Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International vice-president Rudy Ng said he was “deeply honoured“ to become part of a brand that brings back childhood memories. - PHOTO: TSUBURAYA FIELDS ENTERTAINMENT INTERNATIONAL
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A city lies in ruins as a giant beast – towering over even the tallest of skyscrapers – roars in triumph, shrugging off the efforts of puny humans to take it down. All seems lost.
Suddenly, a giant seemingly made out of light appears in a flash, grappling with the monster. The colossus crosses his arms, slaying the beast with an energy beam emitting from his forearms as children across the world cheer his name – Ultraman.
Since the Japanese superhero first appeared on TV screens in 1966, the science-fiction franchise has enthralled audiences of all ages and nationalities. Some of these fans, including those in Singapore, have since become parents themselves, sharing their memories of and passion for Ultraman with their children.
Ultraman’s ties to the Republic have been strengthened even further now that Tsuburaya Productions, owner of the franchise, has officially set up an office here.
Speaking to The Straits Times on Oct 24, Mr Rudy Ng, vice-president of Singapore-based Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International, fondly recalled how his mother first introduced him to the series as a child.
“Ultraman has a unique ability to transcend generations. Having been a part of popular culture for close to six decades, its values of courage, hope and kindness continue to resonate with both long-time fans and newer audiences,” said the 37-year-old Singaporean, who has more than a decade of experience in the entertainment and gaming industry.
Now spearheading Tsuburaya’s efforts in the region, Mr Ng said he was “deeply honoured” to become part of a brand that shaped his childhood, describing it as a journey that has come full circle.
Established in late August, Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International is responsible for overseeing operations in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan and South Korea. - PHOTO: TSUBURAYA FIELDS ENTERTAINMENT INTERNATIONAL
“It’s especially meaningful for me to be working on something that not only brings back cherished memories, but also allows me to contribute to Ultraman’s ongoing legacy, continuing a journey that began with my mother.”
In 2024, the official list of heroic Ultras, as the alien race is collectively known (there are females too), stands at 51.
The villains of the series, known as kaiju – which is a Japanese term for “strange creature”, but has since become synonymous with giant monsters – number more than 200.
In 2021, Singapore saw its very own hero, Merliger, “fighting” alongside Ultraman at Gardens by the Bay. Then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he enjoyed the fun and entertaining video – “Relieved to know that one of my regular jalan jalan spots is safe under the protection of Ultraman!”
Reliving classic battles between good and evil
Established in late August, Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International is responsible for overseeing operations in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan and South Korea.
Its scope includes facilitating licensing, collaborations and partnership opportunities, as well as managing the new Ultraman trading card game, which was launched on Oct 25.
A spokesperson for Tsuburaya Productions said that it chose Singapore as its base in South-east Asia due to the city’s strategic position as a business and creative hub. This aligned with its vision to expand Ultraman’s reach and connect with fans across the region.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore is the only country with a Tsuburaya office, aside from Japan and South Korea. Tsuburaya also has an office in the US.
Ultraman’s popularity spans several markets, including Indonesia, China and Malaysia.
Even with multiple comic book series including several with entertainment giant Marvel, 34 seasons of television, 45 movies and nearly 100 video games under its belt, the Ultraman universe continues to grow.
Cards with special artwork from the first booster pack set. - PHOTO: TSUBURAYA FIELDS ENTERTAINMENT INTERNATIONAL
The new card game pulls from the hundreds of colourful characters and the various forms they have assumed throughout six decades of rich history.
The game was launched across nearly 30 hobby stores, with more than 500 starter decks ordered by fans in Singapore, said Tsuburaya Fields Entertainment International. At the TableCon Quest gaming event in June, the game attracted more than 7,000 visitors over three days, with more than 200 live demonstrations hosted.
Wielding decks of 50 cards each, players can draw from a continually growing pool of heroes and villains, crafting their own storylines and re-enacting classic battles through strategic gameplay.
Starter decks, which introduce players to the mechanics of the game, are available in stores at $10 each. Booster packs, which each contain a random assortment of 12 cards that supplement gameplay, will cost $5 each (prices are before goods and services tax). The first booster pack set, titled Guardians Of The Earth, will be launched on Nov 8.
The cards are available in English, Japanese and both traditional and simplified Chinese. Cards in Singapore will be sold primarily in English, although cards in other languages will also be allowed for upcoming tournaments that are in the pipeline.
As with most trading card games, cards are of different rarities, with the rarest ones in limited numbers that feature special artwork of iconic characters – and corresponding secondary market prices.
The first booster pack set will see special cards illustrated by famed Japanese artist As’maria, known for his detailed and dynamic art style. - The Straits Times/ANN
