I Will Become a Life-Sized Ultraman

Ultraman

He is a giant of light who is kind-hearted, wise, and strong. He is a hero who comes from beyond the universe to save the Earth from crisis.

However, did you know that Ultraman does not save the Earth at all times?

In the original Ultraman series, there is a scene where Ide of the Science Special Search Party grumbles, "If Ultraman is here, then our jobs aren't necessary, are they?" (Episode 37, "A Little Hero"). Even when an attack from a monster comes, he just shouts, "Ultraman! Come here!" and refuses to participate in the battle. Ultraman does not appear easily, and in the meantime, the worst-case scenario unfolds. After being scolded by Hayata (Ultraman), Ide remembers his duty and stands on the front lines. The story then follows him successfully repelling the monster with his own hands.

In The Return of Ultraman, when the protagonist Hideki Go slacks off, saying, "If I have Ultraman's power, I don't need training," he finds himself unable to transform as early as the second episode. Ultraman stopped lending him power because he was overconfident and lazy. He is then expelled from the defense organization MAT. Go changes his mindset and decides to work hard at his training. The story concludes with his efforts and achievements being recognized, allowing him to return to MAT and regain the power of Ultraman.

I was shocked when I watched these stories for the first time as an adult. I had assumed that Ultraman would help anyone, at any time, without discrimination. At the same time, I also understood that, well, that's just how it is. If an unknown alien gets beaten by a monster because they were slacking off, it's their own fault, and I wouldn't feel like helping them either.

Conversely, if someone is truly in trouble, Ultraman is also the one who will absolutely help them, even if they are an alien. They save Earthlings from desperate pinches where no amount of effort can change the outcome.

I thought that maybe this is the kind of person I want to aim to be.

Honestly, it would be wonderful if I could say that it would be nice if the whole world were wrapped in kindness, but I cannot be that kind.

I am a petty woman who mutters small curses every day, like wishing that the old man who bumped into me at the station would trip over nothing, or that the couple blocking the path would have their date ruined by rain.

When I see people who prioritize others over themselves and engage in charitable activities, they feel like distant beings, and I sometimes feel sad about my own lack of capacity.

But I want to at least have the kindness to give up my seat when an elderly person gets on the train, to give directions to someone who is lost, and I want to be able to rush to the side of a friend who is asking for help.

Compared to an Ultraman who saves a planet, it is far too small, but I can give my all for someone I want to help, and I feel like I can become that kind of "Ultraman."

With that life-sized feeling in my heart, I made a donation to a certain place last summer. It was the Ultraman Foundation. There was a donation box placed at the exhibition booth of the
Ultra Heroes EXPO Summer Festival held every summer, where you could receive one postcard for a 500-yen donation.

Children and fans are happy to get their favorite postcards for 500 yen, and that money goes toward supporting a good cause. It's a win-win situation.

My motives might be impure, but it's better to do something by connecting it to what I 'love' than to be intimidated by the high barrier to entry and do nothing at all. This is my own way of doing charity, and a step toward becoming a life-sized Ultraman・・・・・・・・・・.
I think support is more sustainable when you're happy doing it, so'Oshikatsu (supporting your favorite) x Charity'might actually be a pretty good idea.

By the way, the Ultraman Foundation also sells charity goods online. They have a lot of alcoholic beverages, so if you like to drink, please take a look.

The money collected by the Ultraman Foundation is mainly used to bring smiles to children in disaster-stricken areas. In addition to donations, it seems that Ultra Heroes also visit these areas to hold shows.

When they are in trouble, Ultraman comes to help. That must be a source of real hope for the children. And I hope that the children who receive this support will one day become 'Ultramen' who help others.

I'm aiming to be an 'Ultraman' too. I'm sure Ultraman is watching over the accumulation of small acts of kindness.

I participated in this project!
I'm sorry for rambling on like a fan among such high-minded people...! Thank you very much!

I received the baton from Aruron-san.

Sorry for the unexpected Ultraman overlap! But I had already started writing, so I couldn't stop... I heard you're a fan of Seven, but I'm a fan of his son, Zero (as you might have already guessed).

AndHaru Shibuki-san, thank you for connecting Aruron-san and me! It was a miracle that it turned out to be Ultraman either way (lol).

For this relay essay challenging the Guinness record, I am looking for someone to take the baton next!!Please feel free to comment, whether you follow me or not!
(Tips like 'this person might write it!' are also welcome. I'm waiting for you!)

I will pass the next baton to Hikaru Nakagawa-san, who delivers words that resonate in our hearts every day!

Thank you for accepting the baton despite the unreasonable request! You're a goddess...! I'm so grateful!

If there is anyone who was planning to reach out to me, please contact Nakagawa-san instead!

Thank you very much for your cooperation!!