Once a proud symbol of Japanese entertainment culture, Ultraman’s latest move by Tsuburaya Productions has sparked fierce backlash from fans worldwide.
Recently, online communities, especially users on X (formerly Twitter), were shaken by the news that the legendary Ultraman IP has officially been licensed to companies specializing in AI and cryptocurrency. Sources reveal that Tsuburaya Productions granted the crypto firm ByThen rights to produce Ultraman content on the Abstract network, a Layer 2 platform built on Ethereum.
What shocked fans the most wasn’t a third-party takeover but the fact that this decision came directly from Ultraman’s creator, Tsuburaya. Ultraman is a living legend, symbolizing the dedication of actors hidden behind iconic rubber suits. Turning this image into AI-generated products deeply offended many.
Since its debut in 1966, Ultraman has been more than just entertainment, it is a cultural heritage of Japan.
Over nearly six decades, Ultraman has built a massive entertainment empire. To date, the franchise has released 30 TV seasons with 1,026 episodes and 37 films worldwide. The latest blockbuster, Ultraman Arc The Movie, premiered in 2025.
The Ultra family legacy is further enriched by numerous shorts and acclaimed live-action adaptations, cementing its status as an immortal cultural icon among fans.
Ultraman’s appeal lies in its nostalgic value and the symbolism of heroic saviors. The shift toward AI and cryptocurrency is seen as a cheap move that tarnishes the image painstakingly built by generations of artists.
Following the announcement, a flood of negative comments targeted Tsuburaya. Most argued that bringing Ultraman into the AI and blockchain world is an insult to Japan’s most prestigious IP.
One furious fan commented: “From a legend to a tool for crypto mining and machine learning products, it’s unbelievable!”
Ultraman’s name has never been taken lightly as it represents an empire. However, by selling out to crypto companies, Tsuburaya risks losing the most precious asset: the trust and respect of millions of fans worldwide.