

Ben Furuya
2025 Actor
Bin Furuya is a celebrated Japanese actor renowned for his iconic portrayal of the original Ultraman in the groundbreaking 1966 series. Prior to stepping into this legendary role, he honed his craft in several Toho films and took on suit-acting roles in the series Ultra Q. Initially reluctant to embrace the life of a suit actor, Furuya was ultimately chosen by the talented designer Tohl Narita for his captivating performance as Kemur in Ultra Q. The Ultraman suit was expertly tailored to fit him perfectly, and despite his wishes to remain uncredited, he received official recognition for his remarkable contribution.
Following his stellar work in Ultraman, Furuya took on the role of Amagi in Ultraseven but opted not to suit-act for that character. He later transitioned away from acting to establish Bin Promotion, a management company, which unfortunately closed its doors in 1991. After a long hiatus from the entertainment scene, he joyfully reconnected with former colleagues in 2007 and made a triumphant return to acting in 2008. In 2009, he penned a compelling memoir titled *A Man Who Became Ultraman*, sharing the rich tapestry of his experiences.
Today, Furuya continues to enchant fans by making guest appearances at conventions, where his presence is always a highlight. In a delightful nod to his legacy, he donned an updated Ultraman suit at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival. In 2022, he further immortalized his influence when his body was scanned to create an official S.H. Figuarts Ultraman figure, ensuring that the spirit of Ultraman continues to shine brightly for generations to come.