Flipping through a book on obscure Japanese hero programs that I bought today, I found a show called Kyofu no Miira (1961), which was a short-lived horror drama about a mummy.
What really caught my eye, though, was that the mummy was played by an American! His name (which was rendered in katakana) is Bob Strickland, and once I realized that I could actually speak to Kharis' Japanese counterpart directly, I made a mad dash to try to find him.
It turns out he owned a rather famous steakhouse in Kyoto with his Japanese wife, and once I got the number, I gave the restaurant a call. I spoke with his wife Tokiko who informed me that Bob died last year.
While I was certainly let down by the news, Tokiko was a sweet lady, and I enjoyed speaking with her. But it looks like the mystery of the Japanese mummy will live on forever...
Hi Brett, I am working on an article about Kyoto in the 60s and came across your piece about Bob Strickland. In your blog, you include a photo of David Bowie, who also came to Kyoto many times. I'd like to suggest using it in the article to my editor. Can I include it, with attribution, of course? Best to contact me at rklein@gol.com or rkleinhiroshima@gmail.com Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, you may use it.
DeleteHi Brett, I don't know if my last message got erased before I could send it. I'm writing an article about post-war Kyoto and ran across your article about Bob Strickland, who I will include. But also in your blog was a photo of David Bowie. I'd like to see if my editor would like to use it, and if so, will you give us permission, with attribution, of course. Best to respond at ronkleinhiroshima@gmail.com Thanks! Ron Klein
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