ULTRAMAN R/B (Ruebe) finally premiered at 9 a.m. on July 7^th (Sat), 2018. We have interviewed the 5 main casts, and will deliver the interviews in 2 parts!

At the very beginning, we interviewed Yuya Hirata and Ryosuke Koike who play Katsumi Minato (Ultraman Rosso) and Isami Minato (Ultraman Blu) respectively.

How did you feel when you first heard your role in this Ultraman series?

Yuya Hirata as Katsumi Minato / Ultraman Rosso (right): At first, I couldn’t believe it! But as time went by, the fact that I got the role gradually felt real. I was very happy, but at the same time surprised that I was going to become Ultraman, since Ultraman had made a great influence on me. After receiving the script and fitting the costumes, I became more and more aware of the fact that I was going to be the next Ultraman.

Ryosuke Koike as Isami Minato / Ultraman Blu (left): I was genuinely excited and very happy when I first heard the news. Later on, I gradually started to feel the pressure of playing Ultraman, a long-beloved hero in Japan.

Are there any changes in your emotions, now that you’re in the middle phase of shooting?

Yuya: The reason why they are fighting became clearer as the shooting of R/B went on. I became conscious of what he was fighting for and who he was protecting, as well as how Katsumi, as a hero, is going to fight.

Ryosuke: In the beginning, Isami didn’t fully understand what he was fighting for, since he was still a teenager and wasn’t mature enough. However, as the story unfolds, I got influenced by Isami, as he grows up and learns what it’s like to protect someone.

From your point of view, how would you describe the brothers, Katsumi and Isami?

Yuya: They never stop chattering (with a laugh). Katsumi and Isami are a little shy with each other since they’re boys, sometimes when they are chilling together, suddenly they start quarreling on trivial matters. They are just ordinary brothers you can find anywhere. Therefore, I’m sure the viewers can connect with them.

Ryosuke: The brothers don’t need much verbal communication since they can understand each other with one eye contact. Sometimes they clash with one another, but when encountering challenges and difficulties, they overcome it together. I have a brother too, so I can connect with them. Sometimes we don’t express our feelings, but deep in our hearts, I know we understand each other.

Which is your most memorable Ultraman or Kaiju?

Yuya: I grew up watching Ultraman Tiga. Also when I was little, I had a picture book of Ultraman Taro. The book was precious to me since I had the author’s autograph on it. Once I got the role of Ultraman, I looked back at the book and remembered how special Ultraman Taro was for me and realized that Ultraman was one of my starting points.

My favorite Kaiju is Pigmon. It’s cute!

Ryosuke: I’m also a fan of Ultraman ever since I was a child. I grew up watching Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia, and Ultraman Cosmos.

Ultraman Tiga was my favorite among them. I used to watch the movie “Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna & Ultraman Gaia: The Battle in Hyperspace” over and over again.

As for the Kaiju, I recall King of Monster from the movie “The Battle in Hyperspace”, as it was a combination of multiple Kaiju and was so strong.

Finally, would you like to say something to your fans around the world?

Yuya: I’m grateful for playing the role of Ultraman and living in a world where Ultraman is supported by fans all around the world. The new TV series ULTRAMAN R/B has a fresh taste of being the first to have the main Ultraman as brothers. It would be my pleasure if everyone enjoy watching each episode of the show and I’m looking forward to seeing your comments on Twitter!

Ryosuke: I wonder how a story about a Japanese family will be viewed from audiences outside Japan. I’m hoping that ULTRAMAN R/B, which depicts brotherhood and family bond, will be loved by people of all ages around the world.

In part 2, we will be delivering the interviews with Ginojo Yamazaki who plays Ushio Minato, Arisa Sonohara who plays Asahi Minato, and Motoki Fukami who plays Makoto Aizen. Please stay tuned!