[For Seniors] How many can you get right? Let’s have fun with a nostalgic Ultraman quiz

Shuwatch!

When it comes to Ultraman’s signature shout, it’s “Shuwatch,” right? This exclamation is famous for being used when Ultraman takes to the sky, makes an entrance, or exits. The word “Shuwatch” itself doesn’t have a specific meaning, but as Ultraman’s distinctive sound effect, it’s beloved across generations.

3 minutes

Ultraman can operate on Earth for only three minutes. This is controlled by the Color Timer on his chest, which begins to blink to warn that his energy is running out. His battles with monsters within this strict three-minute limit add significant tension and thrill to Ultraman’s drama.

1966

Ultraman first appeared on Japanese television in 1966. It was produced by Tsuburaya Productions and began airing on the TBS network. Although color TV had only just started to spread at the time, its innovative visuals and the concept of a giant hero became hugely popular, especially among children.

Kanegon

The answer is “Kanegon.” Kanegon is a kaiju that appeared in Ultra Q, the 1966 predecessor to the Ultraman series. He loves money and survives by eating coins. The story of a child who ends up inside a golden cocoon and transforms into Kanegon—complete with a piggy bank in his stomach—became a hot topic for its unique concept. Kanegon has also made frequent guest appearances in the main Ultraman series, and his cute appearance and quirky trait of eating money have endeared him to many fans for generations.

July 10

Ultraman Day is on July 10. This date was designated as “Ultraman Day” to commemorate the broadcast of the first episode of Ultraman on television on July 10, 1966. Familiar even to older generations, Ultraman is a landmark work in Japan’s tokusatsu (special-effects) history and has been loved by many people, from children to adults, for many years. Every year on July 10, related events and campaigns are held, making it a special day for fans.

alien

Ultraman is an alien who came from the distant cosmos known as the Land of Light in the M78 Nebula. He fights monsters and aliens on Earth, working to protect the planet. Although he looks human, he is in fact an extraterrestrial being with supernatural powers and the ability to grow to a gigantic size. The original Ultraman merged with a human, Hayata of the Science Patrol, to carry out his missions and protected many citizens. If you look closely, you can see features that set him apart from humans, such as his silver body and red lines—truly a hero from outer space.

Color Timer

Many Ultra Warriors, including Ultraman, have a luminous device on their chests called a “Color Timer.” The Color Timer indicates their remaining combat energy: it glows blue under normal conditions, and begins flashing red as time passes or when they’re in danger. On Earth, Ultra Warriors face energy limitations, and prolonged activity triggers the Color Timer’s warning to signal their operational limit. This device is an iconic element of the series and serves to convey tension and drama to the audience.