Fumio Ishimori, Writer of 'Kamen Rider,' 'Zone Fighter,' and 'Ultraman Ace,' Passes Away at 93

Fumio Ishmimori with a Zone Fighter DVD in April 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

According to his official Facebook page, screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (sometimes credited as Shiro Ishimori) passed away on June 9. He was 93.

Born on July 31, 1931, Mr. Ishimori began his screenwriting career in the early 1960s, primarily working for Nikkatsu Studios during most of the 1960s, before transitioning to Shochiku before the end of the decade.

With Fumio Ishimori in April 2017.

In total, Mr. Ishimori wrote more than 70 movie screenplays, penning the scripts for the films Fearless Comrades (1966), A Warm Misty Night (1967), Toshio Masuda’s Monument to the Girl’s Corps (1968), The Rendezvous (1972), Journey into Solitude (1972), Toho’s Horror of the Wolf (1973), Galaxy Express 999 (1979), and Nobuhiko Obayashi’s The Rocking Horsemen (1992).

Fumio Ishimori stands outside a theater in Asakusa where a play he had written was performed in September 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In terms of TV tokusatsu, he wrote Kamen Rider (1971-73) episodes 47, 50, 76, 83, 89, and 90, Ultraman Ace (1972-73) episodes 37 and 44, and Zone Fighter (1973) episode 20 (under the pen name Shiro Ishimori).

But his tokusatsu connections run even deeper — his maternal cousin was famed manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. 

Fumio Ishimori in Asakusa after his play was performed in January 2020. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In November 2020, I had the distinct privilege of interviewing Mr. Ishimori about his prolific screenwriting career. I had come to respect and admire Mr. Ishimori since our first meeting in early 2016 that I was determined to share his story in English with the rest of the world. Mr. Ishimori was, without a doubt, one of the kindest gentlemen I met while I was in Japan. 

With Fumio Ishimori in October 2020.

As he got older, he became much less active, and I never met him again after we completed our interview. Mr. Ishimori stopped going out, although he continued to offer screenwriting lectures via Zoom. I wanted to meet him one last time before leaving Japan, but it was sadly not to be. I'm pleased that I was able to record Mr. Ishimori's screenwriting memories in my interview with him.

Rest in peace, Ishimori-sensei. Thank you for your kindness.

Japanese Cut-Up Noriro Niiyama Passes Away at 86

Noriro Niiyama in October 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The recent news of Shinichi Yanagisawa's passing prompted me to look up another actor I met at the HUB Asakusa in October 2019. The performer in question was comedian Noriro Niiyama. Mr. Niiyama (real name: Norio Watanabe) was born on January 1, 1936, and formed a manzai comedy team with his partner Toriro Niiyama (real name: Eiji Yokozawa) in 1958. The act eventually broke up in 1985.

When we met, Mr. Niiyama gave me his business card with his cell phone number on it, and today I gave some thought to ringing him up to see if he might be interesting in meeting. However, when I did some research, I found that he passed away on December 19, 2022, at the age of 86. He had been diagnosed with leukemia not long before his eventual passing.

His manzai partner Toriro Niiyama has apparently already passed away, but details of his passing, including the date he died, are apparently unknown.

Noriro Niiyama appeared in several films during his career, particularly Nikkatsu comedies of the late 1960s. These include The Invincible One (1967), starring Akira Kobayashi and co-written by Fumio Ishimori, as well as The Wedding Salesman (1968).

It's devastating to see so many figures from the Showa era pass away. Rest in peace, Mr. Niiyama.

Fumio Ishimori Q&A Now on Vantage Point Interviews!

With Fumio Ishimori in November 2020.

A brand-new interview has been posted with screenwriter Fumio Ishimori on Vantage Point Interviews, who began his scriptwriting career at Nikkatsu Studios in the mid-1960s. Among his film credits are Toshio Masuda’s war film Monument to the Girl’s Corps (1968), Toho’s Horror of the Wolf (1973), and the animated feature Galaxy Express 999 (1979). He also wrote several episodes of the original Kamen Rider (1971-73) TV series, as well as episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

At Vantage Point Interviews, content is king!

Interviewing a Screenwriting Legend!

Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

This afternoon, I had a fun and enlightening time interviewing longtime screenwriter Fumio Ishimori, whose screenwriting career dates back to the early 1960s. I learned a lot about his experiences, and I can't wait to share them in the finished interview.

Ishimori-san has several tokusatsu credits to his name, including Kamen Rider (1971-73), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), Zone Fighter (1973), and the Toho action/horror flick Crest of the Wolf (1973). All these topics and much more were covered in the interview. When it's eventually published, I'll share the link here. Watch this space.

A Return to the Laputa Asagaya!

The Laputa Asagaya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

A few weeks ago, I received a letter from screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. He invited me to join him at a screening of his film Kyoko and Jiro (1973), produced by Shochiku Studios. Kyoko and Jiro is a romantic melodrama that follows the lives of the titular characters, including all the ups and downs. Kaoru Yumi and Yuriko Hishimi are two of the actresses that tokusatsu fans would likely recognize.

I went to the theater (the Laputa Asagaya) and met Ishimori-san there. Shortly thereafter, the movie started. I was surprised to see it was a packed house, but I guess there were quite a few people who wanted to see the film. And an enjoyable film it was. It was very stylishly directed and well acted by its cast members.

Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After the movie, our group had lunch at a nearby restaurant. There, I was introduced to a female anime TV scriptwriter who was a student of Ishimori-san's. We all had a great conversation. Many thanks to Ishimori-san for inviting me!

A Comedic Start to 2020!

 Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Over the holidays, I received a letter from Fumio Ishimori, who invited me to attend a play in Asakusa for which he wrote the script. Today was the first performance, and Ishimori-san was in attendance, so naturally I went, too. I've seen several of Ishimori-san's plays in Asakusa. He often writes scripts for this comedy troupe. I hadn't seen Ishimori-san since June, so I was especially pleased to attend. Besides, I really wanted to greet him and personally wish him a happy New Year.

Ishimori-san was a screenwriter who wrote many scripts for Shochiku and Nikkatsu, including Toshio Masuda's war film Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). Genre fans might know Ishimori-san as co-screenwriter of the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also penned numerous episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), along with episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

Ishimori-san was a true gentleman, as he always is. I had a great time in his company, and I hope to see him again very soon.

Meeting a Legendary Japanese Cut-Up!

 Noriro Niiyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On October 15, I was able to meet comedian Noriro Niiyama. Niiyama-san (real name: Norio Watanabe) was born on January 1, 1936, and formed a manzai comedy team with his partner Toriro Niiyama (real name: Eiji Yokozawa) in 1958. The act eventually broke up in 1985. 

Noriro Niiyama appeared in several films along the way, particularly Nikkatsu comedies in the late 1960s. These include The Invincible One (1967), starring Akira Kobayashi and co-written by Fumio Ishimori, as well as The Wedding Salesman (1968). It was certainly a joy to meet Niiyama-san, and I hope to get a chance to do so again in the future.

Ishimori-san Returns to the Stage!

Fumio Ishimori, after the Friday evening performance of his play. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Friday night, June 14, I left work and immediately headed to a theater in Naka-Meguro to catch Fumio Ishimori's latest stage play. I've blogged about Ishimori-san countless times, but as a reminder, Ishimori-san was a screenwriter who wrote many scripts for Shochiku and Nikkatsu, including Toshio Masuda's war film Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). Genre fans might know Ishimori-san as co-screenwriter of the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also penned numerous episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), along with episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

After the show finished, I caught up with Ishimori-san, who invited me to stick around and share drinks with the cast. We all had a great time taking photos and generally shooting the breeze. I missed Ishimori-san at a few of his other recent stage plays, and aside from a chance encounter last March at Kichijoji Station, I hadn't seen him since last year. I'm very glad to have had the chance to see him again on Friday evening.

Here's to Ishimori-san's continued success!

Comedy Has Come Back to Asakusa!

Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I paid a visit to the Asakusa 21st Century Comic Theater to attend a stage play written by Fumio Ishimori. Ishimori-san is a prolific screenwriter whose credits include the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973), along with a myriad of TV productions, such as Kamen Rider (1971-73), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), and Zone Fighter (1973). 

The play was a 007 parody with a lot of broad, over-the-top humor. There was even a Kamen Rider reference in the show. (Take that, Shocker!) Definitely fun stuff. I certainly had fun seeing Ishimori-san again, who is always very friendly. I'm already looking forward to his next production!

Seeing Fumio Ishimori's Latest Production

Yours truly with Fumio Ishimori (second from left) and friends.

A few weeks ago, I received a letter in the mail from screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori), which came with a flyer for his latest stage production. The letter invited me to attend the performance on March 9 in Shibuya. Shortly thereafter, I reserved a ticket and made plans to attend after work.

I arrived a bit late to the show (due to my work schedule), but after the show, I caught up with Ishimori-san and his wife (whom I'd met for the first time). Ishimori-san invited me to dinner, so the three of us went to a nearby izakaya and ate some delicious food.

It was a great evening, and I certaily look foward to seeing Ishimori-san again.

Actress Sachiko Kozuki Passes Away at Age 87

Sachiko Kozuki in 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

The Japanese media is reporting that actress and Takarazuka Revue icon Sachiko Kozuki passed away on January 24 of heart failure. She was 87.

Kozuki-san was a regular on the Toho tokusatsu TV program Zone Fighter (1973) as Mrs. Sakimori, the mother of the show's three main heroes. Her other SFX credits include appearances on Mirrorman (1971-72), Ultraman Taro (1973-74), Ultraman Leo (1974-75), and Kamen Rider W (2009-10).

Sachiko Kozuki shares memories with screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In April 2017, I attended a special event in which Kozuki-san reminisced about Zone Fighter with one of the series' writers, Fumio Ishimori (pictured above). 

Rest in peace, Kozuki-san.

ISHIMORI-SAN RETURNS TO ASAKUSA! The Celebrated Scribes Pens Another Stage Comedy!

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended a stage play in Asakusa written by Fumio Ishimori (whose name is sometimes mistranslated as "Shiro" Ishimori). Ishimori-san co-wrote Toho's Crest of the Wolf (1973), along with several tokusatsu TV programs during the 1970s. 

While there, I handed him a Christmas card, which he was surprised to receive. He asked me for my address, and I naturally gave it to him. I suppose I should keep an eye on my mailbox in the coming days.

It's always great to see Ishimori-san, and I'm already looking forward to the next time next year.

FUMIO ISHIMORI IS BACK! The Longtime Screenwriter Returns to Asakusa with a New Play!

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Today, I went to Asakusa to see the latest play written by screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san, as noted several times on this blog, has written many movies for Shochiku and Nikkatsu. One of his most significant credits is his screenplay for Toshio Masuda's Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). He also co-wrote the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda, as well as writing episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), and Zone Fighter (1973).

The play itself was a comedy, and it had the audience in stitches. One amusing incident occurred when the backdrop suddenly fell apart, causing the actors to improvise while the crew put everything back together again. Everything was back on track within a few minutes. All in all, it was an enjoyable show, and it's always a treat to see Ishimori-san.

CREST OF THE WOLF! Seeing This (Sort of) Horror Movie at Laputa Asagaya!

The poster for Crest of the Wolf (1973) on display in the theater lobby. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight, I returned to the Laputa Asagaya for a 35mm screening of Crest of the Wolf (1973), a pseudo-horror movie that has never really enthralled me that much. Those expecting a more traditional werewolf flick will certainly be disappointed. The werewolf scenes are incidental to the film, which plays more like a violent high school drama. 

What we do see of the werewolf isn't all that impressive, either. At some points, the lead actor is simply wearing a wolf mask (and retains his ability to speak), and at other times he's a full-blown wolf, attacking his enemies and causing untold amounts of blood spray. The effects of which are never really convincing.

There are no flashy transformation scenes, either. He just suddenly appears as a wolf. The rest of the movie is pretty trashy stuff (nudity, violence, etc.), especially from Toho. As I said, though, most of the movie revolves around a gang of violent high school thugs who don't take kindly to the new "lone wolf" student who does things his own way.

Here's a nice poster for Toho's Ichi ka bachi ka (1963) that was on display. Looks like a fun flick. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Still, screenings of Crest of the Wolf are extremely rare, so I wanted to take the opportunity to see it in 35mm. I'm glad I did, even though my opinion of the film hasn't changed much. It really isn't a bad film, and it does show a bit of stylistic flair, but let's face it, we're only seeing this movie because it has a monster in it. That's what we want, but it just doesn't deliver.

In Japan, the film is most notable for marking the screen debut of Yusaku Matsuda, a popular actor who went on to star as the main villain in Ridley Scott's Black Rain (1989), and who died shortly after completing that film. (Matsuda plays the leader of the high school gang in Crest of the Wolf.)

ZONE FIGHTER REUNION! Two Alumni from Toho Tokusatsu Join Forces in Shinjuku!

Fumio Ishimori holds a Zone Fighter DVD. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I attended a talk given by screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san penned many screenplays for Shochiku and Nikkatsu, including Toshio Masuda's Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). Genre fans might know Ishimori-san as co-screenwriter of the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also penned numerous episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), along with episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

Actress Sachiko Kozuki listens intently to Fumio Ishimori's memories. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Also on hand was Takarazuka Revue legend Sachiko Kozuki, who also has made many appearances in film and television over the years. She had a recurring role on Zone Fighter (1973) as Mrs. Sakimori, the mother of the three main characters. She has also appeared in episodes of Mirrorman (1971-72), Ultraman Taro (1973-74), Ultraman Leo (1974-75), and Kamen Rider W (2009-10).

The two seemed to enjoy themselves as they reminisced about Zone Fighter and other topics. It was certainly a lot of fun to see.

Ishimori-san was just as friendly as he always is. After the Q&A session, Ishimori-san invited me to join him and his group at a nearby cafe, which is an invitation I was eager to accept.

And there you have it. I wasn't expecting the extra level of hospitality I received from Ishimori-san, so it was a very pleasant surprise.

SEEING FUMIO ISHIMORI'S NEW PLAY! Asakusa Is the Place to Be!

Fumio Ishimori stands outside the theater in Asakusa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, I had an opportunity to take in the new comedy play written by Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san is a longtime screenwriter who has written numerous films for Nikkastu and Shochiku studios.  

Fumio Ishimori signs my DVD sleeve of Crest of the Wolf. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

For Toho, he wrote the horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also wrote several episodes of the original Kamen Rider (1971-73), as well as episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

When I found out about Ishimori-san's play, I knew I had to check it out. Thankfully, my Sunday afternoon was open, and I was able to make it. It was an enjoyable parody with a Lupin III-type character as the focal point, and it had the audience laughing throughout.

With Ishimori-san and many of the cast members.

Afterward, we posed for photos and chatted a bit. I also got to meet many of the cast, and everyone was quite friendly. I look forward to seeing his next play!

A DIFFERENT SIDE OF JAPANESE MOVIES! Dinner with Legends from the Japanese Film Industry!

With screenwriter Fumio Ishimori, following a dinner party in Yokohama.

Tonight I had dinner with two luminaries from the world of Japanese film. One of the special guests was screenwriter Fumio Ishimori, who is best known in the West for his screenplay for the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973), which was co-written by Jun Fukuda. He also wrote several episodes of the original Kamen Rider (1971-73). Additionally, Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973) are among his other tokusatsu credits.

With actress Yoko Takahashi, who has appeared in numerous films from the 1970s.

The evening's other guest was actress Yoko Takahashi. She appears in Kon Ichikawa's The Devil's Ballad (1977) and the Academy Award-nominated Sandakan 8 (1974). It was my first time to meet Takahashi-san, and she impressed me with her kindness and sense of humor. When she found out I was a Godzilla fan, she broke out into the Godzilla theme!

While she doesn't appear in any kaiju films (which I'm sure would immediately deter others), her career is very interesting to me, and while her acting career may not have been as lengthy as some of her other colleagues', it is arguably more impressive than most. In fact, one of my friends told me after the event that she is his favorite actress of all time!

It was a fun evening with many laughs and good times. Many thanks to everyone who made the evening so special!

TAKE TWO! Nikkatsu Takes Over Yokohama!

Nikkatsu Studios star Masako Izumi listens intently to a question from one of her many fans.

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori poses for a photo.

Hanging out with the kind and energetic Masako Izumi.

Does it look like we're having a good time?

Meeting Fumio Ishimori, who was worked for many of Japan's greatest studios.

A selfie with a great Japanese screenwriter!

One last photo for the road!