Ultraman Nice is a spin-off of the Ultraman Series. The series was released as a series of 1-minute commercials for Bandai Ultraman toys during the 1999 Japan reruns of Ultraman Tiga.
Production[]
In 1999, Ultraman Tiga was re-broadcast in the Kanto region on October 9, and it ended on September 24 of the following year. During the airing of Ultraman Tiga, a short series centered on Ultraman Nice was released. This series took the form of an infomercial, which was a promotional tool for Ultraman-themed toys.[1]
At that time, Bandai commissioned Tsuburaya Productions to create an advertisement based on the Ultraman toy line. In response to this request, Tsuburaya created a new Ultraman character: Ultraman Nice and introduced a family combat team, initially called "GOKKO" (later renamed GOKAZOKU), which played a central role in the storyline. The team's narrative combined family cooperation and toy promotion.[1]
The GOKAZOKU, created by the Yumeboshi family, was featured in the infomercial to promote both the family theme and the toy market.[2]
For the character design, Hiroshi Maruyama created the image of Ultraman Nice, blending elements of product presentation with a family-oriented battle theme. The monster designs were handled by Akihiko Iguchi, a designer who had worked on the Showa Ultraman series. He also designed the transformation scheme for the GOKAZOKU family base and weapons in collaboration with the design company Frettas.[1]
Since this project was an infomercial, the producer was Keita Ito, who was responsible for many of Tsuburaya's Ultraman series commercials and toy advertisements at the time. Ishikei's direction focused on a bright, comedic style, and he took charge of all the scripts and storyboards for the project. He also created some iconic traits for Ultraman Nice, including his signature thumbs-up gesture and catchphrase, "Na!"[1]
The special effects were produced using green screen technology, which combined filmed images with actual background materials. Filming took place primarily in the sixth studio of the Nikkatsu studio in Tokyo's Chofu, starting in August 1999. This process incorporated both live-action footage and outdoor shooting, offering rich materials for subsequent compositing work. While most of the live-action scenes were filmed in residential areas of Tama, the scenes of Mirai Yumeboshi's school commute were filmed near the west exit of JR Kamata Station's shopping street. Special effects scenes featuring Nice were shot along the Tama River, with additional filming in locations like Bessho Park in Hachioji and the now-closed Sakae Hill Exhibition Hall.[1]
After the completion of the first 10 episodes, production of the second phase began, introducing new character Tabu Zagon and upgrades to Ultraman Nice's techniques, including a new finishing move. This led to the creation of a full 20-episode series.[1]
Even after the airing ended, Ultraman Nice continued to appear in various events and exhibitions, performing as a host at numerous attractions and functions.
Synopsis[]
After watching the broadcast of Ultraman Tiga, the Yumeboshi family, who admired the heroics and the defense team GUTS, suddenly heard an alarm in their living room, signaling the appearance of a monster.
The Yumeboshi family turned out to be the GOKAZOKU, dedicated to protecting the peace of the Earth. Ginga Yumeboshi, the head of the Yumeboshi family, transforms into Ultraman Nice when things get tough. Though Nice has a somewhat quirky side, he bravely faces the monsters sent by Alien Zagon, alongside his family.
Episodes[]
| No. | Title | Featured Products | Kaiju |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "You're Not Calling" Edition | Ultra Monster Series | Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: While playing with Ultra Monster Series figures, Mirai encounters the Alien Zagon, marking the debut of Ultraman Nice! | |||
| 2 | "Ultraman Nice's Secret..." Edition | Ultraman Kyomoto Collection | Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: The Alien Zagon tries to extract Ultraman Nice's location in exchange for Mirai's Kyomoto collection figurines. Just as Ikemazu seems on the verge of spilling secrets... | |||
| 3 | "Words Can Be Trouble..." Edition | Ultra Hero Series | Momo Zagon |
| Synopsis: After Kiku casually remarks about Mirai's hero vinyl collection, Momo Zagon suddenly appears! Mirai's dad, the Ultraman Nice, joins the fight. Together, they repel the threat with Nice's Very Nice Beam! | |||
| 4 | "I Want a Plane..." Edition | Ultraman Tiga GUTS Machine Series | Blublu Zagon |
| Synopsis: The GOKAZOKU team doesn't have an aircraft yet, but they have Ultraman Nice on their side! | |||
| 5 | "I Made a Mistake!!" Edition | Ultraman Nice GOKAZOKU Cosplay Costume (For kids) | Momo Zagon |
| Synopsis: As the TV series Ultraman Tiga ends, the announcer announces the appearance of Momozagon. The GOKAZOKU team springs into action! However, they soon realize that Akimi's gun, emblem, and even Ginga's Nice Dreamer are all just GOKAZOKU-themed merchandise!? | |||
| 6 | "Very Nice Beam Launch!!" Edition | Ultraman Tiga GUTS Cosplay Costume (For kids) | Blublu Zagon |
| Synopsis: Mirai Yumeboshi sets out wearing the GUTS team member suit gifted by Ikemazu. Realizing it’s dangerous without the proper uniform, Ginga transforms into Ultraman Nice. However, he struggles against the tail attacks of the Blublu Zagon... | |||
| 7 | "Even Ultraman Nice Is Cool!!" Edition | Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, Gaia Transformation Cosplay Costume (For kids) | Momo Zagon |
| Synopsis: This time, Mirai is fully immersed in playing as Tiga, but Nice seems a bit unreliable?! Hurt by Akimi's thoughtless words, Ginga struggles to transform into Nice even when faced with Momo Zagon. Just then, Akimi's heartfelt voice of trust resonates... | |||
| 8 | "Spring Collection Appears!!" Edition | Ultraman Tiga Transformation/GUTS Cosplay Costume Spring (For kids) | Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: Inspired by the displayed spring Tiga and GUTS team member merchandise, Mirai's desire to become a hero surges, and he rushes towards the Alien Zagon, ignoring Akimi's warnings. | |||
| 9 | "Let's Go on a Picnic!!" Edition | M78 Ultraman Nori Nori Parade | Blublu Zagon |
| Synopsis: As the Yumeboshi family prepares for a picnic with lunchboxes, Blublu Zagon suddenly appears! To protect their family’s relaxing moment, Ultraman Nice stands up to the monster! | |||
| 10 | "Beware of Overdoing It..." Edition | Ultraman HG Series | Momo Zagon |
| Synopsis: Meanwhile, the Yumeboshi home has a Gashapon vending machine, and Mirai, Ikemazu, and Kiku become captivated by the impressive monster figures that emerge. Suddenly, a real monster appears! | |||
| 11 | "It Appeared!!" Edition | Ultraman Nice Transformation/GOKAZOKU Cosplay Costume (For kids) | Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: Today, Mirai and his family are at the amusement park! While having fun, Tabu Zagon suddenly appears! Nice struggles under the weight of its giant ears and is shocked, but manages to fight back with the "Millennium Kick." | |||
| 12 | "Mirai Hesitates" Edition | Ultraman Tiga Transformation Cosplay Costume, GUTS Uniform DX | Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: As Mirai debates whether to wear the Tiga or GUTS suit, the ground shakes with the arrival of Tabuzagon! Nice faces difficulties against its solid defensive form and yellow ring-shaped attacks... | |||
| 13 | "I Overslept..." Edition | Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, Gaia Short Sleeve Shirt Pajamas | Blublu Zagon |
| Synopsis: One morning, Mirai oversleeps and discovers everyone has left for the kindergarten where Ginga works, leaving him home alone. Just then, Blublu Zagon appears! Mirai sets out on his own... | |||
| 14 | "In Contrast..." Edition | Hyper Ultraman 2 Candy Toys | Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: GOKAZOKU team and Ultraman Nice are caught in laughter from Tabuzagon's laughing gas. They aim to defeat Tabu Zagon with the Millennium Shot. | |||
| 15 | "Don't Get in the Way!!" Edition | Ultraman HG Series | Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: On the way back from school, as Mirai plans to play Gashapon, he receives a transmission from Power Time! Kiku worries about Nice struggling against Tabuzagon, but Ikemazu confidently asserts, "The tea twig is standing!". | |||
| 16 | "The Captured Mirai" Edition | Ultraman Tiga Transformation Item Sparklence/Black Sparklence | Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: The Alien Zagon disguises itself as Ginga and takes Mirai hostage. Unable to attack the Alien Zagon holding Mirai captive, Nice is rescued by Akimi and Cosmo using their "Freeze Shot." It's time to launch a counterattack! | |||
| 17 | "New Monster Appears" Edition | Ultraman Popynica Series | Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: Cosmo brings a flyer from a monster shop, but the illustration of a new monster comes to life, summoning Tabu Zagon! The GOKAZOKU team welcomes the new ally, Hexa Jets, to confront the threat. | |||
| 18 | "Mirai's Premonition" Edition | Ultra Hero and Monster Series | Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: Following a dream sequence, Nice is tormented by the Alien Zagon's cloning technique. With support from Ikemazu, which reveals the alien's true form on radar, Nice successfully defeats the Alien Zagon! | |||
| 19 | "Dad Gets Tired" Edition | Ultraman Kuta Chara Series | Momo Zagon Tabu Zagon |
| Synopsis: Suddenly, two monsters appear simultaneously! Just when Nice is in trouble, Ikemazu rushes in with the combat aircraft Hexa Jets! | |||
| 20 | "Nice Is the Best!!" Edition | Kakutoh Sound Ultraman Tiga and Tiga Dark | Momo Zagon Alien Zagon |
| Synopsis: The Alien Zagon appears at a kindergarten, calling forth Momo Zagon! It turns out that the Alien Zagon has been controlling the monsters all along. Thanks to Nice's unique efforts, both monsters are finally defeated! Tiga is great, but Nice is awesome too! | |||
Characters[]
GOKAZOKU[]
- Ginga Yumeboshi
- Ikemazu Yumeboshi
- Kiku Yumeboshi
- Akemi Yumeboshi
- Cosmo Yumeboshi
- Mirai Yumeboshi
Ultras[]
Kaiju[]
Cast[]
- Ginga Yumeboshi : Hiroshi Miyasaka
- Ikemazu Yumeboshi : Susumu Kurobe
- Kiku Yumeboshi : Hiroko Sakurai
- Akemi Yumeboshi : Asako Yashiro
- Cosmo Yumeboshi : Keisuke Tsumoto
- Mirai Yumeboshi : Minako Ishida .
Voice Actors[]
- Narration : Keita Ito
- Alien Zagon : Masahiro Tsuburaya
Suit Actors[]
- Ultraman Nice : Hiroyuki Okano
- Kaiju : Toshio Miyake
Music[]
- Opening Theme
Ultraman Nice OP
- Ultraman Nice
- Lyrics: Reo Satonozuka
- Composition: Yasuo Kosugi
- Arrangement: MANTA
- Artist: Project DMM
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Nice is the only series where the defense team, GOKAZOKU, are all a family.
- While not released in home video, the series is released on TSUBURAYA IMAGINATION starting from May 5, 2022. Each episode features a tail-end notice on where the products shown in the commercial were no longer available.[3]
External Links[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Ultraman Official Data File No.77, pg 31
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/character/gokazokutai/
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-6319