Kenji Sahara hits the big 8-0!

Screen legend Kenji Sahara, along with yours truly, in the Hancock Building during G-FEST in 2009. Photo by totorom.

One of Toho's most prolific kaiju eiga stars, Kenji Sahara, turns 80 years old today. Born on May 14, 1932, Mr. Sahara would go on to star in such popular sci-fi flicks as Rodan, The Mysterians, The H-Man, King Kong vs. Godzilla, War of the Gargantuas, the Ultra Q television series, and many others.

In 2009, Mr. Sahara came to Chicago to meet his fans at G-FEST 2009. His translator totorom and I accompanied Mr. Sahara throughout the weekend to make sure his needs were always met. Mr. Sahara enjoyed his convention appearance and expressed his desire to make a return visit.

Let's all wish Kenji Sahara a happy and healthy 80th birthday!