A Visit to T-Joy Seibu Oizumi and Its Toei Exhibition Space!

T-Joy Seibu Oizumi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

A rather unexpected place to find Toei history represented is in the T-Joy Seibu Oizumi movie theater in Nerima, Tokyo. However, as it stands virtually right next to Toei Movie Studios, perhaps it's not such a random situation. The highlights of the exhibit for me were the parts featuring actor Ken Takakura and director Kinji Fukasaku, which you can see below. Oh, and Godzilla Minus One (2023) is playing there, too. Suffice it to say, this theater has it going on!

TOEI HISTORY! Oizumi-gakuen Station Honors the Japanese Studio's Heritage!

Oizumi-gakuen Station. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (Sunday, November 5), I stopped by Oizumi-gakuen Station in Nerima, Tokyo. Oizumi-gakuen Station is the home of Toei Movie Studios, as well as Toei Animation, so the area is replete is film and television history. Much of that history is on display at the train station itself, which not only salutes many of Toei Animation's famous characters but a number of Toei's live-action movies, too. For example, Oizumi Anime Gate features several bronze statues of Toei characters that is well worth checking out. From Astro Boy to Ken Takakura, Oizumi-gakuen Station has you covered!

SHINJI CHUJO RULES! The Former Mothra Child Star Rocks Japan!

Musician Masamitsu Tayama performs at the Marquee club in Nerima, Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The Toho classic Mothra (1961) is a great film for any number of reasons. Its SFX, writing, and acting are all top-notch. While much is known about Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi, Kyoko Kagawa, and even Jerry Ito, precious little information seems to be available about one of the film's supporting players, Masamitsu Tayama.

Masamitsu Tayama signs Mothra memorabilia for yours truly. 

Tayama-san memorably played Shinji Chujo, the pudgy, mouse-loving boy who tries to save the Shobijin from the clutches of the evil Nelson. Unlike other child actors, like Godzilla vs. Megalon's Hiroyuki Kawase, Tayama-san remains a public figure, though he has since entered a completely different line of entertainment.

Although he is now a professional singer, Tayama-san has fond memories of Mothra, especially his co-star Hiroshi Koizumi. After the concert at Marquee, I was invited to dinner with Tayama-san, who graciously signed several autographs and was happy to take photos. I enjoyed our meeting and hope to get another chance to see him again.