Toho Cinemas' Anigoji Theater Display!

Anigoji is back! Photo by Brett Homenick.

While at Toho Cinemas Shinjuku on Sunday night, I noticed that the Anigoji theater display was, well, on display again. Of course, it's there to promote Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, but you're better off photographing the display than seeing that movie. 

Attending a Live Reading of Jidai Geki!

Masanori Machida. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday evening, I attended a dramatic reading of jidai geki period pieces with actors Masanori Machida and Shoji Mori. Afterward, I attended the post-event party and socialized with a few of the folks there. A great evening with some great company! 

GENTLE WARRIOR! Toshiro Mifune Conquers Daikanyama!

A small (and temporary) Toshiro Mifune at Daikanyama T-Site. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In honor of Mifune: The Last Samurai's recent opening in Japan, a small Toshiro Mifune exhibit is being held at Daikanyama T-Site from May 10 through May 29. On May 25, I visited the exhibit after work. I'd already seen many of the items on display at last year's Mifune exhibit in Shibuya, but it was certainly great to have a chance to see them again -- a rare treat, indeed!

Ultraman Flies into Daikanyama!

Hanging out in the storefront window in Daikanyama has sure sapped Ultraman of his color. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While walking around Daikanyama, I saw a familiar face staring out from behind a storefront window. It seems to have been made out of papier-mache (or something), which made it stand out. Luckily, I had my trusty camera in hand, and now you can see it, too.

Keizo Murase Interview Now on Vantage Point Interviews!

Yours truly with Keizo Murase in April 2018.

My interview with Toho and Daiei suitmaker Keizo Murase has just been published at Vantage Point Interviews. Suffice it to say, I'm very pleased with it. Murase-san himself told me that he shared some stories in my interview that he has never shared before in any previous interview. So I think you'll find it quite enlightening!

Over the years, for example, there has been a lot of debate about the original color of King Ghidorah. Well, as the man who painted the King Ghidorah suit, Murase-san offers what ought to be the last word on that debate. Was it originally supposed to be blue? Read the interview to find out!

The Return of FiveBlue!

Kei Shindachiya. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Tuesday, May 22, I returned to the bar owned and operated by Super Sentai series star Kei Shindachiya, who plays FiveBlue on Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91). Shindachiya-san has also made guest appearances on Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96) and Ultraman Gaia (1998-99).

I was joined by a Super Sentai fan from the Philippines named Mark, who is currently visiting Japan. Naturally, he was excited to meet Shindachiya-san and had a great time at his bar. I was very happy to meet him, too , as we've been exchanging e-mails for quite some time. There's nothing like Super Sentai to bring people together!

Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi

Mount Fuji overlooking Lake Ashi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I've been to Lake Ashi in Hakone several times over the last few years, but last Sunday was the first time I was able to see Mount Fuji from the lake. On previous visits, it had always been obscured behind cloud cover. Of course, it was partially obscured by clouds this time, too, but at least I could actually see the mountain this time.

Lake Ashi is where Biollante makes her first appearance in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), and I think we're all familiar with Mount Fuji's role in various monster movies (such as King Kong vs. Godzilla). So there's quite a bit of kaiju history on display in just one shot!

Scenes from Hakone-Yumoto Station

I always enjoy taking shots of the area around Hakone-Yumoto Station whenever I'm in the area. So, with that said, here's what I took when I was there on Sunday. Enjoy!

A Great Afternoon in Even Greater Company

On May 20, I once again had the distinct privilege of meeting former Toho actress Mie Hama again. Of course, most folks know her from either her Toho days or other film roles she's had, but these days she pursues a different path and has left her acting career happily in the past. It's always great to have a chance to meet her.