Yuma Hize

Yuma Hize (飛世 優馬（ユウマ）, Hize Yūma)^[4] is the main protagonist of Ultraman Arc. He is a rookie investigator of the Hoshimoto City Branch of SKIP, who gained the ability to transform into Ultraman Arc.

History

Pre-Ultraman Arc

Sixteen years ago, seven-year-old Yuma Hize lived peacefully with his parents. During a camping trip at Mt. Shishio, they were caught in the "K-DAY" event, when kaiju appeared worldwide. As the kaiju Monogelos attacked, Yuma narrowly avoided being crushed by a falling boulder, but his parents were trapped and severely injured. Urging him to flee, they sacrificed themselves to save him. Just as Monogelos's horn was about to strike Yuma, a giant of light appeared and rescued him.

Three days later, rescue workers found Yuma in the ruins, but his parents had succumbed to their injuries. He was raised by his grandmother, and during this time, he drew a picture titled "The Ultimate Hero," reflecting his ideal.

Initially, he was terrified of kaiju. However, after becoming a fan of Shinya Makino, a renowned paleobiologist, he began to see kaiju from a biological perspective and learned to confront their existence. In university, Yuma majored in kaiju biology. After graduating, he joined SKIP, driven by a desire to help those affected by kaiju disasters—a motivation shaped by his own painful experiences.^[4]

Three months ago, Yuma joined SKIP as a rookie investigator, assigned to the Hoshimoto City branch. On his first day, he accompanied Hiroshi Ban and Rin Natsume to investigate a mysterious glowing object in the sky. During a break, Yuma shared his past with Rin, expressing his resolve:

During the mission, a kaiju designated as "Digelos" emerged from a wormhole in the sky, unleashing chaos across Hoshimoto City. The sight of Digelos triggered Yuma's buried trauma, momentarily overwhelming him. With Rin's encouragement, he pushed through and helped evacuate civilians.

When he realized Digelos was heading toward the kindergarten where his grandmother worked, Yuma raced to save her. Along the way, he was transported to a mirror-like world, where he encountered a Rution. Rution granted him the Arc Ariser, a device that allowed him to transform into the giant of light. Empowered, Yuma defeated Digelos after a fierce battle. Since then, Yuma has continued his work as a SKIP investigator while secretly preventing kaiju disasters as the giant of light. ^{Unleash Your Imagination!}

Ultraman Arc

Three months later, SKIP continues investigating the "Monohorn," the remnant of Monogelos that triggered the "K-DAY" event. As a rookie investigator, Yuma uses his expertise in kaiju biology and a specialized detector to uncover a biological response within the Monohorn. This leads to the discovery of ""Oo-ze," a mysterious multi-legged parasite. When Oo-ze attacks, Yuma repels it with a Sonitter, but the creature escapes underground and attaches itself to the armored kaiju Shagong.

During this investigation, Yuma receives assistance from Shu Ishido, a GDF investigator aiding SKIP in the Monohorn investigation. However, Shagong mutates into a 50-meter-tall giant kaiju, driven to consume calcium carbonate for sustenance. The mutated Shagong begins advancing toward Hayama Chemical Industries in Hoshimoto City, endangering the area's safety.

SKIP arrived to assist in evacuating citizens. While rescuing a factory worker, Yuma was nearly attacked by Oo-ze, but Shu saved him at great personal risk, becoming buried under rubble and losing consciousness. In his desperation, Yuma had a vision of Rution. Moments later, a glowing Rution appeared, granting him power. Bathed in light, Yuma transformed into a "mysterious giant." During the intense three-minute battle, the giant identified Shagong's weak point—the glowing area on its chest. He broke through Shagong's super barrier, using it as a weapon to weaken and ultimately destroy the kaiju. Shagong exploded and dissipated under the giant's relentless assault.

After the battle, Shu named the giant "Ultraman Arc." Yuma, now back in human form, heard the name and seemed deep in thought. The next day, Shu was ordered by his boss to go to Hoshimoto City to investigate the phenomenon of kaiju and was dispatched to SKIP. All members were also surprised by Shu's arrival. ^{Arc to the Future}

In August, Japan faced a record heatwave. SKIP received reports of strange events near a gas facility, and Yuma's team rushed to investigate. They found cracks in the asphalt spewing hot water and a sulfuric stench in the air. While investigating, Yuma heard a voice telling him to leave. Turning around, he saw a mysterious girl, who vanished right after. A rumble shook the area, and Yuma's kaiju detector blared as a kaiju appeared near the facility.

The kaiju released intense heat, causing explosions and fires. It grabbed a gas tank and inhaled the gas. Yuma transformed into Arc and tried to pull the kaiju away, but it fought back fiercely, draining Arc's energy with its sharp teeth. As the energy timer began to blink, Arc attempted his finishing move, "Arc Finalize," but the mysterious girl reappeared, standing between him and the kaiju. Arc's energy ran out, and he reverted to Yuma. Though the kaiju stopped moving, the temperature kept rising.

After analyzing the situation, SKIP determined the kaiju was nocturnal, but the temperature still increased, and they detected two heat sources resembling hearts. If the situation continued, an explosion could destroy Hoshimoto City. Yuma remembered the name "Homger" from the girl and realized the kaiju matched the legend of Homger—a creature that triggered volcanic eruptions on full moon nights. With tonight being a full moon, an explosion seemed imminent. The city evacuated, and the GDF launched an assault.

The GDF's attack only made Homger angrier. The girl, now calling herself Anju, appeared again and begged Yuma to stop. She revealed that Homger was a mother, and the second heart was her unborn child. Homger's biology transferred explosive energy to her offspring, driving her rampage to ensure survival. Understanding this, Yuma transformed into Arc to protect Homger.

Homger detonated to give life to her child, but Arc's barrier contained the blast, saving the city. Anju and the child retreated underground. Afterward, Yuma reflected on the legend of Homger and its implications for the future. SKIP recorded the event for posterity, ensuring the next generation would understand its significance. ^{The Full Moon's Answer}

During a battle between Ultraman Arc and Oka-Gubila, a giant robot suddenly descended from space, speaking in an unknown language. Arc attempted to stop it but was severely injured, forcing Yuma to revert to human form. At dusk, Yuma saw siblings Yumi and Dai trapped between the robot and Oka-Gubila. Unexpectedly, the robot protected them by halting the kaiju's advance before entering a low-power sleep mode. The GDF later identified the robot as "Givas" through melodies it emitted.

SKIP theorized that Givas came from a starless civilization, which explained its unfamiliar language. The name "Givas" was interpreted as "that which obstructs a path" or "enemy." However, after witnessing Givas save humans, Yuma began questioning this interpretation. Meanwhile, Shu received information suggesting Givas might be an invader, sparking a heated argument between them. Frustrated, Yuma accused Shu of blindly siding with the GDF, straining their friendship. Overcome with guilt, Yuma left the office to clear his mind. ^Message

After being struck on his left shoulder by Givas' halo, Yuma took a rest as arranged by Ban. While wandering the city, Yuma encountered Numata, the human form of Alien Croco, at a bathhouse. During their conversation, Yuma admitted his regret for speaking harshly to Shu and his doubts about protecting Givas. Numata encouraged him, praising his trust in others, and offered to help. Together, they returned to SKIP and uncovered Givas' origins: it was a machine created on Planet Meguma, located in the same Champieme Galaxy as Alien Croco. The Alien Meguma had once piloted a massive spaceship, traveling through space in search of survival.

Yuma reconciled with Shu, who forgave him. Soon after, Rin decoded Givas' transmissions: "Planet Meguma is doomed. The Giving Moon is gone… we need a new moon." Analysis revealed that Givas' communication circuits and cockpit were located at the base of its neck. Meanwhile, the GDF announced plans to destroy Givas at 6:00 PM, leaving little time. Determined to uncover the truth, Yuma breached the GDF perimeter and climbed Givas. The robot resisted, generating strong winds to throw him off, but Yuma persevered and reached the cockpit. Inside, he found the remains of the Alien Meguma, long deceased, while Givas continued to act on its creator's final will.

As Oka-Gubila appeared, Yuma was thrown into Givas' cockpit, where a helmet fitted onto his head. Through it, he heard the voice of the Alien Meguma recounting the destruction of its planet and its mission to preserve their legacy. Concealing its own death, the Alien Meguma had entrusted Givas to carry on its purpose. Rin's analysis revealed that "Givas" had a dual meaning: it could mean "enemy," but under moonlight, it also signified "friend."

With this revelation, Yuma transformed into Arc and intervened to prevent Givas and Oka-Gubila from clashing. To de-escalate the situation, he stood before Oka-Gubila, canceled his transformation, and addressed Givas directly. Declaring himself its ally, he proclaimed, “I am your Givas!” The robot halted its attack and listened. Yuma then guided Givas to Earth's moon, urging it to leave before the GDF could strike. Under Yuma's watchful gaze, Givas complied, flying toward the moon alone. ^{You Are Givas}

One day, Monohorn emitted high-frequency waves, prompting SKIP to send Yuma and Shu to investigate Suehiro Mountain. Upon arrival, a four-dimensional hypercube, the "Tesseract," materialized and approached them. Suddenly, a barrier repelled the Tesseract, revealing Ultraman Arc, who enveloped Yuma and Shu in a protective field and transported them to a movie theater—the same one Yuma had visited as a child with his grandmother.

Inside the theater, Yuma saw Arc within a reflection. Arc revealed his true name, "Rution." Rution then brought Yuma into the mirrored world, and in the theater of that space, he shared his story through a film. Yuma learned that Rution's star system faced annihilation as its sun expanded. To avert disaster, a leader named Ze Su created the "Ze Su Gate," an artificial wormhole designed to release the excess energy. Tragically, the region where Earth is located became the energy's release point.

Rution arrived on Earth to seal the gate but was thwarted by Monogelos, who prevented him from saving Yuma's parents. Using the last of his strength, Rution saved Yuma instead. Now, Ze Su's lieutenant, Sweed, and his ally Zadime had come to Earth to reclaim the sealed gate. Sweed tracked Yuma, attempting to extract Rution from his body, but Yuma resisted and merged with Rution to transform into Arc. During the ensuing battle, Arc confronted Zadime, but Zadime retreated through a spatial slicing, while Arc was forced to revert to his original form due to energy depletion in the mirrored world. Severely injured, Yuma lost consciousness and was hospitalized. ^{Flash of the Past}

After Yuma was hospitalized, Sweed appeared before him once again. She transported Yuma's consciousness to the SKIP branch in Hoshimoto City, where Shu revealed the gate's codename: "Onyx." Although sealed, the gate continued to leak energy, and if the seal broke, it could trigger an explosion surpassing a supernova, threatening Earth's destruction. Burdened by guilt over his failure to save Yuma's parents, Rution had concealed the truth from him out of fear.

Upon learning the full story, Yuma hesitated to transform and confront Sweed. However, Rution guided him to the Mirror World and confessed everything. He explained that he had kept his distance from Yuma for over a decade to recover the energy lost in sealing the gate and battling Monogelos. Through his bond with Yuma, Rution had grown to understand Earthlings and developed a desire to protect the planet. He credited Yuma's "imagination of the future" as the source of his current power and form.

As Onyx destabilized, space began to warp. Despite admitting that his strength alone was insufficient to save Earth, Rution pledged to protect everything Yuma held dear and urged him not to give up. Reinvigorated, Yuma declared that he and Rution were "one and the same." Together, they transformed into Arc and set out to confront Zadime and Sweed at Onyx's location.

The situation grew dire as Onyx began to crack, emitting a glow. Arc struggled against the collapsing structure and was eventually drawn inside. In a desperate moment, Yuma encouraged Rution to "unleash your imagination," transforming Onyx's chaotic energy into the "Galaxy Armor," a new form for Arc. Empowered by this transformation, Arc repelled Zadime, saving Earth from destruction. ^{The Wandering Future}

During the Hellnarak incident, ghost Kaiju attacked Hoshimoto City. Zangill revealed Hellnarak's plan and the existence of an Ultraman from another dimension. Although with Zangill's assistance, Ultraman Arc defeated the Kaiju, but Hellnarak tried to invade Yuma's universe. To stop him, Yuma transformed into Ultraman Arc, pushed Hellnarak back into the dimensional rift, and was transported to another universe. ^{Arc Cooperation Request}

After awakening in this another universe, Yuma witnessed Hellnarak being attacked by GGF forces and Earth Garon, but their efforts failed. As Yuma was nearly caught in the crossfire, Shu, a member of this world's GGF, rescued him. During their brief exchange, Ultraman Blazar appeared to confront Hellnarak but was overpowered. Seeing this, Yuma bid farewell to Shu and transformed into Ultraman Arc to join the battle.

Two Ultras forced Hellnarak back into the dimensional rift. Blazar then helped Arc return to his original universe. However, upon returning to Hoshimoto City, Yuma discovered that four days had passed. The city lay in ruins from Hellnarak's rampage, and large-scale evacuations were underway. Despite his hesitation, Yuma resolved to transform into Arc once more to confront the threat. With the energy granted by Blazar, Arc created the Blazar Cube and combined it with the Arc Eye Sword to activate the Arc Spiral Burrade. Using Arc Finalize, he successfully destroyed Hellnarak. ^{The Transcending Wish}

After this, Hoshimoto City enjoyed a brief period of peace. However, one day, Yuma and the others discovered that SKIP had been nearly erased, leaving only Yuma, Rin, and Shu. The three deduced that an incredibly powerful being was behind the events. While resting near a park, Yuma briefly glimpsed a figure wearing a white mask, realizing in that moment that Rin had also been erased. Yuma immediately called Shu to warn him, but Shu was soon confronted by the Man in the White Mask and erased as well. Left completely alone, Yuma set out to track down the figure.

The Man in the White Mask eventually revealed his motives, making Yuma aware of the existence of the Pillar: "To erase all Kaiju and everything connected to them, freeing society from its greatest source of anxiety." However, due to Yuma's inner strength, the Man could not complete his plan until Yuma was eliminated or rendered incapable of interfering. The Man then fused with the Pillar and removed his mask, revealing his true face.

During the confrontation, Yuma fell off the edge of the Pillar, losing the Arc Cubes that allowed him to transform into Ultraman Arc. Stranded in an altered reality where the Man in the White Mask had already triumphed, Yuma managed to regain his memory and his ability to transform. He then faced the Pillar, now fused with the Man in the White Mask, in battle. In the end, Arc destroyed the Pillar, killing the Man in the White Mask. With the Pillar's destruction, everything that had been erased was instantly restored. ^{The Man in the White Mask}

Not long after, Yuma began experiencing physical discomfort as a new dimensional disturbance appeared over Hoshimoto City. At this time, Biorno, one of Rution's superiors, appeared before Yuma and informed him that while a plan to save the Sonia Stellar System was progressing, Ze Su was determined to proceed with his own scheme regardless. Biorno also warned that remnants of Onyx had taken root within Yuma's body, foretelling an impending threat.

Upon hearing that Trigelos had materialized amidst the disturbance, Yuma rushed to the scene. He encountered Shu, who was observing Trigelos. Shu tried to stop Yuma, but Trigelos suddenly attacked, causing Yuma's chest to glow. Forced to retreat, they fled in a car. During the escape, Shu questioned Yuma about his condition, but Yuma avoided answering. Despite this, Shu voiced his concern, prompting Yuma to reaffirm his resolve to protect everyone. Leaving the car, Yuma set off to face Trigelos alone.

Transforming into Arc, Yuma engaged Trigelos in a fierce battle. Trigelos bound Arc to a cross-like structure and relentlessly attacked his chest, aiming to destroy him. Just as the situation grew desperate, GDF fighter jets intervened, firing missiles that shattered the restraints. Freed, Arc activated his Galaxy Armor and unleashed Arc Finalize on Trigelos. Overwhelmed by the attack, Trigelos exploded, leaving the battlefield in ruins. ^{Calamity Thrice}

After the explosion, Yuma awakens in a dark void, where Arc appears to be watching over him. Arc tells Yuma that the past 16 years of his life were just a dream caused by an accident. He reassures Yuma that he will soon be rescued and reunited with his parents, urging him to take his hand and bid farewell to Arc. As Yuma hesitates, his late father's watch begins to chime, and Shu's voice calls out to him from beyond the dream. It is then revealed that the Arc in the void is actually Sweed, trying to trap Yuma in the dream world and end his life. Meanwhile, Sweed unleashes Guilebaku to attack Hoshimoto City.

With SKIP's help, Yuma escapes danger and reaches safety with Youpi's aid. However, Youpi is once again possessed by Biorno, who delivers a message. He explains that Yuma's physical ailments are caused by Ze Su, who used a dimensional passage to inject pollutants into both Yuma and Arc's bodies. As a result, Arc is weakening while trying to block Onyx from becoming the Ze Su Gate's exit. This has left Arc unable to communicate directly with Yuma. Before Biorno can say more, Ze Su disrupts the transmission. Just before losing contact, Biorno offers a piece of advice: "Use your imagination to solve the problem." When Youpi regains consciousness, Yuma, exhausted, collapses again.

Meanwhile, Guilebaku attacks SKIP's headquarters. Determined to protect his friends, Yuma wakes up and, in front of the SKIP team, decides to transform into Arc again to confront Guilebaku. However, his weakened state proves a major hindrance. As soon as Arc appears, his energy is drained, triggering a red warning. The Galaxy Armor malfunctions due to contamination, making it uncontrollable. During the battle, Arc is struck by Guilebaku's Dream Ray and loses consciousness. ^{The Descending Dream}

In the dream, Yuma sees illusions of his parents, who, along with Swede, urge him to sever his connection with Arc. But Yuma sees through the deception and realizes the dream is false. At that moment, another vision of his parents appears, representing their lingering essence within Arc. Inspired by his father's final words, "Time to Run, Yuma!", Yuma finds the strength to transform into Arc and confront Guilebaku. However, Guilebaku's control of the dream world gives him the upper hand.

Back in the real world, SKIP's members develop a device to counter Guilebaku's Dream Ray. Once the barrier is broken, the GDF launches a counterattack. Using his imagination, Yuma absorbs the darkness from the corrupted Galactic Armor and creates the "Miracle Arc Cube." With it, he defeats Guilebaku within the dream. As a burst of light scatters, Hoshimoto City is restored, and Arc awakens. Sweed, now in her star form, challenges Arc to a final battle, transforming into her alien form, a literal embodiment of a second Ze Su Gate that will unleash Star Sonia's energy at point blank range to destroy the Earth. Arc steps forward, using his body to block the release and prevent the catastrophe. Pushing the Arc to its limits, Yuma unleashes his ultimate move, "Arc Finalization," obliterating Sweed.

With Ze Su's plan thwarted, Earth is saved. However, Arc's galaxy still faces danger. Determined to protect Arc's homeworld, Yuma sets out to journey there, promising to return once his mission is complete, assuring his friends that he would make his presence known by calling them using the Kaiju Hotline. In the end, Yuma bids farewell to SKIP. As they watch, he transforms into Arc and soars into the sky. The SKIP team, unwavering in their belief, knows Yuma will return one day. Sure enough, 3 months later, the Kaiju Hotline's phone began ringing, confirming that Yuma had returned to Earth.^{Time to Run, Yuma!}

Counterparts

Yuma's counterpart from "another universe" also appears in this series. In his own universe, this version of Yuma is a member of the Kaiju Research Team within GGFJ. ^{The Transcending Wish}

Transformation

Yuma activates the Arc Cube and crosses his arms. He unleashes the power of imagination, willing forth the Arc Ariser, his image of the "Transformation Item", before inserting the Arc Cube into it. Yuma then spins the top and sides of the Ariser and aligns it into a uniform design, before thrusting the Ariser with both hands in front of him to transform into Ultraman Arc.

Gallery

Ultraman Arc

Miscellaneous

Trivia

• He is the protagonist who could already transform into Ultraman before the time of the first episode, marking the first time in eight years since Gai Kurenai in Ultraman Orb.
• Unlike the typically intense and passionate protagonists of the Ultraman series, Yuma's character is set as an ordinary young man. This reflects director Takanori Tsujimoto's clear intention. Tsujimoto has stated that this setting makes it easier for the audience to relate, as an ordinary person approaching things with a normal perspective feels more genuine.
  • Adhering to this concept of an ordinary young man led the production team to cast Yuki Totsuka, who had no prior acting experience, as Yuma. Tsujimoto emphasized that he wanted the actor to perform naturally, without being constrained by a fixed model. He believes this approach preserves more possibilities and makes the character more vivid.^[14]
• Based on Shu's diary, when he asked Yuma about his hobbies and interests, Yuma replied that he "didn't really have any." Yuma typically does not read books outside of his professional field, nor does he listen to music or engage in sports. His only interest is riding his bicycle, and he mentioned that the time spent working with everyone at SKIP is when he feels the happiest.^[15]

References

1. ↑ https://m-78.jp/news/post-7050
2. ↑ https://tsuburaya-prod.com/news/7176
3. ↑ https://tsuburaya-prod.com/news/7406
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/telemaga/news/feature/arc/7Y5TR
5. ↑ https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/telemaga/news/feature/arc/yl8ku
6. ↑ https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/telemaga/news/feature/arc/Om4eJ
7. ↑ https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/telemaga/news/feature/arc/iIYnl
8. ↑ https://www.sanspo.com/article/20240405-2DODJL4JIFMGTEKK7TJR2JTVKY/
9. ↑ https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1720152706
10. ↑ https://www.crank-in.net/interview/146902/1
11. ↑ https://www.ultramanconnection.com/news/shu-ishidos-diary-entry-18/
12. ↑ https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/telemaga/news/feature/arc/FoJFI/
13. ↑ https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0146965
14. ↑ https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0143771
15. ↑ https://x.com/ultraman_series/status/1831618609816465905