Paying my respects at Eiji Tsuburaya's final resting place in Fuchu, Tokyo. Note the Godzilla toys fans have left out of respect to the master.
Visiting Eiji Tsuburaya's grave site was a brand-new experience for me, and it was quite moving. Tsuburaya-san's influence on the genre we love still has not been properly documented in the West.
Not so far from Kadokawa-Daiei Studios is Nikkatsu Studios, which in 2012 celebrated its centennial. Near the front gates this Gappa sign is clearly visible.
Here I got to meet Toho and Tsuburaya Productions designer Akihiko Iguchi for the second time. I first met Iguchi-san at a Mechagodzilla event held in Ginza in November 2011. But this was a one-on-one meeting, with his daughter there to assist communication.
After having a cup of hot chocolate (perfect for a cold winter's day in Tokyo), I posed for this picture with Ultraman Ace cast member Keiko Nishi at her cafe in Ginza.
The Godzilla statue in Hibiya during sunset. Nuff sed.
My trip ended with a meeting with Toho star Yosuke Natsuki. We spoke for about four hours (!) with our mutual friend Asako, who very kindly translated the conversation. Natsuki-san is an excellent storyteller, and his company is something I always enjoy and look forward to.
You are lucky that you got to meet Izumi Yukimura. I just saw my first "Three Girl" musical, Janken Musume.
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