Kenpachiro Satsuma, the Heisei-Era Godzilla Suit Actor, Passes Away at 76

Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

It was announced via social media that Kenpachiro Satsuma, the actor inside the Godzilla suit from 1984 to 1995, passed away on December 16 at 10:49 a.m. due to interstitial pneumonia. He was 76.

Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Satsuma-san had been a fixture of fan conventions for decades, going back to G-CON '96, which was organized by the late John Rocco Roberto. Mr. Roberto and his associates brought Godzilla suit actors Haruo Nakajima and Ken Satsuma to America for the first time that summer in an event many others have tried to duplicate but never could. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma wearing a Pulgasari T-shirt in November 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

That event (as well as Mr. Roberto's other endeavors) were well before my time, which is something I've always regretted missing. Luckily, I was able to meet Satsuma-san several times over the years in Japan. 

With Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2015.

I first met him in October 2012 at Super Festival, at which he was participating in a Q&A with fellow Godzilla suit actors Nakajima and Tsutomu Kitagawa about their suit-acting days.

Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The meeting was very brief, but I do remember saying sugoi (which is roughly the equivalent of "Wow!" or "Awesome!") about something, to which Satsuma-san quickly responded with the more masculine-sounding sugei. Gotta be as manly as possible around Godzilla. I found that quite amusing.

Tsutomu Kitagawa, Kenpachiro Satsuma, and Haruo Nakajima in October 2012. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Right before a similar event in October 2014, I happened to bump into Satsuma-san on the Chuo-Sobu Line on the way to the venue. He and I (as well as a mutual friend) ended up walking to the event together. 

Hurricane Ryu and Kenpachiro Satsuma at a memorial event for Koichi Kawakita at Toho Studios in February 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

About a month later, in November 2014, I called Satsuma-san on his cell phone and asked him if he'd like to get together with a Japanese friend of mine and me at a cafe. He agreed, and we ended up meeting in Shibuya. I remember buying Satsuma-san a pricy omiyage for his trouble. 

Tsutomu Kitagawa, Haruo Nakajima, and Kenpachiro Satsuma in October 2014. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While I couldn't have predicted it at the time, we ended up having quite a candid discussion with Satsuma-san about a variety of topics. Suffice it to say, it was all rather eye-opening. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma at the ticket gate at Nakano Station in October 2014. Photo by Brett Homenick.

That has to be my favorite time in Satsuma-san's company. We ate at a cafe that was right next to Toho Cinemas Shibuya, which I thought that would make a perfect backdrop for some photos.

With Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2014.

I would continue to see Satsuma-san at a variety of events in 2015. He was one of the guests at a celebration at Toho Studios honoring the memory of SFX director Koichi Kawakita, who had recently passed away. That same year, Satsuma-san also appeared at a couple of events with a limited number of participants at a restaurant in Kichijoji, Tokyo. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma in July 2020. Photo by Brett Homenick.

At the first one, which was held in July, I arrived late due to my work schedule, but Satsuma-san invited me to sit next to him, which was quite an honor. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

At the second one, held in September, Satsuma-san showed me a piece of paper with English written phonetically in katakana that he used for introductions at American conventions in the past.

Kenpachiro Satsuma on the Chuo-Sobu Line in October 2014. Photo by Brett Homenick.

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. Funny stuff!

Director Takao Okawara and Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

These days, I can't remember which of the two events it was, but Satsuma-san confided in me at one of them that (to the best of my recollection all these years later) he was interviewed by a reporter for his role as Godzilla in Godzilla 1985 (1984). 

Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hurricane Ryu in July 2020. Photo by Brett Homenick.

About 10 years later, he ran into the same reporter, who by this time had become some kind of high-ranking individual at the publication. Seeing as how Satsuma-san was still a suit actor at the time and hadn't "moved up" in his career, he felt a bit of pressure when he found out about that.

SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano and Kenpachiro Satsuma in November 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I thought that was rather surprising, considering that the role from which he hadn't yet graduated was the same role that earned him international fame and acclaim, and I'm sure nobody outside of Japan had ever heard of the reporter in question.

Kenpachiro Satsuma in October 2014. Photo by Brett Homenick.

But it just goes to show that, as much as we may revere a person and honor his accomplishments, he may not see himself the same way when he looks in the mirror.

Tsutomu Kitagawa, Haruo Nakajima, and Kenpachiro Satsuma in October 2014. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After 2015, Satsuma-san would become a bit more scarce at gatherings in Tokyo. He turned up at one in March 2017 with Heisei-era director Takao Okawara for a screening of Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992). Another time, he shared the stage with director Kazuki Omori and actress Megumi Odaka at a Tokusatsu DNA event in December 2018. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The last time I would ever see Satsuma-san was in July 2020. It was at a screening for Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), which he attended with Hurricane Ryu. Satsuma-san was noticeably frail but still affable as always. 

In between Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hurricane Ryu in July 2020.

There, he talked about the difficulty of acting as Hedorah in Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971), how much he liked playing Gigan, and some of the challenges filming Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995).

With Isao Zushi, Hurricane Ryu, and Kenpachiro Satsuma in July 2020.

After the event, a group of us went to the izakaya that was owned and operated by Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) suit actor Isao Zushi. It was an incredibly rare opportunity to hang out with these two Godzilla suit actors at the same time. 

Kenpachiro Satsuma and Isao Zushi in July 2020. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Following that event, it seemed nobody could get a hold of Satsuma-san. I know I tried a few times but got no reply. Phone calls went unanswered, and text messages went unread.

Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

A suit actor who has done appearances at conventions with Satsuma-san in the past recently told me that he hadn't heard from Satsuma-san in a long time, either, and was very worried about him. Everyone I'd spoken to in the last couple of years about Satsuma-san had a similar response.

Tsutomu Kitagawa, Kenpachiro Satsuma, and Haruo Nakajima in October 2012. Photo by Brett Homenick

As a result, I can't say the news is shocking. It's incredibly sad, but I've been expecting it for a while. Satsuma-san was a very kind gentleman, and I wish I'd gotten to know him better. In the last few years, I really wanted to interview him, which I actually kind of avoided in my early years living in Japan.

With Kenpachiro Satsuma in October 2014.

I mean, Satsuma-san had been interviewed so many times by so many different people, what could have been left to say? At least that was my reasoning back then, but, as time went on, I gradually realized just how much there was left for him to say. I wish he could have said it.

With Kenpachiro Satsuma in March 2017.

Rest in peace, Satsuma-san. Thank you very much for stomping your way into my life. Your place in film history is assured. 

GODZILLA RETURNS TO MONSTER ISLAND: The '74 Godzilla Suit Actor Retires from Public Life

Isao Zushi in February 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Wednesday, December 28, Godzilla suit actor-turned-restauranteur Isao Zushi permanently closed his izakaya. The 72-year-old Mr. Zushi is one of the handful of Showa-era Godzilla suit actors who played the King of the Monsters in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974), as well as on the tokusatsu TV series Zone Fighter (1973).

"Two Godzillas -- what does it mean?!" Heisei-era Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma talks shop with Mechagodzilla '74 Godzilla suit actor Isao Zushi in July 2020. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Mr. Zushi and his wife Kiyoko opened his restaurant/bar in 1977 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. In fact, the name of the restaurant, Seasonal Cuisine Kiyohama, is a portmanteau of Kiyoko and Yokohama. The name of the establishment perfectly encapsulates the family-oriented theme of the izakaya.

Isao Zushi in June 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I was fortunate to visit the restaurant numerous times over the years, starting in May 2016. My visit in July 2020, during which Godzilla series suit actors Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hurricane Ryu also attended, was the last time I would see Mr. Zushi there. The next time I returned, sometime in 2021, Mr. Zushi was surprisingly absent, and he would never return.

The facade of Seasonal Cuisine Kiyohama in December 2022. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Mr. Zushi's health has apparently declined in recent times, although no details are available. Kiyoko and the couple's son Teru continued to run the restaurant after Mr. Zushi stepped away, but the family has ultimately decided to close the restaurant. 

Kiyoko and Isao Zushi behind the counter of the restaurant, presumably in the late 1970s. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In order to attend the last evening before closing, you needed to make a reservation ahead of time, so I decided to visit the restaurant on December 27, the izakaya's penultimate evening in business. It also was a much better fit for my schedule. As usual, Kiyoko and Teru were making the food and the serving the drinks. (To my knowledge, the restaurant has never employed workers outside the family.)

Godzilla watches over Kiyohama in December 2022. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I had a nice time chatting with them. Teru in particular was interested in a 10-DVD set of classic horror movies that I happened to pick up at Book Off earlier in the day. He commented that he appreciates the handmade quality of older films, as opposed to the overuse of CG today. 

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla memorabilia was always proudly on display, as it was here in December 2022. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After I ate my dinner, I said my farewells to Kiyoko and Teru. It was truly sad to see the restaurant close, but, after 45 years in business, the family has more than earned the right to call it a day. I wished them well and thanked them for their years of hospitality.

Meeting Mr. Zushi for the first time in May 2016.

But what about Isao Zushi himself? Well, much to my regret I never got to do a proper interview with him. Believe me when I say it wasn't for lack of trying. In January 2019, he sent my translator a postcard in which he agreed to answer written questions about his career. That January proved to be a particularly busy time for Mr. Zushi and his family, as they welcomed their first grandchild on New Year's Day. 

With Isao Zushi in August 2018.

Of course, I was overjoyed that Mr. Zushi accepted my request, but, regrettably, I would never receive those answers. 

Isao Zushi in August 2018. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Despite being a warm and welcoming gentleman, and, despite his obvious affection for his suit-acting days, he was never interested in doing personal appearances at events or other forms of publicity. Many have tried to convince him otherwise, and all fell flat on their faces in failure. That simply was never going to happen, much to the chagrin of greedy promoters who wanted to profit from him.

With Isao Zushi in February 2018.

I always knew getting an interview from Mr. Zushi was an unlikely prospect, and -- admittedly -- I got further with it than I ever expected I would, but I can't say I'm surprised it never happened. He wasn't after publicity, and you have to respect his decision.

Isao Zushi in July 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I looked all over for any notes I may have taken after my visits with Mr. Zushi, and I just couldn't find any. Maybe I never took any notes. Since (obviously) no recording was made of the conversations, and I (apparently) didn't take contemporaneous notes, please forgive my incomplete memories. But I will try to present some information about Mr. Zushi that (to the best of my knowledge) is accurate. 

With Isao Zushi in June 2017.

Isao Zushi was born on August 15, 1950. He scored the role of Godzilla after being recommended for it by Koichi Kawakita, who worked with Mr. Zushi on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Mr. Zushi said that he did not wear the Godzilla suit for the scenes with the imposter Godzilla in Mechagodzilla so that its movements would be noticeably different from those of the real Godzilla. 

With Isao Zushi in February 2017.

He also said that Godzilla's unique walk was based on movements he did as a judo practitioner. Moreover, according to this blog, Mr. Zushi shot his scenes as Godzilla in 10 days. 

Isao Zushi, with a photo from his suit-acting days, in December 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

An appropriate grain of salt might be necessary for the above information, since it's so hard to verify. I wish I could present something more comprehensive and detailed (and, perhaps, accurate), but this is all I've got. 

With Isao Zushi in August 2016.

I'm grateful I got to spend several evenings with the suit actor who portrayed one of my favorite Godzillas. When you're able to walk into a restaurant and hang out with one of your favorite Godzilla suit actors, you start taking it for granted, and it seems like it'll be that way forever. This is a stark reminder that nothing could be further from the truth.

Isao Zushi in October 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I'll close by reiterating what I told Kiyoko and Teru last night -- that I appreciate their hospitality over the years. I only found out recently that the restaurant would be closing for good, so it was a huge shock to me. I was confident that Mr. Zushi would eventually return to the izakaya once his health recovered, but it simply isn't to be. All I can say is that I'm grateful for the memories I have.

Isao Zushi in April 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In the 1970s, Isao Zushi was the King of the Monsters. But he traded in that prestigious title to live a quiet and rewarding life as a restauranteur, which he did successfully for 45 years. It's a retirement well earned.

With Isao Zushi in April 2019.

Thank you, Zushi-san, for your kindness, and I wish you all the best in the future.

Two Toho Suit Actors Raid Again!

 Kenpachiro Satsuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Thursday, July 23, I had the opportunity take in a screening of a 35mm print of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), which I've now seen a few times in Japan. It's always been a Heisei film I've enjoyed, and seeing again 25 years after first watching it was certainly nostalgic for me.

Two guests were on hand for the screening: Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hurricane Ryu. I'd imagine Satsuma-san needs no introduction. He played the Heisei-era Godzilla from 1984-1995. He has a well-deserved reputation for fan-friendliness, and this event was no exception.

 Hurricane Ryu. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The other guest was the versatile Hurricane Ryu, another monster suit actor. He played Baby in the day's movie. While not as prolific at events as Satsuma-san, he's another approachable fellow who's happy to meet and mingle.

The event was quite fun, as always. I spent the evening seated across from Satsuma-san, who talked about the difficulty of acting as Hedorah in Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971), how much he liked playing Gigan, and some of the challenges filming Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995).

 It's Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah in real life! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Toward the end of the evening, the two suit actors, who squared off in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) as the titular kaiju, gave us a reenactment.

I'm very glad the event was still held, despite the pandemic. There have been comparatively very few events this year, so you have to take every opportunity you can to experience one.