A Salute to Michael Lennick

Michael Lennick on the set of Kinji Fukasaku's Virus (1980). Photo courtesy of Michael Lennick.

I'm very sorry to report the passing of Michael Lennick. Michael was a special effects technician/supervisor and documentary filmmaker, who worked on films like Videodrome (1982), The Dead Zone (1983), and Dick (1999).

I interviewed Michael several years ago for G-FAN about his involvement with Virus (a.k.a. Fukkatsu no hi, 1980), a Japanese end-of-the-world sci-fi film directed by Kinji Fukasaku. He had many great memories about making the film, and he sent me a few behind-the-scenes photos, including this one of him on the Palmer Station set.

According to Michael's friend Robert J. Sawyer, Michael died yesterday after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor just a month ago. He was 61. Rest in peace, Michael.

HALLOWEEN IN TOKYO! Even Tokusatsu Veterans Get into the Spooky Spirit!

Hanging out with Godzilla series screenwriter Wataru Mimura in Shinjuku on Halloween.

Halloween is a holiday that is growing in popularity in Japan. Walking around Shibuya earlier tonight, I've never seen it more crowded. That is no understatement. It was jam-packed with people in various costumes, usually zombie- or superhero-related outfits. There were some Super Mario cosplayers, and even a couple of young ladies dressed up as the titular character from Seth MacFarlane's Ted! Sadly (but as expected), tokusatsu costumes were lacking among the crowds.

All that aside, I spent my Halloween in the company of two figures from the modern era of Japanese SFX movies and TV programs. First, I met Toho scribe Wataru Mimura in Shinjuku. Mimura-san penned the screenplays for Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) and Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994). He co-wrote the scripts for Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (2002), and Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). We met at the Shinjuku Piccadilly multiplex, in which a large-scale replica of Space Battleship Yamato was on display. I'm not an anime fan at all, but I just had to get a photo of it!

Mimura-san and I spent a couple of hours together, eating and chatting about movies. It was a wonderful time, and I look forward to seeing Mimura-san again.

With Tsuburaya Productions director Kengo Kaji in Omote-sando.

Afterward I met writer-director Kengo Kaji in Omote-sando. Kaji-san directed episodes of Ultraman Max (2005-06), Ultraman Mebius (2006-07), Ultra Seven X (2007), as well as the recent series Ultraman Ginga (2013). Kaji-san co-wrote the horror films Eko Eko Azarak: Misa the Dark Angel (1998) and Tokyo Gore Police (2008). We likewise spent a couple of hours together, shooting the breeze about various tokusatsu topics. It was the first time I'd gotten to see Kaji-san in person since interviewing him in 2012. I'm very glad to have seen him again!

To say the least, this was a unique Halloween for me, but one I'll always remember fondly. As if all that weren't cool enough, I even bumped into Batman in Shibuya. I wish he would have done more to keep the crowds in check! Happy Halloween!

YOSHIMITSU BANNO TALKS SMOG MONSTER! The Toho Director Answers Questions at a Recent Fan Event!

Director Yoshimitsu Banno speaks about his lengthy Toho career at a fan event in Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On the heels of executive-producing the recent Godzilla from Legendary Pictures, filmmaker Yoshimitsu Banno attended a fan event in Tokyo and answered questions about his work at Toho Studios.

Appropriate posters on display for the occasion: The Last Days of Planet Earth (a.k.a. Catastrophe 1999, 1974) and Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971).

Banno-san directed co-wrote Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster (1971), and co-wrote and assistant-directed The Last Days of Planet Earth (1974). Banno-san was also an assistant director for Akira Kurosawa on four films: Throne of Blood (1957), The Lower Depths (1957), The Hidden Fortress (1958), and The Bad Sleep Well (1960). Following his work with Kurosawa, Banno-san assistant-directed a myriad of films at Toho, everything from Crazy Cats comedies to war films starring Toshiro Mifune.

During the interview, Banno-san touched on these and other topics. He seemed in great spirits, and after the worldwide success of the recent Godzilla movie, how could you blame him? Toward the end of the presentation, the interviewers showed some slides from Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, to which Banno-san offered his memories. Some of the photos were brand-new to me, which was great to see.

Banno-san spoke for two hours, and it was an enjoyable time. In particular, I liked watching Banno-san's reactions to the production photos from Smog Monster that were displayed on the big screen. Full marks to all involved!

TORU IBUKI STRIKES BACK! Getting to Hang Out Again with the Ex-Toho Player!

Toru Ibuki (left), my friend Asako (center), and yours truly are all smiles after today's meeting.

Today I had another chance to visit former Toho actor Toru Ibuki at his office. Ibuki-san appeared numerous monster movies at Toho, including: Ghidrah the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Monster Zero (1965), Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster (1966), Destroy All Monsters (1968), and Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975). He also can be seen in the Frank Sinatra-directed World War II drama None But the Brave (1965).

I always enjoy my meetings with Ibuki-san, who has become a close friend in the last year. I've seen him several times in 2014, and I hope for many more encounters next year! Thank you very much, Ibuki-san!

SHINICHI YANAGISAWA LIVE! The Former Shochiku Player Performs in Asakusa!

Actor-singer Shinichi Yanagisawa poses with yours truly at the HUB in Asakusa in between sets.

I had the distinct privilege of going to the HUB in Asakusa on Tuesday, October 21, to see Shinichi Yanagisawa sing and play drums in his jazz band live and in person. The former Shochiku actor sang several jazz tunes in English and did an excellent job!

Yanagisawa-san sings in front of a packed audience at the HUB! Phtoto by Brett Homenick.

While he was on drums, Yanagisawa-san spotted me in the audience and greeted me. After the set, I had a pleasant chat with Yanagisawa-san and saxophone player Kyoichi Watanabe. I'm still in the process of transcribing last month's interview, but I hope to have it completed in the near future.

Shinichi Yanagisawa played Miyamoto in The X from Outer Space (1967), but he also appeared in films made by all the major studios in Japan: Toho, Shochiku, Daiei, Toei, and Nikkatsu. He got his start as a jazz singer before making the transition to acting in the 1950s.

All in all, it was great to visit Yanagisawa-san again, who is as friendly and genuine as people come. I hope to get many more opportunities to see him in the future!

Remembering Anna Nakagawa

With Anna Nakagawa, immediately after our interview for G-FAN magazine in February 2012.

Like all other Godzilla fans, I was shocked to learn of the recent passing of actress Anna Nakagawa at the age of 49. Cancer has taken her life, but her spirit will live on in her movies and TV dramas. The daughter of director Harunosuke Nakagawa (who helmed several episodes of Ultra Q), Nakagawa-san would make her own mark in the tokusatsu world by starring in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) as Emmy, the good-hearted Futurian who ends up piloting Mecha-King Ghidorah.

I was privileged to interview Nakagawa-san in February 2012. Nakagawa-san spoke at length about her memories of the film, which were quite fascinating. The interview was eventually published in G-FAN magazine. Before the interview, Nakagawa-san gave me a Cast Co. bromide card set of King Ghidorah, one of which she signed for me. Suffice it to say, I'll treasure her signature.

A chance encounter on the Odakyu Line in March 2013 proved to be my last time meeting Nakagawa-san. Photo by Brett Homenick.

At the end of March last year, I was heading to Shinjuku on the Odakyu Line when a familiar-looking passenger stepped onto the train. It was none other than Anna Nakagawa! She was just as surprised as I was! Even though her English was as minimal as my Japanese, we were able to have a pleasant conversation. I snapped a few photos, and Nakagawa-san went on her way. Sadly, I'd never have a chance to see her again.

Nakagawa-san and I were connected on Facebook, and occasionally we'd exchange messages and like each other's photos. I always hoped for another opportunity to see her, but given her busy schedule, it was never to be. I'll always remember the time we did get to spend together and the generosity she showed me.

Rest in peace, Nakagawa-san.

A Tribute to Cleo Baldon Melchior

Spending time with Cleo Melchior at the Melchior residence in July 2012. This photo was taken the night before I left Los Angeles.

This morning I woke up to some of the worst I've read in years, via classic horror writer Tom Weaver. Cleo Baldon Melchior, the wife of writer-director Ib Melchior (Reptilicus, The Angry Red Planet), passed away on October 12 of a stroke. No other details seem to be available at the moment, but I know that I'll always cherish the time I was honored to spend in this wonderful lady's company.

Born on June 1, 1927, Cleo worked as a landscape architect who specialized in designing swimming pools. She had several celebrity clients, some of whom she told me about over many dinners we would have together.

I first met Mrs. Melchior in September 2009 when I traveled to Los Angeles to visit some friends. This was shortly after I relocated to Rancho Mirage, CA, after a four-year stay in North Dakota. In 2008, I interviewed Ib Melchior for G-FAN magazine about his monster movies, and shortly thereafter I also reviewed his book Melchior A La Carte for the magazine. When I moved back to California, Ib kindly invited me to stay at his home if I wanted to come to L.A. Of course, I readily accepted the invitation.

I spent the night at Ib and Cleo's house and was privileged to get to know them. But that was only the beginning. Over the next year and a half, I would visit the Melchiors several times, staying at their home when I would come to the L.A. area.

With Cleo and Ib Melchior at a book signing for Ib's book Six Cult Films from the Sixties in June 2010.

The last time I Cleo was when I stayed at their home in July 2012 when I was visiting the U.S. from Japan. I stayed at their home for about a week and gave the Melchiors several gifts from Japan, including a Japanese-style teapot that Cleo seemed to enjoy very much. During this time, their regular caregiver was on vacation, and in many ways I was able to step in and offer my assistance. For example, a friend of the Melchiors was hosting a party, so I drove the Melchiors to the area and assisted them at the event.

Thoughts of my last moments at the Melchiors' home has been running through my mind ever since I read the heart-breaking news. Cleo Melchior was like a grandmother to me, and I'll always remember her warmth, kindness, and humor. She and Ib were a great couple, and I'm so glad they were able to find each other. If you didn't believe in the concept of soulmates before meeting the Melchiors, you would have afterward. They were a perfect pair.

As much as I could go on about Cleo, words seem so futile to me now. Those of us who knew and loved Cleo mourn her loss, and we send our condolences to Ib.