Ten years ago, Tokusatsu was still widely regarded as a niche genre, something quietly loved by devoted fans while the global spotlight remained firmly fixed on franchises like Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and other Western juggernauts. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves celebrating 60 years of Ultraman. This franchise not only survived decades of change but also overcame years of legal battles to reclaim its legacy and reintroduce itself to a brand-new generation of fans.
Now, in 2025, Ultraman stands tall once again (figuratively and literally) with Ultraman LIVE, a two-weekend-long celebration held mainly at the American Dream mall, alongside special weekday events across New York City.
From November 15th through November 23rd, 2025. I was incredibly fortunate to attend and help cover these events. Despite juggling assignments, projects, and the usual chaos of a tight and busy academic schedule, I made it my absolute mission to show up whenever I could for a franchise I’ve grown deeply to admire, and for a genre that has meant so much to me over the years. Thanks to Jacob Lyngle and Nick Crispino, who invited me along to assist with event coverage, I stepped far outside of my comfort zone, and it felt amazing. This entire experience pushed me to grow, to connect with others, and to fully embrace something I love. It was a tremendous joy from start to finish.
Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Opening Day
Nick Crispino and I were invited by Bandai Namco to attend Ultraman LIVE as part of the press hour on opening day. This gave us early access to the venue an hour before it opened to the public, allowing press members to explore the space, capture photos and videos, and conduct interviews with the special guests and staff who helped bring the event to life.
I was primarily tasked with photography and assisting with video shoots. During media hour, Nick first interviewed Justin Cavender, the Senior Marketing Manager at Bandai Namco. I was then given the opportunity to conduct a brief interview with Christopher Sean, the voice actor for Ken Sato, the lead character in the 2024 Netflix film Ultraman: Rising. Shortly after, Nick interviewed David Kornblum, CEO of Tsuburaya Fields Media & Pictures Entertainment!
Once the doors officially opened, the event went full steam ahead. The first stage show of the day was nothing short of spectacular: tightly choreographed, full of heart, and clearly created with immense love and care. What stood out to me was the audience. The main show floor was completely packed, and as the performances went on through the day, crowds gathered on the second and third levels of the mall. Seeing people of all ages, from longtime fans to curious newcomers, stop what they were doing just to watch Ultraman was breathtaking to look at. It was one of those moments that reminded me how powerful a shared fandom can be.
Between stage shows, various Ultra Heroes and Kaiju appeared throughout the venue for meet-and-greets. The Kaiju lines were packed, so much so that I never quite got the chance to meet them myself. Still, seeing them from the sidelines was a joy in itself. I did manage to meet the Ultra Heroes, though!
The following day, I immediately began working on my review of the Ultraman 4K Discovery release, which I received early as part of an incredibly generous swag bag by Bandai Namco. Long story short: it’s a fantastic release, and it has me beyond excited for the eventual 4K restoration of the full Ultraman series.
Tuesday, November 17th, 2025.
Japan Society
Luckily, I only had class that morning, so as soon as I got home, I started getting ready for the Japan Society Ultraman LIVE event later that evening. Naturally, I arrived just a few hours early. There’s something special about being early to events like this. For me, it’s like a quiet way to show just how much it means to you.
I had the chance to briefly catch up with John Bellotti Jr. of Robo7 and Chris Oglio of Seismic Toys. And of course, talking to the incredible Jeff Gomez.
Not long after opening, the lobby quickly filled with fans chatting excitedly, until chaos broke loose! Alien Baltan, Dada, and Metron invaded the lobby, instantly becoming the center of attention. Photos were nonstop, and in a moment that perfectly embodied the spirit of the night, Metron even took time to browse Robo7’s merchandise table.
The show itself was phenomenal. We were treated to an episode of Ultraman (1966) featuring its new English dub, as well as the debut of the first episode of Ultraman Omega’s English dub. But the real standout was the live stage show. Unlike the American Dream Mall performances, this show featured an intense lighting setup and incredible booming audio that enhanced the experience. THIS is exactly what I imagine the fans in Japan, China, and all around the world experience with the live stage shows, and I wanted more!
As the night wrapped up, we were greeted by Ultraman, Zero, and Omega as we exited the theater. Still, I wasn’t quite ready to leave. I stayed behind to take a photo with the incredible people who helped make the entire event possible, a small but meaningful way to say thank you.
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Ultraman Takes over NYC…AGAIN!
After two more days of classes, Friday finally arrived. Unfortunately, I missed Thursday’s Ultra Hero Parade and Kaiju Stampede, but Friday made up for it in a big way.
It began at Times Square, outside of the Tamashii Nations store. Despite my already having met the Ultra Heroes last year, it was still nerve-wracking to see them pop out. After a fun photoshoot outside, there was a small meet-and-greet inside the store.
Just when it seemed like that was all, Ultraman Omega and Belial made a surprise appearance, which even caught me off guard!
Later that evening, Ultraman and Alien Baltan reappeared, this time at Kyuramne’s Chinatown location. I was lucky enough to have my photo taken on a Polaroid and ended up making a few new friends along the way. We even got featured on Kyuramen’s official Instagram story, which was such a fun surprise! Eventually, we all went our separate ways, but not without a lot of smiles.
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
Closing Day
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and this entire week was proof of that. In what felt like a blink, it was already Sunday. It was impossible not to feel just a tiny bit emotional. Seeing a franchise and a genre that I love celebrated so openly and proudly in my home state meant more to me than I can easily put into words. Especially knowing that, years ago, this was the very same franchise I was once teased for loving.
During the final hours of the event, I sat down with the amazing father-daughter duo Jeff Gomez and Evangelia Artemis-Gomez to talk about their experience and what Ultraman meant to them. It turned into one of my favorite interviews I’ve ever done, right alongside my conversation with Christopher Sean at that event.
The final stage show was deeply touching, as the last banner appeared, filled with photos of fans taken throughout the week. Seeing my photo with Ultraman and Omega included was a moment I’ll never forget. I didn’t want it to end! As Ultraman did his final meet and greet, we all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be living in a time where a franchise I love is not only thriving, but being embraced with genuine respect and admiration.
Final Thoughts
I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make Ultraman LIVE what it was, from Bandai Namco, to Ultraman Connection to Tsuburaya themselves, and to American Dream for hosting this event! Along with the performers for their incredible stunt work. This event perfectly embodied what Ultraman has (to me) always stood for: community, friendship, and love. In a world where tension is often overwhelming, it was comforting to be reminded that Ultraman continues to represent the best of humanity.
I truly hope that Tsuburaya brings Ultraman back to the East Coast again soon. And if they do? I’ll be there, without hesitation!
