A Fun Birthday Celebration with Ultraman Jack!

Eiichi Kikuchi poses with two of his alter egos. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On the evening of Friday, August 18, I joined a birthday celebration for suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi, best known for portraying Ultraman Jack in Return of Ultraman (1971-72), as well as Ultra Seven in episodes 14 and 15 of Ultra Seven (1967-68). Kikuchi-san was born on August 21, 1942, so we were a bit early with the celebration, but the timing worked out well for all attendees.

Suffice it to say, Kikuchi-san was in great spirits, and I don't think I've ever seen him so animated at such a gathering before. He was making jokes and having fun the entire evening, which was wonderful to see. Hard to believe he was on the cusp of turning 81!

Kikuchi-san even poured drinks for some of the attendees, who were in awe of the fact that Ultra Seven and Ultraman Jack was giving them such an honor. When I jokingly offered my glass (I'm a lifelong teetotaler, to say nothing of the fact that my glass was the wrong type to be receiving such an alcoholic beverage), he was amused and said I'd make a good manzai partner for him. Now that's what I call an honor!

Later on in the evening, when Kikuchi-san was demonstrating an action scene, he stopped suddenly in the middle of his demonstration to ask me how to say "action" in English. It was another memorable moment from the evening. 

Kikuchi-san passed around some memorabilia from his collection, including a photo album of pictures he took on the set of Ultraman Mebius (2006-07) when he made a guest appearance on the show.

When we were all heading back to the train station, Kikuchi-san asked me how old I was, and, when I told him, he seemed surprised and responded that I was young. All I can say is, I hope to be as young as Kikuchi-san is when I reach his age.

What a fun celebration. I'd never seen Kikuchi-san happier, which in turn made me over the moon for him. Below are just some of the snapshots I took. I think his enthusiasm comes across quite well in them.

Witnessing the Return of Ultraman!

Eiichi Kikuchi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, May 21, I attended a special event with legendary suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi. Of course, Kikuchi-san's best-known role was that of Ultraman Jack in Return of Ultraman (1971-72). He also donned the Ultra Seven suit in Ultra Seven (1967-68) for the King Joe episodes. 

Kikuchi-san talked about many things, including his experience on the set of You Only Live Twice (1967) as a henchman who gets dispatched by James Bond (played by Sean Connery). 

Toward the end of the evening, Kikuchi-san pulled out a couple of copies of an advertisement for Return of Ultraman gear for which he modeled. He signed one for me (and a few others at our table) simply because he wanted to. I was impressed by his generosity. 

Overall, it was a great evening, and it was a privilege to spend so much time in the company of Kikuchi-san. Hope I'm able to do it again soon!

Celebrating 50 Years of Greatness

With actress Mie Hama. 

Today, I had the privilege of attending a special event with actress Mie Hama, the retired Toho star who appeared in the films King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and King Kong Escapes (1967), which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Of course, Hama-san's other international hit film, You Only Live Twice, is also celebrating 50 years.

The event itself was quite enjoyable. There was a rakugo performance followed by a lunch made with local cuisine. The highlight, of course, was meeting Hama-san again, who is always incredibly friendly.

TSUBURAYA PRO IN DA HOUSE! Ultra-Alums Please Their Fans!

Return of Ultraman suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

After spending the day with various Toei heroes and villains, it was off to Jimbocho for an evening with Tsuburaya Productions alumni! Two of the biggest guests on hand were old favorites of mine.  

Striking a pose with Eiichi Kikuchi.

First was Return of Ultraman (1971-72) suit actor Eiichi Kikuchi, who also played Ultra Seven in the King Joe episodes of Ultra Seven (1967-68). Not only that, but he battles Sean Connery in the James Bond actioner You Only Live Twice (1967) as a henchman. (Yes, James Bond and Ultra Seven have tussled onscreen.) A resume doesn't get much cooler than that!  

Ultraman director Toshihiro Iijima. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

The other great guest was director Toshihiro Iijima. Iijima-san directed episodes of Ultra Q (1966), Ultraman (1966-67), Ultra Seven, and other Tsuburaya Productions series, in addition to the feature film Daigoro vs. Goliath (1972). In Japan, he is probably best known as the director of episode 2 of Ultraman, which saw the debut of Baltan Seijin.

Iijima-san is a very kind gentleman, and whenever he appears at an event, I always try to attend to pay my respects. All in all, it was a great way to end the day. Now's the time to rest!

SPENDING AN AFTERNOON WITH A TOHO LEGEND! The Famed Actress Discusses Art and Culture!

With actress Mie Hama. 

On November 19, I was privileged to attend another event with actress Mie Hama. Hama-san is best known around the world as Kissy Suzuki from the James Bond thriller You Only Live Twice (1967), but for us Toho fans, nothing will top her roles in such films as King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and King Kong Escapes (1967). I've also been fortunate to see her acting in a myriad of other films, such as various Crazy Cats comedies.

The event had nothing at all to do with movies, and it was centered on gosho ningyo (palace dolls). As the only American in attendance, I stood out rather easily, and Hama-san called on me during her presentation, asking me several questions in Japanese. I did my best to answer, which was still quite lacking, but it was a memorable (and fun) experience indeed.

After her talk ended, we took a few photos together. It's always a great experience to see Hama-san, and I hope to have another chance next year.

YOU ONLY LIVE THRICE! Meeting Actress Mie Hama Again!

Posing for a photo op with retired actress Mie Hama, who follows a different passion today.

During the 1960s, Mie Hama was one of Toho's biggest stars. She headlined King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and King Kong Escapes (1967), for which she is best remembered kaiju eiga fans. James Bond fans will instantly recognize Hama-san from You Only Live Twice (1967), which teamed her up with Sean Connery.

Today, however, Mie Hama has retired from acting and now speaks her mind as a commentator and essayist, promoting various causes in which she believes. She also has a strong interest in the arts, and occasionally hosts events highlighting the work of a particular artist or musician. This was one such event. Hama-san was very friendly, the same as she was the first time I met her two years ago. I was able to spend more time with her on this occasion, and it was most certainly time well spent.

SAVE THE DRAMA FOR MIE HAMA! Meeting a True Toho Legend!

One of the highlights of my time in Japan was getting the privilege of meeting retired actress Mie Hama.

During my first foray into Hakone, I was lucky enough to meet Mie Hama (King Kong vs. Godzilla, King Kong Escapes, numerous Crazy Cats comedies) at a public event. Readers of this blog know Hama-san's various Toho credits, but internationally she is best known as Kissy Suzuki in the James Bond actioner You Only Live Twice (1967), in which she stars opposite Sean Connery. Though it was limited to 30 people, I made arrangements early enough before the event sold out.

Although autographs weren't part of the event, photo opportunities were, which of course was very cool. The talk show itself was rather brief, but the experience of meeting Hama-san made it well worth it. She was very warm and kind, and I hope for the chance to meet her again.