Getting a bird's-eye view of Tokyo!

A view of Roppongi (in the distance) from Daiakanyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, August 12, I was invited to dinner with some work colleagues at a Mexican restaurant in Daikanyama. The restaurant was on the ninth floor of a building, so it gave us a good view of the skyline. In particular, we could see Roppongi quite well from our vantage point, including Mori Tower and Tokyo Tower. Seeing as how we were there for a few hours, I was able to take photos at several points during the evening, which you can see below. Enjoy!

The Last Day at the Art Exhibit in Daikanyama!

Mickey Curtis. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I paid one last visit to Mickey Curtis while his art exhibit was still open in Daikanyama. When I realized that I could get my DVD copy of Desperado Outpost (1959) signed by Mickey-san, I practically had no choice but to return!

It was a lot of fun to see him again, although I didn't have the time to hang out as I did the last two times. But this time Mickey-san told me one story in particular that had me roaring with laughter -- it was by far the funniest thing he told me about during all three days! When I was leaving, Mickey-san invited me to come visit him at his home sometime. I certainly have to do that, but it likely won't be for a while, as he lives extremely far from Tokyo. We'll see how it goes.

Many thanks to Mickey-san for his excellent hospitality!

Another Visit with an Artist and a Gentleman!

Mickey Curtis. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I paid another visit to Daikanyama Garage to visit with musician-actor-artist Mickey Curtis, who is currently hosting an exhibit of his art (photos of which you can see at the bottom of this blog post).

Mickey-san wasn't there when I arrived, which turned out not to be an issue, as I had plenty of time. It turned out he was doing a radio interview, promoting the gallery. It's absolutely amazing how busy he continues to be!

Kotoha Hiroyama and Mickey Curtis. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I wanted to ask Mickey-san about his time in Studio City, CA, which started in either 1977 or '78 and lasted until 1980. During that time, he created the electronic sound effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and John Carpenter's The Fog (1980), using a synthesizer he had at the time. But, because he wasn't in the union, he wasn't credited in those films. When he visa expired, he returned to Japan. Of course, Mickey-san had prior experience living abroad, as he lived in Europe from about 1964 until 1970.

Mickey Curtis with his wife, Yoko. Photo by Brett Homenick.

He also told me about his association with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack when they would visit Japan. (Mickey-san was probably one of the few Japanese who spoke fluent English in the entertainment industry at the time in Japan.) When I asked him about Sinatra's None But the Brave (1965), that's when he mentioned living away from Japan at the time, so he wasn't aware of the movie. Moreover, he talked about getting a call from Yul Brynner out of the blue in which Brynner invited him to dinner. 

Kotoha Hiroyama, Yoko Curtis, and Mickey Curtis. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I could have continued the conversation for a lot longer, but I had to go back to work, so that was that. Right before I left, producer and actress Kotoha Hiroyama showed up again, so I was able to tell her how much I enjoyed her recent film Truth (2022). Before I left, I wanted to photograph Mickey-san with his wife, Yoko, which also caused a few other shutterbugs in attendance to snap some photos, too. 

One of the ladies working the front desk thanked me as I was leaving for suggesting the photo op, as she was apparently very happy to have such a photo. Yoko-san stopped me before I left to talk about their new countryside home, and Hiroyama-san also said her goodbyes to me as I was walking out. With such kind people in attendance, I didn't want to leave! 

Below are some samples of Mickey-san's art. Enjoy!

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.

GODZILLA TRAMPLES TSUTAYA! The New Godzilla's Home Video Release in Japan Makes Big Waves!

There goes the neighborhood! Godzilla stomps his way into Daikanyama's Tsutaya video rental store. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In order to promote the recent DVD/Blu-ray release of Godzilla (2014) in Japan, a statue of Legendary's Godzilla is on display at the video rental store Tsutaya in Daikanyama, one stop over from Shibuya Station.

Aside from the DVDs and Blu-rays, there are other books and magazines for sale, bearing the likeness of Godzilla. It's a cool set-up, but one that isn't likely to last very long, so check it out while you can!

Even though I'm not at all a fan of the movie, I enjoy seeing Godzilla displays in Tokyo whenever they appear, and this one was no exception. I figured since the hype has died down, and the the 60th anniversary is now history, Godzilla would go back into hibernation in Japan, but that hasn't been the case at all. It certainly looks like Toho wants to keep the Big G in the public eye at least until the studio's own release comes out in 2016.

And that's a wrap. If any other Godzilla displays pop up in the Tokyo area, stay tuned to this blog for further details!

CHRISTMAS IN JAPAN! It's Not Even December, But Japan Is Ready!

Colonel Sanders gets into the holiday spirit at KFC. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Thanksgiving hasn't even happened in America yet, but that hasn't stopped a lot of folks in Japan from getting their places of business decked out in Christmas gear. KFCs across Tokyo have dressed their Colonel Sanders statues as Santa Claus, and lots of other Yuletide sights can already be seen across the country. The photos below were taken by me near Daikanyama Station, during both day and night. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. Check them out!