Hey all, Sean here, and once again, back to flying solo with all things Ultraman, back at it with a triple recap for Ultraman Arc! First, we’re going to access flash into cyberspace, then go undercover and finally make contact with a distant star, so let’s go!
Recaps
Episode 8: “Internet Kanegon”
The episode opens with Kanegon doing a livestream and eating whatever donations it receives. We then see Yuma outside a closed bike shop, as he sees a crowd of people with their phones out, waving at something he can’t see. We get a montage of people in Hoshimoto City using a new contactless payment method, HoshiPay. Yuma arrives at SKIP HQ, where there is very minimal lighting, as Rin explains that it’s orders from the main HQ, as Ban adds that with surging prices, they have to do a conservation campaign, with even YouPi being switched off to save power. We then see Yuma having trouble with how to save money, as Shu mentions he’s now down to three cups of coffee and is confused how someone can function with “so little caffeine”. Shu then asks Yuma if he’s heard of HoshiPay as a commercial for it plays, and Yuma says he has, and even has the app on his phone. Rin asks if they’re planning on saving more “HoshiPay points”, but Shu’s plan is to start livestreaming so that people can send in HoshiPay points as donations. Yuma wishes Shu luck, however, Shu decides to drag Yuma into his idea.
We then see Shu and Yuma’s stream, both having chibi anime heads over their faces, akin to a V-Tuber, as they wrap up their stream. Shu checks their viewer count; it’s static (at zero) and they have no donations, but then he gets the idea to pose as SKIP’s official channel and make Kaiju information videos. Yuma points out that’ll get him in trouble with the GDF but Shu wants to try bargaining anyways, as Rin and YouPi watch. Shu pitches the idea to Ban, who suggests that instead they imitate a popular streamer instead. Yuma and Shu look through the popular streamers only to find that the top streamer is a Kaiju known as “Internet Kanegon”, as Shu gets the idea to ask to collab. The phone rings, and much to their surprise, it’s Kanegon!
Yuma and Shu then meet with HoshiPay’s CEO, Kanao Dogane, who explains why she founded HoshiPay, and reveals she created Kanegon, who is an AI being. Yuma and Shu then ask how they can help, where it is revealed that Kanegon has gone berserk and is hogging all the HoshiPay, a majority of which has been spent on his streams. We then get a segment which explains the situation, which then cuts to Yuma and Shu, as if they were explaining it to Ban. YouPi then points out that it’s going to be hard capturing a Kaiju with no body, but fortunately Rin and Kanao have a plan, involving the central data server on an airship that Kanegon passes through to appear around the city. After Kanegon’s stream ends, the operation begins.
Kanegon reappears in cyberspace, with SKIP now in control of the airship. Shu notices somethings wrong, as the airship is headed straight for them. As Shu runs away, Yuma transforms into Ultraman Arc, pushing the airship back into the sky. Suddenly, Kanegon’s hand reaches out, pulling Arc into cyberspace. Arc then sees Kanegon, who’s whining about being hungry. The pair fight as a coin comes out of Arc, which Kanegon devours. A rather comedic fight occurs, distracting Kanegon long enough for YouPi to enter and grow to giant size, and throw the learning data into Kanegon’s mouth, who rejects it and goes on a rampage. Kanegon then finds the HoshiPay reserve fund, devouring it and growing to colossal proportions. YouPi enters “Bike Mode” and Arc rides off on YouPi in an attempt to dodge the giant Kanegon. YouPi then vanishes due to Kanegon hogging all the processing power, leaving Arc with the learning data. Arc then summons the Luna Armour, using the shield with the data, and throwing it into Kanegon’s mouth, causing him to spit out all the money, as Arc exits cyberspace, with a parachuting Kanegon telling everyone to enjoy the viewer payout.
The episode ends with Yuma and Shu doing another livestream, with Kanegon giving a donation, causing Shu to turn into Kanegon.
Episode 9: “Goodbye, Rin”
This episode opens right as the action begins, with YouBot being chased by the transparent Kaiju, Neronga! As YouBot and SKIP lure the Kaiju towards some power lines and begin the power transmission, overcharging Neronga, knocking the kaiju out. Later, we see Rin reunite with her old mentor, Mr. Yamagami, who compliments the idea of overcharging Neronga with more energy than it could handle. Rin explains the voltage was delivered with Daimode, as Kawami Heavy Industries leant SKIP some after they helped deal with Nezutron. Rin introduces Yuma to Mr. Yamagami, revealing his first name to be Satoru. At SKIP Hoshimoto branch, we learn that Kaiju cells are being traded on the black market and that wealthy people are collecting them. Shu then explains that Shagong cells were confiscated recently, but Yuma adds that Shagong only appear in Japan so the cells must’ve been smuggled out. Ban adds that there’s still not a lot known about Kaiju, and even the smallest number of cells could have an adverse effect on various ecosystems. Shu continues, adding that the GDF think that it’s an inside job, as the same person is in charge of guarding the cells, Rin’s old mentor, Satoru Yamagami, with Rin being requested to assist in the investigation. Despite an internal conflict, Rin decides to help in the investigation.
Later, we see Rin and Yuma with Mr. Yamagami, telling him that the Hoshimoto City branch of SKIP collected some Neronga cells, as Mr. Yamagami says that they believe that based on the cells of Neronga, Gabora, Pagos and Magular, they may have a shared ancestor. He explains that if they understood them more, they could prepare for them and maybe even use their powers, to create a better and more environmentally friendly world. This leads into a flashback to Rin’s school days, where we get to see Rin sneaking into a university lecture being held by Yamagami. After a brief conversation, Yamagami reveals he’s a father now. After the two leave, Yuma thinks that the GDF was wrong, with Rin reminding him they can’t judge a book by it’s cover, and need to stay sharp, leading into another flashback. In this one, Yamagami reveals his plans to join SKIP when suddenly he gets a phone call, touching his chin doing so, something Rin points out is a sign he’s lying.
We then see the GDF claiming cells from SKIP. In order to prevent them from getting out into the wrong hands, security has been raised. Rin mentions what’s been happening with the cells to Yamagami, who thinks that the culprit has given up, touching his chin, something Rin knows is a sign that he’s lying. Rin is later seen alone, thinking about all the times she’s seen Yamagami touch his chin while he lies. We then get another flashback, this time showing how Rin and Yamagami met in the university library and Yamagmi talks about the fact SKIP needs him to make a robot to navigate dangerous areas for research. The pair talk more about Kaiju and how Rin’s peers think she’s weird, with Yamagami telling her to keep pursuing what she loves.
Later, Rin is with Yamagami and she finally snaps, revealing the GDF suspects it was Yamagami who’s been selling Kaiju cells to the highest bidder. Rin tells him the reason she is where she is now is because of him, and wants to help him, leading to Yamagami asking if the Hoshimoto branch has cells. At a warehouse, Rin hands over a box to Yamagami, which turns out to be empty. Yuma, Ban, Shu and YouPi enter behind Rin. As Rin tries to reason with Yamagami, Neronga wakes up outside. Neronga isn’t alone, as Pagos soon joins the fray, the clashing beams from the Kaiju causing damage.
As Ban, Yuma and YouPi help with evacuations, Yuma transforms into Ultraman Arc, joining the fight. Meanwhile, Rin and Shu hunt for Yamagami. Yamagami rants about how everyone is so focused on destroying the Kaiju, instead of trying to harness it for good and that humanity is too focused on right now, rather than the future. Meanwhile, back during the fight, Arc summons the Solis Armour, cancelling out the Kaiju’s attacks, and then summoning the Arc Eye-Sword to deliver the finishing blow.
That night, Rin and Yamagami are still talking, with Rin saying she may not be dependable but she thought she understood Yamagami. She says that she loved the time they spent together just as the GDF arrives. Yamagami says that it was so long ago, he doesn’t remember, touching his chin as he walks away.
The episode ends with the SKIP members comforting Rin, as a montage of her and Yamagami’s time together plays. YouPi finds a crying Rin, comforting her, the pair return to base.
Episode 10: “To My Distant Friend”
The episode opens with a man at a radio, speaking into the microphone, as a voice on the other side responds, calling him Kazuo. We then see a series of pulses, which take the shape of the Earth, as a Kaiju flies towards the planet. At SKIP HQ, Shu explains that the Space-Science division picked up biological readings via satellite, meaning the Kaiju can’t be far away. Just then, YouPi picks up a radio signal, as Rin pinpoints the receiving end to an apartment complex, the home of Kazuo. Kazuo is still talking to the voice on the radio, named “Fio”, as they talk about the weather on her planet, as she asks about what rain is, Kazuo then thinks back on the first message he received from Fio, as we get a flashback to that day.
Kazuo asks about Fio’s planet, but before he can get an answer, Yuma rings his doorbell. As Yuma asks about the signal, he recognises Kazuo, and he attempts to reconnect with his old Junior High classmate, with Kazuo remarking how Yuma always talked to him in school too but he just wanted to be alone. Kazuo brings up that Yuma asked about a signal, with Yuma thinking he’s a radio expert, but Kazuo states he’s just an amateur. As soon as Yuma leaves, Kazuo turns back to his radio, resuming his conversation with Fio, who asks who it was talking to him, with Kazuo admitting that Fio was the first friend he ever had. Yuma is listening in from the door as Rin arrives, shushed by Yuma.
At SKIP HQ, Yuma and Rin are talking to Ban about the situation. YouPi once again intercepts the signal and Ban asks Yuma to look into Kazuo and his radio more. Shu adds, though, they may not have much time. Back with Kazuo, he and Fio are talking about her planet’s technology, as they both have been wondering what’s been allowing them to communicate in real time with no delay. Kazuo then remembers that he picked up a strange signal a year ago, wondering if there’s a connection. Fio then adds that regardless of reason, she’s glad they can talk with each other. Kazuo says that one day, he’d love to visit FIo’s planet, commenting that Earth is pretty boring, Fio responding that she doesn’t think he’ll be able to.
In space, the Kaiju finally nears Earth’s orbit, as Shu and the rest of SKIP analyse the biological signal, as well as Kazuo’s signal, with Yuma deciding to personally get Kazuo to stop broadcasting. Meanwhile, Fio is still talking to Kazuo, saying they may not be able to talk for much longer, Kazuo asks why, but her signal cuts out. Kazuo hears a roar outside his window and opens his curtain to see the Kaiju. YouPi receives a message from the GDF about the Kaiju, it’s codename being “Noiseler”. Yuma arrives at Kazuo’s apartment, demanding he cut the transmission and tries to unplug the radio but Kazuo stops him, shouting that talking to Fio is the only good thing about his life.
Meanwhile, SKIP watches on as the GDF attacks Noiseler. Yuma attempts to restrain Kazuo as Fio speaks to Yuma, asking if he’s Kazuo’s friend. Fio reveals to Kazuo that either way, they won’t be able to talk anymore, as her planet is dying from pollution and that she is the last of her kind, much to Kazuo’s shock. Before Fio can finish what she wanted to say to Kazuo, the transmission cuts out. Outside, the GDF is still fighting Noiseler and SKIP finds that the sound surrounding the Kaiju has disappeared, with Ban theorising that it consumed the noise. As Kazuo attempts to restart the transmission, Noiseler walks towards his apartment building, as Arc nods to Yuma through the reflection of Kazuo’s monitors. Yuma runs outside, transforming into Ultraman Arc, and begins to fight Noiseler.
During the fight, Noiseler flies away, reacting to the sound of the jets, confirming Ban’s theory that Noiseler eats soundwaves. Rin screams and Ban falls over as the rest of SKIP are face to face with Arc. As they finally notice him there, Arc nods and flies after Noiseler, taking the fight to the sky. Arc makes use of his energy shield, energy slash and even the Arc-Eye Sword. Using the Solis Arc Cube in the sword, Arc knocks Noiseler to the ground. Arc’s colour timer blinks and the sound irritates the Kaiju. Arc ends the fight by throwing an energy slash into the sky, luring Noiseler away.
Back at Kazuo’s apartment, he receives a very glitchy transmission from Fio, as the pair finish their goodbyes, with Fio saying that Kazuo was the last friend she made in her life. As the transmission ends, Kazuo breaks down in tears.
The episode ends with Yuma meeting up with Kazuo, as they talk about Fio and her planet. Kazuo talks about how even though she was far away, she was never gone, but losing his only friend still hurts him. Kazuo thanks Yuma, as he says “tomorrow is a new day”, as the camera pans up to the starry sky.
Extra Lore and Fun Facts
There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s start off with episode 8.
Let’s begin with the fun facts for this episode, of which there are many. Firstly, the cyberspace that Kanegon was in is based on “the incorrect depiction of Japan as seen in Hollywood movies”, highlighted by the neon lights and traditional Japanese memorabilia scattered everywhere, the Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Tower which can be seen at any angle on set and the Dry Garden seen when the door to cyberspace opened.
Next up, the tunnel Arc is pulled through into cyberspace is a homage to the “Digital Tunnel” from another Tsuburaya series which had a great focus on cyberspace and computers, “Gridman: The Hyper Agent”.
Finally, we come to the kaiju of episode 8, a modern update to a classic, Internet Kanegon! A rogue AI who’s become a popular livestreamer. However, due to having no concept of spending money, he hoarded all the HoshiPay points he was donated, causing a recession in the city.
Now, let’s move on to episode 9.
Starting off with some extra lore that doubles as a fun fact. It’s theorised that the Kaiju, Pagos, Neronga, Magular and Gabora, may share a single ancestor, referencing the fact that all four Kaiju were originally retooled from the suit of Godzilla Kaiju, Baragon.
Originally, the concept for a Neronga/Pagos episode was envisioned for Ultraman Z, but didn’t go ahead due to time and storyline constraints, it did not occur. However, by the time Arc rolled around, the concept finally came to fruition.
Lastly, we have the Kaiju of the episode, the aforementioned Invisible Kaiju, Neronga, and the Subterranean Kaiju, Pagos! A pair of Kaiju believed to share the same ancestor, the Kaiju are very hostile to one another, both having different power sets as well, with Neronga having electricity based abilities, while Pagos has feeds on radiation.
Finally, let’s move on to episode 10.
Let’s start with the trivia for this episode, starting with the type of radio used by Kazuo to receive Fio’s transmissions were ICOM Incorporated “IC-905” and “IC-9700” radio transceivers.
Moving on to the Kaiju of the episode, we have the Noise Kaiju, Noiseler! A Kaiju that feeds on soundwaves, Noiseler traced Fio and Kazuo’s transmissions to Earth. Noiseler is able to emit a soundwave capable of disorienting opponents and shattering glass.
My Thoughts
Starting off with episode 8, it was a fun watch. Sure, the learning segment was a bit jarring but it added an air of humour to the episode, while possibly teaching viewers who have no concept of money how it works (like Kanegon for example).
This episode gets a 6.5/10 from me.
Moving on to episode 9, we get another Rin focused episode, adding more to her background. She too had a mentor of her own in Satoru Yamagami, who in the present day, has begun trading Kaiju cells as a means of funding his research on harnessing the power of Kaiju for a better world. I really loved the fact that while Yamagami was the episode’s antagonist, he had good intentions for what he was doing, especially given that he was revealed to be a father, simply wanting a better world for his child.
This was a great episode and it gets a 9/10 from me.
Lastly, we have episode 10 and wow, just, wow. I never thought I’d see myself relating so much to a side character in an Ultraman show, but here we are. Kazuo’s story of a long distance friendship reminded me of myself and my own friends and that, despite the distance, we’re able to talk with no delay. The tragic beauty of Kazuo and Fio was that she knew her time was limited, as her planet was too heavily polluted for anyone to survive and even in the end she had her friend to talk to, which is something that had me bawling.
In conclusion, this episode gets a 10/10. Impactful stuff.
What did you think of these episodes? We’re you shedding tears for episode 10 as well? Let us know all your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. Come back next time for more Ultraman with another Shuwatch to Watch!
