Jerry London Talks 'Shogun' on Vantage Point Interviews!

Director Jerry London poses with a samurai helmet during the making of Shogun. Photo © Jerry London.

Shogun (1980) is one of the most successful TV miniseries of all time. It was completely shot in Japan, partially at Toho Studios, and starred the likes of Toshiro Mifune, Frankie Sakai, and many other familiar faces from the golden age of Japanese cinema. Jerry London directed the miniseries, and he shares his memories of the shoot in a brand-new Q&A with Vantage Point Interviews. Check it out today!

DEEP DIVE: Godzilla (1985) Redacted?

The cover of the script for the Toho-produced PR film The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow (1977).

For those interested in the history of the cooperation between Toho and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, one of the most intriguing examples is The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow (1977), a 26-minute Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force PR film produced by Toho Eizo Co., Ltd. (It should be noted that the script is dated 1976, but most sources state the movie is a 1977 production.)

The Sea, Wings, and Tomorrow was directed by Hideyuki Inoue (born on September 4, 1947), who joined Toho in 1969. Prior to helming this film, Mr. Inoue worked as an assistant director on Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) and went on to work as chief assistant director under Masato Harada on Gunhed (1989) and Kazuki Omori on Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). 

The SFX, to the extent there are any, were directed by Teruyoshi Nakano, the longtime special effects director at the studio. In addition, the music was composed by Akira Ifukube ... well, sort of. The music is all stock music, just like in Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Some of the stock cues heard in the film are the Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965) march (which was also used in Gigan), the Monster Zero (1965) march, and a few others.

So what does this have to do with the Godzilla series? Several shots from this movie were used as stock footage in Godzilla 1985 (1984) during the scene in which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is searching for Godzilla. While researching this topic, I also discovered on Japanese Wikipedia that stock footage was also used in Godzilla vs. Biollante during the Uraga Channel scene. 

I saw the film in June 2020 at a fan gathering shortly after actor Shigeo Kato passed away. In the film, Mr. Kato plays the part of a fisherman thrown overboard during a storm, who gets rescued by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, so this rarity was shown in honor of his life and career.

Most of the movie plays more like an NHK documentary than a scripted drama. It's really not flashy or exciting -- except during the sea rescue scene with Mr. Kato. 

So there you have it. Another piece of the puzzle in the history of Toho's working relationship with the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Seven Samurai's Shigeo Kato Passes Away at 94

Shigeo Kato in Kamakura in March 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

According to Japanese media reports, veteran Toho actor Shigeo Kato passed away at his home at 7:00 a.m. on June 14, just days shy of his 95th birthday on June 16. A private funeral was held with his daughter Yuko as chief mourner. 

Mr. Kato puts flowers on the final resting place of Akira Kurosawa. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

I had gotten to know Mr. Kato quite well over the years. We were put in touch by screenwriter Wataru Mimura, and I first met Mr. Kato in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, in the summer of 2014. I last visited Mr. Kato in late October of last year with my friend Jacob. Due to COVID-19, I was reluctant to visit Mr. Kato this year.

With Mr. Kato in January 2016.

Mr. Kato's credits are too numerous to list. He is most likely the last surviving cast member of Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954), and he has appeared in countless Godzilla and other monster movies for Toho. You can read the first interview I conducted with Mr. Kato last year to give you more of an idea of his career. I should have the second interview (that focuses more on his acting career) ready to publish in a few days.

Shigeo Kato was one of the kindest people I've ever met, and I'll always cherish the generosity he showed me over the years.

Rest in peace, Mr. Kato.

UPDATE (6/20): My followup interview with Mr. Kato has been published at Vantage Point Interviews.

A Trio of New Interviews at Vantage Point Interviews!

Shigeo Kato in January 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I've posted a trio of new interviews at Vantage Point Interviews. First, my January 2019 interview with actor Shigeo Kato in which he talks about everything from his World War II memories to working with Akira Kurosawa on Seven Samurai (not to mention his recollections of the original Godzilla). 

There's also my 2010 interview with Godzilla series star Akira Takarada, which has been transcribed and published for the first time anywhere. 

Last but not least is my conversation with Toho SFX staff member Takashi Naganuma, who started his career in the early 1970s and continued on into the Heisei era. 

Check 'em out today!

A Halloween Visit to Kamakura!

 The Great Buddha has arrived! Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Wednesday, October 30, Jacob and I paid a visit to Kamakura to take in the sites, as well as to meet up with actor Shigeo Kato. We went to a nearby cafe in which Kato-san regaled us with stories about his career, from Akira Kurosawa classics to the Godzilla series. Afterward, we went to the Great Buddha statue. It was a great afternoon, and here are the pics. (By the way, don't miss the pumpkin in front of the statue!)

Our Memories on the Beach!

Shigeo Kato answers a question about his career. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I did something today that I usually try to avoid: get up early on a Sunday morning. But I did it for a very simple reason. I wanted to catch a screening of Shigeo Kato's newest movie, Our Memories on the Beach (2018). 

Congrats, Kato-san! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Our Memories on the Beach is a 52-minute feature, and it also happens to be Kato-san's first starring role in his 70-year career. Kato-san plays a 93-year-old fisherman named Shigeta, a widower who's very much set in his ways. He encounters a 20-year-old aspiring photographer who takes an interest in him. The two have enjoy each other's company on and around the beaches of Kamakura, but when Shigeta's daughter gets involved, things suddenly take a dramatic turn.

The movie was quite enjoyable, and it was fun to see Kato-san essentially play himself. Kato-san began his acting career in 1950 when he joined Toho Studios, but it wasn't until 2018 that he starred in his first film. And what a role it was for him! Suffice it to say, I was glad to attend and personally congratulate Kato-san on a job well done.

Visiting a Toho Legend!

Shigeo Kato. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, March 20, I had a chance to catch up with Shigeo Kato, the veteran Toho actor who began working with the studio in the early 1950s. One of his earliest roles was in Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru (1952), ans he went on to appear in numerous films for the director. Kato-san's latest film, in which he plays the main character, is set to be released later this year.

I last visited Kato-san in January and was very happy to see him again. He continues to do well, and will turn 94 years old this June. I'm already looking forward to seeing him again.

Kato-san Is the Shogun!

Shigeo Kato. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I visited Kamakura to have another meeting with former Toho actor Shigeo Kato. Kato-san brought along one of his most prized possessions from his acting career. It was a prop from the TV miniseries Shogun (1980), in which he appeared. Kato-san's character gets decapitated in the miniseries, which necessitated the SFX department to create a replica head. After filming wrapped, he was allowed to keep it. After nearly 40 years, it's still in very good condition.

During our meeting, we talked about his acting career, which was as fascinating as it always is. But the highlight had to be the prop from Shogun. What a cool thing to see!

End-of-the-Year Meeting with Kato-san

Shigeo Kato. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I've fallen behind in blog updates in the past few days, but I'm finally ready to get up to speed. Anyway, on with the updates. On Wednesday, December 27, I returned to Kamakura to pay a visit to retired Toho actor Shigeo Kato. At the age of 92, Kato-san is still going strong, and we had a great conversation about his days at Toho as an actor.

I'm sure we'll get together again very soon in the New Year. And I'm really looking forward to it!

THE EIGHTH SAMURAI! Visiting Actor Shigeo Kato!

Actor Shigeo Kato. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I spent another pleasant afternoon with actor Shigeo Kato, a veteran of countless Toho movies dating back to the early 1950s. At 92 years old, Kato-san is still in great health, and I hope I can have the same level of independence if and when I'm lucky enough to reach his age.

We met at Kamakura Station and then went to our usual cafe for a chat. Kato-san mentioned to me that, in light of the recent passing of Haruo Nakajima and Yoshio Tsuchiya, he is the last surviving cast member from Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954). Given his undying spirit and boundless energy, I think Kato-san should be dubbed the Eighth Samurai.

Many thanks, as always, to Kato-san for his kindness and generosity. These get-togethers are a lot of fun each and every time they happen!

SHIGE-SAN IS BACK! Talking with the Actor About His New Book!

Actor Shigeo Kato poses with his new book, Shige-san: The Early Days of Hase, Kamakura. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Today, I paid a visit to Kamakura and met with actor Shigeo Kato, who (at the age of 92) is still going strong. Kato-san is a former Toho actor who began working for the studio in the early 1950s and appeared in movies as varied as Ikiru (1952) and Godzilla vs. the Thing (1964). We talked about Kato-san's new book, which is only available in a few bookstores in the Kamakura area. The book recalls Kato-san's memories of growing up in the city.

We also talked about the movies and cartoons Kato-san grew up watching, everything from Mickey Mouse and Popeye animated shorts to the comedy films of Charlie Chaplin. During our conversation, I was surprised to find out that Kato-san was friendly with Shochiku director Kazui Nihonmatsu, who directed The X from Outer Space (1967) and Genocide (a.k.a. War of the Insects, 1968).

Nihonmatsu was also from Kamakura, and in the years after World War II (around the time both began their respective film careers), they would go out drinking together in the evening. Apparently, Nihonmatsu was a handsome guy who resembled Nikkatsu heartthrob Yujiro Ishihara, making him rather popular with the ladies. Moreover, Nihonmatsu grew up in California in the years prior to World War II and returned to Japan sometime before the war began. He could apparently speak English like a native speaker. (This could explain why his two genre films had large roles for American actors.) His family also had an elite background.

Nihonmatsu had a long career at Shochiku as an assistant director, but his career as a director didn't last very long. I was quite surprised to find that Kato-san knew Nihonmatsu, especially since very little information about the director is available anywhere.

It was a great afternoon to spend with Kato-san, despite the sweltering heat. I certainly look forward to seeing him again soon!

CELEBRATING SHIGEO KATO'S NEW BOOK! Memories of Showa-Era Kamakura!

The cover of Shigeo Kato's new book. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Yesterday, I received a surprise in the mail. The great Shigeo Kato sent me a copy of his brand-new book, Shige-san: The Early Days of Hase, Kamakura. Kato-san, who turned 92 years old last month, shares his memories of growing up in Hase, Kamakura, in the form of a children's picture book.

The book seems to be only locally available in Kamakura, and it doesn't appear to be listed on amazon.com. (It doesn't even have a bar code on the back.) But it's a wonderful record of a bygone era through the eyes of a man who witnessed it all.

A great history of a city as told by an even greater man. Thank you very much for the present, Kato-san!

PAYING RESPECTS TO AKIRA KUROSAWA! Visiting the Celebrated Director's Grave in Kamakura!

 Akira Kurosawa's final resting place in Anyoin Temple. Photo by Brett Homenick.

One of the places I'd wanted to visit in Japan for some time was Akira Kurosawa's grave in Kamakura. Kurosawa, of course, is the famed Toho director who brought such classics as Rashomon (1950), Seven Samurai (1954), and Ran (1985) to the big screen. He is the most famous film director Japan has ever produced. 

Actor Shigeo Kato offers a gift to director Kurosawa. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Given that retired actor Shigeo Kato lives in the area, I phoned him up and set up a meeting. When I arrived in Kamakura, I asked him about going to Anyoin Temple to visit Kurosawa's grave. Kato-san knew exactly where to go, so off we went.

Shigeo Kato worked with Akira Kurosawa numerous times. He has a speaking role in Ikiru (1952) as a government bureaucrat, and he appears as a farmer in Seven Samurai (1954). He even appears in Kurosawa's final film, Madadayo (1993) as the stationmaster.

Shigeo Kato speaks with a visitor to the cemetery. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Along the way, Kato-san suggested that we purchase flowers to leave as a gift. I thought that was a great idea. We stopped at a local flower shop and each picked some up (which I dutifully paid for). We kept walking until we arrived at the temple.

Shigeo Kato at Akira Kurosawa's final resting place. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

When we arrived at the temple's cemetery (which is in a slightly different location from the temple proper), we placed the flowers in the appropriate place. Then we each offered our prayers to the late director.

Interestingly, while Kato-san and I were there, we happened to be joined by another American movie fan who also wanted to see Kurosawa's grave. Even more interestingly, he recognized me from my various writings on Japanese movies. I introduced him to Kato-san, and we all took our requisite photos.

After visiting Kurosawa's grave, Kato-san and I went to a coffee shop for some refreshments. I asked him about his small role in Battle in Outer Space (1959) as one of the conductors on the doomed train that crashes when the Natal aliens lift up the bridge. As it turns out, Kato-san doesn't remember the film at all! Otherwise, we talked about Kato-san's favorite directors, among whom are Kurosawa, Ishiro Honda, Yasuki Chiba, and Shiro Moritani, and also about which Japanese directors and actors were famous in the U.S.

Thank you very much, Kato-san, for making the day one I'll never forget! (Thank you also for the birthday card!)

KUROSAWA AND MIFUNE! Visiting a Special Exhibit in Kamakura!

With actor Shigeo Kato at the Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum.

Today I traveled to Kamakura to visit Japanese Film Legend: Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune. Running from September 16 until January 15 at the Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum, the special exhibit boasts many rare and interesting items.

Shigeo Kato at the Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

I was fortunate to attend with veteran Toho actor Shigeo Kato, who himself has appeared in numerous Kurosawa films, going all the way back to Ikiru (1952) and Seven Samurai (1954). It was quite an experience to walk around the exhibit with an actor who has worked with Kurosawa and Mifune many times.

Shigeo Kato meets his old friend Ultraman again! Photo by Brett Homenick.

On hand at the exhibit were many posters for Kurosawa films (both domestic and international), several rare photographs (such as a shot of Toshiro Mifune with Charlie Chaplin and a photo of Mifune visiting the set of Kurosawa's Dersu Uzala), and even a few of their personal effects. For example, a medal awarded to Mifune by UCLA in the mid-1980s was on display, as was a coat Mifune himself made from a blanket he received shortly after leaving the military. Some of Mifune's own shooting scripts from his collaborations with Kurosawa could also be seen.

Kurosawa's memorial message to Mifune (written shortly after the actor passed away) was also on display, as was the Golden Lion award given to Rashomon by the Venice International Film Festival. Additionally, some of Kurosawa's personal art supplies (with which he drew up storyboards) were on hand, along with some of his other belongings, like his binoculars. 

It was a fascinating display filled with Toho history. I was lucky enough to take it all in with a man who was there for most of it. Many thanks to Kato-san for a wonderful afternoon!

HANGING WITH SHIGEO KATO! A Cool Way to Spend a Hot August Day!

Today I went to Kamakura to visit Toho actor Shigeo Kato, whose acting career runs the gamut of decades. He's a great guy who remains spry and in good health into his 90s. I talked about Godzilla Resurgence, which Kato-san still has not seen. I gave him my opinion of it, which naturally isn't a very high one.

After coffee, we usually go for a walk, but given the blistering heat of August, we decided to postpone the walk until next time. I can't wait for it!

VISITING A GODZILLA RESURGENCE LOCATION! A Toho Veteran Joins the Fun!

Viewing Kamakura Seaside Park Yuigahama Area, from which Shin Godzilla emerges in Godzilla Resurgence. Photo by Brett Homenick.

As I do every so often, I paid a visit to former Toho actor Shigeo Kato. Kato-san has appeared in numerous kaiju films, running the gamut from the original Godzilla (1954) through Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000). Along the way, he appeared in several films by directors Akira Kurosawa, Kihachi Okamoto, and many others.

Kato-san is based in Kamakura, Kanagawa, and it is one of the most scenic areas in all of Kanto. It is also a filming location for the upcoming Godzilla Resurgence (a.k.a. Shin Godzilla), so I pitched him the idea of visiting Kamakura Seaside Park Yuigahama Area (what a mouthful!), and he readily agreed.

Shigeo Kato was menaced by Godzilla in 1954, and he is ready to meet the King of the Monsters once again! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Kato-san and I took the bus and then walked to the area on the beach where the King of the Monsters makes his first appearance in Godzilla Resurgence. It was especially cool to see the place with an actor who fled from Godzilla way back in 1954.  

Kato-san pointed out to me that the large King Kong statue that used to exist in Kamakura during the 1930s (posted about elsewhere on this blog) was situated very close to this area. So, in a coincidence of monstrous proportions), this particular space in Japan has special history with both King Kong and Godzilla, separated by more than 80 years!

Before we visited the beach, Kato-san and I shared coffee and cake at a cafe he frequents. We talked about various locations he visited as an actor and some of the directors he worked with.

Thanks again, Kato-san, for an incredible afternoon!

SETSUKO HARA AND CHERRY BLOSSOMS! A Full Day in Kamakura!

Actor Shigeo Kato in Kamakura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today (March 30) I paid a special visit to Kamakura. I always have a blast meeting Toho actor Shiego Kato, and given that I happen to have a lot of free time for my birthday week, I decided to come see him again.

After having coffee, we made our way to the Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum in order to take in a special exhibit on the late actress Setsuko Hara. The exhibit featured many rare photos and movie posters. While looking at one poster, Kato-san pointed out to me that the film was directed by Yasuki Chiba, a director he worked with and admired.

Following that, we made our best attempt at viewing the cherry blossoms. The only problem? They're not in full bloom yet! Still, we enjoyed seeing what there was to see!

While the cherry blossoms may not have been out in force, the tourists were. It was very difficult to get from one place to another. I suppose they were expecting the cherry blossoms to be in full bloom, but that was unfortunately not the case.

Today was a very fun day, and it encompassed Japanese movie history as well as Japanese culture. I feel it's very important for me to make the most of my time here, and that means not letting opportunities to do cool and unique things pass by.

Thank you very much, Kato-san! Let's do it again soon.