WHIMSICAL RENDERINGS OF ULTRAMAN'S KAIJU A Selection of Kim Hu's Pop Ultra Kaiju Studies

気まぐれなイラストで『ウルトラマン』の怪獣たち。


Bemler, the Space Monster from Episode 1.


Baltan, the Space Ninja from Episode 2.


Redking, the Skull Monster from Episode 8.


Dodongo, the Mummy Monster from Episode 12.


Hidrah, the Highland Dragon from Episode 20.


Jamila, the Mutant Monster from Episode 22.


Woo, the Legendary Monster from Episode 30.

These wonderful pieces, only a fraction of his killer kaiju gallery, were created by Kim Hu — a self-described "Artist. Illustrator. Toy designer. Toycollector" — as part of his Inktober 2015 a-kaiju-a-day challenge. The Tokyo resident, and his fantastic kaiju illustrations, can be found on Instagram or follow him on Facebook.

RETURN OF THE "KAIJU SAKABA" MONSTER BAR! Brew, Snacks, and Kaiju Come to Osaka in April

『元祖怪獣酒場』が大阪なんばに登場 ! 2015年4月下旬オープン！


Kanegon welcomes you to Osaka's new "Original Monster Bar" in April!

On the eve of this month's closing of the "Kaiju Sakaba" (The Monster Bar) in Kawasaki, near Tokyo (with a cryptic notice on their website concerning the spot undergoing "relocation"), Tsuburaya Productions has just announced a new pub: "Genso Kaiju Sakaba" (The Original Monster Bar) will be opening in Osaka this coming April for a daily immersive experience of drinks, eats, and monsters, monsters, monsters. If you've been lucky enough to visit the Kawasaki pub, you know how fun it will be!


Crazy Kanegon is cooing koo-koos to open shop this spring in Osaka!

While the Kawasaki pub was "managed" by the nefarious insectoid alien, Baltan (seen in Ultraman), the Osaka spin-off will be similarly "managed" by the whimsical and weird money-munching mutant, Kanegon (from Ultra Q)! The new website (Japanese only) has put a call out soliciting for part time staff at this new location near Nanba Station, Osaka. So, next time you're in town, be sure to stop in and hang out with the Ultra Monsters!

MOVE OVER GIDGET, ULTRAMAN GOES HAWAIIAN "Ultra Hawaii" Promotes Vacations for Japanese

ウルトラマンタロウ、父、母が初めてのハワイ旅行!!


Shaka Taro and Jessica Michibata at launch event. Tokyo Pop Online

TOKYO: On March 6th, Ultraman Taro appeared on stage with Jessica Michibata, a Argentine-Japanese fashion model, to promote the launch of the "Ultra Hawaii" campaign of travel packages to the five islands — with a decidedly superheroic sense — by the Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority, and with the cooperation of twelve major travel companies. The campaign features Ultraman Taro, and his parents, Father of Ultra and Mother of Ultra, as well as Ultra Monsters, Baltan and Pygmon, acting as tourists and extolling the beauty and romance of Hawai'i.


This is Ultra Hawaii promotion video. ©Tsuburaya Productions

"Ultra Hawaii" has been organized to bring more tourism to the islands, as well as to get more Japanese to take their vacations in these special roadshow packages aimed at families, as well as couples who want to have a second honeymoon, renew their marriage vows, or celebrate wedding anniversaries. The Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority was established in January of last year, and is launching these special "Ultra Hawaii" packages starting in April 2014. A full-blown website went online March 5th, featuring the famous Tsuburaya Productions' characters.


Waikiki Surf Lesson in O'ahu. ©Tsuburaya Productions

The website not only features photos of the Ultra Family enjoying the beauty of Hawai'i, but also a series of humorous videos of the Ultra Family (as well as Baltan and Pygmon) dramatizing what you can also do on one's dream vacation to the six major islands: O'ahu, Hawai'i, Maui, Kaua'i, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi — each island available in separate and roadshow packages. The great Ultra Family and Ultra Monster suits were created by master monster maker Fuyuki Shinada (GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack).


Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar. ©Tsuburaya Productions

Interestingly, the 1974 Ultra Series, ULTRAMAN LEO, is currently airing ever Friday night in Hawai'i on Honolulu's KIKU-20 (and ULTRA SEVEN was broadcast on KHON-2 back in 1975). Please visit the "Ultra Hawaii" website to see the great photos, check out the promotion videos, and download some beautiful desktop and screen savers — and join them on Facebook (Japanese only) — Mahalo, Ultraman!


Poolside Yoga at the Embassy Suites. ©Tsuburaya Productions