All the World's a Stage ... Even in Japan!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Yesterday (Monday, February 12), I attended a special performance written by and co-starring Hiroyasu Yamaura. It'd been quite a while since Yamaura-san's last performance, so it was a wonderful opportunity to visit with him again.

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick

The play's title could be translated as "Counseling Macbeth and His Wife," which, I'm sure you can guess, is based on the Shakespeare play. In this version, King Macbeth and Lady Macbeth visit a psychosomatic clinic to deal with their various issues.

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick

In a funny twist, the counselor was played by Yamaura-san himself. It's always a lot of fun seeing Yamaura-san act in the plays he writes, and this time he's basically onstage the whole time.

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick

The staging was quite intriguing. The actors were always facing the audience, yet they were supposed to be speaking face to face. Obviously, you can't have an actor with his or her back to the audience when delivering lines, so I thought this was a clever workaround. So long as you bring your suspension of disbelief, it's not that distracting.

When I entered the venue, Yamaura-san, who was already seated onstage from which he would perform, got up and approached me to shake my hand. Naturally, when he offered me his hand, I stood up to shake it I'd already told Yamaura-san about my plans for March. Since the show was still being set up at the time, he didn't have much time to chat, but thankfully there would be ample time afterward.

Yamaura-san ended his performance by quoting Shakespeare's famous line, "All the world's a stage," in Japanese. After the show, Yamaura-san asked me how to say the line in English, which I told him. 

I asked Yamaura-san to sign some postcards from the Godzilla Store with a lobby card design. He was a bit curious and asked me about them. He was surprised to see that they were just postcards and to hear how cheap they were. They certainly do look impressive!

Yamaura-san informed me of the sad reason he took a break from doing these shows, which was depressing to hear. But he pointed out that he still has many friends in his social circle and that writing still gives him purpose. I was overjoyed to see Yamaura-san doing well and doing what he loves.

Many thanks to Yamaura-san for spending those precious moments with me after the performance!

Genji Returns in a New Recitation Drama!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Sunday, September 25, was a busy day for me. But it all started by taking in a two-person dramatic reading of a play based on Hikaru Genji (of The Tale of Genji). In this story, Genji has to deal with the various conflicts involving his wife and family. 

Hiroyasu Yamaura poses with the classical musicians and his co-star, Sana Mitsui. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Also there was a group of musicians performing Bach chamber music. In fact, the first 30 or so minutes was strictly a mini classical concert, after which the recitation drama began. They likewise performed their music during the play at specific moments in the show. 

I didn't realize that Yamaura-san would perform as Genji, so I was pleasantly surprised to see him act. He did a great job! Unlike last week, Yamaura-san seemed more determined to put on another show next year, so we'll see what happens. All in all, it was a great way to start my Sunday!

A Fun Afternoon with a Legendary Writer!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, September 18, I attended a special concert that was produced prolific writer Hiroyasu Yamaura. The concert was nice, and it had a good turnout, but the real reason I went was to visit Yamaura-san again.

I hadn't seen Yamaura-san in several months. He told me a few months ago that he wouldn't host another show until September, so I waited quite a long time for this one. When it was all said and done, I voluntarily helped cleaning up, which Yamaura-san said I didn't have to do, but I did it, anyway!

The good news is that Yamaura-san's next show isn't too far from now. The not-so-good news is that he plans to take it easy after that and currently has no plans for anything else in the future. I suppose that could always change, but I'd imagine there will be nothing else until at least sometime next year. We'll have to see how that goes.

In the meantime, it certainly was a lot of fun to see Yamaura-san again!

A Great Sunday Afternoon with a Familiar Face!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, March 27, I attended an event organized by screenwriter Hiroyasu Yamaura. It was a live chanson performance by a female singer. She was quite good, but the real draw for me was, of course, Yamaura-san himself.

I literally had only learned about this performance a week prior when Yamaura-san told me about it. Since I enjoy meeting him every chance I get, I couldn't pass up this opportunity. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon, followed up by a bit of DVD/Blu-ray shopping at Book Off. (Naturally, I spent too much money.)

A Great Afternoon with a Sci-Fi Scribe!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I attended a one-man show written by Hiroyasu Yamaura. Yamaura-san is a prolific writer who has written many tokusatsu movies and TV shows. He's also a great person to meet, and I was very happy to see him again.

I arrived just a few minutes before the start, and Yamaura-san waved to me as I was taking my seat. We spoke briefly during intermission, but, after the performance, Yamaura-san signed a couple of items for me and took a few pictures. It was a fun afternoon, and I hope we can do it again soon.

Visiting a Legendary Screenwriter!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 Tonight, I had the distinct privilege of visiting screenwriter Hiroyasu Yamaura for the first time in over two years. I think a certain pandemic had something to do with it. He wrote a stage play that I attended, and it was great to see him again. Before the show, we caught up on things. He was especially curious about my parents and asked me several questions about them.

Yamaura-san's stage play was an anti-war parable and was a multimedia presentation. It was a powerful statement that speaks to those of Yamaura-san's generation who lived through World War II. Yamaura-san is one of the nicest guys in Japan, and I was very glad to have gotten to see him again after such a long time.

Shozo Uehara, Prolific Japanese Superhero TV Writer, Passes Away at 82

Shozo Uehara in March 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Legendary Japanese television writer Shozo Uehara, whose career spanned decades and involved both tokusatsu and anime, passed away on January 2 of liver cancer. He was 82.

Shozo Uehara was born on February 6, 1937, in Naha, Okinawa. During his career, he wrote episodes of Ultra Q (1966), Ultraman (1966-67), Ultra Seven (1967-68), Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), Zone Fighter (1973), and Ultraman Taro (1973-74) before penning many of the Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and Metal Hero series for Toei Studios.

Shozo Uehara (left) shares a laugh with Ultra-series directors Toshihiro Iijima and Eizo Yamagiwa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I had the privilege of meeting Uehara-san in March 2016 at a launch party for an Ultra Q book. Many veterans from Tsuburaya Productions were on hand for the event, and it was great to see the camaraderie among them. 

In between Tsuburaya Productions writers Shozo Uehara (left) and Hiroyasu Yamaura.

Uehara-san leaves behind a legacy that few others could match, and his imagination has influenced more tokusatsu and anime productions in the last several decades than those of most other writers. Thank you for the years of entertainment. Rest in peace, Uehara-san. 

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!

The real Santa has arrived! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended a Christmas party hosted by the one and only Santa Claus! That's right; he came to Japan directly from the North Pole to stage this event. Well, okay, it wasn't the real Santa Claus per se, but it was just as cool as the genuine article.

In this case, Santa was played by writer Hiroyasu Yamaura, and his Christmas party was quite fun. The first stage consisted of respective harp and synthesizer recitals performing Christmas music. There was also a comedy skit in between the music, featuring two salarymen and their boss. The second stage was basically a dance party. I didn't expect to boogie during the show, but in retrospect, I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was certainly unusual, but it was extremely enjoyable. A great time was had by all!

Attending a Live Performance!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I took in a small play (more like a dramatic reading) written by Hiroyasu Yamaura. The performance featured a narrator and two actors, both of whom mostly read from their scripts. A pianist performed a live soundtrack for the show, which was an added bonus.

Afterward, I took some obligatory photos. I even met a few new folks, including Yamaura-san's son and his family. It was certainly a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

After the After-Party!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended the new play written by Hiroyasu Yamaura. The play had everything -- action, comedy, singing, and even Shakespeare. But the real fun was after the show. I was invited to attend the after-party with the cast and crew, and before I knew it, I stayed way longer than I'd anticipated. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. 

After the After-Party!

 Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Even though I completely missed the performance, I was pleased to be invited to the after-party of a Christmas show written by Hiroyasu Yamaura. The group was small (there were only six of us), and we had dinner for an hour and a half. It was a traditional Japanese dinner, and it was quite delicious. 

The conversation was lively and often hilarious. I had a great time with Yamaura-san and the others and can't wait to see him again. Hopefully, I'll be able to actually see his next stage play!

ONE DAY ONLY! Attending a Small Play in Japan!

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Last Sunday, June 3, I attended a performance written by Hiroyasu Yamaura. The story was about an old woman with dementia who expected her lover to return home, even though he died a long time ago during the war. It was quite a sad and powerful tale.

Despite the grim subject matter, everyone was in a great mood. It's always fun to see Yamaura-san, and I'm glad to see he keeps writing. Bravo!

Attending a Live Dramatic Reading

Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended a special performance of a dramatic reading, which was written by veteran scribe Hiroyasu Yamaura. It was great to see Yamaura-san again, as I hadn't seen him since sometime last year.

There were a number of friendly people in attendance, and I had a great time talking with them. The event didn't last very long, but it was certainly time well spent.

THE TOKYO HARP! Attending a Live Musical Performance!

Writer Hiroyasu Yamaura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, September 30, I attended a special event organized by writer Hiroyasu Yamaura. There were a couple of dramatic readings (one read by Yamaura-san himself), but the second half of the show was a musical performance featuring harp and flute players. The music, suffice it to say, was excellent.

Yamaura-san was very friendly, as usual. It'd been a long time since I last saw him, so I was particularly eager to attend this event. Hopefully, there won't be such a long wait before the next time.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA IN TOKYO! A New Take on Shakespeare's Classic!

With longtime Tsuburaya Productions director Eizo Yamagiwa. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Sunday, I attended a play written by Hiroyasu Yamaura, a veteran screenwriter who has been involved with many tokusatsu productions on the big and small screen. Also in attendance was Eizo Yamagiwa, a director who helmed episodes of the various '70s-era Ultraman programs.

With Hiroyasu Yamaura.

The play itself was a lot of fun. It was a comedic play-within-a-play, ostensibly about Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, but it was really about the love triangle (quadrangle, really!) involving the actors. Even though there were no monsters anywhere to be seen, it was extremely enjoyable.

EXTENDED ULTRA Q COVERAGE! More Photos from This Great Event!

Director Toshihiro Iijima and suitmaker Keizo Murase share a playful moment onstage.

Toshihiro Iijima poses with some Ultra Q toys.

Writer Hiroyasu Yamaura discusses Masahiko Shiraishi's new Ultra Q book.

Director Eizo Yamagiwa answers questions in an interview session onstage.

Eizo Yamagiwa and writer Shozo Uehara fondly remember working for Tsuburaya Productions.

Keizo Murase has a great time talking with his fans.

A kaiju-size selfie with Keizo Murase!

With Toshihiro Iijima and Teruyoshi Nakano.

Posing with Hiroyasu Yamaura.

With Ultra-series writers Shozo Uehara and Hiroyasu Yamaura.

Hiroyasu Yamaura, Teruyoshi Nakano, and Shozo Uehara pose for the paparazzi.

Sadao Iizuka talks tokusatsu at an izakaya during the after-party.

FIFTY YEARS OF ULTRA Q! Japan's Groundbreaking SF Series Is Celebrated in Tokyo!

From left to right: Shozo Uehara, Sadao Iizuka, Hiroyasu Yamaura, Masahiko Shiraishi, Toshihiro Iijima, Eizo Yamagiwa, and Teruyoshi Nakano pose for pictures. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Among American fans, the TV series Ultra Q (1966) has never gotten very much exposure. Sure, it's been released on DVD, and it's better known these days than it was even just five years ago. However, aside from the likes of Kenji Sahara and Hiroko Sakurai (who are recognized by American fans from their other tokusatsu projects), the names of the cast and crew of the series are largely unknown. 

Shozo Uehara, Toshihiro Iijima, and Eizo Yamagiwa share a laugh prior to the start of festivities. Photo by Brett Homenick.

For this reason, it was especially interesting for me to attend a recent launch party for a brand-new book on Ultra Q written by Masahiko Shiraishi (who worked on the Heisei Godzilla series SFX staff under Koichi Kawakita). Held at Hotel Molino near Shin-Yurigaoka Station, the event brought together several giants of the Godzilla and  Ultra-series.

Yours truly meeting legendary sculptor and suitmaker Keizo Murase for the second time.

Some of the luminaries on hand rarely make personal appearances, and many of the attendees commented to me how excited they were to see them. These names, however, would be completely unrecognizable to most American fans.

Among the headliners was Toshihiro Iijima, who directed many classic episodes of Ultra Q, Ultraman (1966-67), Ultra Seven (1967-68), and other Tsuburaya Productions series. He also directed the feature film Daigoro vs. Goliath (1972).

Another celebrity guest was Shozo Uehara, a prolific writer who wrote episodes of Ultra Q, Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), Zone Fighter (1973), and Ultraman Taro (1973-74) before penning many of the Super Sentai and Metal Hero series for Toei Studios.

Another honored guest was Eizo Yamagiwa, a director who worked as an assistant director under Teruo Ishii in the 1950s and '60s before helming episodes of Return of Ultraman, Ultraman Ace, and Ultraman Taro in the 1970s.

Toho SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano talks about Eiji Tsuburaya and his SFX legacy. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Some of the famous names in attendance were just there as fans themselves, such as suitmaker Fuyuki Shinada. But whether or not you were famous, we were all gathered for a common purpose, and it gave this event an extra-special vibe. We all knew we were seeing something rare, and that these particular legends of the genre seldom do public events. For me (and for many others), a lot of the fun was just in watching Iijima-san, Uehara-san, and Yamagiwa-san interact with one another.

Eizo Yamagiwa (left) and Shozo Uehara (right) speak about all things Ultra. Photo by Brett Homenick.

One particular highlight for me was when Yamagiwa-san walked up to me and handed me his business card. I was quite surprised! Murase-san also did the same thing. It's a very common practice in Japan, of course, but coming from these gentlemen, it truly was an honor.

Toshihiro Iijima, Sadao Iizuka, and Keizo Murase are all smiles all photographers snap away. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Attendees were free to walk around and mingle with the guests as they pleased. While other events have specific times allotted for photos and autographs, that was not the case here. If you wanted a photo or a signature, it was up to you to approach the guests directly. Given that all the guests were extremely friendly, this was not an issue at all. In fact, it was a lot of fun!

Sadao Iizuka and Keizo Murase, two SFX veterans, compare notes (and what notes they were!). Photo by Brett Homenick.

Overall, the event lasted about two hours, and there was an after-party attended by many of the event staff members. Sadao Iizuka joined the dinner, as well. By all accounts, it was a big success, and everyone seemed more than happy with the results.

I enjoyed meeting Toshihiro Iijima at this event. While he attended Bin Furuya's performance in December, I didn't have a chance to meet him. So I was pleased to have a few opportunities to speak with him this time.

This photo with Eizo Yamagiwa was taken shortly after he introduced himself to me and gave him his business card. He seemed surprised that an American would be so interested in his work.

It was great to have a chat with Fuyuki Shinada again after about three years since we first met. Hopefully it won't be so long till we meet again!

There are simply too many photos to share here, so they'll come in the next post. Stay tuned!