“Is ‘Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion’ available to watch for free?”
For those who searched with that question in mind.
The uniquely worldbuilding work that evokes Showa-era tokusatsu and reflects Taro Okamoto’s artistic philosophy, “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion.”
We thoroughly investigated whether there’s a way to watch it for free and the streaming info from major subscription services so you can fully enjoy its appeal.
We cover the features of services that are likely to stream it soon—Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, Hulu, ABEMA, etc.—and our timing predictions.
We’ll also dive into details on Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction), who appears as the explainer in this film, related works, and social media buzz.
“Which service will have it?” “When is the streaming date?” “Can I watch it with a free trial?”
This article answers everything at once.
Please read on to the end.
Showa vibes and the power of art—Milkuma wants to experience it too, grr!
First, I’ll search everywhere to find out where to watch it, grr~!
- What is “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion”?
- Story & Production Info for Feature-Length TAROMAN
- Highlights to Know Before Watching
- Subscription Services Most Likely to Stream Feature-Length TAROMAN
- FAQs About Watching Feature-Length TAROMAN
- Selected Works Featuring the Cast
- Recommended Similar & Related Works
- Social Media Buzz & Impressions
What is “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion”?
“Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” is the theatrical version of NHK’s offbeat tokusatsu project “TAROMAN.”
Based on the TV mini-series “TAROMAN: Taro Okamoto-Style Tokusatsu Action” that drew attention in 2022, it has been adapted into a film with scaled-up visuals and storytelling.
The story is set at the 1970 Osaka Expo.
The gigantic art robot “TAROMAN” suddenly appears, unleashing a philosophical explosion in the chaotic Expo grounds.
With a wildly freewheeling development that embodies Taro Okamoto’s famous line, “Art is an explosion!”, it leaves a powerful impact on viewers.
Director and screenwriter Ryo Fujii—known for showcasing a unique worldview in NHK educational programs—helms the project.
As for the cast, Ichiro Yamaguchi of Sakanaction appears as a navigator/explainer, helping convey the philosophical themes to viewers in an accessible way.
Concept background and buzz
This film traces its roots to a TV series produced to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Taro Okamoto’s birth.
Despite being just ten short episodes, it achieved explosive popularity with its surreal direction, bold visuals, and philosophical lines.
Its fusion of Showa-era atmosphere and modern humor went viral on social media and resonated strongly with younger audiences.
Combining the striking keywords “Expo,” “Explosion,” and “TAROMAN,” this new work unfolds its story on a more cinematic scale.
As a uniquely styled film that merges subculture and art, it has drawn attention from many media outlets.
“TAROMAN” is no ordinary tokusatsu hero.
It’s otherworldly entertainment that blends art, philosophy, and history.
See with your own eyes what the “Big Explosion” at the Expo really means.
Story & Production Info for Feature-Length TAROMAN
“Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” is an offbeat tokusatsu film depicting “another story” behind the 1970 Osaka Expo.
The mysterious being “TAROMAN” suddenly appears, stirring chaos and philosophy at the Expo site, and asks the audience, “What is art?”
The film features iconic designs like the towering “Tower of the Sun,” “Sun of the Underworld,” and “Baron Water Pitcher,” visually expressing Taro Okamoto’s ideas.
Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction) serves as navigator to guide the story in an explanatory manner, keeping it from becoming overly abstruse.
Release date, runtime, and staff
| Release Date | Friday, August 22, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | Unannounced (estimated around 45–60 minutes) |
| Director/Writer | Ryo Fujii |
| Cast | Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction), numerous character performers |
| Genres | Tokusatsu / Art / Comedy / Philosophy |
| Production / Distribution | NHK Enterprises / Asmik Ace |
Director Ryo Fujii, the filmmaker who earned strong support with the TV series, continues with the feature.
By fusing distinctive artwork with live-action tokusatsu, the film delivers a viewing experience like no other.
While the runtime is unannounced, it may follow a short-format structure similar to the TV series.
The official release date is Friday, August 22, 2025.
Highlights to Know Before Watching
“Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” is packed with highlights that set it apart from standard tokusatsu films.
Alongside visuals that resurrect the Showa atmosphere for today, its greatest hallmark is the fusion of Art × Philosophy × Tokusatsu.
Eccentric character designs, unique lines based on Taro Okamoto’s words, and visuals that feel both nostalgic and new.
With a structure that comically yet earnestly asks what art and justice are, it’s a film that fully satisfies an adult audience.
Presence of the main characters
From “TAROMAN” to the Tower of the Sun, Baron Water Pitcher, and Jomon Man, a parade of striking characters appears.
All are designed around Taro Okamoto’s artworks and philosophy, delivering a powerful impact alongside their philosophical dialogue.
Commitment to visual expression and direction
Filming deliberately employs Showa-style tokusatsu techniques, spotlighting analogue-heavy miniature effects and suit-actor performances.
On top of that, the film mixes live-action and animation, uses exaggerated sound effects, and overlays philosophical on-screen text that melts into the imagery—every technique pulls the audience in.
This approach yields a distinctive nostalgic–subcultural experience that fuses the old and new, prompting many on social media to say, “It’s addictive!”
Few works translate the phrase “Art is an explosion!” into entertainment as boldly as this.
Highly recommended for fans of tokusatsu, art, and subculture alike.
Subscription Services Most Likely to Stream Feature-Length TAROMAN
As of now (May 2025), streaming for “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” is undecided.
However, since the TV series “TAROMAN: Taro Okamoto-Style Tokusatsu Action” is streaming on multiple platforms, we can strongly expect the feature to appear on the same services.
| Service | Predicted Start | Price | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Autumn–Winter 2025 | ¥600/month (tax incl.) | 30-day free trial |
| U-NEXT | Autumn–Winter 2025 | ¥2,189/month (tax incl.) | First-time 31-day free trial |
| Hulu | Autumn–Winter 2025 | ¥1,026/month (tax incl.) | No trial (watch immediately after sign-up) |
| ABEMA | Autumn–Winter 2025 | Around ¥960/month | ABEMA Premium 2-week free trial |
| d Anime Store | Autumn–Winter 2025 | ¥550/month (tax incl.) | First-time 31-day free trial |
| DMM TV | Autumn–Winter 2025 | ¥550/month (tax incl.) | First-time 14-day free trial |
| Anime Times (Prime Video Channel) | Autumn–Winter 2025 | From ¥300/month | Prime members pay only the add-on fee |
While streaming is undecided at this time, several services already carry the TV “TAROMAN.”
It’s reasonable to predict a high chance the feature will stream around Autumn–Winter 2025 on these platforms.
FAQs About Watching Feature-Length TAROMAN
Q. When is the streaming date for “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion”?
At present, no specific streaming date has been announced.
However, given that the TV “TAROMAN” streams on multiple services, we predict streaming to begin 2–4 months after the theatrical release (Autumn–Winter 2025).
Q. How long will it play in theaters?
It’s scheduled for nationwide release from Friday, August 22, 2025.
Compared to standard mid-length features, the run may be on the shorter side; some theaters may end screenings in about 3–4 weeks.
If you want to be sure to see it, we recommend going early.
Q. Where can I watch past “TAROMAN” series?
The TV series “TAROMAN: Taro Okamoto-Style Tokusatsu Action” is available on:
Q. Can tokusatsu beginners enjoy it?
While the film includes parodic elements of Showa-era tokusatsu, it tackles universal themes like philosophy, art, and social satire, making it highly recommended for a broad audience.
It’s especially resonant for those interested in “Taro Okamoto” and “Expo culture.”
Q. Are there goods or a pamphlet?
Theaters plan to sell limited pamphlets and character goods.
On the official movie site and NHK Enterprises’ e-commerce site, pre-orders and online purchases may be available, so keep an eye on updates.
Streaming is undecided, but related works are already available on multiple platforms.
If you miss it in theaters, aim for streaming from autumn onward for peace of mind.
Selected Works Featuring the Cast
Serving as the key explainer in “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” is Ichiro Yamaguchi, vocalist of the music unit Sakanaction.
Beyond his career as a musician, he has a notable presence in visual works and television; knowing his past appearances will deepen your enjoyment of this film’s world.
Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction) – Related Works
- NHK “TAROMAN: Taro Okamoto-Style Tokusatsu Action” (2022)
Appears as narrator/explainer. The direct predecessor to this film. - Film “Bakuten!!” (2022)
Theme song by Sakanaction. The fusion of visuals and music drew attention.
- NHK Special “NEXT WORLD” (2015)
Sakanaction provided the program’s theme song. Ichiro Yamaguchi also appears as a navigator.
- TV Tokyo “Ichiro Yamaguchi’s Music Laboratory”
As MC, he conducts experiments in sound and imagery.
Upcoming appearances & collaborations
While continuing with Sakanaction, Ichiro Yamaguchi actively participates in projects fusing film, TV, and art.
Deeply resonating with the theme “Art is an explosion!”, he plays a vital role in conveying the film’s philosophical side to audiences.
Ichiro Yamaguchi pairs perfectly with tokusatsu and art-focused works. His expressive power gives TAROMAN’s world even greater depth.
Recommended Similar & Related Works
Works that combine elements of tokusatsu, art, subculture, and Showa retro like “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” have become rarer in recent years.
Still, the titles below share a similar mood and thematic touch, making them great picks if you enjoyed this film.
Works with compelling tokusatsu × art worldbuilding
- Shin Ultraman (2022)
Hideaki Anno’s contemporary interpretation of Ultraman.
Reverent to tokusatsu with a philosophical structure.
- Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go!! – Tokusatsu Remix Version
An homage re-edited with tokusatsu approaches.
Noted for its faithful recreation of Showa-style direction. - Archival films of Taro Okamoto
Documentaries on Taro Okamoto available via NHK Archives and U-NEXT.
Learn the roots of his artistic philosophy and visual expression.
Works with Showa-retro visual beauty
- Ultra Q (1966)
A monochrome classic seen as the origin of tokusatsu.
You can find directing methods that influenced TAROMAN.
- Japan Tokusatsu Film Compendium (NHK BS special)
A documentary tracing the evolution of tokusatsu from Showa through Heisei. - Patlabor: The Movie (1989)
A social SF classic where weighty themes and retro direction merge superbly.
All these works share the traits of being “nostalgic yet new” and “deeper than they first appear.”
If TAROMAN fascinated you, definitely check these out as well.
Let TAROMAN be your gateway to Showa-era tokusatsu and philosophical art films.
Explore similar works to immerse yourself even deeper in the worldbuilding.
Social Media Buzz & Impressions
Here, based on posts from Twitter, Filmarks, and various SNS, we checked reactions to “Feature-Length TAROMAN: Expo Big Explosion” across five rating axes and calculated a total score.
| Criterion | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Tokusatsu Direction | 4.2 |
| Art & Design | 4.5 |
| Story & Philosophical Depth | 4.0 |
| Nostalgic Elements | 4.3 |
| Entertainment & Humor | 4.1 |
Total Score: 21.1 / 25 (84 / 100)
With comments like “An outlier that beautifully blends nostalgia and philosophy” and “TAROMAN’s visuals are addictive!”, it’s highly rated by tokusatsu fans and art lovers.
On the other hand, some say “a bit abstruse” and “aimed at those who get it,” so it can be considered more for core audiences than for everyone.
Social media ratings skew high. For those strongly interested in tokusatsu or Showa-era art, it’s highly recommended.
What should I watch next?
Maybe Milkuma will research “the history of milk” next, grr♪
Art explodes; milk goes in the fridge, grr!
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