The National Diet Building. Photo by Brett Homenick.
Monday, November 4, 2019
The National Diet Building!
DAY OF RESURRECTION! An Evening with Cinematographer Daisaku Kimura!
Daisaku Kimura. Photo by Brett Homenick.
On Sunday, November 3, I took in a screening of the all-star, end-of-the-world epic Virus (a.k.a. Day of Resurrection, 1980) in glorious 35mm. Suffice it to say, I'd never seen it in 35mm before (and really, I don't know many others who have), and it was a joy to watch. I noticed a lot of small details, such as a hand-drawn picture of Ultraman hanging in a young boy's bedroom. I thoroughly enjoyed the picture, even if some of the situations (such as a massive earthquake hitting Washington, D.C.) seemed more than a bit contrived to move the plot along.
The guest of honor was a true legend of the Japanese film industry: cinematographer Daisaku Kimura. His credits include: Submersion of Japan (1973), Blue Christmas (1978), the aforementioned Virus, and Station (1981), among many others. In 1958, Kimura-san joined Toho Studios and worked as an assistant cameraman under Akira Kurosawa, during which time his most prominent credit was Yojimbo (1961). In 1973, he became a cinemtographer in his own right. He also once came pretty darn close to becoming the cinematographer on a Godzilla film, but that's a story for another day.
Overall, it was a great evening, and I was fascinated by all the stories from the set of Virus, particularly the ones about the Western cast. Needless to say, fun was had by all.
Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 at Yurakucho Marui!
A rocket-gun used from Godzilla Raids Again (1955) through Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Photo by Brett Homenick.
On Friday evening, November 2, Jacob and I attended the Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 on the 8th floor of Yurakucho Marui, which ran from October 21 through November 4. There were many enlarged photos on display (which I'd seen before in books over the years), but what really caught my attention were the props used in various films over the years. Let's take a look at what was on hand.
A patrol car used in such films as Mothra (1961) and King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).
The Tokaido Express train car from Godzilla (1954).
The high-powered laser-beam vehicle from Godzilla 1985 (1984), designed by Takashi Naganuma.
Naturally, I just had to pose with such cool props.
And that's a wrap!
A Return to Tokyo Tower!
A nighttime view of Tokyo Tower. Photo by Brett Homenick.
Tokyo Tower is one of the most iconic locations in the genre of kaiju films, having been prominently featured in Mothra (1961) and King Kong Escapes (1967), among other films. On Friday evening, November 2, Jacob and I ascended the tower to take in the view, which was my first time in many years. Here's a sample of what we saw.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Halloween in Roppongi!
"Muh fellow Americans..." sez President Ted Thomas during his triumphant return to Tokyo.
Last night was my first Halloween in Roppongi. The crowd was much smaller than Shibuya, but it was still a lot of fun. Here are just a couple of the sights I saw. Enjoy!
Revisiting the Godzilla Slide in Kurihama!
The Godzilla slide in Kurihama! Photo by Brett Homenick.
After visiting Kamakura, Jacob and I took a hike in Kurihama Flower World to look at the Godzilla slide. It was my first time to be there at night, which added some atmosphere to the pictures. Check them out!
A Halloween Visit to Kamakura!
The Great Buddha has arrived! Photo by Brett Homenick.
On Wednesday, October 30, Jacob and I paid a visit to Kamakura to take in the sites, as well as to meet up with actor Shigeo Kato. We went to a nearby cafe in which Kato-san regaled us with stories about his career, from Akira Kurosawa classics to the Godzilla series. Afterward, we went to the Great Buddha statue. It was a great afternoon, and here are the pics. (By the way, don't miss the pumpkin in front of the statue!)
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