The anticipation builds as Ultraman DASH gears up for its 2025 Winter Special Broadcast, set to air on January 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM on NTV. This beloved program, where elite athletes tackle high-stakes challenges, returns with even more thrilling content.
Leading the charge are renowned athletes, including high school sports climber Anraku Chuto, who made waves during the Paris Olympics' sports climbing event, taking home the silver medal. Anraku makes his debut on Ultraman DASH, climbing the formidable 35-meter wall of Shinjuku Alta, which will close its doors this year after 45 years. “I tackled more than double the height of competition walls for the first time. Climbing urban buildings was much more challenging than I expected. I was fully committed due to the drastically different environment,” Anraku said, reflecting on the excitement and pressure of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Also featured is 2024 Paralympic gold medallist Oda Kaito, who, through his own efforts, secured his spot on the show for his courage and skill. Oda remarked, “I had fun. Since I watched soccer challenges as a child, I wanted to join the show. After winning gold in Paris, I felt confident and volunteered to participate.” His challenge involves aiming at moving targets, pushing his athleticism to new heights.
Another highlight includes soccer great Ono Shinji, who participated with the added pressure of his history on the show. He aims to conquer the highest difficulty soccer challenge ever attempted, attempting to execute the elusive "bitestop trap" on incoming balls to reach targets. “This mission is certainly harder than the challenges before, and it's my third attempt; please make sure to watch,” Ono commented, hinting at high stakes and the spirit of perseverance.
Add to this the remarkable return of Furukawa Takaharu, the Olympic archer famous for never failing his previous challenges. This time, Furukawa faces the ultimate test, shooting at targets he cannot see, with only microseconds to act. “Targeting is really tricky since I can’t see it. This is undoubtedly the hardest challenge I've faced so far,” Furukawa expressed, intensifying the thrill for viewers witnessing his attempts.
Ultraman DASH has built its legacy over the years, showcasing not only physical prowess but also the communal spirit of sportsmanship and fun. This winter special promises to deliver nail-biting tension as fans watch their heroes attempt what’s deemed near impossible with the unique backdrop of Japan’s urban landscapes.
The show will also incorporate viewer participation through its original quiz format, rewarding fans with exclusive quizzes tied to the inscriptions of these remarkable missions. This interaction aims to deepen the audience’s engagement, making them feel part of the adventure.
With the air date setting expectations high, the excitement surrounding the winter special is palpable. The beloved hosts from TOKIO, including Shigeru Jojima and Taichi Kokubun will be present, adding familiarity and warmth to the high-energy performances. Clashing emotions of excitement and anxiety represent the essence of Ultraman DASH as it continues to innovate and transform its approaches to physical challenges drawn from everyday experiences.
Will they succeed? Ultran DASH kicks off their winter entertainment season on January 5, promising spectacular moments filled with resilience, challenges, and unforgettable sportsmanship. The unique integration of dramatic challenges woven with heartwarming performances reminds us of the spirit of community and competition—making it more than just another watchable show but rather, one to be celebrated with family and friends.
This much-anticipated special not only celebrates the worth of elite athletes but also showcases the dedication and love of reaching for what seems out of reach. Don’t miss out as these exceptional athletes light up screens across Japan!