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Do you have any childhood memories of being inspired by heroes on TV or in movies?
This time we will be introducing Sukagawa City in Fukushima Prefecture, the birthplace of director Eiji Tsuburaya, known as the "god of special effects." Tsuburaya created special effects films that captivated many children, including Ultraman and Godzilla. To honor his achievements, Sukagawa City is taking on the challenge of creating a town centered around special effects
There are plenty of irresistible spots for fans of special effects and those with childhood memories, so be sure to check them out
The 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 is Director Tsuburaya the "God of Special Effects" ? It's because he created many special effects techniques that contributed greatly to the development of the Japanese film and television industries. It is said that many of the filming techniques that have since become commonplace in the film industry were developed by Director Tsuburaya through repeated trial and error.
For example, the elaborate miniature townscapes used as backdrops and the compositing technique of layering film, etc. The images created by making full use of these techniques were so realistic that it seemed as if the world of fiction had become reality, and they captivated many viewers
Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd., founded by Director Tsuburaya, continues to carry on the founder's vision and develop a variety of works and services today
See, learn, and enjoy! 3 special effects spots in Sukagawa
Sukagawa City is honoring the achievements of Director Tsuburaya and promoting town development centered around special effects. As a result, the number of spots that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike is rapidly increasing! We will introduce recommended spots where you can experience special effects works up close
①Eiji Tsuburaya Museum
Located close to Sukagawa City Hall, the Sukagawa Civic Community Center "tette" has a stylish and bright atmosphere. It is a place of relaxation for the citizens, with a library, a children's play area, and rental spaces of various sizes
The Eiji Tsuburaya Museum, permanently located on the 5th floor, allows visitors to learn about the background of director Tsuburaya. It is a space where visitors can experience the passion that director Tsuburaya put into his work, with exhibits such as a chronicle box tracing Tsuburaya's life, a miniature diorama that recreates the studio, and monster and mecha models
The more you read, the more you'll love Director Tsuburaya's work! Admission is free, so you can easily visit
You can also see familiar monsters in the lobby on the first floor of tette, which is a great place to take a break when you're tired from walking
Information
Facility name: Eiji Tsuburaya Museum
Address: 4-1 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Another must-see spot is the Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center, located about a 20-minute drive from Sukagawa Station. Established for the purpose of preserving and researching valuable special effects materials, the center makes some of its special effects materials available to the public free of charge
Once inside, you'll see a lineup of characters from the series you saw on TV and in movies as a child. When you see the actual objects used in the filming of the series, the first thing that will surprise you is the intricacy of their construction and their small size. "When I saw them on the screen, they looked so big, just like the real thing!" you'll be impressed once again by the high level of filming technology
If you look closely and recall the innocent feelings of your childhood, you may discover something new
Information
Facility name: Sukagawa Special Effects Archive Center
Address: 22 Nakajimae, Hashirada, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
When you visit Taimatsu Street in the center of Sukagawa City, you'll see a number of monuments featuring Ultra heroes and monsters that blend seamlessly into the everyday life of the Sukagawa people
Some of them are striking the familiar cool poses, and some are even perched on a bench... You'll find yourself wanting to take a photo with them. Take your time to find them while enjoying a stroll around Sukagawa
Google MAP
Shopping is fun too! 3 recommended shops
Since you've come all the way to the town of special effects, you'll want to pick up some special effects goods! Here are three recommended shops for that
①SHOT M78 Otsuka-ya
an official store authorized by Tsuburaya Productions . The owner is a descendant of Director Tsuburaya's family. The store is packed with merchandise. There are also diorama models on display, creating a retro atmosphere that fans will love.
Information
Facility Name: Ultraman Official Shop SHOT M78 Otsuka-ya
Address: 14 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Flatto a sophisticated appearance , and the products it carries are also very stylish. They carry goods shaped like special effects heroes and monsters, from standard items to slightly unusual ones. For example, they have deformed monsters and goods that are unique to Sukagawa, such as a collaboration between Ultra Heroes and the scenery of Sukagawa City. It seems that some people will be interested in seeing the works after seeing the goods.
In addition to special effects goods, "Flatto" also carries local delicacies and specialties, making it a convenient spot for all sorts of souvenir hunting
Information
Facility name: Sukagawa Tourist and Souvenir Center Flatto
Address: 11 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Turning into an alley off Taimatsu Street, you'll come across an area lined with container houses. One of these, "Sukagawa DEMO ," provides information about the area and sells special effects goods.
Our recommendation here is the collaboration goods between outdoor brands and Ultraman. The tents and outerwear featuring stylish images of Ultraman and monsters are super cool! They are the perfect items for adults who want to keep their sense of fun forever
The staff are very friendly and will provide you with lots of information about the town. Be sure to visit to enjoy some shopping and chatting
Information
Facility name: Sukagawa DEMO
Address: 17-4 Nakamachi, Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Anyone can become a resident! "Sukagawa City M78 Town of Light"
Finally, we will introduce Sukagawa City, M78 Town of Light, was created when Sukagawa City became a sister city of the M78 Nebula, the birthplace of Ultraman and his friends, the Land of Light
By registering as a resident online, you can not only access exclusive content, but you can also get a resident card! It has a realistic feel similar to a resident card issued by a regular local government, so if you have one, you'll want to show it off to everyone around you. It's a unique service that Ultraman fans will love
If you start by registering with Sukagawa City M78 Town of Light, you will be able to efficiently access content for both Sukagawa City and Ultraman, so please try using it to gather information
This time, we've picked out some of Sukagawa City's efforts to promote the area as a special effects town
Everyone has seen them at least once. Sukagawa City is filled with characters that make it easy to say that. There are many spots that can be enjoyed not only by special effects fans, but also by adults and children alike. Why not visit and reminisce about your own childhood?
![4904209_m](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a sister city partner with Ultraman's hometown, "M78 Nebula."")
![4904209_m](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4904209_m-150x150.jpg.webp "Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a sister city partner with Ultraman's hometown, "M78 Nebula."")
![Enjoy forest bathing at Suigaoka Park, where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas and cafes, which have been selected as one of Japan's 100 urban parks! [Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture]](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_0725-150x150.jpeg.webp "Enjoy forest bathing at Suigaoka Park, where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas and cafes, which have been selected as one of Japan's 100 urban parks! [Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture]")
![IMG_1335](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_1335-150x150.jpeg.webp "Panda but isn't Panda? Sweet and melting pure white soul food! Introducing the famous sweet "Kumata Pan" [Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture]")
