Tsutomu Nakajima is the designated technician of Super GUTS.
History
Past
During his youth, Nakajima's family was very poor due to his neglectful father. His father had no interest in dreams or romance and focused solely on research. This caused the young boy to develop a disdain towards the man, and would motivated him to become a scientist who would not cast aside emotion. However, Nakajima still respected his father and would later realize that he drew motivation from his father's shortcomings.
During his time at university, Nakajima met a woman called Noriko Jinbo, and the two began dating. However, Nakajima would often neglect dates with her - not too dissimilar to the behaviour of his father. The pair broke up eventually.
Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey
Nakajima is the chief of a team of TPC scientists and is among the first to observe the advent of darkness from R'lyeh. Ultraman Tiga: The Final Odyssey
Over the next two years, due to a proposed restructuring of the original GUTS, it evolved into a plan centered around the current trainees at ZERO to form a new GUTS. In 2014, Super GUTS was officially established, and Nakajima joined as one of its inaugural members.
Ultraman Dyna
In series, Nakajima is portrayed as a clever, sarcastic, yet somewhat awkward character. He approaches problems head-on, investigating thoroughly, but he is often limited by his own knowledge. When he encounters situations he cannot easily grasp, he becomes unsettled and may momentarily freeze up. Nevertheless, in critical moments, he is capable of making self-sacrificing decisions.
Nakajima maintains close bonds with the Super GUTS, particularly with Kariya. During missions, Nakajima typically occupies the rear seat in the GUTS Eagle Beta, acting as the strategy consultant.
Nakajima made his initial appearance when Super GUTS recruited its seventh member. At that time, he joined the other members in welcoming the newly added Shin Asuka. Upon receiving the news of the destruction of the Mars base, everyone including Kariya, boarded GUTS Eagle and headed for Mars. Over the Mars base, Nakajima engaged in a desperate battle with the cluster of spheres. Just as the battle reached a deadlock, a new giant of light emerged and successfully defeated Darambia. Subsequently, following some debate within Super GUTS, this warrior was named Ultraman Dyna. A New Light (Part 1)
One day, while on leave, Nakajima went fishing at Lake Tabara when he saw a beam of light descending from the sky over the lake. He immediately reported the sighting to Captain Hibiki in the command room, but after an initial investigation, no anomalies were found. The following day, Nakajima discovered a large number of dead fish in the lake, along with an unusual blue organism resembling green algae.
Based on Nakajima's report, the TPC’s biotechnology division dispatched specialists to the site, setting up a temporary tent for investigation. During the examination, Nakajima observed that the dead fish were entirely drained of blood. As he studied the blue "green algae" in a tank, the organisms suddenly split open, revealing a starfish-like structure that looked eerie and unnatural. Nakajima immediately reported the phenomenon, but because the blue algae quickly reverted to their original form, the researchers doubted his account. Even though Nakajima advised sealing off the surrounding area, his suggestion was not implemented. Meanwhile, these blue “green algae” continued to spread, slowly creeping across the ground.
Later, Nakajima returned to his camp, stress-eating fried chicken. Asuka and Ryo joined him on-site to conduct further investigation, bringing along more fried chicken, which left Nakajima feeling queasy after overeating. Meanwhile, the biotechnology team discovered that these "green algae" were not plants but animal-like organisms with a leech-like structure. These small creatures began to move, attacking and feeding on human blood, leading to a chaotic scene where most of the research team perished in the ensuing mayhem.
When Captain Komatsu of the research team escaped from the tent, he encountered Asuka and Ryo, who were just about to leave after delivering supplies to Nakajima. After learning about the situation, Asuka and the others rushed back to Nakajima's side. At that moment, Nakajima was almost attacked by the small creatures. The creatures were subsequently repelled by Asuka and Ryo, and they took Nakajima to safety. The small creatures then returned to the lake, eventually converging into a massive monster Maricula.
Although GUTS Eagle arrived quickly and launched an attack, their lasers proved ineffective, prompting Asuka to transform into Ultraman Dyna to engage in battle. Maricula began firing fireballs and attacking with its tentacles, putting Dyna in a tough spot. At that moment, Captain Komatsu discovered that the toxin storage organ inside Maricula was connected to its mouth, and he immediately shared this information with the team. Super GUTS seized the opportunity to strike when Maricula opened its mouth, causing it to suffer from its own toxins. Dyna also took advantage of Maricula's fireball energy to enhance the power of the Gulnate Bomber Shooting Version, ultimately defeating Maricula.
After the incident was over, completely unfazed, Nakajima stood facing the lake and loudly declared, "I’ll come back to fish again!" Vampire of the Lake
One day, Nakajima received a call from his former lover from his student days, Noriko Jinbo, who informed him that "aliens are gathering." He then traveled to Morino Town. There, at a shrine, stood a tree called the "Tree of Jagira," a species that only grows locally and holds immense academic value. According to Noriko, ever since the tree began blooming, a group of people with eyes glowing green had gathered every night, and even she had unknowingly appeared at the site. Nakajima and Noriko went to the Tree of Jagira, where Noriko's father, a botanist named Aoki, also arrived.
Noriko's family had been guarding the Tree of Jagira for over 200 years. According to legend, the Tree of Jagira had come from outer space. People who inhaled the pollen would enter a trance-like state, as though their souls were being drawn out. A monk had once prophesied that "200 years later, the Tree of Jagira will bloom again, and this land will become a paradise," and then he left. Now, as foretold, the Tree of Jagira had recently bloomed once more.
While Nakajima sat upright, listening attentively to the legend, he unknowingly caused his legs to fall asleep and accidentally activated the ultra-small alien detector he was carrying. To his surprise, the detector reacted to Noriko. That night, Nakajima and Noriko observed the crowd gathering around the Tree of Jagira, but they were soon discovered and attacked. They hurriedly fled back to Noriko's house, but Noriko's father seemed to have changed and turned hostile toward them. Just as Nakajima and the others found themselves in a dire situation, Asuka and Kariya arrived in time to rescue them. The four of them escaped the town in the special vehicle Bopper, but by then, the people at the shrine had collapsed and were transferring their energy to the Tree of Jagira.
The next day, Super GUTS conducted an examination of the people who had collapsed around the Tree of Jagira. Nakajima suspected they might be aliens, but the results confirmed they were human. Meanwhile, Noriko, like the others in the town, also collapsed. After being checked by TPC' medical facilities, it was found that her body contained a growth hormone typically found only in plants. It turned out that the detector had reacted to this hormone.
Later, when Noriko returned to Morino Town, Aoki appeared before her and said, "I'm here to take you." It was revealed that Aoki's true identity was that of a Alien Jagira, who had targeted Noriko due to her strong life force. Despite Nakajima's attempts to intervene and save Noriko, Aoki merged with her and the Tree of Jagira, transforming into the monster "God Jagira" and began attacking Morino Town, attempting to turn Earth into a planet of plants.
When Dyna attacked Shin Jagira, Nakajima, aiming to locate the trapped Noriko inside God Jagira, reverse-engineered the alien detector into a human detector. Using the GUTS Eagle Alpha-Superior's shots, he successfully exposed the core where Noriko was located, and Dyna quickly rescued her. In the end, Dyna used the Solgent Beam to defeat God Jagira, completely thwarting the Alien Jagira's plan. Nakajima successfully saved Noriko, and afterward, he finally confessed his feelings to her. The Tree of Jagira
When Asuka and Ryo were captured by Black Buster Corps on their way to Mars, Nakajima and other members rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue them. However, all they found was a chaotic Mars base. Subsequently, a mysterious event occurred on Pluto where objects were devoured and disappeared. The Cosmo Attacker Corps of TPC set out from Jupiter's Ganymede base, and Super GUTS was also dispatched to assist. Unfortunately, the Cosmo Attacker Corps was annihilated by a massive dark gravitational field generated by the mysterious object. Unable to save the members of that unit, Nakajima and other members returned to Ganymede base to stand by.
Due to TPC's conventional weapons being ineffective against Gran-Sphere, the Neo Maxima Cannon was authorized for use by high-ranking officials at headquarters. However, Gran-Sphere was moving towards Earth at a faster-than-expected pace, and it was even advancing towards Jupiter's moon, Ganymede. Additionally, Neo Gaigaraid emerged from Gran-Sphere, launching attacks against TPC in an attempt to destroy the Neo Maxima Cannon. In an effort to buy time, Nakajima took action and engaged in battle. Following the confrontation between Dyna and Neo Gaigaraid, the Clarkov NF-3000 successfully fired the Neo Maxima Cannon at Neo Gaigaraid and Gran-Sphere, but the weapon's power was still insufficient to eliminate Gran-Sphere.Final Chapter II: Solar System Annihilation
After the weakening of the gravitational field, Super GUTS temporarily withdrew to regroup. At this moment, Gran-Sphere sent a message to Earth, demanding that all humans, along with every organic organism, inorganic material, and the planet itself, merge to become perfect life forms, like Sphere. After hearing this, Nakajima fell into hesitation. He pointed out that there was some truth to what Sphere was saying. If humanity's technology could reshape entire ecosystems, perhaps it could "prevent the extinction caused by environmental destruction." However, Hibiki questioned this idea, asking, if that were the case, could it still be considered life? Would a world without death or the loss of dreams and romance be the kind of future humanity truly desires?
However, Gran-Sphere had set up a strong barrier, and humanity had no chance of victory unless it was broken. It was at this moment that Nakajima, informed by Asuka, who had returned to Clarkov, learned that Asuka was the true identity of Dyna. Despite the shock among the team members, Super GUTS chose to trust Asuka and began collaborating with Dyna to prepare for the final assault.
Before preparing for the final assault, Asuka encountered Nakajima, who was manually adjusting the GUTS Eagle Alpha-Superior's operation. Nakajima shared with him that the earlier argument with Captain Hibiki had reminded him of his relationship with his father. Due to their discord, he had always resented his father and was determined not to live like him. This was also the reason he aspired to become a scientist recognized by the public. But it was precisely because of his father that he had come this far. His respect for his father had never wavered, and this was the very "contradiction" he despised in himself. After hearing this, Asuka was more resolute in his own determination to work hard and not be outdone by his father.
Super GUTS developed a new plan to use Clarkov to activate the Neo Maxima Overdrive system, clearing the way for Dyna to target Gran-Sphere. In the end, Gran-Sphere was successfully defeated, and the planets that had been engulfed by it safely returned. Humanity had overcome the threat of extinction. However, the victory was bittersweet, as Asuka was sucked into a wormhole and never returned. In the midst of their sorrow, Super GUTS glimpses a bright star in the distant space. The team members pledge to catch up with Asuka, who is still moving forward somewhere, and are confident that they will see him again one day. Final Chapter III: Toward Tomorrow...
Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
After some time, TPC successfully developed the "Prometheus battleship." Rui Kisaragi, the person in charge of its development, invited Super GUTS to visit, and they all went to the Cliomos Islands' arsenal to see this battleship. To their amazement, they discovered that the battleship was equipped with an intelligent control system.
However, not long after, a mysterious spacecraft appeared and began attacking the island. Members of Super GUTS quickly rushed to respond, but suddenly, control of the Prometheus battleship was seized, turning it into Deathfacer. The group could only witness Dyna disappearing in the midst of the battle in the skies and the severe damage inflicted upon the Cliomos Islands. During this battle, both Asuka and Mai were injured and fell into a comatose state, eventually requiring urgent transportation to the hospital for treatment.
As Deathfacer began to wreak havoc in the city, Super GUTS launched an attack with the support of Iruma piloting GUTS Wing 1. As Deathfacer was defeated, Alien Monera and Monera Seed merged to form the colossal Queen Monera, swallowing Dyna. Despite the despair felt by the people in the shelter, the members of Super GUTS, including Nakajima, did not give up, steadfastly continuing their resistance. Ultimately, through the unity and hope of humanity, Ultraman Tiga was successfully summoned.
As Tiga and Dyna teamed up to attack Queen Monera, despite the fighter jet being shot down, the Super GUTS members on the ground continued to work tirelessly, providing support to the two Ultras without hesitation. In the end, everyone witnessed the moment when Tiga and Dyna simultaneously unleashed the TD Special, defeating Queen Monera.Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
Ultraman Saga
The year following Asuka's disappearance on the other side of time and space, TPC underwent a significant internal restructuring. Members, including Nakajima, all journeyed to Mars to become early members of Super GUTS Mars.
In the year 2035, Nakajima was promoted to the position of Chief of Science at Super GUTS Mars. He actively engages in various research activities and is currently focused on developing a new type of Neo-Maxima mecha capable of time and space travel, in order to search for Asuka, who has disappeared into the darkness. He witnessed the battle between Nozomu Taiga and the Sphere Fleet from the command room at the Mars base.
After Super GUTS tried to detect the latter multiple times, Asuka appeared, briefly returned to his universe where he inform them of Taiga's whereabouts. The members also expressed to Asuka that they would catch up with him one day. Ultraman Saga
Counterparts
Superior 8 Ultra Brothers
In the film, a Yokohama citizen appears who bears a striking resemblance to Nakajima. As Yokohama faces a crisis due to a monster disaster, he, along with other citizens, cheers on the eight Ultras as they battle against Giga Khimaira. Superior 8 Ultra Brothers
Gallery
Ultraman Dyna
Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light
Ultraman Dyna: The Return of Hanejiro
Ultraman Saga
![[5]](/ultra/wiki/File:Super_GUTS_saga_1.png "Super GUTS saga 1.png (951 KB)")
Miscellaneous
Trivia
- Being somewhat timid, Nakajima has a habit of nervously devouring his favorite fried chicken when facing difficult situations. He also has a strong aversion to the word "contradiction."
- According to Joe Onodera, before the final battle in episode 51 "Final Chapter II: Solar System Annihilation," Nakajima recalls a scene involving his late father. This scene was specially written for Nakajima by the writer, Keiichi Hasegawa. Originally, Nakajima had a dedicated story arc, but it was eventually cut. Hasegawa told Onodera, "I'll return the favor," and specifically wrote this scene for him.
- In fact, during the filming of Ultraman Dyna (January 1998), Onodera's father, Shotaro Ishinomori, passed away. Hasegawa, understanding Onodera's emotions, specially wrote this scene with that in mind. As a result, while filming the scene, Onodera also infused it with his own feelings of longing for his late father.[6]
- According to Keiichi Hasegawa, he had actually written a story with Nakajima as the main character early in the series, titled The Sleeping Forest Beast .[7]
- In this story, Nakajima had witnessed a ghost as a child but did not receive any comfort from his father. As the story progresses, it reveals his motivation to become a scientist—he hoped to one day prove the existence of souls through science. Despite having once rejected his father, he ultimately becomes a person much like him. The story also explains why Nakajima now insists on maintaining a purely scientific stance.
- In this episode, due to the inclusion of elements related to souls, the story was slightly altered to take on a horror style. Initially, the proposal featured a mansion in the story, which was meant to be an embodiment of the devil, similar to House of Hell. However, due to time and budget constraints during filming, this concept was ultimately discarded in the final discussions.
- Additionally, in the script of that episode, a painting in the mansion depicts a girl named Lilia, who has already passed away. She serves as an encourager for Nakajima, helping him resist being defeated by the demon. The character's name was later used for the antagonist in Ultraman Gaia Episode 19, "Lilia's Maze," who shares the same name.
- Additionally, the plot of episode 9, "2000 Attacks," was originally rejected. As a result, Nakajima's story was dropped, and the script had to be hurriedly rewritten. Onodera had read the script for "The Sleeping Forest Beast" and said, "I really wanted to shoot that story." Because of this, Hasegawa decided to briefly incorporate elements of that storyline into the final episode.
- As for the connection with Shotaro Ishinomori, Hasegawa mentioned that he only realized this after completing the script. Initially, there were lines like "the deceased father" in the dialogue, but he later realized that it might not be suitable and revised the lines accordingly.
References
- ↑ https://animageplus.jp/articles/detail/46472
- ↑ https://moviewalker.jp/news/article/1096406/
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-6438
- ↑ https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20170729-ultraman/
- ↑ http://www.moegame.com/sfx/archives/201111151401.html
- ↑ https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20220803-2414903/
- ↑ Earth Is Ultraman's Planet: Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, Gaia, pg 397