Tetsuro Ban is a guest character who appeared in Ultraman Mebius. He is a former planetary geologist and the father of Hiroto Ban.
History
Pre-Ultraman Mebius
Ban is a planetary geologist who, since humanity began exploring and developing space, has been responsible for the Spacium mining project on Mars, earning renown for holding the record for the longest time spent on Mars. However, five years ago, his wife tragically lost her life due to an attack by Namegon on Mars.
Six months ago, Ban, along with his son Hiroto and other crew members, boarded the space cargo ship Arandas to return to Earth, with plans to bury his wife's remains on the planet. However, during their journey back, a twisted space known as the "Ultra Zone" suddenly appeared, pulling their ship in with powerful gravitational forces. Ban immediately ordered the jettisoning of cargo to lighten the ship's load, and the rest of the crew prepared for escape. Unfortunately, the separation system malfunctioned at this crucial moment.
In a bid to save the other crew members, Hiroto selflessly volunteered to sacrifice himself. He locked Ban and the others in the cargo hold and attempted to dismantle the internal switch on his own. Despite Ban's attempts to persuade him, Hiroto believed that the captain had the responsibility to ensure the crew's safe return. Ultimately, at the moment Arandas disappeared within the Ultimate Zone, Ban sorrowfully cried out his son's name.
After returning to Earth having lost his wife and son, Ban became a solitary individual. In an attempt to compensate for his inability to save Hiroto, Ultraman Mebius manifested as Hiroto's image before Ban and proposed taking Hiroto's place. However, Ban declined the offer, merely requesting Mebius to leave. Subsequently, he called his old friend, Shingo Sakomizu, entrusting Mebius to his care.
Before the two departed, Ban apologized to Mebius, explaining that Mebius had a kind heart but he couldn't live with a Mebius who took on Hiroto's appearance. However, he agreed to let Mebius be active on Earth in Hiroto's identity. He bid Mebius farewell with the words, "May happiness be plentiful in your 'days of the future' on this planet of yours." This became the catalyst for Mebius adopting the name "Mirai Hibino" on Earth.
Ultraman Mebius
Six months after the Arandas incident, GUYS received a signal from the Arandas in the Ultra Zone. Mirai and the team immediately launched a rescue operation, but it ultimately ended in failure as they couldn't locate the missing Hiroto. Earlier during their departure, Ban witnessed the scene of Gun Phoenix embarking on its journey into space from his home.Cry from Space
After the failed rescue mission, Sakomizu, Mirai, and Misaki visited Ban's home, marking Mirai's reunion with Ban. Ban inquired whether Mirai had adapted to life on Earth, while Mirai returned Hiroto's belongings from the Arandas pocket watch to him. Recalling the scene aboard the ship, Ban shed tears of sorrow, expressing that perhaps from that moment on, Hiroto's time had stopped.
However, Mirai suddenly sensed signs of unknown creatures about to attack Earth. He quickly bid farewell to Ban and departed, only to be attacked by Lesser Bogarl along the way. At his residence, Ban observed as Lesser Bogarl began causing havoc in the surroundings. Subsequently, he witnessed Ultraman Mebius teaming up with GUYS to combat and ultimately defeat Lesser Bogarl.
Afterward, he felt deep guilt as Mirai had been living using Hiroto's image, and he didn't want Mirai's life to lose meaning due to his own complacency. However, Mirai expressed that he would continue to live for Hiroto's sake, determined to maintain Hiroto's appearance. Ban expressed gratitude for this decision and mentioned that Hiroto always lived in his heart, hoping that Mirai could live for himself.
Watching Mirai engaging in joyful conversations with GUYS' friends, Ban also felt a sense of relief.Future Days
Gallery
Ultraman Mebius
