DEEP DIVE: Was King Ghidorah's Gold Color Inspired by an Animated Soviet Film?

Keiko Suzuki in January 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier this year, I was interviewed for a documentary (Keizo Murase: The Last Monster Maker) on the life and career of the legendary suitmaker Keizo Murase. While looking over some old notes in preparation for the interview, I found that I had uncovered some fascinating information several years before and never even realized it. Let's start with the source of this information: Keiko Suzuki.

Keiko Suzuki worked under Eiji Tsuburaya as his script supervisor from the late 1950s through most of the '60s. Born Keiko Hisamatsu, she would go on to marry future Tsuburaya Productions producer Kiyoshi Suzuki. Ms. Suzuki joined Tsuburaya's tokusatsu team on The Three Treasures (1959), which she remembered as the longest SFX shoot at Toho, spanning four months. She passed away on May 23, 2024.

Keiko Suzuki with Teruyoshi Nakano (left) and Takashi Naganuma in January 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On January 13, 2019, I spoke with Keiko Suzuki about several topics, one of which was her recollections of the creation of King Ghidorah. I knew that she and Mr. Murase had completely different memories of King Ghidorah's original color, so I wanted to get her take. Even though it wasn't a formal interview, I took contemporaneous notes on the discussion, which serve as the basis of the material below.

When Eiji Tsuburaya showed her the King Ghidorah suit painted blue for Ghidrah the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Ms. Suzuki was surprised to see it designed that way. The kaiju was supposed to be a space monster, yet it had been colored blue, which she didn't think was the right presentation.

Kin is the English word "gold" in Japanese. Ms. Suzuki pointed out that King Ghidorah was from Venus (Kinsei in Japanese) and that the Japanese word kin is even right there in its name, King Ghidorah. According to Ms. Suzuki, blue had already been used for the Yamata no Orochi in The Three Treasures (1959), so a new look was in order.

King Ghidorah heads on display in April 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

When Ms. Suzuki suggested to Tsuburaya that it should be gold, Tsuburaya apparently stopped what he was doing and left. Shortly thereafter, the suit was painted gold.  

Additionally, Ms. Suzuki revealed that she had been partially inspired by a Russian film she had seen with a golden bird and had the idea in mind to use that color for something eventually. While she didn't remember the name of the film, she remembered that the plot was based on Leo Tolstoy's short story "Ivan the Fool."

The movie that most closely matches Ms. Suzuki's description is The Hunchback Horse (1947), an animated Soviet movie that features a brightly-colored firebird. 

The firebird from the Soviet film The Hunchback Horse (1947).

Why did this tidbit fly right over my head? I'd read for years about how partial inspiration for King Ghidorah came from a 1956 Soviet flick that featured a three-headed dragon, so, without checking it out, I figured that must have been what she was talking about. (I mean, how many Russian movies could have influenced a Japanese monster?!) I'm glad I finally did my homework and ferreted this one out. Better late than never, as they say.

Of course, much of this depends on whose memories are more accurate. Both Keizo Murase and Keiko Suzuki have since passed away, and it's not very likely we'll ever get a definitive answer. Ms. Suzuki's memories are detailed and consistent, but Mr. Murase was probably in a better position than anyone else to know what King Ghidorah's original color was. I can't side with anyone in this dispute; all I can do is share what they have said.

A Night of Tokusatsu!

Eiichi Asada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 

On Tuesday, August 11, I attended a special event with former Toho SFX director Eiichi Asada. It's always a lot of fun seeing Asada-san at these events, and this time was no exception.

What is likely test animation done by Sadao Iizuka for The Mysterians (1957). Photo by Brett Homenick.

One fascinating surprise was getting to see what were apparently animation test frames for The Mysterians (1957) that were in the collection of the late tokusatsu animator Sadao Iizuka. According to Kei-san, who was Iizuka-san's manager during his twilight years, the beams seen in these frames are different from what we see in the movie. 

I did my best to photograph the frames for the Markalite, although there were others for the Alpha, too. It was a rare bit of Toho tokusatsu history that I got to see up close and personal.

In addition, I also got to see the final work of Takashi Naganuma that he completed before he passed away last year. 

It was the drawing below of Teruyoshi Nakano whose lips can be moved, almost like those of a puppet.

Eiichi Asada enjoys playing with the Teruyoshi Nakano puppet completed by Takashi Naganuma before he passed away. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Nakano-san and Naganuma-san were close friends and often appeared at events together. It's quite appropriate that the last work Naganuma-san would ever do would be of his friend and colleague.

Takashi Naganuma's Teruyoshi Nakano puppet. Photo by Brett Homenick.

And that's a wrap! Even though a typhoon was approaching, it wasn't enough to stop me from coming. It'll take a lot more than a little rain and wind to accomplish that.

Takashi Naganuma, Veteran Toho SFX Technician, Passes Away at 78

Takashi Naganuma in June 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Takashi Naganuma, a veteran of Toho models and miniatures, passed away in November 2025. He was 78.

Born on July 20, 1947, in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Takashi Naganuma began his Toho SFX career with Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) and finished with Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992).

The high-powered laser-beam vehicle from Godzilla 1985 (1984), designed by Takashi Naganuma, on display at an event in November 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

His work at Toho focused on mechanical miniatures, and he produced all the JSDF weaponry seen in Godzilla 1985 (1984). Not only did Mr. Naganuma build the dolphin boat seen at the beginning of Megalon, he also built the miniature truck during the dam scene.

Takashi Naganuma and director Tsugunobu "Tom" Kotani in November 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On a personal level, this news is extremely devastating, given that Mr. Naganuma, known as Nini-san to his friends and colleagues, is one of the Toho luminaries I've met the most during my time in Tokyo. He also had a wonderful sense of humor with a particular fondness for wordplay between Japanese and English. You couldn't say the Japanese word omoshiroi in his presence without his immediately responding, "White tail." (If you know, you know.)

Takashi Naganuma in June 2022. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Mr. Naganuma was such a prolific figure at various events and fan gatherings that I started to believe he'd outlive us all. And, having been born in the late '40s, he was actually on the younger side of Showa-era Toho personalities, which I suppose gave me a false sense of security that he'd be around forever. 

Teruyoshi Nakano and Takashi Naganuma in October 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Starting in 2015, Mr. Naganuma and Toho SFX director Teruyoshi Nakano appeared at so many events together they started to seem like brothers. It was hard to imagine one without the other. It's even harder now to realize both are gone. 

Takashi Naganuma in August 2017. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I was privileged to have interviewed Mr. Naganuma about his work at Toho. If you'd like to know more about his career in tokusatsu, here's your best resource. 

Toho SFX director Eiichi Asada with Takashi Naganuma, holding a script for Tokyo Blackout (1987), in June 2023. Photo by Brett Homenick.

But I'll share a couple of fun stories that came directly from Mr. Naganuma.

With Takashi Naganuma in June 2022.

Mr. Naganuma was an extra in Godzilla vs. Mothra in a Ginza scene, running away from Mothra, who was in flight. The scene was shot with a blue backdrop at Toho Studios. All the extras in that scene had to wear a suit, necktie, and black shoes because they were supposed to be playing office workers.

Teruyoshi Nakano, Takashi Naganuma, and director Kensho Yamashita next to a Battle of Okinawa (1971) poster in July 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Mr. Naganuma gave an original Super X prop from Godzilla 1985 to an American he worked with on Tokyo DisneySea.

With Takashi Naganuma in August 2022.

In 2016, when Mr. Naganuma was hosting a launch party for a book he had written, he invited me to join, but I had a commitment elsewhere, so I politely declined. But then Mr. Naganuma listed some of the Toho veterans who would be in attendance.

Takashi Naganuma, wearing his Toho Eizo Bijutsu jacket, in September 2022. Photo by Brett Homenick.

When he mentioned Godzilla suitmaker Nobuyuki Yasumaru, I must have had an incredible look of surprise on my face because Mr. Naganuma always loved telling that story. It's true, though -- when he said Mr. Yasumaru would be in attendance, I canceled my other plans as soon as I could and went to the launch party.

With Takashi Naganuma in January 2023.

There are many such stories. I'm sincerely grateful that my paths crossed with Takashi Naganuma. Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for everything.

UPDATE (1/6): According to one of his friends, Mr. Naganuma passed away on November 19.

The Twins of Tokusatsu Tear It Up!

Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier tonight (Sunday, September 3), I attended another special event featuring the twins of tokusatsu: Eiichi Asada and Takashi Naganuma. 

During most of the event, I sat next to Naganuma-san, as he was sharing his usual wordplay. One example was using the English word "cola" twice to substitute for the Japanese title of The Last Dinosaur (1977). (If you know, you know.)

Later on, Naganuma-san wondered when we first met, so I showed him the photo from October 2015, which is when we first met. Oh, if only I could look so young again! 

Eiichi Asada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The other guest of the evening was Eiichi Asada. Asada-san commented on how sweaty I was when I arrived later in the afternoon. I guess he was surprised at how hot it still was outside, despite being past 5:00 already. 

Later on, Asada-san asked how old I was, which I asked him to guess. He originally guessed my age as four years younger than I actually am, which was nice to hear. But then he guessed it four years older than my actual age, to which I jokingly pretended to get angry.

Afterward, I mentioned a relative of mine who lives in Florida, and Asada-san replied with some comments about the political goings-on in that state, which left me in stitches. I had no idea Asada-san was that familiar with American politics!

So it was yet another fun evening. I always enjoy spending time in their company, and I can't wait to do it again!

A Celebration of Tokusatsu!

Eiichi Asada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

My busy weekend continued into Sunday, August 13, with another informal get-together with Eiichi Asada and Takashi Naganuma. I think you guys know the drill by now, so let's get to the highlights.

Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NAGANUMA-SAN! Celebrating the Birthday of a Toho Tokusatsu Alumnus!

Takashi Naganuma about to blow out his birthday cake. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday night, July 22, I attended another special event -- but not just any event! It celebrated the recent birthday (July 20) of Takashi Naganuma, who turned 76. I joined the event after work, and things went as they usually do. As always, Naganuma-san came up with a lot of Japanese-English wordplay, but so did I.

In fact, some of my material made Eiichi Asada laugh pretty hard (such as, when Asada-san ordered a drink "on the rocks," I came up with an extremely silly, childish play on words using with Japanese word for "six") which I wasn't expecting, but I was nonetheless happy to see. It certainly wasn't high-brow stuff, but I'm glad it got the job done. Other than that silliness, there isn't a whole lot else to talk about, so let's get to the highlights.

Happy birthday, Naganuma-san!

Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Eiichi Asada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

It's a Toku Blackout!

Eiichi Asada and Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier tonight (Sunday, June 18), I attended another event with Eiichi Asada and Takashi Naganuma. Asada-san was wearing the crew jacket he got while working on Tokyo Blackout (1987), which was cool to see. Not much else to say, so let's check out the highlights. 

Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Eiichi Asada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

A Night of Tokusatsu!

Hironobu Hagimae and Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight (Sunday, March 19), I attended another tokusatsu event headlined by two familiar faces: Toho SFX crew member Takashi Naganuma and motorcycle stuntman Hironobu Hagimae.

Takashi Naganuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I spent most of the evening with Naganuma-san, who told me he enjoys seeing my reactions to his jokes and wordplay. Well, his jokes are always full of surprises, so I'm sure my reactions are as interesting as he says. Once again, there was very little tokusatsu talk; it was mostly about other things, especially about language (both Japanese and English).

Tonight was one of the few times I accompanied Naganuma-san outside for his smoke break (along with another attendee). After the show, the three of us walked back to the station together. They asked me if I wanted to join them for coffee, but I elected to go home instead. It was fun, but I was pretty exhausted.

Hironobu Hagimae. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Stuntman Hironobu Hagimae was also on hand. I overheard his answer to someone else's question about retakes of motorcycle stunts with explosions. He said that there usually would be and that there could be as many as four takes sometimes. So it wasn't always just a one and done. 

I didn't have much of a chance to talk to Hagimae-san this time. But I did learn that he had some involvement with the motorcycle stunts in The Last Days of Planet Earth (a.k.a. Prophecies of Nostradamus, 1974). Gotta find out more about that someday!

It was another fun, informal event, and I look forward to doing it again soon!