A Special 'Ultraman Ace' 50th Anniversary Event in Tokyo!

Shunichi Okita. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, July 3, I attended a special book-launch event for a new tome chronicling the history of Ultraman Ace (1972-73), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

One of the guests on hand was Shunichi Okita. Okita-san portrayed TAC member Ichiro Yamanaka in Ultraman Ace, but, prior to his signature role, Okita-san began as a Nikkatsu actor. He appears in the highly acclaimed crime thriller Tokyo Drifter (1966) and later appeared in a couple of Kihachi Okamoto films at Toho: Red Lion (1969) and Battle of Okinawa (1971). It had been years since I last saw Okita-san, so it was great to see him again.

Eizo Yamagiwa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Another great guest was Tsuburaya Productions director Eizo Yamagiwa. Earlier in his career at Shintoho, Yamagiwa-san worked on the seventh Starman actioner, Super Giant: The Space Mutant Appears (1958), which was later edited into the cult classic Evil Brain from Outer Space. At the end of the 1960s, Yamagiwa-san joined Tsuburaya Productions as a director, helming such TV programs as Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro (1973-74), and Ultraman Leo (1974-75), among others. He also directed episodes of Silver Kamen (1971-72) and the Submersion of Japan TV series (1974-75).

I brought a DVD sleeve from the Tales of Terror Mill Creek Entertainment 50-movie pack that had Evil Brain from Outer Space for Yamagiwa-san to sign. I explained that it was the American version of the Starman movie he worked on, and he read out the title of the movie in English. 

Eiichi Kikuchi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

A surprise guest was Eiichi Kikuchi, who is principally known as Ultraman Jack's suit actor in Return of Ultraman. Kikuchi-san also donned the Ultra Seven suit in Ultra Seven (1967-68) for two episodes (14 and 15). He also tussles with Sean Connery in You Only Live Twice (1967).

As you can see, he loves striking various Ultra-poses for the gathered paparazzi!

There were also some cool items on display, like Okita-san's TAC uniform from Ultraman Ace.

Various scripts from the show were on display, too.

In the end, though, hanging out is what it's all about! That's the highlight of any such event for me, and I think these photos demonstrate that very well.

I was especially happy to see Yamagiwa-san doing well. He turns 90 years old later this month!

Yes, I'd say the guests had a great time...

... by looking at these photos.

 And that's all for now. See you next time!

After a Long Absence, TAC Is Back!

Keiko Nishi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While on a work break, I made a trek to Keiko Nishi's cafe, and with a bit of luck on my side, she was there. (The last few times I visited the cafe, she wasn't.) It was great to see her again. The last time was almost exactly two years ago! I hadn't planned such a long gap; things just worked out that way.

For those of you not in the know, Nishi-san played TAC member Noriko Mikawa in Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Recently, she's been spending more time away from her cafe, so the timing has to be perfect in order for you to see her there. Thankfully, that's the way it was for me today.

YAPOOL, BEWARE! An Ultraman Ace Reunion Flies into Tokyo!

Mitsuhiro Sano, Keiji Takamine, Eizo Yamagiwa, and Shigemitsu Taguchi gather at a recent Ultraman Ace reunion. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, February 17, I attended a Showa Hero event that featured a reunion of four key alumni of Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Ace (1972-73) that featured the series' director, main writer, star, and co-star.

Shigemitsu Taguchi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

First was Shigemitsu Taguchi. Among other series, Taguchi-san has written for Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Mirrorman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace, Jumborg Ace (1973), Ultraman Taro (1973-74), and Ultraman Leo (1974-75).

Taguchi-san is a great guy, and I always enjoy seeing him. I brought a DVD booklet from Ultraman Leo for him to sign.

Eizo Yamagiwa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Next was director Eizo Yamagiwa. Yamagiwa-san worked as an assistant director with Teruo Ishii and went on to direct numerous episodes of Return of Ultraman (1971-72), Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro (1973-74), and Ultraman Leo (1974-75) at Tsuburaya Productions. He also helmed episodes of Silver Kamen (1971-72) and the Submersion of Japan TV series (1974-75).

I've met Yamagiwa-san several times since 2016. I was particularly glad to see that he's doing well and is still very healthy. Even though he can seem reserved quite often, he is very friendly, as the above photo demonstrates.

Mitsuhiro Sano. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Also on hand (as a surprise guest) was Mitsuhiro Sano, who played Terrible Monster Attacking Crew (TAC) member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace. Sano-san also can be seen in episodes of Kaiketsu Zubat (1977), Star Wolf (1978), Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03), and Kamen Rider Decade (2009).

Coincidentally, prior to this event, I'd been thinking about how I should visit Sano-san again soon, as it had been several months since last seeing him. I still need to do that, but I'm pleased I had a chance to visit with him here.

Keiji Takamine. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I had met all the other guests on previous occasions, but this was my first time to meet Keiji Takamine, who starred in the series as TAC member Seiji Hokuto, one half of Ultraman Ace's human alter egos. 

Our meeting was rather brief, but it was still great to meet Takamine-san. I brought three items for him to sign, one of which was my Ultraman book I bought in 2015 at an exhibit in Yokosuka. It's been signed by an incredible number of alums who've worked on all the Showa-era Ultra-series in one form or another.

Overall, it was a great event, and almost 50 years later, Ultraman Ace still flies!

All About Tonight's TAC Attack!

Mitsuhiro Sano. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight, a paid another visit to the bar owned and operated by actor Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano), who played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). It'd been a long time since my last visit -- almost a year, in fact. It was great to return after such a long absence.

Naturally, we both sang karaoke. I belted out a couple of songs by the likes of Talking Heads, Genesis, REM, and others. Sano-san sang some Elvis and Bee Gees tunes, as well as the theme song to Ultraman Ace. Fun times. Gotta go back before another year passes!

A TAC ATTACK! Returning to Okita-san's Restaurant!

Actor Shunichi Okita. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Last night, I went to the bar owned and operated by actor Shunichi Okita, best known as TAC member Ichiro Yamanaka from Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Before that, he got his start at Nikkatsu Studios and even appeared in a couple of Kihachi Okamoto movies at Toho. 

It has been a while since I last visited the restaurant, and I had a wonderful time. Hopefully, I won't wait so long to return!

TAC IS BACK, JACK! Paying a Visit to Ultraman Ace's Mitsuhiro Sano!

Ultraman Ace's Mitsuhiro Sano poses with an old friend. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I visited the bar owned and operated by Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano) again tonight. Sano-san played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Given that it was Friday evening, more people than usual were in the bar, which added to the fun of the proceedings. It's pretty safe to say that we all enjoyed ourselves.

Karaoke was, of course, part of the festivities. This time around, I mostly let everyone else do the singing. Sano-san, however, invited me to do a duet of the Bee Gees song "Massachusetts," which is an old favorite of his. To be honest, Sano-san is the only reason I even know of the song, but I've heard him sing it so many times now that I know it pretty well. It was great fun!

Given that I have to get up for work tomorrow, I headed out a bit earlier than I would have liked. But when you've got bills to pay, you gotta go to work.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more fun from the Land of the Rising Sun!

GETTING A SNACK WITH TAC! Visiting Ultraman Ace's Keiko Nishi!

Yours truly with actress Keiko Nishi.

During a break at work, I made another visit to Keiko Nishi's cafe. Readers of this blog ought to know by now that Nishi-san appeared on Ultraman Ace (1972-73) as TAC member Noriko Mikawa. Every time I see her at the cafe is a lot of fun.

Nishi-san told me that her cafe will be featured on TV Tokyo this Friday evening. If I have time, I'll certainly check it out! 

TAC IS BACK AGAIN! An Evening with Mitsuhiro Sano!

Mitsuhiro Sano poses with a friend. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

The night after visiting Shunichi Okita's establishment, I went to the bar owned by Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano (a.k.a. Koyo Sano) on the evening of March 11. Sano-san played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73) and has guested on numerous tokusatsu shows over the years.

Singing karaoke with a TAC member! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Sano-san and I followed our usual routine of trading karaoke songs. We did an impromptu duet of The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which was followed up by Sano-san's rendition of "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul & Mary. Sano-san also performed "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees (which has become a staple of these get-togethers), while I tried my hand at "Stayin' Alive" (with lackluster results). 

It was another fun evening with a super-friendly gentleman, and I can't wait to do it all over again!

TAC IS BACK! With Actor Shunichi Okita!

With actor Shunichi Okita.

On March 10, I paid another visit to the bar owned by actor Shunichi Okita. Okita-san portrayed TAC member Ichiro Yamanaka in Ultraman Ace (1972-73), but prior to his signature role, Okita-san began as a Nikkatsu actor. He appears in the highly acclaimed crime thriller Tokyo Drifter (1966) and later appeared in a couple of Kihachi Okamoto films at Toho: Red Lion (1969) and Battle of Okinawa (1971).

It was, naturally, great to spend the evening with Okita-san. I look forward to stopping by his establishment again soon.

VISITING KEIKO NISHI! Returning to Ginza!

Yours truly with Ultraman Ace actress Keiko Nishi.

While on a break from work, I traveled to Ginza to spend some time at Keiko Nishi's cafe. Nishi-san, of course, played TAC member Noriko Mikawa in Ultraman Ace (1972-73). As expected, she was at the cafe when I arrived, and we had a nice chat. 

Despite being a rather busy day at the cafe, she set aside some time to take these photos. Nishi-san is always extremely friendly whenever I see her. Thank you very much!

TAC TAKES TOKYO! An Evening with an Ultraman Ace Cast Member!

Actor Mitsuhiro Sano poses with an old friend. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I paid a visit to the bar owned by actor Mitsuhiro Sano, who plated TAC member Kozo Yoshimura on Ultraman Ace (1972-73). It had been a few months since I my last visit, so I was particularly keen on returning there.

As usual, we sang quite a few karaoke songs. One of the tunes I sang was "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits, the lyrics of which seemed to amuse Sano-san. For his part, Sano-san did another rendition of "Massachusetts" (an old favorite of his) as well as "Can't Help Falling in Love" by a certain chap from Mississippi. As always, it was a lot of fun!

KEIKO NISHI IS BACK WITH TAC! Seeing the Actress Again in Tokyo!

On Monday, I paid another visit to Keiko Nishi's cafe. Nishi-san played TAC member Noriko Mikawa in Ultraman Ace (1972-73), and while she made an appearance at Super Festival the day before, I missed her there.

As always, she was very kind and generous with her time, which makes every trip worth it. Thank you again, Nishi-san!

A RETURN TO TAC! Hanging and Singing with Mitsuhiro Sano!

Ultraman Ace star Mitsuhiro Sano salutes the cameraman. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 Tonight, I ventured down to Shinjuku with one goal in mind. I wanted to hang out with Ultraman Ace actor Mitsuhiro Sano (TAC member Kozo Yoshimura) at his bar! We were joined by a few other Japanese patrons who were surprised that an American was so familiar with Sano-san.

We sang karaoke, and Sano-san did another rendition of "Massachusetts," which has become almost a tradition by now. For the first time, I sang "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen, and I have to add that to my playlist. That was a lot of fun!

A RETURN TO ULTRAMAN ACE! A Pleasant Evening with a TAC Member!

Yours truly poses with actor Shunichi Okita.

Last night, I met a couple of Japanese friends at the bar/restaurant owned by Ultraman Ace actor Shunichi Okita (who played TAC member Ichiro Yamanaka). Okita-san played some of his TV appearances from the 1970s while my friends and I discussed some upcoming plans. 

Although I couldn't stay very long, it was a great evening spent in great company. Many thanks to everyone who made last night so cool!

THE BALLAD OF AN ULTRA-STAR! Actor Mitsuhiro Sano Joins Fans in Singing Karaoke!

Actor Mitsuhiro Sano sings "Massachusetts," one of his favorite English-language songs. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Satuday night, I returned to the bar owned and operated by Mitsuhiro Sano, who played Terrible Monster Attacking Crew (TAC) member Kozo Yoshimura on Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Ace (1972-73). Sano-san also can be seen in episodes of Kaiketsu Zubat (1977), Star Wolf (1978), Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03), and Kamen Rider Decade (2009).

His bar is Ultraman-themed, which you'd expect from one of the stars of an Ultra-series. Once again, we did karaoke, and I did my best renditions of songs by REM, INXS, Phil Collins, and others. By my request, Sano-san sang "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees again -- and did a great job!

A great time was had by all -- even the other bar patrons! Hope to see everybody again soon!

SHUNICHI OKITA IS BACK! The Ultraman Ace Hero Keeps an Eye on Tokyo!

Yours truly with actor Shunichi Okita at his restaurant-bar in Tokyo.

As I hinted at in my previous blog post, there was more to come today! I stopped by actor Shunichi Okita's restaurant-bar in Tokyo and spent some time there. Okita-san played TAC member Ichiro Yamanaka in Ultraman Ace (1972-73), but he was also a Nikkatsu actor prior to that, having appeared in the critically celebrated film Tokyo Drifter (1966), among others. He went on to act in movies produced by Toho, such as Red Lion (1969) and Battle of Okinawa (1971).

It was wonderful to spend some time again with Okita-san, as I hadn't seen him all year. Hopefully, my next visit won't take so long. What a day it was!