Yamaguchi
• Cinematographers: Sadao Sato, Mitsuo Inoue
• Special effects cinematographers: Shinichi Ooka, Shohei Sekiya
• Assistant directors: Kiyohiko Miyasaka, Masanobu Suzuki
• Assistant special effects directors: Shinichi Kamizawa, Hitoshi Shinada
• Action choreographer: Kunihide Kuruma
• Editor: Kiyoshi Kobayashi
• Sound recording: Toho Eizo Sound Studio
• Visual effects: Takeshi Miyanishi (Toho Eizo)
• Modeling: Kaimai Productions, Cosmo Productions
• Studio: Toho Built, International Broadcasting
• Production cooperation: Toho Eizo Co., Ltd.
• Production: Tsuburaya Productions, Tokyo Broadcasting System

Music

Opening Theme

• Ultraman 80
  • Lyrics: Michio Yamagami
  • Composition and Arrangement: Noboru Kimura
  • Artist: TALIZMAN
  • Episodes: 1-39

• Ganbare Ultraman 80
  • Lyrics: Michio Yamagami
  • Composition/Arrangement: Noboru Kimura
  • Artists: TALIZMAN and Columbia All-Stars
  • Artist: TALIZMAN
  • Episodes: 40-50

Ending Theme

• Let's Go UGM
  • Lyrics: Michio Yamagami
  • Composition and Arrangement: Noboru Kimura
  • Artist: TALIZMAN

• Chikyu-jin Dayo
  • Lyrics: Michio Yamagami
  • Composition and Arrangement: Noboru Kimura
  • Artist: TALIZMAN (CD featuring the OST of the show was released)

Insert Themes

• Kokoro wo Moyasu Aitsu -Takeshi Yamato no Uta-
  • Lyrics: Kazuho Mitsuta
  • Composition: Toru Fuyuki
  • Arrangement: Masahisa Takeichi
  • Artist: Kouji Numata

Cancelled American Adaptation

In 1987, William Winckler of Winckler Productions reveals that he had plans to localize the series with Adam West in a starring role. While little is known about this adaptation, a pilot episode was made featuring a format comparable to the way the 1972 anime "Scientific Ninja Team Gatchaman" was adapted in the United States as "Battle of the Planets". The whereabouts of this pilot is unknown.

Home Media

• In 1989, the series was released on LD (Laser Disc) as 13 separate volumes (with 4 episodes for the first 12 and 2 for the final) by Hummingbird.
• In 1999, the series was released on DVD as 12 separate volumes (with 5 episodes for the 1st and 2nd volumes and 4 episodes for the remaining 10) by Bandai Visual. Unlike the broadcast version, this release utilizes a mono-like audio caused by the poor audio transfer, while some of the sound effects were altered from the broadcast versions. As a result, subsequent DVD releases of the show also suffers from same audio quality as the 1999 DVDs.
• On June 25, 2010 and September 24, 2010, the entire series was released as two separate Memorial Box DVDs by Bandai Visual to commemorate its 30th anniversary.
• On December 25, 2013, the entire series was released as a complete DVD-BOX set by Bandai Visual.
• On July 22, 2016, the first episode is the only episode released for the "Ultraman Blu-ray Select Series" Blu-ray. This also marks the first time an episode of Ultraman 80 is remastered for the Blu-ray.
• Since the 2010s, the DVDs where released in Malaysia by the DVD manufacturer Speedy/Aquos Sharp. Volumes 2-4 can be bought on eBay while vol. 1 has been seen but not seen for purchase. The DVDs contain english subtitles.
• On May 19, 2025, the complete series will be released on a single Blu-ray box set by Tsuburaya Productions to celebrate its 45th anniversary. The set contains all episodes digitally remastered in high-definition, four episodes with new 5.1 surround sound and various bonus features, such as recordings of past events and interviews.

Volume 1 (episodes 1-4)

Volume 2 (episodes 5-8)

Volume 3 (episodes 9-12)

Volume 4 (episodes 13-16)

Volume 5 (episodes 17-20)

Volume 6 (episodes 21-24)

Volume 7 (episodes 25-28)

Volume 8 (episodes 29-32)

Volume 9 (episodes 33-36)

Volume 10 (episodes 37-40)

Volume 11 (episodes 41-44)

Volume 12 (episodes 45-47)

Volume 13 (episodes 48-50)

Complete DVD-Box

Ultraman 80 30th Anniversery Memorial Box Set I

Ultraman 80 30th Anniversery Memorial Box Set II

Ultraman 80 Vol. 1

Ultraman 80 Vol. 2

Ultraman 80 English Vol. 3

Ultraman 80 English Vol. 4

Blu-ray BOX

Blu-ray BOX

Streaming

• Ultraman 80 is available streaming with English subtitles on Crunchyroll.
• TOKU premieres the series in the United States on March 27, 2017 and was finalized on April 28, 2017.

Gallery

Images

Videos

『ウルトラマン80』初のブルーレイBOX発売！HDリマスター版に加え多数の特典映像も一挙収録！

Trivia

• This is the first (non-anime) entry in the Ultraman Series to have an ending theme.
• This is the first Ultraman Series since Ultraseven to not have episode arcs.
• This is the first Ultraman Series to be broadcast in France, on M6 in 1988. Although it is the second Ultraman Series to be dubbed in French, the first one being Ultraman, broadcast in Quebec on ORTF in 1967.
  • Ultraman 80 has been broadcast on M6 in 1988 and rebroadcast on TF1 (Club Dorothé) in 1991 with a different opening. The series has been partially broadcast on M6 but also partially rebroadcast on TF1, although all the episodes were fully dubbed.

External Links

• Ultraman 80 at Tsuburaya Productions' official website
• Ultraman 80 at Wikipedia
• Ultraman 80 at Japanese Wikipedia