The Los Angeles Dodgers and Tsuburaya Productions reached a partnership agreement to bring Japan’s most beloved superhero, Ultraman, to Dodger Stadium for a special event on Aug. 26, when they the Cincinnati Reds.
Tsuburaya Productions, a Japanese special effects studio founded in 1963, is best known for producing the Ultra Series. Its parent company, Tsuburaya Fields Holdings, holds the controlling stake.
“Having Ultraman step onto the field at the legendary Dodger Stadium is a further celebration of how sports and pop culture unite fans across generations,” said Hidetoshi Yamamoto, chairman of Tsuburaya Fields Holdings. “We are thrilled to have Ultraman join the team, even if just for a moment, for a day of fun the whole family can enjoy!”
With first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PT, the event begins with a pre-game photo opportunity in the center field plaza, where fans can meet Ultraman in person to capture and create a unique memory.
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Yamamoto, Ultraman and Alien Baltan. Fans can expect special themed entertainment throughout the game, such as a themed Ultraman fan cam, which invites those in attendance at Dodger Stadium to demonstrate their best Ultraman poses on the DodgerVision screens.
It is not the first time this season that the Dodgers have partnered with a popular property from Japanese pop culture.
Dodgers and legendary anime studio Toei Animation announced an official partnership for a ONE PIECE Night at Dodger Stadium on July 3. One Piece is widely regarded as one of the best and most popular franchises in history as the series features one of the longest-running manga and anime to date, as well as numerous movies, video games and other works.
The Dodgers also hosted Demon Slayer Night at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 15 with an exclusive Demon Slayer-designed hat as the special giveaway. It was used to promote the upcoming film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Castle Arc” that released in the United States on Sept. 12.
Who is Ultraman?
The Ultraman Universe first debuted in 1966 with the launch of the television series Ultra Q. Ultraman is a 130-foot tall red and silver Giant of Light that came to Earth from another galaxy to protect humanity from invading aliens and monsters called Kaiju.
For more than half a century, the Ultraman franchise has spawned a record number of TV shows, films, video games and more.
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