Sixty years of Japan’s Iconic Hero

Today, and June 10th annually, is Ultraman Day ウルトラマンの日 in Japan. It is a big day for fans across the country as the silver‑and‑red hero celebrates 60 years since his television debut. 

On this day in 1966, the first broadcast, Ultraman Eve: The Birth of Ultraman, aired unexpectedly due to a last‑minute programming change. Making July 10th the true beginning of Ultraman’s long legacy and a historic day that launched one of Japan’s most beloved heroes.

Since then, Ultraman has become a cultural icon, inspiring generations with its mix of sci‑fi adventure, kaiju battles, and pioneering visual effects. His popularity stretches far beyond television. Ultraman is a nationwide phenomenon, with statues, museums, anniversary events, and generations of fans who treat him not just as a character, but as a symbol of Japan’s imagination and hero culture.

The Ultraman exhibit pictured in this post used to be at Grinpa, in Susono City (Shizuoka). I don't think they have the exhibit anymore, but there is a great free spot for Ultraman fans in Sukagawa City (Fukushima), the birthplace of creator Eiji Tsuburaya. It is a street lined with Ultraman and kaiju statues - a photo gallery of it on City-cost here.