From left to right: Teruyoshi Nakano, Tom Kotani, and Takashi Naganuma (admiring his birthday cake). Photo by Brett Homenick
On Saturday, July 13, I left work to attend another special event with former Toho SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano. Also on hand was longtime Toho SFX crew member Takashi Naganuma. This time, however, they were joined by director Tom Kotani.
Teruyoshi Nakano. Photo by Brett Homenick.
Teruyoshi Nakano served as SFX director for Toho's Godzilla series from 1971 through 1984. However, that just scratches the surface of his career in special effects. If you'd like to read more about his non-Godzilla tokusatsu work, check out this interview with him.
Nakano-san is a true living legend, and I never miss an opportunity to see him. Despite being a veteran of such events, he always seems as enthusiastic to be there as any of his fans.
Tom Kotani. Photo by Brett Homenick.
The other headlining guest was director Tom Kotani. Kotani-san directed The Last Dinosaur (1977), The Bermuda Depths (1978), and The Ivory Ape (1980) for Rankin/Bass. (The Last Dinosaur, of course, was a co-production with Tsuburaya Productions.) Prior to that, Kotani-san helmed several movies for Toho, including It's My Sky! Young Guy (1970) and Wild Cop (1973).
I last visited with Kotani-san near his home sometime last fall. I was glad to have the opportunity to catch up with him again. I hope to visit him again sometime later this year.
Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.
Last but not least was Takashi Naganuma, whom I spent the most time chatting with. Even though it's not quite his birthday yet, the event served as a birthday celebration for him. All of us in attendance were pleased to wish him a happy birthday.
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