Keiji Takamine, the actor who portrayed hero Seiji Hokuto in the iconic 1972 series Ultraman Ace, ignited cross-border discussions this week after openly challenging Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's diplomatic approach toward China. In a November 17 social media post that garnered over 100,000 engagements within hours, Takamine wrote: "What benefits could Japan possibly gain from starting a conflict with China? Only by upholding the principles of friendship can we maintain peace!"
The 73-year-old actor's remarks come amid heightened tensions in East Asia this year, with Japan recently expanding its military cooperation with Western allies. Takamine's reference to Ultraman Ace's themes of unity against extraterrestrial threats resonated strongly with fans, drawing parallels to contemporary geopolitics.
Chinese social media platform Weibo saw #UltramanPeaceAdvocacy trend in the top 10 hashtags for 15 hours, while Japanese netizens circulated nostalgic clips of the show's anti-war storylines. The viral response highlights growing public support for stability in the region as both nations navigate complex economic ties worth $365 billion in bilateral trade this year.
