FREDDIE THE LEAF: Akira Takarada's Stage Play Returns to Tokyo

On July 25, Freddie the Leaf returned to Tokyo at Ikebukuro's Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. The timing of my trip worked out very well, as it gave me the opportunity to see the opening night of Freddie the Leaf.

I spent two days backstage during the production. At the end of July 23, Mr. Takarada and I went to Jimbocho to catch a theatrical screening of The Last War (1961). Seeing a Toho classic on the big screen next to its star was an experience for the ages!

As expected, Freddie the Leaf packed the house, and the audience was visibly moved by the performance. My congratulations to Mr. Takarada for wowing 'em again!

ED KEANE: Kokusai Man of Mystery!

Here's an interesting find. I recently stumbled across the June 2009 newsletter published by San Francisco's Granada Hotel called The Granada Gazette. What's so special about it, you may ask? It features an article about one of its standout residents, Ed Keane!

For those of you not in the know, Ed Keane played the mayor of New Kirk City (not New York City!) in Mothra (1961), among other roles in such Toho films as Gorath (identified in the article as "Goliath"), The Last War, The Big Boss, and others. Mr. Keane was co-creator of the Kokusai Agency, which supplied movie productions in Japan with foreign (i.e., white) actors.

I contacted the hotel earlier today, and it seems Mr. Keane no longer resides at the hotel, and no forwarding address was given. The manager I spoke with told me that Mr. Keane was always looking for ways to keep active and enjoyed talking about his days in Japan.

Below you'll find a closer look at the article. Enjoy!