An Ultra-Good Photography Exhibit in Yotsuya!

Signage for "Bath Time" at the Portrait Gallery of the Nippon Photography Center. Photo by Brett Homenick.

This afternoon (Thursday, April 20), I stopped by a photo exhibition dedicated to the work of photographer Akiko Fukushima in Yotsuya, Tokyo, which runs from today until April 26 in the Portrait Gallery of the Nippon Photography Center. Fukushima-san had been married to actor Masanari Nihei (Ide/Ito from the 1966-67 Ultraman TV series) until his passing in 2021. 

Masanari Nihei enjoys "Bath Time." Photo by Brett Homenick.

Even though I hadn't been there in years, I remember passing by this gallery a long time ago and seeing some eye-catching photos of Showa-era actors on display. When I saw the news about the photo exhibition, I figured it had to be the same place and was able to find it easily. Thankfully, my instincts were correct!

On hand at the exhibition were Fukushima-san herself, as well as her daughter, Kazuka. I had a lot of fun chatting with Kazuka about her father and (naturally) about herself, too. I wasn't sure if anyone related to Nihei-san was even going to be there, so it was certainly an added bonus for me.

With Akiko Fukushima.

I should explain that the photo exhibition consisted of a series of photos called "Bath Time," and (as the name would suggest) it features various Japanese celebrities bathing. This, of course, includes Nihei-san himself. According to a sign at the exhibition, it started in 1984, and Fukushima-san explained to me that the whole project lasted about a year. "Bath Time" was serialized in a weekly magazine called Emma.

Other Japanese celebs who participated in "Bath Time" include Tatsuya Nakadai, Sandayu Dokumamushi, Jiro Dan, Ichiro Mizuki (with sheet music in the shower!), and Hiroshi Miyauchi. Miyauchi-san's picture was the last to be put up. In fact, when I entered the gallery, a staff member was hammering in the hooks for his picture to hang on the wall!

Akiko Fukushima poses with the photo she took of her husband. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Akiko Fukushima is a photographer and haiku poet. She was born in Tokyo in 1943 and graduated from Nihon University College of Art's Photography Department in 1965. "Bath Time" remains one of her most famous works.

Mother and daughter. Photo by Brett Homenick.

One interesting tidbit that Fukushima-san told me was that the photo of Nakadai-san was taken while he was making Akira Kurosawa's Ran (1985), and you could even see a horse in the shot! Pretty fun stuff.

Takeshi Yoshioka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After I left, in a total coincidence, I ran into Ultraman Gaia (1998-99) star Takeshi Yoshioka! I immediately saw him as I stepped out of the building. I told him about the exhibition, but he actually wasn't aware of it. He took a photo of the signage on his phone, and then I snapped a photo on mine.

Naturally, there had to be a selfie with him, too! He said he'd check it out later, which sounded Ultra-good to me. What a fun afternoon! I didn't expect it to be as fun as it was, so it was a pleasant surprise. It was most definitely an Ultra-good day!

Actor Hiroyuki Watanabe Passes Away at Age 66

Actor Hiroyuki Watanabe in June 2016. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Actor Hiroyuki Watanabe passed away on May 3 at age 66. He was found hanging in his home, but no further details are available at this time. 

Born in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, on December 9, 1955, Mr. Watanabe would make his big-screen debut in the film On the Road (1982), which would lead to a lengthy career in film and television.

Prior to that, however, he auditioned for, but didn't get cast as, the lead role of the series Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81). He would eventually get to play Kamen Rider Gaoh in Kamen Rider Den-O: I'm Born! (2007), which made him the oldest actor to play a Kamen Rider at the time.

During his acting career,  Mr. Watanabe appeared in all three of the Heisei Gamera films as Col. Ono, as well as GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) as Yutaka Hirose. He was also a series regular on Ultraman Gaia (1998-99) as Akio Ishimuro, among various other tokusatsu films and TV programs.

I met Mr. Watanabe just once, which was in June 2016. He was a friendly guy and very easy to speak with. As he had been studying it for a few years, he could communicate in English quite well. As an actor, his career touched the Godzilla, Gamera, Ultraman, and Kamen Rider series -- a very rare feat. 

Rest in peace, Mr. Watanabe.

Fiveman Is Back!

Kei Shindachiya. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Earlier tonight, I paid another visit to the bar owned and operated by Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91) star Kei Shindachiya, who played FiveBlue on the show. Shindachiya-san also made guest appearances on Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96) and Ultraman Gaia (1998-99) after his success on Fiveman.

We had a great conversation about many topics. Shindachiya-san talked about being a big Godzilla fan in his younger days and would see the movies at the theater. He didn't keep up with the Heisei versions but did see the American versions, as well as Shin Godzilla. Of the American versions, his favorite was Godzilla: King of the Monsters. We also talked about the recent Star Wars series, as well as various locations in California we were both familiar with.

Overall, it was a great way to spend an evening. I can't believe it had been nearly two years (!) since I last visited the bar. Time sure does fly. I'll certainly do my best to return long before another two years pass.

The Return of Ultraman Gaia!

Takeshi Yoshioka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 Also on Wednesday, I paid another visit to the bar owned and operated by actor Takeshi Yoshioka, who played Ultraman Gaia's human alter ego on Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). Although it had been a long time since I set foot in his establishment, Yoshioka-san immediately recognized me and commented that I'm "forever young." Hey, those were his words, not mine!

It was a lot of fun hanging out with Yoshioka-san again. At one point, he picked up his smartphone and called Maria Theresa Gow, his Ultraman Gaia co-star, whom I've met several times. Then he handed the phone over to me for me to chat with her. That was certainly unexpected, but it was another fun memory from the evening. Many thanks to Yoshioka-san for his unparalleled hospitality!

Postscript: On Saturday night (March 30), when I entered the train to go home, Ms. Gow was standing right there on the train. So we had another nice chat. Quite a coincidence!

Ultra Seven Is Back!

Koji Moritsugu (left) poses with actor Hassei Takano. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Saturday, November 10, I attended another event with Koji Moritsugu, the actor who starred in Ultra Seven (1967-68) as Dan Moroboshi. It'd been a year since my last visit, and I was long overdue for a return.

Hassei Takano can be seen in Ultraman Gaia (1998-99) as Hiroya Fujimiya (Ultraman Agul), Kamen Rider Ryuki (2002-03) as Miyuki Tezuka (Kamen Rider Raia), Kamen Rider: The First (2005) and Kamen Rider: The Next (2007) as Hayato Ichimonji, Ultraseven X (2007) as Saku's humanSuperior Ultraman 8 Brothers (2008) as Hiroya Fujimiya once again, among other tokusatsu appearances.

Moritsugu-san, as always, was a lot of fun, and my interactions with him were hilarious. He enjoys mingling with the fans and is always quick with a joke.

I think you can see the evidence in my expression in the above photo, as I was reacting to something he said to me. Suffice it to say, he's a blast!

The Return of FiveBlue!

Kei Shindachiya. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Tuesday, May 22, I returned to the bar owned and operated by Super Sentai series star Kei Shindachiya, who plays FiveBlue on Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91). Shindachiya-san has also made guest appearances on Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96) and Ultraman Gaia (1998-99).

I was joined by a Super Sentai fan from the Philippines named Mark, who is currently visiting Japan. Naturally, he was excited to meet Shindachiya-san and had a great time at his bar. I was very happy to meet him, too , as we've been exchanging e-mails for quite some time. There's nothing like Super Sentai to bring people together!

MARIA THERESA GOW IN CONCERT! A Birthday Celebration for an Ultra-Heroine!

Maria Theresa Gow in concert. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Tonight I attended a special birthday concert hosted by Maria Theresa Gow, who Westerners would know as Georgie Leland in Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). The event was held at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo, right in the shadow of Tokyo Tower.

The concert was a lot of fun and very energetic, with many concert-goers getting up from their tables and dancing in the aisles. I'm happy to report that I stayed seated the whole time!

After the show, I was able to have a brief conversation with Gow, and naturally I wished her a happy birthday. Come to think of it, I hadn't seen her since the last birthday show of hers that I attended! Can't wait for next year!

AN EVENING WITH ULTRAMAN GAIA! Takeshi Yoshioka Rocks!

Ultraman Gaia's alter ego Takeshi Yoshioka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After a long day at work (can't you tell from the photos?), I made my way to the drinking establishment owned and operated by actor Takeshi Yoshioka, best known for playing Gamu Takayama, Ultraman Gaia's alter ego, on Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Gaia (1998-99).  

Yoshioka-san very recently made his return to the world of Ultraman by guesting on the Amazon Prime Video series Ultraman Orb: The Origin Saga (2016-17) as the same character he played in Ultraman Gaia.

I hadn't seen Yoshioka-san since last year, so I enjoyed seeing him again. I really ought to visit more often, but life often gets in the way of those plans. Anyhow, it was a great time, and I look forward to doing it again soon.

HANGIN' WITH FIVEBLUE! An Evening with Super Sentai Star Kei Shindachiya!

On September 15, I made my way over to the bar owned by the actor who starred as FiveBlue in Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91). Kei Shindachiya (the actor in question) also made guest appearances on Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96) and Ultraman Gaia (1998-99).

There were several other bar patrons in attendance, and a fun time was had by all. These low-key evenings are truly enjoyable. Many thanks to Shindachiya-san!

ULTRAMAN GAIA IN TOKYO! Seeing Two Cast Members in the Big City!

Taking a selfie with Ultraman Gaia star Takeshi Yoshioka. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Saturday, I went to the bar owned and operated by actor Takeshi Yoshioka, Ultraman Gaia's alter ego from Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). Although the place was crowded due to some live musical performances that were taking place, I still managed to have a nice chat with Yoshioka-san.

Ultraman Gaia actress Maria Theresa Gow performs live. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Friday evening, I attended a live performance in Ginza by Maria Theresa Gow, who sang a variety of songs (jazz, pop, you name it) and entertained the packed audience. Gow-san played Georgie Leland in Ultraman Gaia. Likewise, I enjoyed chatting with her for a bit.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN! Star and Director Reunite in Yokohama!

Actor Hiroyuki Watanabe speaks with fans in Yokohama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday night (June 4), I attended a special dinner event with actor Hiroyuki Watanabe and director Seiji Izumi. The event followed a screening of the Japanese action film On the Road (1982), which starred Watanabe-san and was directed by Izumi-san.

Unfortunately, I had to miss the movie, but I was able to make it in time for the dinner. I enjoyed speaking with both Watanabe-san and Izumi-san.

Director Seiji Izumi gives the camera a thumbs-up! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Hiroyuki Watanbe is an actor who appeared in all three of the Heisei Gamera films as well as GMK (2001), which were all helmed by Shusuke Kaneko. He was also a series regular on Ultraman Gaia (1998-99), and he has made several other appearances in various tokusatsu films and TV programs.

Seiji Izumi directed many Nikkatsu pink films during the 1970s, but after he made On the Road, he was able to branch out into more mainstream fare. He was the main director on the long-running detective TV series Aibo (2002-present) and directed the theatrical spin-off Aibo the Movie (2008). Suffice it to say, he remains a busy director to this day.

It was great to meet both gentlemen for the first time. Hopefully, I'll get to do so again in the future.

FIVEBLUE IS BACK! An Evening with Super Sentai Star Kei Shindachiya!

Actor Kei Shindachiya is large and in charge! Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Tonight, I spent a pleasant evening in the bar owned by Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91) actor Kei Shindachiya, who played FiveBlue. As I blogged before, Shindachiya-san also made guest appearances on Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96) and Ultraman Gaia (1998-99).

We spent most of our time talking about California. Shindachiya-san had many funny stories to tell about his various trips to my home state. I enjoyed a plate of curry as he shared his memories. Thanks again, Shindachiya-san!

ULTRAMAN GAIA RULES YOTSUYA! Actor Takeshi Yoshioka Keeps a Watchful Eye Over Tokyo!

Actor Takeshi Yoshioka always keeps his tokusatsu memorabilia handy! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I spent the evening at Live Bar Grotto, a Yotsuya-based restaurant owned and operated by actor Takeshi Yoshioka, who starred as the title character in Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). It was my first time back to the establishment in three years. Still, it was exactly as I remembered it.

Posing with Ultraman Gaia himself!

Yoshioka-san was very friendly and spoke a little English. We talked about American music, his visit to California several years ago, the Ultraman series, and other topics. It was great to catch up with Yoshioka-san again, and I promised that next time I would return sooner than three years!

MASKMAN RAMEN! Eating Delicious Food with Maskman's Ryosuke Kaizu!

Actor Ryosuke Kaizu outside his ramen shop Misoichi in Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight I made my first foray to Misoichi, a nice ramen shop owned and operated by actor Ryosuke Kaizu, best known for portraying Red Mask on Hikari Sentai Maskman (1987-88). Kaizu-san also made guest appearances on Choushinsei Flashman (1986-87), Chikyu Sentai Fiveman (1990-91), Gosei Sentai Dairanger (1993-94), Choriki Sentai Ohranger (1995-96), and was a regular performer on Ultraman Gaia (1998-99) as Chief Higuchi.

The ramen I ate was quite spicy and rather delicious, and Kaizu-san was great to speak with. His English is limited, but we had a nice chat. I hope to see him again soon!

A BUSY DAY IN TOKYO! Some Highlights From This Cold December Day!

Yup, that's your humble blogmeister in a big frog mask at the Shop Majin booth near Chofu Station.

Today was a busy with many events happening all over Tokyo. After visiting Kadokawa Daiei Studios, I visited the Shop Majin booth near Chofu Station.

The shop's booth was not just selling its usual Gamera/Daimajin merchandise, but was also highlighting some spooky yokai creatures as part of an exhibit that's currently being held in Chofu. I was able to get in on the fun by wearing an enormous frog mask they had on display!

Just some of the merchandise available at the Shop Majin booth.

Even though I could barely see (or even hear) anything while I had the mask on, it was a fun experience, and the photos turned out quite well.

You talkin' to me?

Some of the masks were intriguing designs I'd never seen before (see below). My interest in yokai more or less ends with the trilogy of films Daiei produced in the late 1960s, but it was cool to be exposed to another side of Japanese monsters.

While I was walking around Ningyocho, I stumbled upon a restaurant called Mifune. At first glance, I thought it was an interesting coincidence, but no, it really is a Toshiro Mifune-themed restaurant!

I didn't go in to sample the food, so I'll do that another time. It's a good thing I remember how to get there!

After making that discovery, I went to a live house called Akasaka Graffiti for a Christmas concert of sorts. The program was made up of various singers who took turns signing (mostly) Christmas songs, karaoke-style. While I enjoyed the bevy of singers who sang familiar Christmas tunes, I came specifically to see Maria Theresa Gow.

Tokusatsu fans may know Ms. Gow from her turn as GUARD member Georgie Leland in Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). She's always very friendly, and it was a blast to see her again. Naturally, she did an excellent job onstage!

A DAY WITH ULTRA-HEROINES! Keiko Nishi and Maria Theresa Gow Made My Day!

With actress/singer Maria Theresa Gow and her band mates after her birthday concert in Shibuya.

Today turned out to be a rather Ultra-day in some unexpected ways. For a couple of weeks, I had planned to attend the birthday concert of Maria Theresa Gow at the jazz club JZ Brat in the Hotel Cerulean Tower Tokyu in Shibuya. Although I've corresponded with Gow-san several times, I'd never met her in person before tonight.

American fans may recognize Maria Theresa Gow as Georgie Leland from Ultraman Gaia (1998-99). She also was an extra in Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002). I was looking forward to attending the concert and having the opportunity to meet her in person, and I came away from the experience quite happy!

The concert itself was very enjoyable, with many familiar American songs ("Proud Mary," "Material Girl," "Let It Go," among others) being among the set. Since it's also Gow-san's birthday, she was presented with a cake onstage (along with flowers), which drew rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Gow-san was extremely friendly, and I could easily see why she was so beloved by everyone in attendance.

But that's not all! Earlier in the day I went to Keiko Nishi's cafe in Ginza and got the chance to catch up with her again. Readers of this blog know that Nishi-san was one of the stars of Ultraman Ace (1972-73), one of my favorite Ultra-series.

A big thanks to Gow-san and Nishi-san for their kindness and hospitality!