An Ultra-Good Morning with Two Very Special 'Ultraman' Alums!

Atsuko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (Saturday, March 23), I woke up bright and early to go to Shibuya and meet with two veteran Tsuburaya Productions script supervisors, Atsuko Tanaka and Noriko Shishikura. Our meeting was scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m., but it turned out that I arrived much earlier than they did. 

 

A few minutes later, they made their entrance, and we sat down for a bit less than an hour before Shishikura-san had to move on to her next appointment. 

Noriko Shishikura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Shishikura-san had dug up some old photos of her career at Tsuburaya Productions and Nikkatsu Studios. It was truly fascinating to see these vintage pictures that may never have been published anywhere else.

Before I knew it, our time was up, and we both had to move on to our next appointments. Right before I left, we posed for the mandatory photos that are always a necessity for this blog. Besides, they're a lot of fun to take!

Noriko Shishikura and Atsuko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I should point out that the cafe we used is on the second floor of Toho Cinemas Shibuya. In fact, it was the same cafe where I met with the late Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2014. While I've walked past the cafe many times since then, I think this was the first time I've been inside it since that meeting. It only took me about 10 years!

Celebrating an American Classic with Three Tsuburaya Productions Legends!

Masao Nakabori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (Sunday, March 17), I received a very kind invitation from former Tsuburaya Productions script supervisor Atsuko Tanaka to join a special event in Jimbocho. The topic of the event was a breakdown of the various film techniques used to create Citizen Kane (1941), hosted by Japanese cinematographer Masao Nakabori. 

What made this invitation special in particular is that she offered to meet me about 40 minutes before the start of the event so that we could spend some time together prior to the event. She also invited me to the after-party, which was even more generous of her. But, as it turned out, that wasn't all.

Atsuko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

She told me that another Tsuburaya Productions script supervisor, Noriko Shishikura (a.k.a. Noriko Suzuki) would be joining her. Shishikura-san doesn't do many appearances at events in Japan, and I'm not aware of her appearing at any other gathering. Suffice it to say, it was a rare opportunity!

Miyanobu Inori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

First, let's take a closer look at the day's VIPs. Atsuko Tanaka is a former Tsuburaya Productions scripter (known these days as a script supervisor), who worked on Ultra Q (1966), Ultraman (1966-67), Ultra Seven (1967-68), The Space Giants (1966-67), and Kaiju Booska (1966-67). In fact, when I showed her my Kaiju Booska DVD sleeve for her to sign, she was quite amused by it.

With Noriko Shishikura.

Masao Nakabori is a cinematographer whose credits include Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Operation: Mystery! (1968-69), Silver Kamen (1971-72), and Ultraman Taro (1973-74). On the big screen, Mr. Nakabori frequently collaborated with director Akio Jissoji, including the films Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis (1988) and Ultra Q: The Movie (1990).

Noriko Shishikura (born in 1937) has worn many hats in the Japanese film and television industry, having worked at different times as a scripter, screenwriter, director, and a producer. She was formerly married to Ultra-series director Toshitsugu Suzuki.

Atsuko Tanaka signs a Kaiju Booska DVD sleeve. Photo by Brett Homenick.

As a scripter, Shishikura-san has worked on Ultra Q, Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Silver Kamen, Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis, and a bevy of Nikkatsu films from the 1960s, going as far back as 1961. After that, she directed Ultraman: Great Monster Decisive Battle (1979), which is essentially a clip show of previous Ultraman episodes with some new footage edited into it.

Noriko Shishikura signs an Ultraman DVD sleeve. Photo by Brett Homenick.

She also produced the Tsuburaya Productions TV series Star Wolf (1978), Nobuhiko Obayashi's Cute Devil (1982), Ultra Q: The Movie, and Ultraman Tiga (1996-97), though only with director Jissoji.

An even bigger surprise was meeting Miyanobu Inori, who worked on three Akira Kurosawa movies in the camera and electrical department. Inori-san had a few stories to share about his experiences. 

On Dreams (1990), the staff had to create realistic-looking cherry blossoms. Kurosawa was pleased with the results and gave about one bottle per six staff members of White Horse, Kurosawa's favorite whiskey, for a job well done.

For the scene depicted on the poster of Rhapsody in August (1991), Inori-san was personally involved in putting film lights under the water to create the desired effect. (I didn't realize one would even do such a thing!)

Kurosawa liked shooting from far away with a zoom lens. On Madadayo (1993), there was an open set in Gotemba for a scene that took place right after the war. As you might imagine, it's difficult to light a scene from far away. They used a spotlight, with which the actors were fine. But Kurosawa didn't like it because it was too shiny and didn't look realistic.

A lot to write about, but that only scratches the surface! I had a great time today, and I must thank Tanaka-san for the invitation. It was truly remarkable!

A Day with Tsuburaya's Script Supervisor!

Atsuko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Despite the unpleasant weather (that's Tokyo's rainy season for you), I had another enjoyable visit with former Tsuburaya Productions script supervisor Atsuko Tanaka today. It was a wide-ranging conversation that lasted a few hours.  

Even though it had been about three months since our last visit, it felt like it was almost yesterday. Time sure does fly. Tanaka-san is a very friendly lady, and I look forward to our next visit.

A Bit of Tsuburaya Pro History!

Atsuko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, March 29, I was fortunate to be able to spend an afternoon with former Tsuburaya Productions scripter Atsuko Tanaka. Tanaka-san worked on Ultra Q (1966), Ultraman (1966-67), Ultra Seven (1967-68), The Space Giants (1966-67), and Kaiju Booska (1966-67).

Suffice it to say, I learned a lot, and it was a great time. I hope to have a chance to do it again soon!

ULTRA ONE-MAN SHOW 2016! Meeting the VIPs!

With Bin Furuya.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, there is much more to talk about from the Ultra One-Man Show 2016. So let's get to it!

With Nami Tamura.

One of the highlights for me was seeing actress Nami Tamura again. Although she is best known for her guest appearances in Ultra Q (1966) and Ultra Seven (1967-68), she was a Toho actress who appeared in numerous films for the studio, including the thriller Terror in the Streets (1970) along with a bevy of Kihachi Okamato actioners. 

With Minoru Kawasaki. 

Also on hand was Minoru Kawasaki, the director who created Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit (2008). Kawasaki-san was there promoting his new film, Daikaiju Mono (2016), and he took part as an emcee of some of the Q&A sessions.

With Hiroyuki Takano. 

Hiroyuki Takano co-starred in the Toei superhero series Barom-1 (1972) as Kentaro Shiratori. Takano-san has also appeared in episodes of Ultra Seven, Fight! Mighty Jack (1968), Operation: Mystery (1968-69), Spectreman (1971-72), Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Kamen Rider (1971-73), Silver Mask (1971-72), and Submersion of Japan (1974-75). Takano-san attended the show as a friend of Furuya-san.

Sojiro Uchino. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While there, I bumped into former child actor Sojiro Uchino, who appeared in episodes of Ultra Q, Ultraman, and Kaiju Booska (1966-67). I hadn't seen Soji-san since the summer, so I enjoyed chatting with him again.

With singer Grace Mika. 

I've gotten to know Grace Mika since last year, and I always enjoy her company. As always, it was a blast talking with her.

With Atsuko Tanaka. 

I met Tsuburaya Productions scripter Atsuko Tanaka at last year's Ultra One-Man Show, and I was fortunate enough to see her again. She thanked me for sending her photos from last year's event.

With Eiichi Kikuchi.

Last, but certainly not least, was Eiichi Kikuchi, the Return of Ultraman suit actor. He's a gentleman who always makes time for his fans.

And that's a wrap from the Ultra One-Man Show. What a great time it was!

BONUS! More Photos from the Ultra One-Man Show!

Yasuhiko Saijo and Hiroko Sakurai share a laugh onstage!

Yasuhiko Saijo prepares to do battle with Kemurajin, as Bin Furuya and Minoru Kawasaki look on.

Grace Mika sings jazz as part of the show.

Bin Furuya and director Toshihiro Iijima reminisce about the glory days of Tsuburaya Productions.

Iijima-san is feted by an old adversary.

Hanging with Yasuhiko Saijo.

Shaking hands with scripter Atsuko Tanaka.

Catching up with Sojiro Uchino.

Grace Mika and Yasuhiko Saijo meet for the first time.

Striking a familiar pose with suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi.

Meeting Yasuhiko Saijo is the highlight of just about any event.

With actress Nami Tamura.

Ultramen do their thing!

ULTRA ONE-MAN SHOW! Bin Furuya Hosts Another Big Event!

Bin Furuya puts a new spin on his Specium Ray pose. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Sunday, December 6, saw the second Ultra One-Man Show hosted by Bin Furuya (the original Ultraman suit actor). Taking place in Minato's Hatsumei Kaikan, it featured many notable celebrity guests.

Ultra Q stars Yasuhiko Saijo (left) and Hiroko Sakurai (right) take the stage to discuss their career at Tsuburaya Productions. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Among the guests on hand were Ultra Q alumni Yasuhiko Saijo and Hiroko Sakurai. Both shared many laughs when recounting their memories at Tsuburaya Productions.

Grace Mika and Bin Furuya perform a tap-dancing routine to a warm reception from the audience. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After the Q&A wrapped, actress-singer Grace Mika took to the stage with Furuya-san, and together they performed a tap-dancing number that wowed the audience. How often do you get to see Ultraman cut a rug like that?

Tsuburaya Productions director Toshihiro Iijima was feted at the event. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The guest who seemed to garner the most reverence was Tsuburaya Productions director Toshihiro Iijima, whose directorial credits include Ultra Q, Ultraman, and Ultra Seven. Director Minoru Kawasaki (who served as an emcee for the event) interviewed Iijima-san onstage while Tsuburaya alumni Furuya-san, Sakurai-san, Saijo-san, and scripter Atsuko Tanaka threw in their two cents.

One surprise was a video message from Ultraman and Ultra Seven actor Sandayu Dokumamushi. If only he were able to attend in person!

Yes, hanging out with Yasuhiko Saijo is as fun as it looks!

After the show finished, it was time to meet and mingle. I spoke to many familiar faces in the lobby area. I also was able to snap a few photos with some of the guests.

Yours truly with Tsuburaya Productions scripter Atsuko Tanaka. 

Once that wrapped, the after-party was ready to commence. Many of Furuya-san's fans and friends converged upstairs for a dinner that lasted about two hours.

It was great to see and speak with Hiroko Sakurai again. 

This was an opportunity for attendees to get autographs from and photos with the celebrity guests. One of the first I approached was Hiroko Sakurai. Even though fans immediately swarmed around her, she was as friendly as always.

Enjoying a chat with former child actor Sojiro Uchino (Ultra Q, Ultraman). 

It had been months since I last saw and hung out with Sojiro Uchino (a former child actor whose credits include Ultra Q, Ultraman, Kaiju Booska, and Gamera vs. Viras). I certainly hope to have the chance to see him again before the end of the year.

With the enchanting and multi-talented Grace Mika.

I spent the majority of the evening hanging out with actress-singer Grace Mika, along with our mutual friend Yasushi. Grace is always a blast to spend time with, and even though she isn't a tokusatsu fan, she seems to fit right in at events like this.

Yours truly with Ultra Seven and Return of Ultraman suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi.

It was also a lot of fun to speak with Eiichi Kikuchi, who played Ultra Seven in Ultra Seven for two episodes (14 and 15) and the suit actor for Ultraman Jack in Return of Ultraman. We took several pictures together with different poses, all at his insistence!

Meeting Toho actress Nami Tamura for the first time.

 A suprise guest was actress Nami Tamura, an actress who appears in many Toho films, particularly the works of Kihachi Okamoto. She can also be seen in many programs from Tsuburaya Productions.

A great time was had by all, and I must congratulate Furuya-san on an excellent event. I can't wait for next year's show!

After it was finished, Grace, Yasushi, and I went out for dinner and drinks for a few more hours. It was the perfect way to cap off an incredible day!