Our new TV series, Ultraman Z (Zett), will air Saturday mornings at 9 AM on TV Tokyo and other TXN Network channels starting from June 20^th, 2020. We are now introducing members of the main cast who will appear alongside the star of the show, Kohshu Hirano!

Kohshu Hirano plays the show’s protagonist, Haruki Natsukawa, a new pilot of the Anti-Kaiju Robot Unit STORAGE. In this article, we will introduce the cast members who play the captain of STORAGE and one of its ace pilots.

●The Anti-Monster Robot Unit STORAGE

STORAGE is a robot unit of Global Allied Forces Japan that specializes in combatting kaiju. Its official name is “Special Tactical Operations Regimental Airborne and Ground Equipment.” STORAGE fights against monsters and the disasters they create using special anti-monster combat robots, the first of which is Sevenger.

●STORAGE’s Captain, Shota Hebikura, will be played by Takaya Aoyagi!

Takaya Aoyagi gives a stellar performance as the leader of STORAGE, Captain Shota Hebikura. Ultraman fans will recognize Takaya, who impressively portrayed Jugglus Juggler in the 2016 series Ultraman Orb. Please look forward to seeing him again as Shota Hebikura!

●Shota Hebikura (age 34) / Played by Takaya Aoyagi (member of α-selection)

The captain of STORAGE, Hebikura brings together the troublesome young team. Kind, bright, and friendly, he acts as an older brother figure that the team can rely on. Hebikura is very athletic and puts Haruki through intensive drills in the training room.

●Comment from Takaya Aoyagi

When I heard the news last summer, I was honestly surprised – for about two seconds.

Immediately every cell in my body filled with excitement – for about two seconds.

Hearing the word “captain,” I was dazed by the question mark – for about two seconds.

I didn’t even need ten seconds to decide.

“I want to make another show with them!” There’s nothing better than that. When I was in Ultraman Orb, I made a lot of friends who encouraged me, and they all have helped and supported me through everything… It’s easy to say it, so I’d like to show it through Ultraman Z. So, let’s meet at 9am on June 20^th. ❤

Please chant my name – “Shota Hebikuraaaa!!!”

Profile: α-selection’s Official Site

（http://www.a-selection-pro.jp/actor/takaya.html）

Twitter：https://twitter.com/takaya_aoyagi

(Both websites are in Japanese)

●Our heroine, STORAGE’s ace pilot Yoko Nakashima, will be played by Rima Matsuda!

Rima Matsuda plays ace pilot Yoko Nakashima, who is trusted and admired by Haruki. Please look out for Rima’s charming performance as Yoko, who is bright, cheerful, and determined while also having the heart of a maiden!

●Yoko Nakashima (age 24) / Played by Rima Matsuda (member of Box Corporation)

An ace pilot of STORAGE, Nakashima is a highly skilled expert in the cockpit. Although she has a cheerful and determined personality, she also has a girly side and likes older men. Nakashima also is an admirer of Ultraman Z. When asked out by an admirer, she challenges them to an arm-wrestling match, which she has never once lost.

●Comment from Rima Matsuda

I’m Rima Matsuda, and I’ll be playing Yoko Nakashima.

I’m delighted to be able to appear in “Ultraman,” a beloved series with a long history.

I can still clearly remember the moment that I got the part. I was shaking.

When I started filming, I received a lot of support from the director and the others. Each scene was exciting, since each time was my first.

Ultraman Z has come together thanks to the hard work of many teams, so I’ll also do my best to help make it a show that can be loved by both children and adults! Please look forward to it!

Profile：http://www.box-corporation.com/matsuda_rima

Twitter：https://twitter.com/rima_matsuda　

Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/rima_matsuda/　

(Both websites are in Japanese)

■Ultraman Z Series Overview

Broadcast Start Date: 6/20/2020 (Saturday)

Broadcast Time: Every Saturday from 9:00~9:30AM

Broadcast Channel: TXN Network and others

Production Companies: Tsuburaya Productions, TV Tokyo, and Dentsu

Official Series Webstie: http://ani.tv/ultraman_z/

Official Ultraman Website: https://m-78.jp/z/

Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/ultraman_series/

Actors: Kohshu Hirano, Takaya Aoyagi, Rima Matsuda, Tatsuomi Hamada, and others

Main Director: Kiyotaka Taguchi

Theme Song: Masaaki Endoh, “GOSHOWA KUDASAI WARE NO NA WO! (Chant My Name!)”

Ending Song: Nami Tamaki, “Connect the Truth”

©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © ULTRAMAN Z PRODUCTION CONSORTIUM・TV TOKYO