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Ultraman Series Monster Crossing: An Incredible Special Event
Since the launch of the Ultraman series in 1966, this tokusatsu has created countless Ultramen who, while guarding the Earth, have defeated numerous evil monsters. So, will someone also bid farewell to these defeated monsters?
Surprisingly, in 1973, the production company of Ultraman, Tsuburaya Productions, held a monster crossing ceremony. The event not only gathered a large number of fans, but also Ultraman generations gathered together to carry coffins and bid farewell to these monsters. This event can be considered legendary among tokusatsu fans. Let’s take a look back at this unique crossover ritual together.
Why does Yuangu Production Company hold a Monster Crossing Ceremony?
Recently, Japanese tokusatsu fans have been sharing anecdotes about the tokusatsu industry on Twitter under the hashtag “# Tell the truth that people who haven’t watched tokusatsu will feel like they’re lying”. A netizen mentioned the monster crossing ceremony held by the heroes in 1973, which sparked a heated discussion among netizens. Many people exclaimed that this event was too bizarre and seemed like a fabricated story.
In fact, this monster crossing event did indeed happen. According to a special report on the Japanese variety show “Fountain of Cold Knowledge~Wonderful Useless Knowledge~” in the early 2000s, the production company of Ultraman, Tsuburaya Productions, did indeed hold an event called “Ultraman Monster Parade” at the amusement park “Futako Tamagawa Park”, which included this unique monster crossing ceremony.
The reason for the Monster Crossing Society
According to film producer Akira Manta’s recollection, the idea of the Monster Crossing Society originated from the death of Eiji Tsuburaya, the founder of Tsuburaya Productions, in 1970.
After the death of Eiji Tsuburaya, the production company frequently experienced work safety accidents and some unfortunate incidents while filming monster related scenes.
At that time, Mitsuda suggested that perhaps a prayer activity should be held to help these monsters transcend and eliminate any possible anxiety and concerns.
Finally, in 1973, the Round Valley Production Company officially held the Monster Crossing Ceremony at the “Second Son Tamagawa Garden”. At first glance, this event may seem like an ordinary fan meeting, but it includes a highly ceremonial segment: Crossing Monsters.
Monster Crossing Ceremony Live: Mourning of Heroes and Fans
In this event, the actors portrayed Ultramen with solemn expressions, holding photos of monsters in their hands, symbolizing their remembrance of these defeated monsters.
Fans also participated with reverence, paying tribute to the monster’s posthumous photos.
The climax of the event was the monster cremation ceremony, followed by the coffin being carried to the cemetery. Fans poured farewell bouquets into the coffin and finally erected tombstones for the monsters.
This series of solemn ceremonies marked the crossing of the monsters and filled the entire event with a sense of ceremony.
It is touching that although the Ultraman series depicts the righteous story of heroes defeating monsters, this transquest event showcases the other side that heroes carry: while defeating monsters, they also feel a certain sense of guilt. As some fans have said, “While Ultraman is guarding the Earth, he also bears the burden of killing monsters
The Monster Crossing Ceremony held by Tsuburaya Productions in 1973 is a unique and symbolic event in the tokusatsu world. This is not only a tribute to the monsters by fans and heroes, but also demonstrates the production team’s profound thinking on the theme of “justice and sacrifice” in the work. Although this event may seem absurd, it has left countless unforgettable memories for tokusatsu fans and reflects the unique sense of ceremony and emotional depth in tokusatsu culture.