A Great Time with the Screenwriter Who Helped Launch Godzilla's Millennium Series!

Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After meeting Kazuomi Sasai on Friday, March 15, I immediately met up with screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara. I was pleased to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with Kashiwabara-san, as it had been far too long since we last had such a chance.

I was bowled over when Kashiwabara-san brought out his "going away" present for me -- the Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) script that producer Shogo Tomiyama gave him in order to prepare for writing the screenplay for Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994). It is certainly a privilege to own this bit of Toho history!

Hiroshi Kashiwabara with his copy of the Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) script. Photo by Brett Homenick.

We discussed several topics -- everything from Godzilla Minus One (2023) to the state of American politics. But the conversation mostly centered around movies.

Kashiwabara-san named his three favorite actors in order for me, which was the first time I'd heard his list. They are: 1. John Wayne, 2. Steve McQueen, and 3. Burt Reynolds. I never realized that Kashiwabara-san was a big Burt Reynolds fan, but there you go.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara signs the script. Photo by Brett Homenick.

He told me his favorite Reynolds movies were The Longest Yard (1974) and Hustle (1975). I wasn't aware of Hustle and thought he might have meant Boogie Nights (1997). He said he likes that one, too, but that Hustle was a separate film. I had to look it up!

Kashiwabara-san didn't know the English title Deliverance (1972), so, when I showed him the Japanese translation, he shared his admiration for that film, too. That one is probably my favorite Burt Reynolds film.

When we were wrapping up, Kashiwabara-san took a photo of me on his phone with the MG script, as well as a photo of the two of us together. Remember what I said about when VIPs want photos with you?

And, after all that, Kashiwabara-san also signed some SpaceGodzilla memorabilia for me. What a cool guy!

Photo by Hiroshi Kashiwabara.

As we were leaving, much like Asada-san before him, asked me if I knew who Troy Donahue was. Of course, I now know all about his song about Palm Springs!

Many thanks to Kashiwabara-san for his unparalleled generosity. I'm so proud to have that script!

A Celebration of the Life of Wataru Mimura

Director Masaaki Tezuka shares his memories of working with Wataru Mimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In the afternoon of Saturday, August 26, I attended a special memorial celebration in honor of screenwriter Wataru Mimura. Mimura-san passed away on August 26, 2021, after a years-long battle with multiple system atrophy. Due to the pandemic, no such events were held in the wake of his passing, but, given the recent end of the pandemic, the event was finally held.

Mimura-san wrote or co-wrote the screenplays or Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). While he doesn't seem to get much credit for it, it's really impressive just how much of the Millennium series was written in Mimura-san's voice.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The event, which was called "Gathering in Memory of Wataru Mimura" by the organizers, was held on the 12th floor of the Chofu City Cultural Hall Tazukuri. The location was quite apropos, given that Mimura-san helf many of his P-LABO FILMFES events there. In attendance were many of Mimura-san's colleagues from his days at Toho and beyond. Among the luminaries were producer Shogo Tomiyama, director Masaaki Tezuka, screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara, kaiju suitmaker Shinichi Wakasa, assistant director Toshifumi Shimizu, production designer Toshio Miike, and director Takao Okawara.

With Yasutaka Ito (left) and Hiroshi Kashiwabara (center).

Due to my work schedule (how often do you hear me say that?) I arrived rather late -- maybe about an hour or so into the proceedings. Given that the celebration was scheduled to last only two hours, I ended up missing about half of it. But I certainly wanted to take part in any way I could.

With Toshifumi Shimizu. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Even though I submitted my reservation to join, I guess it never got delivered, as my name wasn't on the list. (Don't you hate when that happens?) No worries, though. All I had to do was write my name on the guest list, pay the entrance fee, and I was all set. Many thanks to Kashiwabara-san (who also served as a staff member for the event) and my friend Hitomi, who was very close to Mimura-san, for helping to square things away.

Shogo Tomiyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Many speakers talked about their memories of Mimura-san, and, as you could imagine, they sometimes got quite emotional. It was very moving to see how much Mimura-san affected people's lives in such a positive way. Shogo Tomiyama essentially acted as emcee and did a tremendous job keeping things moving along. The event ultimately finished right on time, and the last speaker, scriptwriter Yasutaka Ito, finished his remarks basically on the dot.

With Shogo Tomiyama. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Of all the luminaries on hand, I spent the most time speaking with Kashiwabara-san, who is one the nicest personalities I've met in Japan. A couple of weeks ago, he sent me a message about the event, but by then I'd already submitted by reservation (which, as we know by now, wasn't received). During our online chat, I told Kashiwabara-san that The Great Escape (1963), one of his all-time favorite movies, would be screening at the Shin-Bungeiza theater. The timing didn't work out, unfortunately, as Kashiwabara-san would be out of town during that time. 

Shogo Tomiyama addresses the attendees. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I only got to say a quick word to director Okawara as he was leaving (we both just said "thank you" to each other for coming), but I went up to Shimizu-san to praise him for his work on The Mysterians' (1957) 4K restoration. I told him it looked fantastic, which he was happy to hear. I also talked for a bit with Tomiyama-san and congratulated him on a job well done.

With Hiroshi Kashiwabara.

I hadn't seen Hitomi for several years, so it was great to see her again. Around 2015, we used to go out for karaoke, but life got in the way, and we more or less lost touch. Out of all the attendees there, I hung out with her the most, and it was wonderful to see her again. 

And that's a wrap. It was a great way to celebrate the life and career of Mimura-san, who had been one of the kindest people to me essentially ever since I stepped off the plane in Japan. The news of his untimely passing was devastating, but I'm grateful for the time I had in his company. I think this celebration gives all of us a sense of closure.

Godzilla Series Screenwriter Wataru Mimura Passes Away at Age 67

Wataru Mimura poses with a poster for Sampo Shojo in May 2015. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Screenwriter Wataru Mimura, who contributed several scripts to the Heisei and Millennium Godzilla series, passed away on August 26, according to a friend and colleague of his. He was 67. 

Born in Mie Prefecture in May 1954, Mimura-san graduated from Nihon University College of Art's Department of Cinema. In 1982, he won the Sanrio Screenplay Award and made his screenwriting debut with Freeter (1987).

Aside from his screenwriting duties, he was the chairman of Plan-net Labo (a.k.a. P-Labo), a network of professional and amateur screenwriters. In this capacity, Mimura-san would host an annual film festival of independent short films called the P-Labo Film Festival. 

Mimura-san poses with his Godzilla series co-screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara in July 2013. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Mimura-san wrote or co-wrote the screenplays or Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). Suffice it to say, the Millennium series relied heavily on Mimura-san's input. My 2008 interview with Mimura-san can be read here. 

Mimura-san with director Yoshimitsu Banno in February 2013. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I first met Mimura-san in the summer of 2011, just a few months after I first moved to Japan. We'd been corresponding for a few years up to that point, and he turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met. We would hang out every so often, which was great in and of itself, but he also introduced to quite a few luminaries, most notably Shigeo Kato. 

With Mimura-san on Halloween 2014.

A few years ago, Mimura-san's health took a turn for the worse, and he stopped becoming so active. Shortly thereafter, he moved backto Mie Prefecture. In 2019, as I was preparing to visit Mie Prefecture to visit Godzilla (1954) filming locations, I messaged Mimura-san and asked if he would be able to meet up. He replied that it would not be possible. 

Sadly, despite my other attempts to reach out, I would never hear from Mimura-san again. The news of his passing is devastating, but not totally unexpected. He was one of my favorite people to visit in Japan, and I'll always be grateful for his kindness. Wataru Mimura was a major talent and an incredible individual.

Rest in peace, Mimura-san.

UPDATE (9/4): Mimura-san suffered from multiple system atrophy.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara Interview on Vantage Point Interviews!

Hiroshi Kashiwabara (and friends) in March 2019. Photo by Brett Homenick.

My interview with Godzilla series screenwriter Hiroshi Kashiwabara (Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla, Godzilla 2000, and Godzilla vs. Megaguirus) has been posted on Vantage Point Interviews. I could tell you what's in it, but why don't you check it out for yourself? Enjoy!

P-LABO FILMFES 2018! The Annual Indie Film Festival Returns!

Actress Kaname Wakaba. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Monday, September 24, was a national holiday in Japan, but not for me. Unlike most lucky office employees in the country, I had to go to work. This also was the day that Wataru Mimura's annual P-LABO FILMFES was held in Chofu. Thankfully, due to a change in my work schedule, I managed to squeeze in a visit for just over an hour. I'm glad I did.

The event was MCed by actress Kaname Wakaba, whose sole tokusatsu outing was episode 10 of Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy (2004). She has occasionally MCed P-LABO FILMFES in the past, and it was the first time I'd seen her in a while.

With Wataru Mimura.

I was able to take in a few of the indie flicks screened the festival. The ones I saw were very short (not more than just a few minutes), and all were shot on video. Quite a few were humorous, but there were a few that were more horror-oriented. They were fairly enjoyable for what they were.

Toward the end, I visited Mimura-san in the green room. I hadn't seen him in a few months, so we did a bit of catching up. I wish I could have stayed longer, but some folks have to work for a living. There's always next year!

GODZILLA 2000 REDUX! Three Alums from the Millennium-Era Reboot Converge for an Event!

With Shinji Nishikawa, Hiroshi Kashiwabara, and Wataru Mimura.

On Saturday evening, May 5, I attended another special event, this time with three special guests. Screenwriters Wataru Mimura and Hiroshi Kashiwabara were in the house, as was kaiju designer and illustrator Shinji Nishikawa.

 With Hiroshi Kashiwabara.

Of all the guests, I spent the most time speaking with Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Kashiwabara-san is a big fan of classic American action films, especially those with John Wayne and Steve McQueen. We spent quite a bit of time talking about those kinds of movies. Along the way, I managed to work in a reference to Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla (1994), which Kashiwabara-san wrote.

Shinji Nishikawa. Photo by Brett Homenick.

It was also great to see Shinji Nishikawa again, as it had been a while since I last saw him. A young film student is in the process of shooting a documentary about him, and she was filming a lot of the proceedings. She herself is a Godzilla fan and is well versed in the genre.

Hiroshi Kashiwabara mugs for the camera. Photo by Brett Homenick.

And so that concludes another fun evening with cool, laid-back guests. It probably goes without saying that I really enjoyed myself, and hope to see them all again very soon.

P-LABO FILMFES 2017! Toho Alums Converge on Chofu!

Godzilla scribes Wataru Mimura (left) and Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tonight, once I was finished at work, I headed over to the Chofu City Cultural Center in Chofu, Tokyo, to attend Wataru Mimura's P-LABO FILMFES. I always try to make an effort to attend each this, and this time I was just barely able to make it in time! 

Hiroshi Kashiwabara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

By the time I had arrived, the last short film was being screened. I took my seat and watched the remainder of it. It was a surreal story with a bizarre (and horrific) twist ending. Despite the low production values, it held my attention.

 Wataru Mimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

When the lights came up, former Toho president (and Godzilla series producer) Shogo Tomiyama got up and made his way toward the exit. I was able to greet him before he left. 

I hope the fine folks of Itasca, IL, aren't too jealous.

My main purpose of attending the film festival was to reunite with the Godzilla series personalities in attendance, particularly Wataru Mimura and Hiroshi Kashiwabara. They are veterans of the Heisei and Millennium series and are also some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

And that's all for tonight! Although my lateness caused me to miss most of it, I certainly enjoy my time at this year's P-LABO FILMFES. Short and sweet, as they say.

A HEISEI CELEBRATION! Toho Alums Gather for a Dinner Event!

Suit actor Hurricane Ryu. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

I just returned from a great dinner event with some great people.

First, Hurricane Ryu was on hand as a guest of honor. Ryu-san portrayed  King Ghidorah in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), Battra in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992), Baby Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), and Godzilla Junior in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). Ryu-san also played Kumasogami in Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994) and Guilala in Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit (2008).

Screenwriter Wataru Mimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The other major guest was Godzilla series screenwriter Wataru Mimura, who penned the scripts for Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).

Hurricane Ryu uses his impressive manga skills to sign copies of his new book. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Of course, it was a wonderful event with much to talk about. Mimura-san talked about writing the script for Mechagodzilla II, which he wrote between January and April of 1993. Despite the obvious references to dinosaurs in the story, there was no influence from Jurassic Park. (The timing is off for there to be any sort of inspiration, anyway.)

Suffice it to say, it was a fun evening...

... and let's do it again soon!

DINNER WITH GODZILLA'S SCRIBE! Dining on Japanese Cuisine with Wataru Mimura!

Yours truly with Wataru Mimura, the screenwriter for many Toho kaiju movies in the Heisei and Millennium series. 

I just returned from having a great Japanese dinner with screenwriter Wataru Mimura (Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla 2000, Godzilla: Final Wars). While munching on udon noodles, we talked about some of the latest goings-on in the world of Godzilla and swapped stories about some of our mutual friends.

Wataru Mimura strikes a thoughtful pose after finishing his Japanese dinner. Photo by Brett Homenick.

It's great, as always, to catch up with Mimura-san. I hope we have a chance to get together again soon!

UPDATE (7/9/2017): Hm. This is strange. I'm editing some old blog posts, and for some reason, this one from September 8, 2015, seems not to have been published until now. Anyhow, here it is, almost two years later!

GODZILLA'S SCRIBE! Dinner with Wataru Mimura!

Screenwriter Wataru Mimura in a Tokyo cafe. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Saturday, November 12, I had a nice dinner with screenwriter Wataru Mimura, who wrote the movies Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).

We hung out for about 90 minutes talking about various things. I hadn't seen Mimura-san in months, so if was great to catch up with him after all that time.

BIN FURUYA AND YURIKO HISHIMI CONQUER SHINJUKU! Ultra-Heroes Converge at Antonio Inoki's Restaurant!

Yuriko Hishimi (left) and Bib Furuya (right) reminisce about their days as Ultra-heroes. Photo by Brett Homenick.

June 12 saw at great event take place at Shinjuku's Inoki Saka-Bar. The featured guests were Ultraman suit actor Bin Furuya and Ultra Seven heroine Yuriko Hishimi (Anne Yuri). The two actors have done many events together, and this was another fun experience. 

Bin Furuya gives his heroic alter ego the once-over. Photo by Brett Homenick.

During the first part of the event, Furuya-san recounted his early experiences as a suit actor and the advice that Haruo Nakajima gave him. At one point, Furuya-san was joined on the stage by Eiichi Kikuchi, the Return of Ultraman suit actor. The two Ultra-heroes had great chemistry together. 

Actress Yuriko Hishimi smiles at the emcee. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In the second part of the event, Ultra Seven actress Yuriko Hishimi came onstage and answered questions about her career. Hishimi-san was particularly lively and had great interactions with the audience. 

Yours truly with screenwriter Wataru Mimura.

During the event, there were just as many stars in the audience as onstage. I was pleasantly surprised to see Godzilla series screenwriter Wataru Mimura there. We gabbed for a bit about a few topics. It's always great to see him.

Posing with Return of Ultraman suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi.  

Even though he took the stage as an official guest, Eiichi Kikuchi spent most of his time in the audience, mingling with the people.

In between director Minoru Kawasaki and screenwriter Masakazu Migita.

I had a blast shooting the breeze with director Minoru Kawasaki and his screenwriting partner Masakazu Migita. We talked about everything from the Young Guy movies series to various places around Tokyo. It was my first time to meet Migita-san. Aside from screenwriting the majority of Kawasaki-san's movies (Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit, The World Sinks Except Japan, etc.), he's also written for the Ultra-series, including Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, and Ultraman Gaia. 

Of course, it was great to see and spend time with Furuya-san again. He keeps enormously busy these days, but he always has time for his fans. Following the event, I was invited to attend Furuya-san's after-party, and naturally I accepted the invitation.

Furuya-san's kindness and generosity is second to none. He gave me a valuable gift during the after-party that I wasn't expecting, but it's something I'll always remember and appreciate. Thank you very much, Furuya-san!

LUNCH WITH GODZILLA'S SCREENWRITER! Talking Shop with a Toho Scenario Scribe!

Godzilla series screenwriter Wataru Mimira in a cafe in Shibuya, Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today I was privileged to have lunch with Heisei-era Godzilla series scriptwriter Wataru Mimura, whose credits include Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). He also penned the historical fantasy Yamato Takeru (a.k.a. Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon, 1994).

 With a photo like this, why am I not running for president?

The conversation covered a lot of ground, everything from the upcoming Godzilla Resurgence to the making of Final Wars. We also talked about some of Mimura-san's non-tokusatsu films, as well as some notable actors and directors.

Every cafe should come with its own disco ball. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I hadn't seen Mimura-san since last year, so our meeting was long overdue. It was great to catch up with him again, and hopefully our next meeting will come a little sooner!

Thank you very much, Mimura-san!