GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE LOCATIONS! Godzilla Invades Osaka!

Twin 21 in Osaka Business Park. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While in Osaka, I visited several locations seen in the Heisei series classic Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), particularly those situated in and around Osaka Business Park. Godzilla attacks the area when the JSDF tries to infect the King of the Monsters with Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacteria (ANEB). Godzilla ends up destroying Twin 21 (seen above) after Gondo fires a rocket containing ANEB into Godzilla's mouth.

 The entrance to Twin 21. Photo by Brett Homenick.

During Godzilla's raid on Osaka, Gondo and his soldiers converge on Twin 21. The above location can be seen in the film.

The atrium inside Twin 21. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Above is another location used in Biollante. The JSDF enters Twin 21 and gets into position to try to infect Godzilla with ANEB.

The big screen has been updated over the years, but it's still there. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Once the JSDF enters Twin 21, a big screen inside the atrium broadcasts Godzilla's approach. The screen may not be the exact same one from 1989 (for rather obvious reasons), but it's still in the same position.

 Sumitomo Castle Tower (left) and Hotel New Otani (right). Photo by Brett Homenick.

Within a short walking distance of Twin 21 is the Hotel New Otani, an unusually shaped hotel, over which the Super X2 flies during Godzilla's attack on Osaka. Sumitomo Castle Tower looms over the hotel.

 The skyline of Osaka Business Park. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Naturally, during Godzilla's raid, you get some nice shots of Osaka Business Park's skyline. While not a perfect match (how could it be?), this is essentially what you see in the movie.

That's about all for now. It was quite fascinating to see these locations up close and personal.

OSAKA CASTLE REDUX! Paying Another Visit to This Godzilla and Gamera Location!

Osaka Castle. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

A bit less than two years ago, I made my first visit to Osaka Castle. On May 31, while I had some time left over during my recent trip to Kansai, I decided to give Osaka Castle another look. Most Godzilla fans know it from the battle Godzilla and Angilas had in Godzilla Raids Again (1955), but lest we forget, Barugon also froze it in Gamera vs. Barugon (1966). Suffice it to say, the castle has seen its share of kaiju action over the years.

During this visit, I made an effort to find specific angles used in Godzilla Raids Again. I was pleased that I was able to find a few, but there are certainly more to find. Perhaps I'll find the rest in a future trip.

Osaka Castle's Sakuramon Gate. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Sakuramon Gate is featured in Godzilla Raids Again, as the audience sees the fierce battle between Godzilla and Angilas rage behind the gate.

Osaka Castle's Sengan Turret. Photo By Brett Homenick.

Sengan Turret is also seen in Godzilla Raids Again, as we see the two massive kaiju battle in the background, while Sengan Turret sits in the foreground.

This angle of Sengan Turret is likewise seen in the film, and once again we see Godzilla and Angilas duking it out behind the wall.

And there you have it.

SCENES FROM OSAKA! Out and About in Kansai!

A familiar character can be seen in the artwork that adorns this Japanese eatery in Osaka. (Just don't tell Toho!) Photo by Brett Homenick.

While in Osaka, I saw some interesting things and even met some great people. Here's the roundup!

Kane Kosugi (Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero, Godzilla: Final Wars) was seen on this massive billboard for Century 21.

A view of the Osaka skyline as seen from Osaka Station City.

Hm... Isn't that the name of some old tokusatsu Web site?

The absolute highlight of my trip to Kansai was meeting actor Chotaro Togin. He was an absolute joy, very kind and friendly. I certainly hope to have a chance to meet him again!