Ultraman: Rising - Characters & Cast

Initially motivated by fame and a desire to escape his father's shadow, his motivation shifts entirely to protecting the baby kaiju, Emi. This protective instinct becomes the driving force for all his actions, compelling him to become a better hero and a better man.

Ken begins as an arrogant, ego-driven baseball star, resentful of the heroic mantle passed down by his father. Forced into the role of guardian for a baby kaiju, he undergoes a profound transformation. He learns humility, empathy, and the true meaning of sacrifice. His arc is about moving from selfishness to selflessness, reconciling with his father, and embracing his dual responsibilities as both a hero and a parent, ultimately becoming the hero he was always meant to be.

His primary motivation is to protect the world and guide his son to understand the true weight and meaning of being Ultraman. He is driven by a deep-seated sense of duty and a desire to mend the bond with his son that was strained by that very duty.

Professor Sato is the original, seasoned Ultraman who is now injured and estranged from his son. He starts as a distant figure in Ken's life, representing a legacy Ken rejects. Through the shared challenge of protecting Emi, he reconnects with his son, offering wisdom and support. He steps back into the fight as 'Ultradad,' not to reclaim the spotlight, but to fight alongside his son, symbolizing the mending of their relationship and the passing of the torch.

His motivation is vengeance and a desperate need to create a world free from the threat of kaiju. He wants to find the hidden Kaiju Island to exterminate all monsters, believing it is the only way to ensure humanity's safety.

Dr. Onda is the leader of the Kaiju Defense Force (KDF). He is not a one-dimensional villain; his arc is rooted in tragedy. Having lost his own family in a kaiju attack, he is driven by a powerful, albeit misguided, desire to prevent anyone else from suffering the same fate. His methods become increasingly extreme, blinding him to the possibility that not all kaiju are malevolent. He remains tragically committed to his path of eradication until his defeat.

As a journalist, she is motivated to uncover the truth about Ken's sudden return to Japan. As a mother, she is motivated to provide a good life for her daughter and offers heartfelt advice to Ken when she sees him struggling with his own 'family emergency.'

Ami is a journalist and a single mother. She serves as a grounding force for Ken. While covering his career, she senses his internal struggles. As a parent herself, she offers him crucial, down-to-earth advice on parenthood, helping him see beyond the chaos and appreciate the rewarding aspects of raising a child. Her character doesn't have a dramatic arc but provides a vital, stabilizing perspective for the protagonist.

Mina is programmed to assist Ken in all his endeavors, from his baseball schedule to his Ultraman duties. As the story progresses, her motivation appears to shift towards genuinely caring for Ken and Emi's well-being, going beyond her programmed directives.

Mina is Ken's AI assistant, a floating, spherical robot that manages his life. Initially, her role is purely logistical. However, as Ken takes on the responsibility of caring for Emi, Mina evolves into a key parental partner, providing research, support, and even moments of encouragement. Her arc culminates in an act of self-sacrifice, highlighting her growth from a simple AI to a cherished member of Ken's unconventional family.