The History of Fireman

Episode 92 of our YouTube series is now live: The History of Fireman.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary in 1973, Tsuburaya Productions launched three new programs, including the science fiction adventure series Fireman. The show follows Daisuke Misaki, an archaeologist whose secret identity is Fireman—a magma-powered giant hero who defends Earth from ancient monsters and extraterrestrial threats. Misaki and the Scientific Attack Force (SAF) confront dangers from the depths of the sea, underground worlds, and space, bringing Tsuburaya's iconic special effects and epic storytelling to life.

Despite its strong start, groundbreaking visuals, and compelling themes, Fireman faced stiff competition from other popular shows of the time, which led to its early cancellation after 30 episodes. However, the series' influence endured, earning a legacy as one of Tsuburaya's best works of that era, celebrated for its imaginative worlds and practical effects.

In this episode, we explore Fireman’s production history, including the cast and partnerships with Mannensha and Daiei Studios, as well as the series' evolving narrative arcs. We also highlight the program's lasting impact, from reappearances in Ultraman films to its influence on later Tsuburaya Productions' projects.