Fumio Ishimori Q&A Now on Vantage Point Interviews!

With Fumio Ishimori in November 2020.

A brand-new interview has been posted with screenwriter Fumio Ishimori on Vantage Point Interviews, who began his scriptwriting career at Nikkatsu Studios in the mid-1960s. Among his film credits are Toshio Masuda’s war film Monument to the Girl’s Corps (1968), Toho’s Horror of the Wolf (1973), and the animated feature Galaxy Express 999 (1979). He also wrote several episodes of the original Kamen Rider (1971-73) TV series, as well as episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

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A Comedic Start to 2020!

 Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Over the holidays, I received a letter from Fumio Ishimori, who invited me to attend a play in Asakusa for which he wrote the script. Today was the first performance, and Ishimori-san was in attendance, so naturally I went, too. I've seen several of Ishimori-san's plays in Asakusa. He often writes scripts for this comedy troupe. I hadn't seen Ishimori-san since June, so I was especially pleased to attend. Besides, I really wanted to greet him and personally wish him a happy New Year.

Ishimori-san was a screenwriter who wrote many scripts for Shochiku and Nikkatsu, including Toshio Masuda's war film Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). Genre fans might know Ishimori-san as co-screenwriter of the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also penned numerous episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), along with episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

Ishimori-san was a true gentleman, as he always is. I had a great time in his company, and I hope to see him again very soon.

Comedy Has Come Back to Asakusa!

Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I paid a visit to the Asakusa 21st Century Comic Theater to attend a stage play written by Fumio Ishimori. Ishimori-san is a prolific screenwriter whose credits include the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973), along with a myriad of TV productions, such as Kamen Rider (1971-73), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), and Zone Fighter (1973). 

The play was a 007 parody with a lot of broad, over-the-top humor. There was even a Kamen Rider reference in the show. (Take that, Shocker!) Definitely fun stuff. I certainly had fun seeing Ishimori-san again, who is always very friendly. I'm already looking forward to his next production!

Seeing Fumio Ishimori's Latest Production

Yours truly with Fumio Ishimori (second from left) and friends.

A few weeks ago, I received a letter in the mail from screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori), which came with a flyer for his latest stage production. The letter invited me to attend the performance on March 9 in Shibuya. Shortly thereafter, I reserved a ticket and made plans to attend after work.

I arrived a bit late to the show (due to my work schedule), but after the show, I caught up with Ishimori-san and his wife (whom I'd met for the first time). Ishimori-san invited me to dinner, so the three of us went to a nearby izakaya and ate some delicious food.

It was a great evening, and I certaily look foward to seeing Ishimori-san again.

ISHIMORI-SAN RETURNS TO ASAKUSA! The Celebrated Scribes Pens Another Stage Comedy!

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended a stage play in Asakusa written by Fumio Ishimori (whose name is sometimes mistranslated as "Shiro" Ishimori). Ishimori-san co-wrote Toho's Crest of the Wolf (1973), along with several tokusatsu TV programs during the 1970s. 

While there, I handed him a Christmas card, which he was surprised to receive. He asked me for my address, and I naturally gave it to him. I suppose I should keep an eye on my mailbox in the coming days.

It's always great to see Ishimori-san, and I'm already looking forward to the next time next year.

FUMIO ISHIMORI IS BACK! The Longtime Screenwriter Returns to Asakusa with a New Play!

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Today, I went to Asakusa to see the latest play written by screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san, as noted several times on this blog, has written many movies for Shochiku and Nikkatsu. One of his most significant credits is his screenplay for Toshio Masuda's Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). He also co-wrote the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda, as well as writing episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), Ultraman Ace (1972-73), and Zone Fighter (1973).

The play itself was a comedy, and it had the audience in stitches. One amusing incident occurred when the backdrop suddenly fell apart, causing the actors to improvise while the crew put everything back together again. Everything was back on track within a few minutes. All in all, it was an enjoyable show, and it's always a treat to see Ishimori-san.

ZONE FIGHTER REUNION! Two Alumni from Toho Tokusatsu Join Forces in Shinjuku!

Fumio Ishimori holds a Zone Fighter DVD. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I attended a talk given by screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san penned many screenplays for Shochiku and Nikkatsu, including Toshio Masuda's Monument to the Girls' Corps (1968). Genre fans might know Ishimori-san as co-screenwriter of the Toho horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also penned numerous episodes of Kamen Rider (1971-73), along with episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

Actress Sachiko Kozuki listens intently to Fumio Ishimori's memories. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Also on hand was Takarazuka Revue legend Sachiko Kozuki, who also has made many appearances in film and television over the years. She had a recurring role on Zone Fighter (1973) as Mrs. Sakimori, the mother of the three main characters. She has also appeared in episodes of Mirrorman (1971-72), Ultraman Taro (1973-74), Ultraman Leo (1974-75), and Kamen Rider W (2009-10).

The two seemed to enjoy themselves as they reminisced about Zone Fighter and other topics. It was certainly a lot of fun to see.

Ishimori-san was just as friendly as he always is. After the Q&A session, Ishimori-san invited me to join him and his group at a nearby cafe, which is an invitation I was eager to accept.

And there you have it. I wasn't expecting the extra level of hospitality I received from Ishimori-san, so it was a very pleasant surprise.

SEEING FUMIO ISHIMORI'S NEW PLAY! Asakusa Is the Place to Be!

Fumio Ishimori stands outside the theater in Asakusa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, I had an opportunity to take in the new comedy play written by Fumio Ishimori (a.k.a. Shiro Ishimori). Ishimori-san is a longtime screenwriter who has written numerous films for Nikkastu and Shochiku studios.  

Fumio Ishimori signs my DVD sleeve of Crest of the Wolf. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

For Toho, he wrote the horror film Crest of the Wolf (1973) with Jun Fukuda. He also wrote several episodes of the original Kamen Rider (1971-73), as well as episodes of Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and Zone Fighter (1973).

When I found out about Ishimori-san's play, I knew I had to check it out. Thankfully, my Sunday afternoon was open, and I was able to make it. It was an enjoyable parody with a Lupin III-type character as the focal point, and it had the audience laughing throughout.

With Ishimori-san and many of the cast members.

Afterward, we posed for photos and chatted a bit. I also got to meet many of the cast, and everyone was quite friendly. I look forward to seeing his next play!

TAKE TWO! Nikkatsu Takes Over Yokohama!

Nikkatsu Studios star Masako Izumi listens intently to a question from one of her many fans.

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori poses for a photo.

Hanging out with the kind and energetic Masako Izumi.

Does it look like we're having a good time?

Meeting Fumio Ishimori, who was worked for many of Japan's greatest studios.

A selfie with a great Japanese screenwriter!

One last photo for the road!

NIKKATSU IN YOKOHAMA! Masako Izumi and Fumio Ishimori Talk Film Over Dinner!

Nikkastu Studios star Masako Izumi chats with fans over dinner in Yokohama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Last night, I was privileged to attend a special dinner event with two Nikkatsu Studios alumni. The headliner of the event was Masako Izumi, who was a young star at Nikkatsu during the 1960s. I met her last year at a similar event and was pleasantly surprised to find that she recognized me.

Screenwriter Fumio Ishimori has written numerous scenarios for many of Japan's biggest studios. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The other special guest in attendance was screenwriter Fumio Ishimori (sometimes credited as Shiro Ishimori in the West). Ishimori-san penned several films for Nikkatsu during the 1960s before eventually leaving for Shochiku Studios. In the 1970s, Ishimori-san wrote the horror opus Crest of the Wolf (1973) for Toho Studios.

Masako Izumi listens to a question while sitting under a poster for her film Thanks for the Tears (1965), a youth actioner from Nikkastu Studios. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While there was a film screening prior to the dinner event, I missed it. (I have to work, you know.) But I was able to enjoy sitting with Izumi-san and Ishimori-san, who were quite gregarious and eager to mingle with their fans.

Yours truly poses for a photo with Masako Izumi in Yokohama.

It was intriguing to see how the attendees acted around Izumi-san. For this event, the folks in attendance were all new to me. I made some new friends and enjoyed chatting with them. But they were all in awe of Izumi-san. Her name is hardly known to Americans, but fans in Japan are well aware of who she is. After becoming familiar with her credits, it would be hard not to become impressed!

Posing for a photo with Fumio Ishimori, a man of many screenplays!

The event was a lot of fun and a big success. Masako Izumi was full of boundless energy, and despite her previous success as a Nikkatsu star, she was a approachable as anyone else I've seen. Ishimori-san was a very friendly chap whom I hope to see again soon. Congratulations to everyone involved!