News On Japan

‘Ultraman’ animated feature in the works at Netflix

May 15 (outlookindia.com) - A CG-animated feature film based on Japan''s popular fictional superhero Ultraman is being developed by Netflix.

Ultraman was the first tokusatsu (live-action) hero launched by the Ultra Series and extension, Tsuburaya Productions.

The character, who defends the planet from alien kaiju, made its maiden appearance alongside his human host Shin Hayata in the 1966–1967 Japanese television series, "Ultraman" which ran for 39 episodes.

Ultraman has since inspired many superheros of of global pop culture, including “Power Rangers” and Paul Rudd’s "Ant-Man" suit.

According to a press release shared by the streaming platform, the project is being developed in partnership with Tsuburaya Productions.

Shannon Tindle is directing the movie, with John Aoshima on board as co-director.

Marc Haimes has penned the movie along with Tindle.

It centres on baseball superstar Ken Sato, who returns to his home country of Japan to pick up the mantle of Earth-defending superhero Ultraman, but quickly finds more than he bargained for when he''s forced to raise the offspring of his greatest foe, a newborn Kaiju.

"Struggling to balance the roles of teammate and new father, Ken must confront his own ego, his estranged father, and the conniving Kaiju Defense Force to rise up and discover what it truly means to be Ultraman," the plotline reads.

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China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries held an emergency meeting to address the rapid outbreak of avian influenza, urging prefectural governments to strengthen hygiene management measures.

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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