YAPOOL, BEWARE! An Ultraman Ace Reunion Flies into Tokyo!

Mitsuhiro Sano, Keiji Takamine, Eizo Yamagiwa, and Shigemitsu Taguchi gather at a recent Ultraman Ace reunion. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, February 17, I attended a Showa Hero event that featured a reunion of four key alumni of Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Ace (1972-73) that featured the series' director, main writer, star, and co-star.

Shigemitsu Taguchi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

First was Shigemitsu Taguchi. Among other series, Taguchi-san has written for Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Mirrorman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace, Jumborg Ace (1973), Ultraman Taro (1973-74), and Ultraman Leo (1974-75).

Taguchi-san is a great guy, and I always enjoy seeing him. I brought a DVD booklet from Ultraman Leo for him to sign.

Eizo Yamagiwa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Next was director Eizo Yamagiwa. Yamagiwa-san worked as an assistant director with Teruo Ishii and went on to direct numerous episodes of Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro (1973-74), and Ultraman Leo (1974-75) at Tsuburaya Productions. He also helmed episodes of Silver Kamen (1971-72) and the Submersion of Japan TV series (1974-75).

I've met Yamagiwa-san several times since 2016. I was particularly glad to see that he's doing well and is still very healthy. Even though he can seem reserved quite often, he is very friendly, as the above photo demonstrates.

Mitsuhiro Sano. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Also on hand (as a surprise guest) was Mitsuhiro Sano, who played Terrible Monster Attacking Crew (TAC) member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace. Sano-san also can be seen in episodes of Kaiketsu Zubat (1977), Star Wolf (1978), Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03), and Kamen Rider Decade (2009).

Coincidentally, prior to this event, I'd been thinking about how I should visit Sano-san again soon, as it had been several months since last seeing him. I still need to do that, but I'm pleased I had a chance to visit with him here.

Keiji Takamine. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I had met all the other guests on previous occasions, but this was my first time to meet Keiji Takamine, who starred in the series as TAC member Seiji Hokuto, one half of Ultraman Ace's human alter egos. 

Our meeting was rather brief, but it was still great to meet Takamine-san. I brought three items for him to sign, one of which was my Ultraman book I bought in 2015 at an exhibit in Yokosuka. It's been signed by an incredible number of alums who've worked on all the Showa-era Ultra-series in one form or another.

Overall, it was a great event, and almost 50 years later, Ultraman Ace still flies!

All About Tonight's TAC Attack!

Mitsuhiro Sano. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight, a paid another visit to the bar owned and operated by actor Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano), who played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). It'd been a long time since my last visit -- almost a year, in fact. It was great to return after such a long absence.

Naturally, we both sang karaoke. I belted out a couple of songs by the likes of Talking Heads, Genesis, REM, and others. Sano-san sang some Elvis and Bee Gees tunes, as well as the theme song to Ultraman Ace. Fun times. Gotta go back before another year passes!

TAC IS BACK, JACK! Paying a Visit to Ultraman Ace's Mitsuhiro Sano!

Ultraman Ace's Mitsuhiro Sano poses with an old friend. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I visited the bar owned and operated by Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano) again tonight. Sano-san played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Given that it was Friday evening, more people than usual were in the bar, which added to the fun of the proceedings. It's pretty safe to say that we all enjoyed ourselves.

Karaoke was, of course, part of the festivities. This time around, I mostly let everyone else do the singing. Sano-san, however, invited me to do a duet of the Bee Gees song "Massachusetts," which is an old favorite of his. To be honest, Sano-san is the only reason I even know of the song, but I've heard him sing it so many times now that I know it pretty well. It was great fun!

Given that I have to get up for work tomorrow, I headed out a bit earlier than I would have liked. But when you've got bills to pay, you gotta go to work.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more fun from the Land of the Rising Sun!

TAC IS BACK AGAIN! An Evening with Mitsuhiro Sano!

Mitsuhiro Sano poses with a friend. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

The night after visiting Shunichi Okita's establishment, I went to the bar owned by Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano) on the evening of March 11. Sano-san played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and has guested on numerous tokusatsu shows over the years.

Singing karaoke with a TAC member! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Sano-san and I followed our usual routine of trading karaoke songs. We did an impromptu duet of The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which was followed up by Sano-san's rendition of "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul & Mary. Sano-san also performed "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees (which has become a staple of these get-togethers), while I tried my hand at "Stayin' Alive" (with lackluster results). 

It was another fun evening with a super-friendly gentleman, and I can't wait to do it all over again!

TAC TAKES TOKYO! An Evening with an Ultraman Ace Cast Member!

Actor Mitsuhiro Sano poses with an old friend. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I paid a visit to the bar owned by actor Mitsuhiro Sano, who plated TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). It had been a few months since I my last visit, so I was particularly keen on returning there.

As usual, we sang quite a few karaoke songs. One of the tunes I sang was "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits, the lyrics of which seemed to amuse Sano-san. For his part, Sano-san did another rendition of "Massachusetts" (an old favorite of his) as well as "Can't Help Falling in Love" by a certain chap from Mississippi. As always, it was a lot of fun!

A RETURN TO TAC! Hanging and Singing with Mitsuhiro Sano!

Ultraman Ace star Mitsuhiro Sano salutes the cameraman. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 Tonight, I ventured down to Shinjuku with one goal in mind. I wanted to hang out with Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano (TAC member Kozo Yoshimura) at his bar! We were joined by a few other Japanese patrons who were surprised that an American was so familiar with Sano-san.

We sang karaoke, and Sano-san did another rendition of "Massachusetts," which has become almost a tradition by now. For the first time, I sang "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen, and I have to add that to my playlist. That was a lot of fun!

THE BALLAD OF AN ULTRA-STAR! Actor Mitsuhiro Sano Joins Fans in Singing Karaoke!

Actor Mitsuhiro Sano sings "Massachusetts," one of his favorite English-language songs. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Satuday night, I returned to the bar owned and operated by Mitsuhiro Sano, who played Terrible Monster Attacking Crew (TAC) member Kozo Yoshimura on Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Sano-san also can be seen in episodes of Kaiketsu Zubat (1977), Star Wolf (1978), Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03), and Kamen Rider Decade (2009).

His bar is Ultraman-themed, which you'd expect from one of the stars of an Ultra-series. Once again, we did karaoke, and I did my best renditions of songs by REM, INXS, Phil Collins, and others. By my request, Sano-san sang "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees again -- and did a great job!

A great time was had by all -- even the other bar patrons! Hope to see everybody again soon!

TAC ATTACK IN TOKYO! Paying a Visit to the Ultraman Ace Star!

Mitsuhiro Sano sings karaoke like a Tsuburaya hero should! Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Tonight I visited actor Mitsuhiro Sano at his bar again. Sano-san played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura in Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Sano-san was as friendly as ever, and we enjoyed a nice chat. He talked about his guest appearance on the popular Toei program Kaiketsu Zubat (1977).

After we caught up with our latest goings-on, it was time for karaoke. Sano-san sang a mixture of Japanese classics and a few tunes from the West, including "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees. We did a duet of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. I did a couple of CCR hits, "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, and even "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" by Meatloaf. When it was all said and done, I was beat!

It was a lot of fun to spend such quality time with a member of TAC. It's always a blast visiting Sano-san. Can't wait to do it again!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ushering in 2016 with TAC!

Former Ultraman Ace cast member Mitsuhiro Sano sings a karaoke version of his TV series' theme song. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Last night (January 1) I paid a visit to Poppo, the bar owned and operated by actor Mitsuhiro Sano, best known to fans in Japan and the West as TAC member Kozo Yoshimura in Ultraman Ace (1972-73). I spent a few hours at the bar, chatting with Sano-san and a fellow bar patron. It was an enjoyable evening, and a perfect way to ring in the new year.

What a gift! Sano-san presented me with an Ultraman calendar and signed it for me. What a nice surprise! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Of note, I was able to confirm that his name is, in fact, Mitsuhiro Sano, as opposed to Koyo Sano. "Koyo" is an incorrect reading of his name's kanji. Despite what most sources say in English, his name is indeed Mitsuhiro Sano.

After singing several karaoke songs (by the likes of Billy Joel, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and others), Sano-san gave me an Ultraman calendar as a gift and proceeded to sign it for me. How cool is that? Paying a visit to Mitsuhiro Sano was a great way to kick off the new year, and I look forward to all that will happen in 2016!

TAC CELEBRATION IN SHINJUKU! An Ultraman Ace Alum Throws a Shinjuku Shindig!

Utraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano sings a karaoke rendition of his series' theme song. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, August 22, I made my way to Shinjuku's Kabukicho district to attend a party at Poppo, a bar owned and operated by Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano (TAC member Kozo Yoshimura). The party was attended by several familiar faces, many of whom I meet on a regular basis.

Sano-san's autograph joins those of many other Ultra-series alumni in my The Genesis of Ultraman 1966-1980 book. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Karaoke was a major aspect of the celebration, and several attendees sang various songs, such as tokusatsu TV show themes and even Beatles tunes (specifically "Yesterday"). Sano-san himself got in on the act and belted out the theme song to Ultraman Ace. It was quite a sight to see (and hear).

Yours truly with Mitsuhiro Sano at his bar in Kabukicho.

I must thank Sano-san for his hospitality and for throwing such an enjoyable shindig. When it comes to tokusatsu events, no one does them quite as well as the Japanese. I feel fortunate to have made as many friends in Japan as I have. A sincere thanks to every one of them!

ULTRAMAN ACE SAVES SHINJUKU! TAC Sets Up Shop in Kabukicho!

Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano poses with his famous co-star at his bar in Shinjuku. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Tonight I paid a visit to a bar in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district called Poppo. What makes this particular bar stand out from the countless others in the area is that it is owned and operated by Mitsuhiro Sano, who played Terrible Monster Attacking Crew (TAC) member Kozo Yoshimura on Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Sano-san also appeared in Tsuburaya's TV series Star Wolf (1978), as well as Toei's Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03) and Kamen Rider Decade (2009).

Yours truly with Sano-san, enjoying a great evening in his bar.

At first, Sano-san had no idea that I was an Ultraman fan and that I might have known who he was. Suffice it to say, he was quite surprised when he found out I wasn't just some random customer! I told him that I saw him at Bin Furuya's recent birthday celebration, which is the first inkling I had that Sano-san might be accessible to Ultra-fans. After receiving a helpful tip from a friend, I was able to locate his bar in Kabukicho.

Some Ultra-related toys on display in the bar. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Aside from some casual conversations wth Sano-san (with an assist from a helpful bar patron), I sang karaoke as Sano-san played bongo drums in accompaniment. So, the next time you watch Ultraman Ace, remember that TAC member Kozo Yoshimura has heard me sing "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel and "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club!

Thank you again very much for the great evening, Sano-san! See you again soon!

ULTRA BIRTHDAY SHOW! Ultraman Suit Actor Bin Furuya Hosts a Special Birthday Event!

Original Ultraman suit actor Bin Furuya strikes his familiar Specium Ray pose at his birthday celebration in Ginza. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Sunday, July 12, marked a special event in Ginza that honored Bin Furuya's 72nd birthday. The event attracted several notable faces from the entertainment industry, and it was great to watch them interact with Furuya-san.

Bin Furuya was the original Ultraman suit actor from the original 1966-67 series from Tsuburaya Productions, and he portrayed Amagi in the followup series Ultra Seven (1967-68). Prior to his work with Tsuburaya, he worked at Toho mostly as an extra in many kaiju and tokusatsu films, though he had a bigger role in Ghidrah the Three-Headed Monster (1964).

The event began with an autograph signing, and fans were welcome to bring their items for Furuya-san to sign. On sale at the event were familiar bromide cards, but surprisingly larger 8x10s were being sold, as well. These glossies are very unusual to find in Japan.

Throughout the evening, Furuya-san came out in different clothes, first appearing in a traditional kimono, and then later appearing in two different suits. During the evening, special tribute was paid to designer Tohl Narita, and a slide show of Furuya-san's career was presented.

Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit (2008) director Minoru Kawasaki praises Furuya-san during the suit actor's birthday party. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While attendees were eating dinner, special guest speakers took the stage to honor Furuya-san. The first of these was director Minoru Kawasaki, who cast Furuya-san in the goofy Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit (2008). The two had good chemistry together, and they shared quite a few laughs.

Original Astro Boy voice actress Mari Shimizu praised her longtime friend Bin Furuya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Next, Mari Shimizu (the original voice of the character Astro Boy) and Yoko Mizugaki (the original voice actress for Astro Boy's sister Uran) stepped onstage and shared their memories of Furuya-san. It was a lot of fun to see these icons of Japanese sci-fi interacting with each other, and the three of them seemed to enjoy it, too!

Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano wishes a happy birthday to Bin Furuya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After that, Ultraman Ace (1972-73) actor Mitsuhiro Sano joined his fellow Tsuburaya Productions alumnus and, like the previous speakers, heaped praise on the original Ultraman.

Your humble blogmeister poses in between original Astro Boy voice actresses Yoko Mizugaki (left) and Mari Shimizu (right).

Overall, it was a very enjoyable event, and Furuya-san was in great spirits. I became reacquainted with several folks I had lost touch with over the years and even made some new friends. As I was leaving, Furuya-san gave me a big hug, which was one highlight out of many. Happy birthday, Furuya-san!

As the event was held in Ginza, I had to take an obligatory photo of the Hattori Clock Tower, as seen in Godzilla (1954). Even at an Ultraman event, Godzilla still finds a way to make an appearance!