Gina Gershon and the Godzilla Series

In the latest edition of Criterion's "Closet Picks" series, actress Gina Gershon (Showgirls, Bound, The Insider) makes her selections, and at about the 2:35 mark in the video above Ms. Gershon chooses Criterion's Showa-era Godzilla Blu-ray set and offers the following comments:

I saw this, and I freaked out because I love Godzilla; I do. I'm just gonna say it -- I love Godzilla. [holds up the Showa Godzilla Blu-ray set] Look at this. Now these have all the originals, right? This is one of the greatest scores of all time, I think. It's one of my favorite scores -- you know, dun dun duuunnn . . . [does the Godzilla theme]

When I have to get going in the morning, I listen to the theme of Godzilla [laughs], and I love this. Thank you so much. [looks at the Blu-ray set cover] This is a great graphic. Whoever did this, you're a genius.

It's pretty fun to think that Gina Gershon has a Blu-ray of Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) at home, but at this point I'm sure a lot more people than you'd expect do, too.

Viewing the Cherry Blossoms Along Meguro River!

In between Kyoko Ifukube (right) and her friend Akiyo.

On my last full day in Japan (Saturday, March 30), I met with Kyoko Ifukube and her friend Akiyo. We met at a Saizeriya restaurant in Nakameguro and then proceeded to view the cherry blossoms (well, what little there were at the time) along Meguro River. The evening lasted about two hours and was a lot of fun. I hope we can meet again in the near future!

An Afternoon with a Member of Japan's Greatest Musical Family!

Kyoko Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (Tuesday, February 6), I spent a nice afternoon with Kyoko Ifukube (composer Akira Ifukube's daughter) and a couple of her friends. We arranged this meeting last week via our group chat on a Japanese messaging app, but, yesterday, Tokyo experienced a massive snowstorm (which even gave us some thunder!) that put our plans in doubt, especially since Ifukube-san lives quite far from Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture. However, I got contacted by one of Ifukube-san's friends first thing this morning, confirming that we were still on. Thankfully, most of the snow had already melted.

Our group at Saizeriya.

We met at Nakameguro Station at 11:15 and went to a nearby yakiniku restaurant. My plan was to eat as little as possible (I usually don't eat lunch), but that was easier sad than done. My plans were foiled even further when we made our way to a Saizeriya restaurant and ordered dessert. I had a slice of chocolate cake. Oh, well. It's not like I eat this much every day!

With Kyoko Ifukube inside Saizeriya.

Scheduling this meet-up was a little tricky, as Ifukube-san and one of her friends will be taking separate trips to Europe next month, so this was the best time for us to get together before then. It was a great afternoon, and I was surprised by how quickly time passed. Before I knew it, it was almost three o'clock! Unfortunately, I had to go back to work. 

And that's a wrap! What a lovely day it was!

Another End-of-the-Year Gathering in Tokyo!

Kyoko Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

This afternoon (Tuesday, December 19), I had an end-of-the-year lunch with Akira Ifukube's daughter, Kyoko, and two of her friends. We met near my work and went to have a steak lunch (which, by the way, was really good!). After that, we had coffee at Starbucks down the street until it was time for me to go back to work. Overall, we hung out for about two and a half hours. 

It probably won't surprise you that the talk about Godzilla and other such topics was very brief, and we mostly talked about everyday topics, like cooking. These end-of-the-year get-togethers are pretty common in Japan, so December tends to be a busy month for the people here. Suffice it to say, it was a fun afternoon with a lot of laughs. Can't wait to do it again!

DEEP DIVE: Godzilla (1985) Redacted?

The cover of the script for the Toho-produced PR film The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow (1977).

For those interested in the history of the cooperation between Toho and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, one of the most intriguing examples is The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow (1977), a 26-minute Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force PR film produced by Toho Eizo Co., Ltd. (It should be noted that the script is dated 1976, but most sources state the movie is a 1977 production.)

The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow was directed by Hideyuki Inoue (born on September 4, 1947), who joined Toho in 1969. Prior to helming this film, Mr. Inoue worked as an assistant director on Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) and went on to work as chief assistant director under Masato Harada on Gunhed (1989) and Kazuki Omori on Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). 

The SFX, to the extent there are any, were directed by Teruyoshi Nakano, the longtime special effects director at the studio. In addition, the music was composed by Akira Ifukube ... well, sort of. The music is all stock music, just like in Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Some of the stock cues heard in the film are the Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965) march (which was also used in Gigan), the Monster Zero (1965) march, and a few others.

So what does this have to do with the Godzilla series? Several shots from this movie were used as stock footage in Godzilla 1985 (1984) during the scene in which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is searching for Godzilla. While researching this topic, I also discovered on Japanese Wikipedia that stock footage was also used in Godzilla vs. Biollante during the Uraga Channel scene. 

I saw the film in June 2020 at a fan gathering shortly after actor Shigeo Kato passed away. In the film, Mr. Kato plays the part of a fisherman thrown overboard during a storm, who gets rescued by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, so this rarity was shown in honor of his life and career.

Most of the movie plays more like an NHK documentary than a scripted drama. It's really not flashy or exciting -- except during the sea rescue scene with Mr. Kato. 

So there you have it. Another piece of the puzzle in the history of Toho's working relationship with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

A Special Italian Dinner with the Daughter of a Tokusatsu Legend!

With Kyoko Ifukube (far right) and two of her close friends.

Tonight (Wednesday, July 26), I had a great evening with Kyoko Ifukube (Akira Ifukube's daughter) and two of her friends at an Italian restaurant in Tokyo. The food was more of a mix of Japanese and Italian, but it was still enjoyable. The talk about movies and music was at a minimum, though it was nonetheless a great time. (Sometimes, you just want to talk about other things.) We're likely to get together again in the fall, and I can't wait!

Lunchtime in Tokyo with a VIP!

Kyoko Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today Friday, February 24), I was invited to lunch in Nakameguro with Kyoko Ifukube (the daughter of maestro Akira Ifukube) and two of her friends. The four of us had lunch at an eel restaurant right as it opened at 11:30 in the morning. 

Even though Kyoko-san's father is a true legend of Japanese cinema, the conversation centered around everyday topics and was much more casual. I asked her what her favorite Godzilla movie was, and of course the 1954 original is her favorite. After that, she cited Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), specifically mentioning that The Peanuts were in it.

When I mentioned that Yuriko Hoshi was in it, Kyoko-san pulled out a photo from her purse that looked like it was taken sometime in the early 2000s (or possibly the late '90s). It appeared to my eye that it was taken at a ceremony inside a luxurious hotel. Her father was walking in the direction of the camera with Kyoko-san behind him. In the background, you can see none other than Yuriko Hoshi looking on. I'd never seen this photo before, so it was a rare treat!

One of Kyoko-san's friends mentioned that she lived near Ofuna, so the subject of Shochiku Studios came up. We both rattled off a bunch of trivia about Shochiku movies, and I suppose she was surprised that I knew as much as I did. I've seen a few of them.

We spent a little more than an hour together, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We talked about meeting up again, which I hope we can do. It was most definitely a fun lunch break!

An Interview with David Milner Has Been Published on Vantage Point Interviews!

David Milner poses with director Noriaki Yuasa. Photo courtesy of David Milner.

Check out my new interview with Godzilla fandom pioneer David Milner on Vantage Point Interviews. Not only was he a contributor to the early fanzines of the '70s, but he interviewed Toho legends like Ishiro Honda, Jun Fukuda, Akira Ifukube, and many others. These stories and many more are recounted in the interview linked above. Content is proven once again to be king!

New Kazuki Omori Interview on Vantage Point Interviews

Kazuki Omori in May 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

When I visited Osaka at the end of May, I had the privilege of interviewing Heisei Godzilla series director Kazuki Omori for the second time. Unfortunately, there was only enough time to cover Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), but there's plenty of great information.

The interview can be found here. Enjoy!

A Nice Meal with Even Nicer People

Yours truly with Kyoko Ifukube (second from the left) and her friends.  

Last Wednesday, July 10, I was quite privileged to be invited to have dinner with Kyoko Ifukube, daughter of Japanese composer Akira Ifukube. She brought some of her friends with her, so it was a lively discussion.

Kyoko Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

We ate at a Chinese restaurant in Shinjuku, right next to the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building. It was a lot of fun, and it was the longest I've ever spoken with Ifukube-san. Let's do it again soon!

KAIJU CRESCENDO HEADS TO CHICAGO! Get Your Tickets Today!

For Godzilla fans in Chicago, the event to attend this July is Kaiju Crescendo. What's it all about? Here is what you need to know:

An incredible evening of symphonic music from Toho’s Godzilla Series and Special Effects films featuring composer MICHIRU OSHIMA conducting her works from GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRAS (2000), GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002), and GODZILLA TOKYO SOS (2003). Michiru Oshima is a multi-award winning composer of film, television, and video games. In addition to selections from those films, Ms. Oshima will also be premiering a brand new composition expressly for this occasion. All performed live by large orchestra! 

But the rare treats do not stop there. John DeSentis (conductor and musical director/producer of the IFUKUBE 100: A LEGACY OF MONSTER MUSIC and SYMPHONIC FURY: THE MUSIC OF JAPANESE MONSTERS concerts) will be presenting works by legendary composer AKIRA IFUKUBE. Along with selections from his scores to RODAN (1956) and THE MYSTERIANS (1957), his incredibly rare score from THE THREE TREASURES (aka Birth of Japan 1959) will be performed. A sonic treat for kaiju fans! 

Another legend of Japanese film music, MASARU SATO, best known as the longtime composer for Akira Kurosawa, will have selections from his scores to “SON OF GODZILLA (1967)” and GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA (1974) performed.

In addition to the above, several special guests from Japan will be on hand especially for Kaiju Crescendo. I won't spoil the fun, so to find out who the VIPs are, just follow this link.

Michiru Oshima in June 2012. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Kaiju Crescendo goes down on Saturday, July 13, at 9:00 p.m. at the Center Theatre. Kaiju Crescendo is shaping up to be the best Godzilla-related concert in North American history. With a beefed up orchestra and improved organization, it's a surefire hit. 

Be there on July 13 for Kaiju Crescendo -- the North American kaiju event of the year!

AKIRA IFUKUBE IN CONCERT! Taking in an Orchestral Performance of the Maestro's Greatest Hits!

A display of personal pictures of the legendary composer Akira Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Saturday, June 29, saw a performance of Godzilla and other Toho monster movie music composed by Akira Ifukube and Riichiro Manabe. The concert took place at Shibuya Cultural Center Owada's Sakura Hall, and it was attended by numerous genre luminaries. The guest of honor was Toho actress Kumi Mizuno, star of such films as Gorath (1962), Matango (1963), Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965), Monster Zero (1965), War of the Gargantuas (1966), and Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966).

Guests of honor Teruyoshi Nakano and Kumi Mizuno pose for pictures. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Also on hand as a special guest was longtime Toho SFX assistant director and director Teruyoshi Nakano, who helmed Toho special effects from Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971) through Godzilla 1985 (1984). Right before the concert began, Nakano-san was interviewed onstage, and the recent passing of Tadao Takashima was noted. Nakano-san and the interviewer made sure to pay tribute to Mr. Takashima's memory.

Nakano-san officially kicked off the festivities by calling out "Action!" in Japanese from his seat in the audience. Once the orchestra got the OK from Godzilla's former director, the concert began with selections from none other than Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973). To be honest, I never thought the day would come when I would hear several cues from Megalon performed live by a full orchestra, but I couldn't be happier that I did.

Teruyoshi Nakano and Kumi Mizuno wave to the folks in the balcony. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

The orchestra went on to perform the Monster Zero march, several selections from both Frankenstein Conquers the World and War of the Gargantuas, as well as Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). Prior to that, however, Ms. Mizuno was brought onstage to talk about her career with Godzilla and other monster movies. In fact, she sat onstage as the orchestra performed the Monster Zero march, so the audience could see her reaction to it.

The concert closed with a performance of "Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!" during which the audience was encouraged to sing along. Kumi Mizuno was sitting in the front row during the performance, and I couldn't quite make out from my vantage point whether she was singing along. I'd certainly like to think she was, or that she at least enjoyed it.

Kyoko Ifukube, after the concert. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In the audience, I spotted actor Shiro Sano (Godzilla 2000, GMK, Godzilla: Final Wars), composer Chumei Watanabe, as well as various members of the Ifukube family. I spoke briefly with Watanabe-san (who was seated very close to me), but after the concert, I spoke at length with Kyoko Ifukube, one of the composer's daughters.

Overall, it was a wonderful concert, and it was a joy to hear such an eclectic selection of music from the Godzilla series. I hope to attend the next one in Tokyo!

SHIN GODZILLA X TSUTAYA! The King of the Monsters Is Now Available for Rent!

Shin Godzilla invades Tsutaya! Photo by Brett Homenick. 

While it's been out for a while, I was surprised to walk into a Tsutaya rental shop not too far from my home and hear familiar Akira Ifukube music playing on a constant loop near the entrance. Naturally, it's part of the promotion of Shin Godzilla's home video release on DVD and Blu-ray. It was a great extra touch and certainly made it a lot more interesting than just placing a standee in front of the shop.

SANDAKAN 8! Seeing a Classic of Japanese Cinema for the First Time!

Japanese actress Yoko Takahashi. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Today, I had the distinct privilege of meeting actress Yoko Takahashi for the second time. The occasion was a rare screening of the classic Japanese film, Sandakan 8 (1974), which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1975 Academy Awards (losing to Akira Kurosawa's Dersu Uzala). Aside from her leading role in Sandakan 8, Takahashi-san can also be seen in Kon Ichikawa's The Devil's Ballad (1977).

This was my first time to see Sandakan 8, though I've known about it for more than 20 years. For the longest time, I simply knew it as a dramatic film for which Akira Ifukube wrote the score. I later learned about its Oscar nomination and the fact that Gene Siskel put it on his top 10 list for the best films of 1976. (Siskel ranked it third best of the year.) However, never having found a subtitled copy to watch, I avoided it for the longest time, hoping to enjoy the translated version. However, given that a rare 35mm screening of the film was happening (with a special appearance by one of its stars), how could I say no?

The film was quite impressive and easy to follow, despite my lack of Japanese. Takahashi-san, who plays Saki Kitagawa as a young woman, was present for the screening, and was very friendly and approachable. A Japanese friend of mine gave me a couple of stills from the film for Takahashi-san to sign for me. Many thanks! Takahashi-san stayed at the event quite late, and when it was finished, I was invited to ride in the taxi with her to the station, and we even rode the train together part of the way home. Suffice it to say, it was quite a day.

SYMPHONIC FURY! The Music of Japanese Monsters!

The Symphonic Fury CD set has been released, and thanks to conductor John DeSentis, I have received a copy. Symphonic Fury was an enormously successful concert held in Chicago's Pickwick Theater in July 2015. The first part of the concert featured a live performance of Kow Otani's music from all three of the Heisei Gamera series films as well as GMK (2001). Kow Otani himself was in the audience for this performance. The second half of the concert focused on Akira Ifukube's works, specifically Kishi Mai (1943) and Symphonic Fantasias No. 1-3 (1983). The CD set also contains a booklet that features John DeSentis' full-length interview with Kow Otani.

Want some Symphonic Fury stuff? Here's how to get it!

Just like the Ifukube 100 concert in 2014, this is another amazing performance. John DeSentis once again worked tirelessly to hire, organize, and lead a full orchestra to perform some classic kaiju compositions. Erik Homenick of AkiraIfukube.org was instrumental (no pun intended) in providing information and material to the effort. These concerts are the first of their kind in the U.S., and it's easy to see why they have quickly become a fan favorite.

Symphonic Fury/Ifukube 100 CDs and swag are available, and if you're interested in supporting a fan-oriented group that offers professional services and a product worthy of support (trust me, there aren't many around), please consider purchasing some items. 

John DeSentis knocks it out of the park again. Full marks!

AKIRA IFUKUBE IN CONCERT! An Incredible Performance Thrills the Audience in Kawasaki!

A celebratory bouquet of flowers stands at the entrance of Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall in honor of the Akira Ifukube concert. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On July 10, I was privileged to be invited to attend an Akira Ifukube concert held at Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Thanks to Erik Homenick, the webmaster of AkiraIfukube.org, I was able to reserve a ticket for the performance. And what a performance it was!

Yours truly with Kiwami Ifukube, the late composer's son.

Before the concert started, and during the intermission, I was fortunate to meet all three of Akira Ifukube's children. (I'd met Kyoko Ifukube at several other events over the years, but this was my first time to meet Kiwami and Reiko). All three of the Ifukube children were extremely polite. Kiwami happily snapped pictures throughout the day.

Kyoko Ifukube poses with her daughter, Itsumo. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

As for the concert itself, it was extraordinary. Admittedly, I don't know a fraction of the information that Erik knows about Ifukube and his music, so I'd leave any critique to him. But he was impressed with the concert, touting it as even better than the previous one two years ago. That's certainly good enough for me.

Posing with Reiko Ifukube.

After the concert, I was invited to attend a dinner with Kiwami Ifukube, Erik, and a few other VIPs. The dinner lasted a few hours, and a great time was had by all. Kiwami certainly seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.

Kiwami Ifukube during the VIP dinner. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Following that dinner, Erik and I joined concert pianist Reiko Yamada (who wowed the audience with her performance) and Heisei Godzilla series conductor Satoshi Imai for drinks at a nearby cafe. 

 Satoshi Imai (second from the left), Erik (third from the left), Reiko Yamada (third from the right), and yours truly pose for a group photo.

After that, Erik, Reiko, and I wandered around Kawasaki. We even stopped by Kaiju Sakaba, but unfortunately it was already in the process of closing. Maybe next time!

Erik poses with Kiwami and Toru Ifukube. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I must give a big thanks to Erik, without whom I could not have attended the concert or joined the VIP dinner. Many thanks also to all three of Ifukube's children (Kiwami, Kyoko, and Reiko) who were all generous with their time. Congratulations to Reiko Yamada for another outstanding performance! 

VARIOUS SCENES FROM TOKYO! Out and About in Japan's Greatest City!

Akira Ifukube's former residence, the place in which the maestro wrote numerous film scores. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today proved to be a busy day, as I visited many places around the city. The first stop was the home of famed Godzilla series composer Akira Ifukube. After snapping a few photos, I moved on to my next destination.

My next stop was Akabane Station, and there I saw a few interesting things. Halloween's barely over, yet Colonel Sanders is already decked out in his best Santa gear! Couldn't he at least wait until after Thanksgiving?

At Akabane Station, several plastic masks were on sale of several familiar tokusatsu and anime characters. No, I didn't buy any, but given the low price, I have to admit it was a little tempting!

Next on the agenda was Tokyo Dome City. I enjoyed walking around and taking in the sights. The autumn air was just a little chilly, but given that autumn is my favorite season in Japan, I enjoyed it. It sure beats the searing heat of the summer!

I visited Tokyo Dome City to photograph filming locations for the Godzilla series. But more on that in the next blog post!

After that, it was off to Shibuya for some fine dining and some shopping. My feet were killing me at the end, so I was glad to come home when I did.

Shibuya was much quiter compared to last night. I'd imagine most of the revelers are still asleep. I was pleased to see that most of the garbage from the previous night had already been cleaned up. Great job!