Kamen Rider and Ultra-Heroes Unite for One Night!

Mitsuhiro Sano, Yumiko Tanaka, and Keiko Nishi pose for pictures. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday, July 15, I attended a special event with some surprise guests. The main event was the variety show in which actress Yumiko Tanaka performed onstage with a number of other actors. After the show, I was invited to a dinner with Tanaka-san's friends and supporters. That, for me, was the real attraction.

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

If you don't know by now, Tanaka-san stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla 1985 (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka (which was edited out of the American release). 

At the end of the show, Tanaka-san and her co-stars sang and danced to the Japanese version of the Village People classic "YMCA." I thought that was quite amusing. After the show, our group gathered in front of the venue, which was in Tsukiji, before heading off to dinner. Before I knew it, actress Keiko Nishi joined our group and greeted me by touching my arm. (It's always a plus when the most beautiful woman in the history of the Ultra-series makes contact!)

Actor Mitsuhiro San wasn't too far behind Nishi-san. He and I talked about the song "YMCA," but he's a much bigger fan of the song "Massachusetts" by the Bee Gees, which he can do a pretty good job of singing in English. After that, we headed to the restaurant.

Mitsuhiro Sano. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Of course, Sano-san TAC member Kozo Yoshimura in Ultraman Ace (1972-73). I sat across from Sano-san at the table and close to Nishi-san. Naturally, it was a great experience to be in the presence of such Ultra-series royalty! 

Sano-san commented that he was good at signing in English but not good at English conversation. Well, I hope one day he can master English conversation, too. But, in any case, it's always a blast hanging out with him.

With Keiko Nishi.

Nishi-san appears in Ultraman Ace as TAC member Noriko Mikawa. Even though her cafe closed a while back, it's a joy to see Nishi-san attend events like these. 

And that's a wrap! It was a much more fun evening than I expected, but I'm definitely not complaining! Hope we can do it again soon.

Toei Heroes Return to the Stage!

Top row (from left to right): Narimitsu Kurachi, Shocker Ono, Toshimichi Takahashi, and Kenju Hayashi. Bottom row (from left to right): Kihachiro Uemura, Mariko Matsuoka, Yumiko Tanaka, Miyuki Nagato, and Hiroko Kojima.

On Saturday evening, April 22, I attended a play performed by various actors from the world of Toei tokusatsu. Well, I say "attended," but, due to a prior commitment, I arrived just as the play was finishing! Too bad. But there was plenty of activity after the show to make it all worthwhile.

But who are all these folks, you ask? Well, let's take a look!

Yumiko Tanaka starred in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami, but she also appears in Godzilla 1985 (1984) in a small role that was cut out of the American version.

Kihachiro Uemura plays Green Flash on Choushinsei Flashman (1986-87).

Miyuki Nagato played the villainess Wolk on Flashman.

Kenju Hayashi would be best known as Prince Megiddo on Kagaku Sentai Dynaman (1983-84).

Narimitsu Kurachi portrayed Battle France on Battle Fever J (1979-80), but he also appears in Toho's The Imperial Navy (1981) and Toei's The Imperial Japanese Empire (1982). On television, Kurachi-san can be seen in guest appearances on Toei's Spider-Man (1978-79), Denshi Sentai Denziman (1980-81), and Space Sheriff Gavan (1982-83). 

Toshimichi Takahashi is an actor and suit actor who appears in numerous films and TV productions from Toei and other studios, including: Wolf Guy (1975), Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977), Mechanical Violator Hakaider (1995), the Toho superhero series Megaloman (1979), and numerous Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and Metal Hero series, beginning with Himitsu Sentai Goranger (1975-77).

Mariko Matsuoka plays android girl Carolyn in episode 24 of Ultraman Leo (1974-75), Ritsuko Okamura in Kamen Rider Amazon (1974-75), Misaki Minekawa in episode 29 of Akumaizer 3 (1975-76), episode 32 of UFO Great War Fight! Red Tiger (1978), and Jun in episode 37 of Kyoryu Sentai Koseidon (1978-79). She also appears in the Fumio Ishimori-penned Shochiku film Frozen River (1976) as Harumi Hayata.

Shocker Ono (real name: Hiroshi Ono) is a former stuntman with the Japan Action Club and appeared in small roles in a bevy of classic Toei programs, such as Kamen Rider Super-1, Denziman, Dai Sentai Goggle-V (1982-83), Dynaman, Choudenshi Bioman (1984-85), Gavan, and Space Sheriff Sharivan (1983-84). 

Hiroko Kojima former Japan Action Club member who did stunt work  in Dengeki Sentai Changeman (1985-86) and episode 16 of Dennou Keisatsu Cybercop (1988-89). but is best known for playing the villainess Kilt in Flashman. 

After the performance, the cast took photos with attendees and generally mingled with the folks. I spoke to Tanaka-san and Hayashi-san the most out of the group. Not coincidentally, I picked up the autographed photos that they were selling, too. Just before leaving, Matsuoka-san and I struck up a conversation. It was my first time to meet her, and she turned out to be quite a sweetheart.

Although he wasn't acting in the stage show, Koji Unoki, who played Dyna Blue (both in and out of the suit) on Dynaman, was in attendance, and it was great to see him again after so long.

What a way to cap off a busy day!

SHOWA SONGS! Attending a Live Performance Featuring a Tokusatsu Actress!

Tsukiji Hongan-ji. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Saturday evening, January 14, I attended a performance featuring actress Yumiko Tanaka. The show was held next to Tsukiji Hongan-ji, a beautiful Buddhist temple, in Tsukiji. Due to my work schedule, I missed the first half of the show and arrived during intermission. I only caught the second half of the performance, which was essentially a comedic variety show that featured a lot of Showa-era songs, styles, and dances.

Yumiko Tanaka (right) sings onstage with her fellow performers. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tanaka-san stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla 1985 (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka (which was edited out of the American release). Tanaka-san's various performances during the show were highly entertaining. She's certainly a multi-talented performer! 

The main reason I attended the show was to participate in the dinner that was being organized by one of my friends. After the performance, a group of us headed to a nearby izakaya for a special New Year's celebration. At the dinner, I became acquainted with a couple of fellow tokusatsu fans whom I'd never met before at any other event.

Tanaka-san sat at the table next to mine, so I was able to communicate with her fairly easily. She's just as friendly as she's always been. I always get a kick out of seeing her.

She signed autographs for anyone who brought items for her to sign. I've had her sign a few things over the years, so I didn't bring anything to get autographed. But it turns out I didn't have to. My friend gave out a signed photo to each attendee featuring both Tanaka-san and actress Keiko Nishi, who played TAC member Noriko Mikawa on Ultraman Ace (1972-73).

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Speaking of Nishi-san, she also attended the show and dinner, which was a big surprise to me. I hadn't seen her since her cafe in Ginza closed a couple of years ago. When she saw me just after the show got out, she mentioned that it had been a long time since we last met.

Yumiko Tanaka signs Kamen Rider Super-1 memorabilia for a fan. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Nishi-san joined the dinner on the private basis, i.e., not as a featured guest, but she was still friendly enough to sign the photos for attendees and posed for the photo below. Also there was actor Mitsuhiro Sano, who played TAC member Kozo Yoshimura in Ultraman Ace, who was just as awesome. It's always great to spend an evening with such friendly people.

With Keiko Nishi.

And that's a wrap! It was a fun evening, and, even though I got home close to midnight, it was a great time. Hope to do it again!

Revisiting a 2013 'Kamen Rider Super-1' Reunion Event!

Shunsuke Takasugi prepares to pose as Kamen Rider Super-1. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, February 10, 2013, I attended a Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) reunion event in Tokyo. To be honest, I originally wasn't even aware of the event until an acquaintance of mine told me about it when I was visiting Tokyo and invited me to join him. It was very short notice, but I was able to make some time.

At the time, I have to admit I wasn't that enthused about it, given that I'm not the biggest Kamen Rider fan or aficionado in the world. But I'm always up for something new, so I gave it a shot. In retrospect, I wish I'd paid more attention to it and gotten more involved, but that's only knowing what I know now. This was probably the last event featuring Kamen Rider Super-1 star Shunsuke Takasugi.

As you've probably gathered by now, Takasugi-san portrayed Kazuya Oki, the alter ego of Kamen Rider Super-1, on the series. But he became much more (in)famous in the months following this special event. 

According to Wikipedia:

In 2013, he was reported to have taken ¥50 million (about US$ 450,000) from his fans between 2003 to 2012. Takasugi used the influence of his role as Kazuya Oki/Kamen Rider Super-1 to cheat his fans and refused to return the money. He said that this was because "Super-1's henshin belt was taken by the Yakuza and I need money to get it back." He refused to appear in court after he was sued and disappeared sometime in 2017.

Suffice it to say, I was quite shocked when I learned about this several years ago. I was even more surprised that I actually met the guy just a few months before the scandal broke. It is certainly one of the strangest turns of events I've ever seen in Japanese fandom.

Shunsuke Takasugi, Yumiko Tanaka, and Tetsuya Nakayashiki pose for pictures. Photo by Brett Homenick.

My encounter with Takasugi-san was very brief. As I recall, I think my acquaintance stopped him as he was walking somewhere to introduce me to him. I didn't have much to say (not being that familiar with Kamen Rider Super-1), so I told him that I knew Ulf Otsuki, who played Professor Henry, the scientist in the first episode of the series who transforms him into the titular hero. He seemed happy to hear that Otsuki-san was doing well. Other than that, I just remember the polite small talk that one would normally associate with such a meeting.

Naturally, I never expected to hear that Takasugi-san would be caught up in a massive scandal. He certainly came across as friendly and soft-spoken to me, not at all dissimilar to a myriad of other actors I've met at such events. I was just as surprised as anyone else.

Also on hand at the event was Yumiko Tanaka, who co-stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 as Harumi Kusanami. She also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka.

Tetsuya Nakayashiki, the remaining guest, is a prolific suit actor, closely associated with the Showa-era Kamen Rider series. Nakayashiki-san suit-acted at least part of the time as a Kamen Rider character from the original Kamen Rider (1971-73) through Kamen Rider Super-1. Naturally, his credits in Toei tokusatsu are far too extensive to list here. Beyond Toei, Nakayashiki-san can be seen in the Toho actioner Espy (1974) as well as episode 12 of Tsuburaya Productions' TV series Mighty Jack (1968).

As I mentioned earlier, I didn't stay long at the event, so I don't have much else to add. I just wanted to share these photos, as well as what I remember from it, given what we learned in the wake of it. I'll close by sharing a few more photos. Enjoy!

A New Year's Celebration with Tanaka-san!

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, January 9, I attended a comedy performance by actress Yumiko Tanaka and her colleagues. The comedy was very, very broad, with a lot of shouting and hitting. But it was pretty enjoyable. The second half of the performance involved much more singing and dancing, which was actually more entertaining.

For those of you not in the know, Tanaka-san stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka.

After the performance, a few of us lucky souls got invited to have dinner with Tanaka-san at a local Japanese eatery. The food was great, but getting to hang out with Tanaka-san was even better. It was a great way to kick off the New Year!

Another Night of Comedy (and Singing)!

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Friday night, January 10, I attended a stage show co-starring actress Yumiko Tanaka. Tanaka-san, whose tokusatsu credits include Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) and Godzilla (1984), is someone I always enjoy meeting. She always has a positive attitude.

The performance blended comedy and music. The first half was a comedic play, and the second half was essentially a variety show, the majority of which consisted of singing and dancing by the various performers. It was all quite amusing. A great time was had by all -- and certainly yours truly!

A Live Performance in Tsukiji!

Actress Yumiko Tanaka, in front of several congratulatory bouquets of flowers. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I just got home from a live stage performance in Tsukiji starring actress Yumiko Tanaka, who appeared in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also can be seen in Godzilla 1985 (1984). It was a comedy performance, and due to my work schedule, I was only able to catch the last 30 minutes, by which time the main performance had finished, and most of the performers were singing and dancing.

After the show, I got to spend a few moments with Tanaka-san. She asked if I saw the main show, but I had to admit that I missed it due to work. Still, I'm certainly glad I made it out. Tanaka-san is a lovely person, and I never miss a chance to see her.

SHE'S BACK! Tanaka-san Takes the Stage One More Time!

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Saturday evening, April 6, I immediately left work to attend a special performance with actress Yumiko Tanaka. The first half of the show was a comedic stage play, and the second half was made up of various vocal performances.

For the uninitiated, Tanaka-san stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka.

Eri Kanuma. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Also on hand as an attendee was actress Eri Kanuma. Kanuma-san plays 007/Yoko Kato in Himitsu Sentai Goranger (1975-77), as well as appearing in episodes of Kaiketsu Lion Maru (1972-73), Inazuman Flash (1974), Spider-Man (1978-79), Battle Fever J (1979-80), and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan (1981-82).

During the intermission, I had a pleasant chat with Kanuma-san. When I attended a similar event last year, Kanuma-san also attended as an attendee. She is quite supportive of her fellow actresses.

Naturally, I had to take a photo with Tanaka-san and the other performers. As you can see, their costumes and makeup were elaborate. The show was a lot of fun, and I look forward to attending the next one.

ANGEL GUTS! Viewing a Rather Unusual Nikkatsu Flick!

Eri Kanuma. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today, I went to a screening of Angel Guts: Nami (1979), a Nikkatsu flick with some controversial content (to say the least). The movie was well made, but suffice it to say, it's not for all audiences. This kind of movie isn't usually my bag, but I always find it interesting to check out and explore new things.

The event was headlined by the film's star, Eri Kanuma. In the tokusatsu world, Kanuma-san plays 007/Yoko Kato in Himitsu Sentai Goranger (1975-77), as well as appearing in episodes of Kaiketsu Lion Maru (1972-73), Inazuman Flash (1974), Spider-Man (1978-79), Battle Fever J (1979-80), and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan (1981-82). I'd met her before last April at an event and ran into her at Yumiko Tanaka's event last week. Speaking of...

Yumiko Tanaka. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Yumiko Tanaka was a surprise addition to the event. Tanaka-san stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role toward the beginning of Godzilla (1984) in a scene with Ken Tanaka.

I had a chance to speak with Tanaka-san about Godzilla. Her scene was shot on Oshima Island, so I asked if all the Oshima Island scenes were shot at the same time. She confirmed that they were, and that they were all filmed in about a week. She also said that Koji Hashimoto was a very kind and easygoing director.

A great time was had by all. Even though I'd seen both ladies only a week before, it's great to see them any time.

TALKIN' TOEI! Toei Heroines Return to the Fight!

 With Yumiko Tanaka.

On Saturday, October 13, I attended a special event headlined by actress Yumiko Tanaka. Tanaka-san starred in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appeared in Godzilla (1984). Here, she performed in a stage play and, in the second half of the show, did some singing (along with other performers).

She also gave me the present she'd been meaning to give me for the last few months: a really cool hand towel. It's a nice thing to add to my collection.

Lisa Komaki. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Lisa Komaki was also on hand. Komaki-san played Peggy Matsuyama on Himitsu Sentai Goranger (1975-77) and was the suit actor and voice for Miss America (as played by Diane Martin) on Battle Fever J (1979-80). It was great to see her after such a long time, too.

Many thanks for a fun night of Toei stars!

Super Sentai Heroes Return in Style!

 From left to right: Hitomi Yoshii, Koji Unoki, Lisa Komaki, Hiroyuki Takano, and Sayoko Hagiwara. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On Sunday, April 1, I had the chance to do something I hadn't been able to do for a while. I was able to attend another live performance by luminaries of the Super Sentai and Kamen Rider series. This one had a bit more variety than usual and included singing and even guitar-playing!

One special guest was Ultraman himself, Bin Furuya. Furuya-san was only there as a signing guest (he did not participate in any of the performances), but in any case, it was great to see him again.

With Yumiko Tanaka (left) and Sayoko Hagiwara.

Sayoko Hagiwara essays the role of Ryoko Hoshi, Yullian's human form, on Ultraman 80 (1980-81) from episode 43, as well as Dyna Pink in Kagaku Sentai Dynaman (1983-84). She also appears in Choushinsei Flashman (1986-87) as the villainous Leh Nafel.

Yumiko Tanaka stars in Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980-81) as Harumi Kusanami and also appears in a small role in Godzilla (1984), one of my favorites.

With Eri Kanuma (left), Lisa Komaki, and Hitomi Yoshii (right).

Lisa Komaki plays Peggy Matsuyama on Himitsu Sentai Goranger (1975-77) and is the suit actor and voice for Miss America (as played by Diane Martin) on Battle Fever J (1979-80).

Hitomi Yoshii plays High Priestess Bishium on Kamen Rider Black (1987-88).

Eri Kanuma plays 007/Yoko Kato in Goranger, as well as appearing in episodes of Kaiketsu Lion Maru (1972-73), Inazuman Flash (1974), Spider-Man (1978-79), Battle Fever J, and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan (1981-82).

With Kihachiro Uemura (left) and Koji Unoki.

Kihachiro Uemura plays Green Flash on Flashman.

Koji Unoki portrays Dyna Blue on Dynaman.

And that's all she wrote. See you next time!