“Return of Ultraman” star Dan Jiro has passed away

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Actor Dan Jiro, who starred in the TV series “Kaette Kita Ultraman” (Return of Ultraman), who played the main character Go Hideki, died of lung cancer at a hospital in Tokyo on the 22nd. He was 74 years old.

Dan Jiro is from Kyoto Prefecture, and after debuting in a TV commercial for a cosmetics manufacturer in 1968, he played the role of Go Hideki, the main character who transforms into Ultraman Jack and fights monsters in the 1971 tokusatsu program “The Return of Ultraman”. I gained popularity by playing.

He has been active as a stage actor since appearing in the stage “Hamlet” in 1984, and has appeared in numerous stages such as co-starring with Sugimura Haruko, Mori Mitsuko and Morishige Hisaya.

According to his agency, Dan was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago and continued working while receiving treatment, but his health deteriorated from the end of last year and he passed away at a hospital in Tokyo on the 22nd.

Numerous actors who have played the role of Ultraman paid tribute to Dan.

いつも優しく接してくださり、お酒を飲んでいるときに電話してくれることもありました。
近々、諸先輩方々も交えて集まろうと企てていたところだったのでとても悔しくて残念です。

郷さん、ウルトラの星からボクたちを見守っていて下さい。

団時朗さんのご冥福を心からお祈りいたします。 https://t.co/NOcuVVRdrI

— つるの剛士 (@takeshi_tsuruno) March 24, 2023

Tsuruno Takeshi wrote, “He was always kind to me and even called me to go out drinking.  I was planning to get together with my seniorsin the near future, so it’s very frustrating and disappointing. Go-san, please watch over us from the Ultra Star.”

Ultraman Leo’s Manatsu Ryu also responded on Twitter, “The Returning Ultraman, Dan-san has passed away! I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”

Yoshioka Takeshi of “Ultraman Gaia” also wrote, “Thank you very much, Dan Jiro. Not only as Ultraman, but also in private, Mr. Dan has really supported me. I can only thank you. I pray for you”.

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