A Fun Afternoon with a Seishun Starlet!

Tomoko Umeda. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (Sunday, February 4), I spent a fun afternoon at a Gusto restaurant next to Machida Station. There, I spent a couple of hours with actress Tomoko Umeda, her husband, and their daughter. Umeda-san would be best known in the West for playing Machiko Shima in Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), though in Japan she is better known for her work on seishun (youth) TV programs in the late 1960s and early '70s.

Tomoko Umeda's signing Gigan-related memorabilia. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I first met Umeda-san way back in 2013 and hadn't seen met her again until today. I did briefly see her at the memorial celebration for actor Yosuke Natsuki in 2018, but I didn't have a chance to approach her. After I first met Umeda-san, I thought for sure I'd get to see her multiple times in Tokyo, but it just never worked out that way. Sometimes, life gets in the way of your plans.

During the conversation, when I mentioned that I wasn't married, Umeda-san expressed surprise and said I was handsome. Of course, it's always great to receive such a compliment, but shortly thereafter I started thinking about how, during eighth grade, I would often put Gigan on after school and watch various scenes from the movie. The fact that the leading lady from that film would eventually call me handsome while seated across from me at a restaurant was, when viewed through that lens, quite extraordinary. I told Umeda-san about that and thanked her for her kind words.

At another point, Umeda-san got up to refill her drink and asked me what I wanted. I said I'd be happy to get my own drink, but she insisted, which was very kind of her. So Umeda-san ended up bringing me back a fresh glass of Coke. It was delicious!

When we went our separate ways, Umeda-san and her husband stood in place and waved to me as I headed back to the station. I would look back every so often after taking a few steps, and they would still be standing there, waving to me. This went on for quite a well, and it was a great gesture on their part. They could have easily walked off when I did, but they waited around to see me off until I was completely out of sight. Suffice it to say, it was much appreciated.

Many thanks for the wonderful afternoon!

An Ultra-Cool Evening with Two Icons of Japanese Television!

Bin Furuya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, February 18, I was lucky to attend a special dinner party with none other than Bin Furuya, the legendary Ultraman suit actor from the original Ultraman (1966-67) series, as well as a bevy of other movie and television roles at Toho and Tsuburaya Productions throughout the 1960s. To be honest, I hadn't been expecting to attend this event due to my work schedule. But then I found out that a dinner party would be held after the event itself, which meant that I could attend after all once I'd finished work.

I last met Furuya-san briefly in December 2021, but our time at that event was so brief that it wasn't very memorable. I was a bit surprised that Furuya-san seemed so glad to see me again, as it appeared he was a bit concerned (I'm not sure that's the right word to use, but I'm having trouble coming up with something more appropriate) that he hadn't seen or heard from me in a while.

Well, I mailed him a New Year's greeting card, as I always do, as well as sending my best wishes to him for a happy New Year via email. But it's true that I've missed all his events since the end of 2021. It was really just a timing issue. Suffice it to say, though, that I was more than impressed that he genuinely seemed to care so much. 

Furuya-san was in a great mood, and his energy rubbed off on me. He introduced me to several new faces and told them about the time I escorted him and Akira Takarada around Chicago in July 2012, pitting his hands on my shoulders as he recounted his memories. For someone who has done as many events in the U.S. as Furuya-san has, it also impressed me that his first visit still holds such a prominent spot in his heart. 

With Mari Shimizu.

Also on hand was another legend -- voice actress Mari Shimizu. Shimizu-san is certainly best known as the original voice of Astro Boy in the 1963-66 anime series of the same name. I hadn't seen her in many years, and unfortunately she didn't recognize me when we met. No worries, though -- our last encounter was a long time ago. Prior to meeting her again, though, I was surprised to find that her father was actor Gen Shimizu. 

Who is Gen Shimizu? Well, it's great you asked. Gen Shimizu appears in numerous Akira Kurosawa films, including Stray Dog (1949), Seven Samurai (1954), I Live in Fear (1955), Throne of Blood (1957), The Bad Sleep Well (1960), Yojimbo (1961), Sanjuro (1962), and High and Low (1963).

Other notable films on Mr. Shimizu's resume include Gate of Hell (1953), Chushingura (1962), A Woman's Story (1963), and Rise against the Sword (1966). He even appeared in the occasional tokusatsu outing, including Ghost Man (1954), Buddha (1961), Monster Zero (1965), Ultra Q episode 8 (1966), The Space Giants (1966-67), and Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) as the commander of the Self-Defense Force. Mr. Shimizu passed away on December 20, 1972, at the age of 65, just months after Godzilla vs. Gigan was released in theaters.

I mentioned to her that her father appeared in Gigan, but she wasn't aware, pointing out that he is much better known for his Kurosawa roles, which naturally makes a lot of sense. But I can't help it if his most iconic role for me was his part in Jun Fukuda's 1972 kaiju romp. As cool as it is that she is an anime icon, her being Gen Shimizu's daughter is right up there, too.

What a fun evening! It certainly had been too long, so let's all do it again soon!

Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 at Yurakucho Marui!

A rocket-gun used from Godzilla Raids Again (1955) through Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Friday evening, November 2, Jacob and I attended the Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 on the 8th floor of Yurakucho Marui, which ran from October 21 through November 4. There were many enlarged photos on display (which I'd seen before in books over the years), but what really caught my attention were the props used in various films over the years. Let's take a look at what was on hand.

A patrol car used in such films as Mothra (1961) and King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).

The Tokaido Express train car from Godzilla (1954).

The high-powered laser-beam vehicle from Godzilla 1985 (1984), designed by Takashi Naganuma.

Naturally, I just had to pose with such cool props.

And that's a wrap!

Toshiro Aoki, Toho SFX Art Director, Passes Away

Toho SFX art director Toshiro Aoki in November 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Toho SFX art director Toshiro Aoki passed away on December 31, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 82.

Mr. Aoki was born in Gunma Prefecture in 1936. Beginning his career at Toho as an art assistant in 1959, Mr. Aoki lent his considerable talents to productions like The Three Treasures (1959), Mothra (1961), Gorath (1962), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), Godzilla vs. the Thing (1964), among many other titles.

In the 1970s, Mr. Aoki followed in the footsteps of Yasuyuki Inoue and became SFX art director for films like Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974), and Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975). 

I was pleased to meet Mr. Aoki in November 2016 at a special event in Yokohama. I found him to be extremely friendly and always hoped I would have another chance to meet him and possibly interview him.

Rest in peace, Mr. Aoki.

YURIKO HISHIMI'S NEW BOOK! 50 Years of Ultra Seven!

The year 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the superhero classic Ultra Seven (1967-68), which remains widely popular in Japan. In honor of the show's milestone, Shogakukan has published a brand-new, 256-page softcover memoir by actress Yuriko Hishimi, who played Anne Yuri on the series. (Hishimi-san would be better known to Westerners as the karate-kickin' Tomoko Tomoe in Godzilla vs. Gigan.)

I'm pleased to report that the publisher mailed me a copy of the book today and that my name is listed among the contributors. (You can read it in katakana in the image above.) Suffice it to say, I was happy to help. The book can be ordered on amazon.com here.

Here's to 50 years of Ultra Seven! Congratulations to Hishimi-san!

IT'S A MONSTER MARATHON! Taking in Godzilla Flicks at the Jimbocho Theater!

The Jimbocho Theater, a building with a most interesting design! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Since I had the day off work, I finally made my way to the Jimbocho Theater in (where else?) Jimbocho, Tokyo, which is hosting a Godzilla movie marathon in anticipation of Godzilla Resurgence, which hits Japanese theaters at the end of July.

The screenings began on May 7 and run until June 17. There are four films screened every day, and each day the lineup changes (although the same set of films are screened throughout the week). This week focuses on the films made between Destroy All Monsters (1968) and Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973). 

I arrived in time for the afternoon screening of Godzilla vs. Megalon and stayed on for the showings of Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) and Godzilla's Revenge (1969). Megalon looked fantastic in 35mm. Gigan and Revenge, however, had seen better days, as both prints were a bit faded and choppy at times. Still, nothing beats 35mm film screenings, and even with their flaws, they looked infinitely better than some awful DVD projections I had to sit through at some American theatrical screenings!

Before each film, the full trailer for Godzilla Resurgence was shown. I'd already seen a slightly truncated version of the trailer several times at several Toho Cinemas throughout Tokyo, but this was my first opportunity to see the unedited version. I have several (okay, many) reservations about the film, but I'm certainly curious to see it.

The Jimbocho Theater was decked out with posters of various sizes, and naturally a bit of merchandise was available. Thankfully, I resisted the temptation to break out my wallet.

The coolest display item of all was this small Godzilla statue. It's these little touches that put the Japanese Godzilla events above all others. You just don't see cool stuff like this anywhere else!

All in all, it was a fantastic day of Godzilla flicks. I usually don't like to do movie marathons (too much of a good thing is still too much), but this was an enjoyable exception. I can't tell you how many times I've seen these three films, but they still managed to hold my attention after all these years. Bravo!

I hope to return to the Jimbocho Theater to catch some other Showa-era Godzilla films. Hopefully, my work schedule will allow it.

G-1: Dinner with Godzilla Suit Actor Kenpachiro Satsuma!

Suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma gave a lively talk in Kichijoji, Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I returned from the monthly Godzilla fan club meeting in Kichijoji, Tokyo, and the guest of honor was once again Heisei Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma. Satsuma-san started his Godzilla series suit-acting career as Hedorah and Gigan in the Showa era and later took on the role of Godzilla between Godzilla (1984) and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995).

What could be better than hanging out and having fun with Godzilla himself! 

As usual, Satsuma-san was in great spirits. He showed me a piece of paper with English written phonetically in katakana that he's used for introductions at American conventions in the past. I helped Satsuma-san read it, and while some of it was a little difficult to make out at first, we were able to figure out what it all meant. My favorite part of the introduction was his saying that Godzilla survives on nuclear fuel and that for him it is like eating a hamburger.

Say cheese! A group shot of all the enthusiastic and friendly Godzilla fans. Photo by Brett Homenick.

There will be another meeting next month, but I'm not sure yet whether I can attend. I certainly hope that I can. These get-togethers are always a lot of fun!

Celebrating the Life of Linda Hardisty with Yuriko Hishimi

A photo of Linda Hardisty (1947-1986) is situated between two Kobe Port Tower candles at Asian Taipei in honor of her memory. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I was part of an incredibly special dinner at Asian Taipei, the restaurant owned by actress Yuriko Hishimi (Ultra Seven, Godzilla vs. Gigan) in Chofu, Tokyo. Hishimi-san organized the dinner for those who helped in the search to locate Linda Hardisty. As I wrote about on this blog, Hishimi-san was very interested to reunite with her former Ultra Seven colleague. Unfortunately, Ms. Hardisty passed away almost three decades ago of natural causes.

Yours truly sat next to Yuriko Hishimi during the celebratory dinner at Asian Taipei.

Although we met under sad circumstances, many laughs were had throughout the evening, which lasted nearly four hours. Hishimi-san was very friendly and open with her thoughts and memories, and while she regaled us with stories and answered her questions, we dined on her restaurant's trademark Indian food.

Posing with Hishimi-san and a photo of the late Linda Hardisty.

It's been a long time since I last met Hishimi-san, so it was very enjoyable to catch up with her again. She thanked me for my role in finding out what became of the former Ultra Seven guest star, but it was truly a group effort. The fans in Japan did their part, and I had an assist from Mike Barnum and Jacob Dow. We all pulled together and accomplished something significant.

We hope to continue to celebrate the life of Linda Hardisty. Many thanks to Hishimi-san for graciously hosting this private event.

KENPACHIRO SATSUMA RULES! The Famed Godzilla Suit Actor Talks Shop in Shibuya!

Yours truly with celebrated Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma, in front of Toho Cinemas in Shibuya.

Today I had the distinct privlege of spending several hours with Kenpachiro Satsuma, the Godzilla suit actor of the series' Heisei era (1984-1995). Satsuma-san also portrayed Hedorah in Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971) and Gigan in Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) and Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973).

My friend Yasushi and I drank coffee with Satsuma-san in a cafe near Toho Cinemas in Shibuya. The discussion covered a lot of ground, including the making of Godzilla vs. Megalon and the North Korean monster romp Pulgasari (1985). Other topics were also broached. Contrary to what's been widely reported, Satsuma-san did not walk out on the screening of Godzilla (1998) at John Rocco Roberto's G-CON '98 in Chicago. Even though he did not enjoy the film, he stayed until the end.

After a few hours, it was time to go home, but not before the obligatory photos were taken! This evening was by far the most time I've spent in Satsuma-san's company. I've met him a few times at other gatherings, but this meeting was by far the most enjoyable. I look forward to visiting Satsuma-san again in the near future!

MISSION: ATTACK CHOFU! A Godzilla vs. Gigan Reunion Takes Place in Tokyo!

The restauarant Asian Taipei, located in Chofu, Tokyo, hosted an impressive Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) reunion that attracted several notable tokusatsu figures as attendees. The guests at the reunion were Yuriko Hishimi (who plays the karate-kicking Tomoko Tomoe), Hiroshi Ishikawa (who stars as cartoonist Gengo Kotaka), legendary suit actor Haruo Nakajima (who plays Godzilla), and SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano.

The event brought a few notable names who would otherwise be featured guests at such a signing, but they simply came as fans themselves. Millennium series director Masaaki Tezuka (Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, Godzilla against Mechagodzilla, and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.) was among the attendees.

Also on hand were expert model maker Hiroshi Sagae (the Heisei Gamera series) and former child actor Sojiro Uchino (Ultra Q, Ultraman, Kaiju Booska, and Gamera vs. Viras).

Haruo Nakajima was revered by the audience and spoke about his many kaiju memories. Speaking of Nakajima-san, many prizes were given away to attendees. The last such prize was a signed paperback copy of Nakajima-san's autobiography. As it turned out, I was the lucky winner! Interestingly, I had held off on buying a copy of Nakajima-san's book, feeling I'd eventually be able to get a signed copy in such a situation. Luckily, my waiting paid off in the end.

It was quite a treat to see actors Hishimi-san and Ishikawa-san reunited and interacting with each other. They seemed to get along very well, and I have to wonder if this pairing will be featured at future events in Tokyo. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Teruyoshi Nakano lent his SFX expertise to the proceedings, and he discussed the more technical side of the film. He and Nakajima-san had great chemistry together and spoke about the old days very fondly.

I just had to get a photo of this: Gengo helping Godzilla speak to the crowd!

As you can see, it was a night of fun and friends. Not only did I leave with a signed copy of Nakajima-san's autobiography, but I also got a Blu-ray of Godzilla vs. Gigan signed by all four guests, as well as a shikishi board signed by all four. Not a bad haul!

On to the next events!

ASTRO BOY AND GIGAN: Two Japanese Icons Meet!

Yours truly with Mari Shimizu, the original voice of Astro Boy!

July 20 saw an event take place in Ginza, Tokyo, of mammoth proportions. The one and only Mari Shimizu (a voice actress who is iconic in Japan for breathing life into the anime character Astro Boy) attended a singing event and talk show. The promoter of the event personally invited me to attend, and I was only too happy to oblige!

As a Godzilla fan, what excited me most was the prospect of meeting actress Tomoko Umeda, who played Machiko Shima in Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Ms. Umeda was very warm and friendly, and I got to know her husband and daughter at the event. I believe an interview with Ms. Umeda can't be too far behind!

 An autographed photo from a Godzilla series actress was just one of the many highlights.

A fun time was had by all!

All in all, it was a great event, and I got to do more than my share of networking. Actually, my entire trip to Tokyo was filled with things to do, and I can't wait to return!