[Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture] The special effects town is hot! Birthplace of the special effects god who gave birth to Ultraman

Do you have any memories when you were young of being excited by the heroes who were active on TV or in movies?

This time we will introduce Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. This is the birthplace of director Eiji Tsuburaya, who was known as the ``God of special effects.'' Director Tsuburaya is responsible for special effects videos such as Ultraman and Godzilla that captivated many children. In recognition of his achievements, Sukagawa City is taking on the challenge of creating a town using special effects as a keyword.

For special effects fans and those who have fond memories of their childhood, there are many spots that are irresistible. Please check it.

God of special effects: Director Eiji Tsuburaya

Director Eiji Tsuburaya is a special effects director who has worked on many monster movies such as the Godzilla series and television works such as the Ultraman series.

Why was director Tsuburaya called the "God of special effects" This is because they created many special video technologies that greatly contributed to the development of Japan's film and television industries. Director Tsuburaya is said to have created many of the filming techniques that have since become commonplace in the film industry through trial and error.

For example, the elaborate miniature townscapes used as photographic backgrounds, and the compositing technology that overlaps films. The images created by making full use of these technologies have a sense of realism, as if the world of fiction has become reality, and have fascinated many people.

Tsuburaya Production Co., Ltd., founded by director Tsuburaya, continues to develop a variety of works and services today, inheriting the founder's ideas.

Watch, learn, and enjoy! 3 special effects spots in Sukagawa

Sukagawa City is promoting the city's development centered on special effects in honor of Director Tsuburaya's achievements. As a result, the number of spots that everyone from children to adults can enjoy is rapidly increasing! We will introduce recommended spots where you can experience special effects works up close.

①Eiji Tsuburaya Museum

Sukagawa Citizen Exchange Center ``tette'' is located close to Sukagawa City Hall. The facility has a stylish and bright atmosphere. It is a place for citizens to relax, with a library, children's playground, and rental spaces of various sizes.

At the Eiji Tsuburaya Museum permanently installed on the 5th floor, you can learn about director Tsuburaya's background. It is a space where you can experience the thoughts that Director Tsuburaya put into his work, including a chronicle box where you can follow Tsuburaya's life, a miniature diorama that recreates the shooting studio, and exhibits such as monsters and mechanical models.

The more you read it, the more you'll definitely like Tsuburaya's work even more! Admission is free, so feel free to visit.

In addition, familiar monsters can be seen in the 1st floor lobby of tette. Recommended as a place to take a break when you get tired of walking.

INFORMATION

  • Facility name: Eiji Tsuburaya Museum
  • Address: 4-1 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Inquiry number: 024-873-4407
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed on Tuesdays, December 29th to January 3rd
  • Admission fee: Free
  • URL tette homepage
Google MAP

②Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center

The Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center, located about 20 minutes by car from Sukagawa Station, is also a must-see spot. The center, which was established for the purpose of preserving and researching valuable special effects materials, makes some of the collected special effects materials available to the public free of charge.

When you walk inside, you'll see all sorts of characters from the works you saw on TV and in movies when you were a kid. The first thing that strikes you when you see the actual object used in the photo shoot is the sophistication of the work and the small size. ``When I looked at it through the screen, it felt so big, just like the real thing...!'' I was once again impressed by the high level of photography technology.

If you take a closer look while remembering the innocence of your childhood, you may discover something new.

INFORMATION

  • Facility name: Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center
  • Address: 22 Nakachi-mae, Hashirata, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Inquiry number 024-894-5200
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed on Tuesdays, December 29th to January 3rd
  • Admission fee: Free
  • URL Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center
Google MAP

③Many monuments in the city

When you visit Taimedori Street in the center of Sukagawa City, you will see many monuments. Ultra heroes and ultra monsters are designed to blend into Sukagawa's life.

Some monsters are in cool, familiar poses, and some are just sitting on benches. You can't help but want to take a photo with them. It would be a good idea to take your time and find it while enjoying a walk around Sukagawa.

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Shopping is fun too! 3 recommended shops

Since you've come to a special effects town, you'll want to get your hands on some special effects goods...! Here are three shops that are recommended for such occasions.

①SHOT M78 Otsukaya

the official store authorized by Tsuburaya Productions . The manager is a descendant of director Tsuburaya's family. Goods are lined up in the store. The retro atmosphere, with diorama models on display, is sure to be irresistible for fans.

INFORMATION

Google MAP

② Sukagawa Tourism and Products Center flatto

``Flatto'' has a sophisticated appearance , and the products they carry are full of fashion. We carry goods in the shape of special effects heroes and monsters, from standard items to slightly unusual items. For example, there are deformed monsters and goods unique to Sukagawa that are a collaboration between the scenery of Sukagawa City and Ultra Heroes. It seems that some people may want to take a look at the work because of the goods.

In addition to special effects goods, ``Flatto'' also carries delicious local foods and special products. This is a convenient spot for general souvenir hunting.

INFORMATION

Google MAP

③Sukagawa DEMO

As you enter the alley from Torimatsu Street, you will find a corner lined with container houses. One of them ``Sukagawa DEMO,'' not only disseminates information about the area, but also sells special effects goods.

We recommend collaboration goods between outdoor brands and Ultraman. The tents and outerwear stylishly decorated with Ultraman and other monsters are super cool! This item is perfect for adults who want to have fun forever.

The staff are very friendly and can give you lots of information about the town. Please come and enjoy shopping and chatting.

INFORMATION

  • Facility name Sukagawa DEMO
  • Address: 17-4 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Inquiry number 024-894-6590
  • Business hours 10:00-17:00
  • Closed on Tuesdays
  • URL Kopuro Sukagawa homepage
Google MAP

Anyone can become a resident! "Sukagawa City M78 Town of Light"

Lastly, I would like to introduce "Sukagawa City M78 Hikari no Machi" This virtual city was created when Ultraman's birthplace, M78 Nebula Land of Light, formed a sister city relationship with Sukagawa City.

By registering as a resident online, you can not only access limited content, but also get a resident card issued! It has an authentic feel similar to a typical resident card issued by a local government, and if you own it, you'll want to show it off to everyone around you. This is a unique service that Ultraman fans will love.

If you start by registering at Sukagawa City M78 Hikari no Machi, you will be able to efficiently access the contents of Sukagawa City and Ultraman, so please use it to collect information.

INFORMATION

summary

This time, we have picked up the efforts of Sukagawa City to enliven the area as a special effects town.

Everyone has seen it at least once. Sukagawa City is filled with many characters who can say that. There are many spots that can be enjoyed not only by special effects fans, but also by adults and children. Why not visit and reminisce about your own childhood?

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