Masami Horii is one of the main characters of Ultraman Tiga. He is a member of GUTS.
Personality
Horii has a witty, clever, and sociable personality. He often communicates with the team in a friendly manner and serves as a weapons expert, explaining things to members in a professional tone. He has a Kansai dialect.
In the team's interactions, he has a good relationship with Tetsuo Shinjoh and can be considered the team's comedy partner.
During missions, he often adheres to a scientist's perspective and holds a strong belief in "science will not betray people" while fighting. However, at times, he can be less sensitive to the atmosphere of the scene, and because he prioritizes his work, he can easily ignore surrounding crises or even relationships with others due to his focus on one thing.
History
Ultraman Tiga
Horii is from Osaka. After joining GUTS, he takes on the role of the developer of various equipment and weapons in the team and is known as the "Brain of GUTS." After Ultraman Tiga appeared in the world; to expand GUTS' equipment resources, he, therefore, worked with Dr. Reiko Kashimura on researching and improving weapons against monsters.
However, he learned that his former mentor, meteorologist Takashi Mizuno of the TPC research team, was attacked and killed by the monster Gazort while conducting research in the ionosphere. He also experienced the tragedy of his former TPC Space Development Center friend Ryosuke Sanada turning into Evolu. He begins to have divergent opinions on TPC's trend towards enhancing military strength and his belief in science and thus often discusses this issue with his teammates. Second ContactRequiem to the Darkness
After an investigation into a fog incident caused by Magnia, he became romantically involved with Michiru, the daughter of Dr. Ezaki, and they both survived a life-threatening incident together. Due to his dedication to his work, he ignored Michiru's feelings toward him. A Fog's Coming
After the incident involving Metamorga, they finally confirmed their feelings for each other and married. Michiru becomes an important person in his heart and the one he wants to protect the most. Goodbye to Darkness
Before Gatanothor's resurrection and the destruction of the world, R'lyeh was discovered in the ocean depths. To investigate, he and Shinjoh drove the Dolphar 202 to the deep sea, but they were attacked by Gatanothor and were forced to stay on the ocean floor. After receiving the help of the superhuman Makio Kirino, they officially joined the effort to rescue the petrified Daigo with all their strength.
In the final episode of the series, he witnesses all the children of the world turn into light and witness the birth of Glitter Tiga and the process of Tiga defeating Gatanothor. In the end, he posed for a photo with the members of GUTS on the Artdessei. To the Shining Ones
Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey
After learning that Captain Iruma and the TPC investigation team lost contact on R'lyeh, he and Shinjoh went to the ship of the R'lyeh investigation team to explore. After learning that the incident was getting out of hand, he and the members of GUTS went to R'lyeh to support operations.
In the end, he and everyone witnessed the return of Glitter Tiga and the submergence of R'lyeh.
A year later, he and the other members bid farewell to Daigo and Rena, who were heading to Mars. Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey
Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
After Tiga and Dyna defeated Queen Monera, Horii, Munakata, Shinjoh, and Rena reunited with Iruma. Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
Ultraman Dyna
As GUTS officially disbanded, Horii returned to his role as a researcher, and with Michiru, they returned to his hometown of Osaka to live. The two of them also had two children together: Tsugumu and Mirai. The Smile of Destruction: Part 1
As a researcher for private enterprise PWI and a consultant for the TPC science bureau development department, Horii also assists in developing the "Cosmos Network" project. After witnessing the appearance of Geomos at Rokko Mountain, he helped Super GUTS and Dyna on stopping the monster's actions; in the final battle in Osaka, he reunited with Shinnosuke, and the two of them once again put on their GUTS suits to fight.
After the mission was successful, he reunited with his family, and in the end, he traveled to various places in Kobe with his family.The Smile of Destruction: Part 2
Profile
As a scientific researcher of GUTS, Horii co-invented and participated in the development of the following equipment:
- Sound translator : A translator capable of translating any biological and cosmic language on Earth.
- Monster Catcher : A monster detection machine that can be mounted on GUTS hyper cartridges and riding machinery.
- Barrier cartridge : A tiny ray gun that reflects Alien Raybeak.
- Special UV laser gun : Modified version of GUTS rifle with special infrared function.
- Armor-piercing ammunition : Shells installed in GUTS Wing 2.
- Iludo vaccine : A vaccine to suppress Iludoation.
- Cell evolution promoter : Promoter capable of promoting the growth of Evolu cells and promoting the self-destruction of Metamorga.
Gallery
Ultraman Tiga
Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey
Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
Ultraman Dyna
Miscellaneous
Trivia
- According to Masakazu Migita, who is in charge of the script of Ultraman Tiga, in the initial stage of the script, Daigo used the Deo 209 light gun developed by Horii which was capable of manipulating human DNA sequences to transform his body into light and integrate it with the stone statue of Ultraman Tiga, but this eventually canceled.
- According to Masuda in a 2000 interview, he initially participated in a 30-minute program called Venus Heights, which aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System, performing in the Osaka dialect. At that time, Yoshihiko Marutani, the producer of Ultraman Tiga, was also on the production team. While temporarily doing various jobs, he received news from Marutani about a show called Ultraman Tiga, which was looking for a character who spoke in the Osaka dialect. This ultimately led to him securing the role of Horii.[1]
References
- ↑ Expanded and Revised Edition: Earth is Ultraman's Planet - Tiga Volume pg 209