Ultraman: Rising 2024

Ultraman has been a guardian to humanity against Kaijus for over three decades. While Kaijus aren’t purely villainous, they are also not heroic figures. At the heart of this saga is Mina, Ultraman’s sophisticated AI assistant, who aids in navigating the complexities of this balance. We delve into the story of Professor Sato, the original Ultraman, who prepares his son Kenji to inherit the esteemed mantle upon his retirement. Professor Sato emphasizes a crucial lesson: the importance of maintaining equilibrium between humans and Kaijus.

As a child, Kenji has vivid memories of his father confronting the formidable Gigantron, showcasing the power of Ultraman. Fast forward twenty years, and we meet Kenji “Ken” Sato, played by Yuki Yamada, now a talented yet arrogant professional baseball player. Kenji surprisingly decides to return to his homeland in Japan, despite his team being on the cusp of a championship victory in America. This decision is noted by reporter Ami Wakita, played by Akari Hayami, who hints at lingering family matters that have prompted Kenji’s sudden departure. With an impressive batting average of .420 and an astounding 624 stolen bases, Kenji’s inflated ego is a topic of discussion, with Ami pointing out that it hinders his progression toward success in sports.

However, Ken’s true raison d’être for returning to Japan is not merely familial ties; he is preparing to step into the role of Ultraman to combat the encroaching threats of Kaijus. In a bid to keep his identity concealed, Kenji joins a local baseball team, where his coach, Shimura, portrayed by Nan Dadian, expresses his frustration over Kenji’s frequent absences from training. Coach Shimura’s disdain for Kenji’s lack of humility becomes a recurring theme.

During a conflict with the monster Neronga, akin to a giant electric armadillo, Kenji’s sense of self-worth takes a hit following complaints from citizens about Ultraman’s antics. Feeling unappreciated, he abandons the battle midway when the Kaiju Defense Force (KDF) takes control. Professor Sato urges Kenji to shoulder the responsibility of being Ultraman and confront the Kaiju head-on. Feeling conflicted, Kenji reveals his frustrations about becoming Ultraman, stirring memories of his missing mother, Emiko.

The narrative intensifies with the entry of Dr. Onda, whose history fuels his antagonism towards Ultraman and the Kaijus. With the KDF skeptical of Ultraman’s legitimacy, Onda monitors a vital transport that comes under threat from the bird-like Kaiju Gigantron just as Kenji is preparing for his first local baseball match. Kenji is forced to choose between his sport and the safety of others, battling the Kaiju despite his team’s expectations. In a dramatic twist, Gigantron’s reveal as a protective creature leads to the discovery of an egg—her hatchling, an infant Kaiju whom Kenji names Emi, ultimately imprints on him as a parent.

As Kenji juggles his newfound responsibilities, assisted by his AI Mina, he struggles to connect with Emi, especially when she shows fear at his human form. Their training takes on a humorous twist as Emi’s abilities help guide Kenji to food as they navigate parenthood together. However, tensions run high as Kenji’s professional life begins to unravel due to missed games and pressures from his coach.

Days pass, and Kenji finds himself buried beneath the weight of dual responsibilities. Seeking counsel from Ami, who relates to his struggles as a parent, Ken begins to bond deeply with Emi, nurturing her growth and even imparting baseball skills to her. Meanwhile, Onda’s obsession leads to chaos, as he seeks to uncover Emi’s location, deeming her a threat.

As the inevitable clash between Ken, his father Professor Sato, and Onda’s KDF escalates, the weight of legacy and family ties surge to the surface. Reconciliations occur as Kenji learns of his father’s love and sacrifices, prompting them both to raise Emi together. Yet, the peace is fleeting, leading to a final showdown with a mechanized Gigantron in a stunning battle that challenges Ultraman’s resolve.

In the aftermath, Ken emerges from the battle changed; he shares poignant realizations about family with Ami. The concluding scenes depict a new chapter as Ken and Sato successfully discover Kaiju Island, guiding the Kaiju to safety. In a gripping mid-credits tease, Emiko reaches out to Ken from her entrapment on Ultraman’s home planet, Nebula M78, setting the stage for further adventures in this universe.