The Ultraman franchise is in its 60th anniversary year, marked by a wave of merchandise, collaborations, and a documentary film. The Origin of Ultraman documentary opened in Japanese theaters on July 3, 2026, and is set for an international premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in August.
The Ultraman franchise is in the middle of its 60th anniversary, and the coverage reflects a broad push across merchandise, streaming, and film. Tsuburaya Productions released The Origin of Ultraman, a documentary planned by Hirokazu Kore-eda, in Japanese theaters on July 3, 2026. The film gathers original cast and crew alongside notable fans such as Guillermo del Toro and Hideo Kojima. It will have its international premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, which runs from July 16 to August 2.
Merchandise dominates the anniversary output. Bandai Spirits has released or announced multiple S.H.Figuarts figures, including an A-Type Ultraman based on body scan data of original suit actor Bin Furuya, a monochrome A-Type figure replicating the 1966 black-and-white broadcast, and a Shin Hayata figure with a spoon accessory tied to episode 34. The company also opened reservations for a Digital Monster COLOR virtual pet device that lets players raise Ultraman characters while Digimon appear as enemies. Medicom Toy's MAT sofubi line added a wave featuring Plasma Minazuma and Super Hipporito Seijin.
Streaming access expanded with U-Next adding Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Dyna for the first time, in HD remastered editions, starting July 10. The original cast of Ultraman Tiga reunited for a 30th anniversary stage event on July 10, their first public gathering in 26 years. Collaborations include a BEYBLADE X starter set themed after Ultraman Tiga, a GigaBash DLC adding Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial, and a Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium crossover with Ultraman and SSSS.Gridman. Seven Seas licensed Kazuo Umezz's Ultraman manga for its first English release, a hardcover collection due in July 2027.
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The Ultraman Card Game will release Extra Booster Pack Vol. 1 "Dream UNION" and Extra Deck Vol. 2 "SSSS.GRIDMAN" on December 4, 2026. The cards feature characters from the TV anime SSSS.GRIDMAN, include new illustrations by the anime's creators, and the booster pack randomly contains autograph cards signed by four cast members.
Bandai will release three soft vinyl figures on August 1, 2026, to mark the 60th anniversary of Ultraman. The lineup includes Ultraman (1973 ver.) and Zaraab Seijin from the original series, plus Ultraman Taro in a fighting pose. Each figure costs 990 yen.
Medicom Toy's 18th wave of MAT deformed sofubi figures includes Plasma Minazuma from Ultraman 80 and Super Hipporito Seijin from the movie Great Decisive Battle! The Super 8 Ultra Brothers. Both are 25 cm tall and sold via lottery at the MEDICOM TOY OFFICIAL STORE. Applications run from July 24 to August 10, 2026, with shipping in April 2027.
Bandai Spirits opened reservations on August 5, 2026 for the Digital Monster COLOR ULTRAMAN SERIES 60th EDITION, a special version of the virtual pet device commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series. The product is available in two body colors: ULTRAMAN HENSHIN COLOR, inspired by Ultraman's transformation scene, and GRAFFITI ULTRAHEROES COLOR, which incorporates dot art designs. Both versions use UV printer printing technology to cover the entire surface with imagery of Ultraman, Ultraman Tiga, and Ultraman Zero. The device includes over 40 Ultraman and Ultra Kaiju characters that can be raised, while Digimon appear as enemies in battles. It retains the color LCD and built-in rechargeable battery of the standard Digital Monster COLOR, with changeable background designs and USB Type-C charging. The main unit program is identical across both color variants, so gameplay content is the same. Communication is limited to other Digital Monster COLOR ULTRAMAN SERIES 60th EDITION units, the standard Digital Monster COLOR, and Digimon Pendulum COLOR devices. Reservations run until September 6, 2026, with shipping scheduled for February 2027.
BANDAI SPIRITS announced the S.H.Figuarts Full Power Frieza -Battle Scarred Edition- action figure, reproducing the character's appearance from the fierce battle on Planet Namek in Dragon Ball Z. Pre-orders open Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 16:00 through Premium Bandai. The figure carries damage paint across the entire body, inspired by scenes from the series, and includes a newly created defeated face expression part. A bonus part is an exchangeable head compatible with the separately sold S.H.Figuarts Super Saiyan Son Goku -Legendary Super Saiyan- figure, recreating the moment Goku reverts from Super Saiyan with his hair blowing in the wind. The figure stands approximately 125mm tall, made of PVC and ABS, and includes the main body, three types each of exchangeable left and right hand parts, three exchangeable head parts, exchangeable left and right ankle parts, and a tail part. The price is 9,900 yen including tax, with shipping scheduled for March 2027. BANDAI SPIRITS is the manufacturer. The product page notes that orders may close early if the preparation quantity is reached.
The Tsuburaya Store ONLINE is accepting reservations for clear material sofubi figures of Alien Baltan and Gomora from the MSS (Middle Size Series) line. The pre-orders run from July 18 to August 31, 2026, with shipping scheduled for December 2026. Each figure is priced at 5,280 yen and made of PVC, standing about 13cm tall.
Seven Seas Entertainment announced on July 17, 2026, that it has acquired the license for Kazuo Umezz's Ultraman manga. The publisher will release the series as a large-trim hardcover edition titled Ultraman by Kazuo Umezz: The Classic Manga Collection in July 2027. The collection will be priced at $42.99 in the United States and $57.99 in Canada. This marks the first English-language release of the manga, which originally ran in Japan from 1966 to 1967 alongside the debut of the Ultraman tokusatsu television series. Umezz, best known for horror manga such as The Drifting Classroom and Reptilia, adapted the sci-fi hero's battles with kaiju for the page. Seven Seas described the release as timed to the franchise's 60th anniversary. A documentary film titled The Origin of Ultraman, produced by Tsuburaya Productions, opened in Japanese theaters on July 3, 2026, also celebrating the anniversary.
Bandai Spirits is releasing two S.H.Figuarts figures to mark the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman television series. The Ultraman (A-Type) figure, part of the Shinkocchou Seihou line, is based on body scan data of original suit actor Bin Furuya and sculpted by Yō Narita, who worked on the Ultraman Tiga series. It includes a Spacium Beam effect part and an Ultra Water Stream effect part, and uses soft parts for a wide range of motion. The figure stands 150mm tall, costs 9,900 yen, and ships in February 2027. The Shin Hayata figure, the protagonist and Science Patrol member, is newly sculpted with Soul Digital Coloring technology to reproduce his facial expressions. It includes a removable helmet, interchangeable head parts, a Super Gun, a Beta Capsule, and a spoon accessory to recreate the episode 34 scene where Hayata accidentally holds up a spoon instead of the Beta Capsule. The Hayata figure costs 11,000 yen, also ships in February 2027. Pre-orders for both open on July 17, 2026 at 16:00 JST via Premium Bandai.
Passion Republic Games will release the Ultraman Zero collaboration DLC for GigaBash on July 10, 2026 at noon Japan time. The pack includes Ultraman Zero and his rival Ultraman Belial. A developer commentary video details the design process, citing two Zero films as references and noting the technical challenge of implementing the Giga Battle Nizer.
Nasu Highland Park will introduce a ride-type VR attraction 'Ultra Seven THE ATTRACTION: The Fastest Operation in History' starting July 18. Co-developed by Tsuburaya Productions and Dynamo Amusement, it is the first hands-on VR experience for the tokusatsu hero. Guests board the Ultra Hawk 1 to save Ultra Seven from King Joe. The attraction costs 800 yen and requires a height of 100 cm or taller.
Takara Tomy's BEYBLADE X has announced its first collaboration with the Ultraman series, releasing a starter set themed after Ultraman Tiga on September 12, 2026. The set features interchangeable parts to replicate Tiga's three forms, a special launcher, and a sticker. It will be displayed at events in July and released in eight Asian regions.
The Ultraman Tiga 30th Premium Stage was held on July 10 at Suginami Public Hall, reuniting original cast members Hiroshi Nagano, Takami Yoshimoto, Mio Takaki, and Akitoshi Ōtaki. The event featured a reading, the appearance of the three Ultraman Tiga forms, and the playing of V6's 'TAKE ME HIGHER,' which drew loud cheers. The cast shared memories and behind-the-scenes stories from the series.
Bandai Spirits has announced a new S.H.Figuarts (Shinkocho Seiho) Ultraman (A-Type) figure based on the 1966 television special 'Ultraman Eve Festival: The Birth of Ultraman'. The figure is cast in monochrome coloring to replicate the viewing experience of the original broadcast, which was shown in black and white on monochrome televisions. Pre-orders open July 10, 2026 at 16:00 via Premium Bandai at 11,000 yen (tax included, shipping not included). The figure stands 150mm tall and includes a new Spacium beam effect part sculpted from episodes 1-13, left and right replacement hands (7 left, 6 right), and a 60th anniversary commemorative base. The suit actor at the time, Satoshi Furuta, was body-scanned to recreate the A-Type costume accurately. The prototype was sculpted by Jo Narita, with cooperation from Tsuburaya Productions' modeling department LSS. The figure is scheduled to ship in March 2027.
Gray Parker Service has released the mofusand × Ultraman Kiramekko vol.1 plush line, featuring cats dressed as Ultraman, Alien Baltan, and Pigmon. The collaboration commemorates Ultraman's 60th anniversary. The regular edition follows a special edition at Anime Japan. Only three of the planned six characters are available now, with the rest to follow.
Kazuo Mafune's Ultraman STORY 0 manga, which depicts the early battles of Ultraman characters from their youth, has been digitized. All 16 volumes are now available as Kindle comics on Amazon.co.jp, priced at 792 yen each. The series, supervised by Tsuburaya Productions, follows Zoffy and other Ultraman brothers in original stories.
Bandai's Premium Bandai store opened pre-orders on July 6, 2026, for a 12-piece box of Ningen Daisu figures featuring past Ultraman heroes. The human-format figures stand approximately 45mm tall and are designed with a forward-leaning pose, both arms thrust forward, to convey tension in battle. Each figure has a flat back and contains a built-in neodymium magnet, allowing them to be attached to steel surfaces such as desks, shelves, walls, or even bottle caps. The set includes 12 characters: Ultraman, Zoffy, Ultraseven, Ultraman Jack, Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro, Ultraman Leo, Ultraman Jonias, Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Zett, and Ultraman Omega. The figures are made of ABS plastic and manufactured by Plex. The box is priced at 7,656 yen including tax, with shipments scheduled for October 2026. One box contains all 12 types. The product may also be sold at stores or events.
Bandai Spirits has revealed the full prize lineup for Ichiban Kuji Ultraman 60th Anniversary, a lottery series launching sequentially from July 24, 2026. Prizes include the A Prize Ultraman Sōsō Nostalgio figure, B Prize Zetton Sōsō Nostalgio, a bowl, eco bag, Hero Head Gallery bust magnets, poster collection, and acrylic stand, each at 900 yen.
Kore-eda Hirokazu is planning the Ultraman series 60th anniversary documentary "THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN." Comments from 18 celebrities, including Takumi Saito and Takeshi Tsuruno, have been released. The film features testimonies from creators like Guillermo del Toro and Hideo Kojima. It is scheduled for release on July 3.
Gray Parker Service will release the regular edition of the "mofusand x Ultraman Kiramekko vol.1" accessory plush on July 10, 2026. The collaboration marks the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series. The regular edition features three types of cats wearing costumes of Ultraman, Baltan, and Pigmon. It follows a pastel-colored special edition that was pre-sold at Anime Japan. The regular edition uses familiar colors. Originally six types were planned, but the first three are being released in advance due to circumstances; the remaining three are scheduled for later sale. The plushies come in individually wrapped random items at 2,420 yen each or a BOX containing all three types for 7,260 yen. Online sales begin at 11:00 on July 10 at "mofusand Mofumofu Market," "Tsuburaya Store ONLINE," and "Ultraman World M78 ONLINE." Physical stores include "ULTRA MART TOKYO," which opens the same day in Harajuku as a new experiential culture hub from Tsuburaya Productions, plus "mofusand Mofumofu Store," "mofusand TOKYO," "LINE FRIENDS SQUARE SHIBUYA," and select Kiddy Land locations nationwide. The ULTRA MART TOKYO store will also carry a store-exclusive Ultraman Tiga version of the plush, sold via lottery.
All 16 volumes of the manga 'Ultraman STORY 0' will be released as e-books on July 9, 2026. The series, by Kazuo Mafune of 'Doctor K' fame, was serialized in Magazine Z starting 2005 under Tsuburaya Productions supervision. It tells original stories of the Ultra Brothers' early battles and the founding of the Land of Light.
U-Next announced it will stream Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Dyna for the first time, starting July 10 in HD remastered editions. The service also adds related films and a 30th anniversary stage event. A limited-time lineup of 23 classic Ultraman and Tsuburaya titles runs from July 1 to August 31.
Sunborn revealed during the 1.5th anniversary program for Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium a large-scale collaboration with Ultraman and SSSS.Gridman. Specific content and timing are not yet disclosed. A limited-time Bee Robo Kabutack collaboration skin for Voimastina is also available until June 30, 2026.
Plex is adding Ultraman Z Original to its Great Monster Series ULTRA NEW GENERATION figure lineup. Pre-orders open June 17, 2026 on Premium Bandai. A limited edition with a light-up gimmick for the eyes and color timer is also available.
The S.H.Figuarts Dark Zagi figure from 'Ultraman Nexus' is getting a second lottery order at Premium Bandai, with applications open from June 16 to June 25, 2026. The figure includes effect parts for the Lightning Zagi beam technique and a bonus beam clash effect part for use with the separately sold Ultraman Noa figure. It is scheduled to ship in February 2027 for 9,900 yen.
Bandai Spirits announced a new S.H.Figuarts Zarab Alien 60th Anniversary Edition, with coloring based on the night battle scene from Ultraman Episode 18 "Brothers from Another Planet." Pre-orders open June 12, 2026, at the Premium Bandai Tamashii Web Store for 11,000 yen, with shipment scheduled for December 2026.
Bandai Spirits announced an S.H.Figuarts action figure of Dark Zagi from Ultraman Nexus, sculpted with Tsuburaya Productions' modeling department LSS. The figure includes Lightning Zagi effect parts and a bonus Beam Clash Effect Parts set to recreate the final episode battle with the separately sold Ultraman Noa figure. Pre-orders open June 5, 2026, at Premium Bandai's Tamashii Web Shop for 9,900 yen, shipping January 2027.
The 30th annual Fantasia International Film Festival will host the world premiere of the Cherry and Virgin film, the North American premiere of the Sekiro: No Defeat anime, and international premieres of the live-action WIND BREAKER film and The Origin of Ultraman documentary. The festival runs July 16-August 2 in Montreal.
At the 84th Prize Fair in Tokyo, Bandai Spirits' Banpresto brand displayed upcoming prize figures for release from October to December 2026. The lineup includes figures for Blue Archive, Ultraman Series, Baki, Witch Hat Atelier, Ranma 1/2, Dandadan, Naruto, Gintama, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Tsuburaya Productions announced a documentary film titled The Origin of Ultraman, opening July 3, to celebrate the tokusatsu franchise's 60th anniversary. The film covers the creation of the original series with archival footage and interviews with original cast, crew, and notable fans including Guillermo del Toro, Hideaki Anno, and Hideo Kojima. Hirokazu Kore-eda is credited as the documentary's planner.