A Celebration of the Life of Wataru Mimura

Director Masaaki Tezuka shares his memories of working with Wataru Mimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In the afternoon of Saturday, August 26, I attended a special memorial celebration in honor of screenwriter Wataru Mimura. Mimura-san passed away on August 26, 2021, after a years-long battle with multiple system atrophy. Due to the pandemic, no such events were held in the wake of his passing, but, given the recent end of the pandemic, the event was finally held.

Mimura-san wrote or co-wrote the screenplays or Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). While he doesn't seem to get much credit for it, it's really impressive just how much of the Millennium series was written in Mimura-san's voice.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The event, which was called "Gathering in Memory of Wataru Mimura" by the organizers, was held on the 12th floor of the Chofu City Cultural Hall Tazukuri. The location was quite apropos, given that Mimura-san helf many of his P-LABO FILMFES events there. In attendance were many of Mimura-san's colleagues from his days at Toho and beyond. Among the luminaries were producer Shogo Tomiyama, director Masaaki Tezuka, screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara, kaiju suitmaker Shinichi Wakasa, assistant director Toshifumi Shimizu, production designer Toshio Miike, and director Takao Okawara.

With Yasutaka Ito (left) and Hiroshi Kashiwabara (center).

Due to my work schedule (how often do you hear me say that?) I arrived rather late -- maybe about an hour or so into the proceedings. Given that the celebration was scheduled to last only two hours, I ended up missing about half of it. But I certainly wanted to take part in any way I could.

With Toshifumi Shimizu. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Even though I submitted my reservation to join, I guess it never got delivered, as my name wasn't on the list. (Don't you hate when that happens?) No worries, though. All I had to do was write my name on the guest list, pay the entrance fee, and I was all set. Many thanks to Kashiwabara-san (who also served as a staff member for the event) and my friend Hitomi, who was very close to Mimura-san, for helping to square things away.

Shogo Tomiyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Many speakers talked about their memories of Mimura-san, and, as you could imagine, they sometimes got quite emotional. It was very moving to see how much Mimura-san affected people's lives in such a positive way. Shogo Tomiyama essentially acted as emcee and did a tremendous job keeping things moving along. The event ultimately finished right on time, and the last speaker, scriptwriter Yasutaka Ito, finished his remarks basically on the dot.

With Shogo Tomiyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Of all the luminaries on hand, I spent the most time speaking with Kashiwabara-san, who is one the nicest personalities I've met in Japan. A couple of weeks ago, he sent me a message about the event, but by then I'd already submitted by reservation (which, as we know by now, wasn't received). During our online chat, I told Kashiwabara-san that The Great Escape (1963), one of his all-time favorite movies, would be screening at the Shin-Bungeiza theater. The timing didn't work out, unfortunately, as Kashiwabara-san would be out of town during that time. 

Shogo Tomiyama addresses the attendees. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I only got to say a quick word to director Okawara as he was leaving (we both just said "thank you" to each other for coming), but I went up to Shimizu-san to praise him for his work on The Mysterians' (1957) 4K restoration. I told him it looked fantastic, which he was happy to hear. I also talked for a bit with Tomiyama-san and congratulated him on a job well done.

With Hiroshi Kashiwabara.

I hadn't seen Hitomi for several years, so it was great to see her again. Around 2015, we used to go out for karaoke, but life got in the way, and we more or less lost touch. Out of all the attendees there, I hung out with her the most, and it was wonderful to see her again. 

And that's a wrap. It was a great way to celebrate the life and career of Mimura-san, who had been one of the kindest people to me essentially ever since I stepped off the plane in Japan. The news of his untimely passing was devastating, but I'm grateful for the time I had in his company. I think this celebration gives all of us a sense of closure.

MONSTER ZERO REUNION! Akira Takarada and Kumi Mizuno Take the Stage!

In a rare joint appearance, legendary actors Akira Takarada and Kumi Mizuno greet their fans at the Godzilla Tokusatsu exhibit in Yokohama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Sunday, August 28, was a special day. It saw two of Toho's biggest names, Akira Takarada and Kumi Mizuno, reunite in a rare joint appearance. The two co-starred in Monster Zero (1965) and Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966), but since Mizuno-san makes only a few personal appearances, they are rarely seen together. This day was a major exception.

Takarada-san essentially took over as host, asking many questions of Mizuno-san himself. It certainly made for an entertaining chat. Naturally, many Nick Adams stories were shared. At one point, Takarada-san asked me from the stage about the cause of Nick Adams' death.

As the talk was winding down, the staff handed the two actos props from Monster Zero. The pair enjoyed posing for pictures with the items. I know it was a lot of fun watching these two legends relive a classic movie that is now more than 50 years old.

Everything went smoothly, but no pictures with the guests were allowed. At one point, Takarada-san suggested that we take a picture together, but it was refused by the organizer who was standing nearby. That's the way it goes at events like these.

Overall, it was tremendous fun to see Mizuno-san and Takarada-san again. Both were in high spirits, and their energy excited the audience. It was great to be a part of it.

At least I did get a photo with Millennium series director Masaaki Tezuka, who was there in an official capacity.

All in all, it was a great day!

PICTURES GALORE! Extra Photos from the Megaguirus Event!

Hiroshi Kashiwabara and Masaaki Tezuka recall Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000).

Masaaki Tezuka describes the making of Godzilla movies at Toho Studios.

Masaaki Tezuka and Kenji Suzuki pose for the photos with their fans.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara poses for pictures from the paparazzi.

Everyone is all smiles as they take pictures!

That's a wrap!

MEGAGUIRUS INVADES JAPAN! A Trio of Toho Vets Discuss Their Toho Careers!

Hiroshi Kashiwabara, Masaaki Tezuka, and Kenji Suzuki talk about their work in the Godzilla series. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, March 13, I attended a screening of Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000) in Yokohama, which was followed by a Q&A event. Megaguirus looked great in 35mm, although the film itself is not one of my favorites. When I first saw it in 2001, I thought it was a vast improvement over Godzilla 2000 (1999), which I never really liked. Although there are things I still enjoy about the film, it's too long, and too many of the SFX shots don't work at all.

Director Masaaki Tezuka shares his memories. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Three guests were in attendance for the film. Director Masaaki Tezuka (who also directed the two Mechagodzilla films later on in the Millennium series) was joined by screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara (Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla) and SFX director Kenji Suzuki (Godzilla 2000).

After the movie screened, the three guests sat down at a table and answered questions about the making of Megaguirus and other Godzilla films. The interview session lasted over an hour, and many stories from the set were told, often causing uproarious laughter from the audience!

Screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara listens to his colleague reflect. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The autograph signings came next. I first spoke with Kashiwabara-san (who waved to me when he saw me in the audience). We had a brief chat about the upcoming Godzilla Resurgence. It was great to catch up with Kashiwabara-san again.

SFX director Kenji Suzuki reveals the secrets to directing Godzilla ... and living to tell the tale! Photo by Brett Homenick.

After that, I spoke with Tezuka-san and Suzuki-san and got their signatures. Shortly thereafter, the dinner portion began, and we all sat down for a nabe (hot pot) meal. It was rather tasty as usual, and everyone seemed to enjoy their conversations as much as the meals.

The three filmmakers laugh at one of the more humorous memories from the set. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I suppose my favorite part of Megaguirus was seeing some familiar actors onscreen. Shigeo Kato has a small cameo toward the beginning when he greets the main characters as they enter the G-Graspers' headquarters. Of course, Yuriko Hoshi (Godzilla vs. The Thing, Ghidrah the Three-Headed Monster) returns to the series in a big way with her role as a scientist. Otherwise, I do have to agree with a lot of the criticisms I've read over the years. Megaguirus' evil grin and Godzilla's belly flop are not the series' highlights, to say the least.

Yours truly with Hiroshi Kashiwabara, Masaaki Tezuka, and Kenji Suzuki.

All that aside, I enjoyed seeing all three guests last night. They all enjoyed meeting and mingling with those in attendance. Hopefully they'll return again soon!

MASAAKI TEZUKA TALKS FILMS IN KOENJI! Unmade Movies in the East and West Are Discussed!

Director Masaaki Tezuka speaks to the audience at a special event in Koenji, Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On October 24, I was invited to join a special event in Koenji, Tokyo, highlighting some famous unmade films in movie history. The event ran for almost four hours, and most of the films discussed were American or European. However, some unmade kaiju films were discussed, and some rare screenplays for some of these movies were on display. It was a treat to see them in person.

The guest of honor was director Masaaki Tezuka, who directed Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003). Among other titles, he served as assistant director on Virus, (1980), Princess from the Moon (1987), Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992), and the last two entries in the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy.

Yoshikazu Ishii promotes his new film Sakurabana at the event. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Yoshikazu Ishii was also on hand, and many Godzilla fans are quite familiar with his credits. He was chief assistant special effects director on Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) and served in a similar position on Ultraman Saga (2012). Ishii-san promoted his latest film project, Sakurabana. The official site can be found here.

Yours truly posing with Toho power player Yoshikazu Ishii after the event wrapped.

When the event finished, my friend Yasushi and I were invited by the organizers to join a special dinner with Tezuka-san. I sat next to Tezuka-san for the meal, and I enjoyed spending the evening with him.

It had been quite a weekend up to this point, but even after all of this, it was far from over! 

CHICAGO COMES TO TOKYO! Director Masaaki Tezuka Hosts a Talk Show Event in Kawasaki!

 Meillennium series director Masaaki Tezuka remembers the late Hiroshi Koizumi during a Q&A event. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Yesterday, an event was held in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, in which director Masaaki Tezuka offered his memories of the great Toho actor Hiroshi Koizumi, who recently passed away. Tezuka-san worked with Koizumi-san on Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) and had much to say about the beloved actor. Tezuka-san also spoke at length about his career and signed autographs for those in attendance.

Tezuka-san shares a laugh with the audience as the photographer gets a little too artistic. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Despite the lack of self-promoting picture book authors, the event was another success. Tokyo is the undisputed king of the mountain when it comes to movie-related events, and no other place in the world can begin to compare. (Not that that should stop others from trying!)

Tezuka-san signs my DVD sleeve of Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), which was previously signed by screenwriter Wataru Mimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Quite a number of other events are planned for the month of July, so keep it here for photos and reports.

HIROSHI KOIZUMI: 1926-2015

Toho actor Hiroshi Koizumi, signing autographs at a Grissom Gang event, in June 2012. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Some very sad news started making its way across the Japanese press and the Internet worldwide this morning. Former Toho star Hiroshi Koizumi passed away at age 88 in the early morning hours of May 31.

Hiroshi Koizumi and Teruyoshi Nakano in June 2012. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I had the good fortune to meet Koizumi-san a couple of times during my time in Japan at some events. The first time was at a screening of Godzilla vs. the Thing (1964) held in June 2012. Other guests in attendance that evening were SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano and Millennium series director Masaaki Tezuka.

Koizumi-san contemplates his career following a screening of Godzilla vs. the Thing. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I sat next to Koizumi-san during the screening, and when it was finished, our group went to dinner. Suffice it to say, it was a memorable evening.

Shaking hands with Hiroshi Koizumi, the star of many great Toho films, in September 2013.

The following time was in September 2013 at Super Festival. Koizumi-san and Akira Kubo were guests at the event, and after their interview session was completed, I approached the guests in the autograph line and (thanks to my friend Yasushi) was able to have a conversation with both gentlemen.

While I interviewed Koizumi-san by correspondence in 2009, it was a brief interview, and I felt strongly that his entire film career (and not just the usual monster films) should be documented in English. Koizumi-san agreed to the interview, but I'll always regret never getting the opportunity to conduct it.

Akira Kubo and Hiroshi Koizumi take the stage together at Super Festival in September 2013. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Speaking of the interview, it was done for G-FAN, a copy of the magazine was mailed to Koizumi-san's office so that he could be photographed holding it to illustrate the article. The picture was taken by Koizumi-san's agent and sent to us. What truly surprised me, however, was several years later seeing a very similar photo being used on the agency's Web site! To put it mildly, I was honored. A screen cap of the site is below.

Koizumi-san was a warm and friendly gentleman, as many Japanese actors from the old school are. Whenever I saw him interacting with his fans, he was always welcoming. I'll remember him that way.

Thank you for the memories, Koizumi-san, on and off the screen. Please rest in peace.

GODZILLA'S MANAGEMENT! The Big G's Bosses Talk Shop in Shinjuku!

Producer Shogo Tomiyama (left) and director Masaaki Tezuka (right) pose for photos at Loft Plus One in Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

March 22 saw a talk show and autograph signing at Loft Plus One in Shinjuku, attended by Godzilla series producer Shogo Tomiyama, Godzilla series director Masaaki Tezuka, and illustrator Shinji Nishikawa. The event celebrated the launch of Tomiyama-san's new book, Godzilla's Management, which chronicles his experiences working as Godzilla's boss.

During the event, a special message from Megumi Odaka, who played Miki Saegusa throughout the Heisei series, was read on her behalf. She congratulated Tomiyama-san on the launch of his new book. Odaka-san is interviewed in Godzilla's Management.

While autographs were being signed, a raffle took place in which many coveted items were given away to audience members. One such prize was the actual newspaper headlines used in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), including the infamous headline which heralds the arrival of a "shinig" UFO in the "ski" of Tokyo. As luck would have it, my friend Yasushi ended up winning this unusual piece of G-history!

Overall, the event was enjoyable, but as is quite common with events hosted by Cast Co., fans are rushed through the autograph line, and there are no opportunities to pose for photos. Still, Cast Co. events are usually much cheaper than those that offer photo sessions, so I suppose it's a bit of a trade-off.

After the event, Yasushi and I were joined by other fans and professionals, and we had drinks at a local cafe. We talked about various subjects and had a great time. I'm already looking forward to the next event, whatever it may be!

HONORING KOICHI KAWAKITA: Toho Studios Hosts a Memorial Ceremony for the Late SFX Director

With actor Koichi Ueda at the Koichi Kawakita memorial celebration, taking place at Toho Studios.

I've just returned home from a moving celebration honoring the life and career of Godzilla series SFX director Koichi Kawakita. For me, things got started on the Odakyu Line platform at Noborito Station. There I happened upon Heisei series director Takao Okawara, who was also waiting for the train to arrive. After we entered, Millennium series SFX director Eiichi Asada boarded the train, wearing a surgical mask. I watched as Asada-san approached Okawara-san and introduce himself. The two talked until getting off at Seijo-gakuen-mae Station, at which point I shook hands with the gentlemen and introduced myself. Both were surprised that I recognized them and knew who they were!

Former Toho SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano poses in front of the memorial. Nakano-san gave a moving speech, honoring his colleague.

When I arrived at Toho, screenwriter Wataru Mimura was also making his way there. I also ran into my friend Yasushi. The celebration was a veritable who's who of Toho, including: Godzilla suit actors Haruo Nakajima and Kenpachiro Satsuma, directors Yoshimitsu Banno and Kazuki Omori, producer Shogo Tomiyama, SFX directors Teruysohi Nakano, Kenji Suzuki, and Eiichi Asada, actor Koichi Ueda, Shinichi Wakasa, Hurricane Ryu, Yoshikazu Ishii, Hiroshi Sagae, and many others.

As you can see above, Godzilla was even on hand, smashing a city. It was an appropriate tribute to a man who had directed the Big G in many such situations.

With writer-director Kazuki Omori, who wrote and directed Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991).

Before the ceremony got under way, attendees met and mingled with one another. It was quite nice to see old friends and colleagues excitedly coming up to one another and reminiscing about old times. I walked around the studio and caught up with a number of old friends and acquaintances.

With Millennium series SFX director Eiichi Asada.

I introduced myself to actor Koichi Ueda, who was in numerous Heisei and Millennium Godzilla films, not to mention the original version of Shall We Dance? (1996). Ueda-san was very friendly and a pleasure to speak with.

Hanging out with a man who needs no introduction, Haruo Nakajima.

After the memorial began, Teruyoshi Nakano, Kazuki Omori, and Shogo Tomiyama addressed the audience and paid tribute to Kawakita-san. Nakano-san's speech in particular was quite moving. When he finished by saying "Kawakita-kun, sayonara," the finality of Kawakita-san's passing swept through the studio.

Director Masaaki Tezuka, the most prolific of the Millennium series directors.

Following the speeches, when I was taking pictures around the studio, I got a tap on the shoulder. It was Sonoe Nakajima, Haruo Nakajima's daughter. We said hello, and of course I greeted Nakajima-san himself, who was in great spirits.

SFX director Kenji Suzuki and screenwriter Wataru Mimura.

As I was leaving, I got another tap on the shoulder. This time it was Shogo Tomiyama, who thanked me for coming. What better way to end the evening?

Suit actors Hurricane Ryu (left) and Kenpachiro Satsuma (right) reminisce about their Toho days.

When the event finished, Wataru Mimura, Yasushi, and scenario writer Fuko Takano went to the Italian restaurant Saizeriya for dinner. The food was delicious, and the mood was light. I think we all needed to lighten the mood after the attending the ceremony.

Rest in peace, Kawakita-san. Thank you for the memories and the movies.