Nakajima prepares to play Godzilla in this publicity shot, 1954.
Read more about the incredible Mr. Godzilla, here!
Showing posts with label Haruo Nakajima. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haruo Nakajima. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
The Original Godzilla: January 1, 1929
お誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん、中島春雄！
Nakajima prepares to play Godzilla in this publicity shot, 1954.
Read more about the incredible Mr. Godzilla, here!
Nakajima prepares to play Godzilla in this publicity shot, 1954.
Read more about the incredible Mr. Godzilla, here!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954
ゴジラよ、誕生日おめでとう !
Don't hate him because he's beautiful! The "Big G" has turned 61!
Don't hate him because he's beautiful! The "Big G" has turned 61!
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
LEGENDARY MONSTER MAKER: KEIZO MURASE
All-New Photobook On His Monstrous Career!
新発売！洋泉社の「怪獣秘蔵写真集 造形師 村瀬継蔵」
Cover for this must-own photobook on classic Japanese monsters!
One of the most prolific publishing houses of genre subjects in Japan today, Yonsensha, has formally announced the impending release of their third, monstrous "Treasured Photobook" related to great figures who worked during the golden age of Japanese visual effects films at Toho Studios. Previous volumes featured the living legend, monster suit actor Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima, and the late visual effects director, Koichi Kawakita.
Now, while starting out as an upstart in the late 1950s, working in the fabrication department under visual effects wizard, Eiji Tsuburaya, Keizo Murase's legacy started as a part-timer at Toho, with his prolific career exceeding beyond his work for the great Tsuburaya, and which continues even today. As with the previous volumes, this is a photo-filled book, with page-after-page of photographs, but very minimal text (not counting a lengthy interview with the monster maker), most taken by Murase himself.
Here's the hyperbole from the book's obi (paper book band):
"King Kong and Godzilla Armatures, a Blue King Ghidorah, and the Inside Baragon's Head. Never-Before-Published Photographs Have Been Collected for This Wondrous Monster Photobook."
"An assistant fabricator at Toho who helped create Mothra, King Kong, King Ghidorah, Baragon, etc. Sculptor Keizo Murase eye-witnessed the very moment of many monsters were born. As a camera hobbyist during his youth, the tremendous amount of photographs Murase personally captured of the monster-making process are revealed for the very first time. A breakthrough discovery that turns the history of fabrication onto its head!!"
"Matango, Titanosaurus, Takora, Greenman. Gyaos, Viras, Daimajin. Booska, Belocron, Vaxim, Yongary to the Mighty Peking Man... They're all here in this shocking photo collection!!"
"Plus, Keizo Murase's life as a fabricator is documented in an exclusive 16,000-character interview!"
While that sums up no further need for details, this publication is likely to exceed the roughly 400 pages for the previous volumes on Nakajima and the late Kawakita, since the MSRP is just over ¥1,000 ($8.31) higher than the latter. Hitting Japanese bookshelves this September 9th, "Treasured Kaiju Photobook: Keizo Murase, Monster-Maker", was supervised by modern kaiju-builder, Shinichi Wakasa (Godzilla 2000), and famed collector and toy-maker, Yuji Nishimura (the founder of M-Ichigo).
It goes without saying that this is a must-own, even if you don't read Japanese, because based on the previous volumes, "Keizo Murase, Monster-Maker", should measure up to over 95% photos versus text — and will surely be the book hardcore fans will be talking about for years to come. I mean, aren't your curious why the original King Ghidorah was blue and not gold?
Click on the link below to pre-order:
TREASURED KAIJU PHOTOBOOK: KEIZO MURASE, MONSTER-MAKER
Format: 8.2 x 5.9 inches
ISBN-10: 4800307562
ISBN-13: 978-4800307569
Release Date: September 9, 2015
MSRP: ¥5184 ($43.10 USD)
Special thanks to Shinichi Wakasa and Yasushi Shiroi for info, and a big shout-out to Takao Yoshiba for providing the cover image.
Cover for this must-own photobook on classic Japanese monsters!
One of the most prolific publishing houses of genre subjects in Japan today, Yonsensha, has formally announced the impending release of their third, monstrous "Treasured Photobook" related to great figures who worked during the golden age of Japanese visual effects films at Toho Studios. Previous volumes featured the living legend, monster suit actor Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima, and the late visual effects director, Koichi Kawakita.
Now, while starting out as an upstart in the late 1950s, working in the fabrication department under visual effects wizard, Eiji Tsuburaya, Keizo Murase's legacy started as a part-timer at Toho, with his prolific career exceeding beyond his work for the great Tsuburaya, and which continues even today. As with the previous volumes, this is a photo-filled book, with page-after-page of photographs, but very minimal text (not counting a lengthy interview with the monster maker), most taken by Murase himself.
Here's the hyperbole from the book's obi (paper book band):
"King Kong and Godzilla Armatures, a Blue King Ghidorah, and the Inside Baragon's Head. Never-Before-Published Photographs Have Been Collected for This Wondrous Monster Photobook."
"An assistant fabricator at Toho who helped create Mothra, King Kong, King Ghidorah, Baragon, etc. Sculptor Keizo Murase eye-witnessed the very moment of many monsters were born. As a camera hobbyist during his youth, the tremendous amount of photographs Murase personally captured of the monster-making process are revealed for the very first time. A breakthrough discovery that turns the history of fabrication onto its head!!"
"Matango, Titanosaurus, Takora, Greenman. Gyaos, Viras, Daimajin. Booska, Belocron, Vaxim, Yongary to the Mighty Peking Man... They're all here in this shocking photo collection!!"
"Plus, Keizo Murase's life as a fabricator is documented in an exclusive 16,000-character interview!"
While that sums up no further need for details, this publication is likely to exceed the roughly 400 pages for the previous volumes on Nakajima and the late Kawakita, since the MSRP is just over ¥1,000 ($8.31) higher than the latter. Hitting Japanese bookshelves this September 9th, "Treasured Kaiju Photobook: Keizo Murase, Monster-Maker", was supervised by modern kaiju-builder, Shinichi Wakasa (Godzilla 2000), and famed collector and toy-maker, Yuji Nishimura (the founder of M-Ichigo).
It goes without saying that this is a must-own, even if you don't read Japanese, because based on the previous volumes, "Keizo Murase, Monster-Maker", should measure up to over 95% photos versus text — and will surely be the book hardcore fans will be talking about for years to come. I mean, aren't your curious why the original King Ghidorah was blue and not gold?
Click on the link below to pre-order:
TREASURED KAIJU PHOTOBOOK: KEIZO MURASE, MONSTER-MAKER
Format: 8.2 x 5.9 inches
ISBN-10: 4800307562
ISBN-13: 978-4800307569
Release Date: September 9, 2015
MSRP: ¥5184 ($43.10 USD)
Special thanks to Shinichi Wakasa and Yasushi Shiroi for info, and a big shout-out to Takao Yoshiba for providing the cover image.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
"GODZILLA" RAIDS ALAMEDA: MAY 13th & 14th!
Alameda Theater Signings for "Eiji Tsuburaya"
初代『ゴジラ』と私はアラメダ市に上陸 !
The Big G raids Alameda this week in search of nuclear wessels!
Come join me on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May 14th for screenings of the original GODZILLA (1954) at the historic Alameda Theatre in Alameda, California, as part of their "Classic Film Series." Prior to the each evening's screening, there will be a reception in the Lobby from 5:30-6:40 pm, offering the opportunity for attendees to obtain copies of the second edition of "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books), the lavishly-illustrated biography of the visual effects mastermind behind Godzilla and Ultraman.
At 6:50 pm, on both nights I will be introducing the film with a special presentation, with the film screening at 7:00 pm (running time 98 minutes). Afterwards, there will be a Q&A session, and an additional book signing (courtesy, Books Inc.). The Alameda Theatre offers Discount Ticket Packets for their Classic Film Series (Discount Packets of four are $25.00. Packets of eight are $40.00). Advance ticket packets are valid for any future Classic Films at the Alameda Theatre and never expire. General Admission only is $7.75.
Tickets are currently available, so order now!
The Big G raids Alameda this week in search of nuclear wessels!
Come join me on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May 14th for screenings of the original GODZILLA (1954) at the historic Alameda Theatre in Alameda, California, as part of their "Classic Film Series." Prior to the each evening's screening, there will be a reception in the Lobby from 5:30-6:40 pm, offering the opportunity for attendees to obtain copies of the second edition of "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books), the lavishly-illustrated biography of the visual effects mastermind behind Godzilla and Ultraman.
At 6:50 pm, on both nights I will be introducing the film with a special presentation, with the film screening at 7:00 pm (running time 98 minutes). Afterwards, there will be a Q&A session, and an additional book signing (courtesy, Books Inc.). The Alameda Theatre offers Discount Ticket Packets for their Classic Film Series (Discount Packets of four are $25.00. Packets of eight are $40.00). Advance ticket packets are valid for any future Classic Films at the Alameda Theatre and never expire. General Admission only is $7.75.
Tickets are currently available, so order now!
Friday, February 7, 2014
"GODZILLA VS. ULTRAMAN" IN SAN FRANCISCO
Suit Acting Legends Appear at Fear FestEvil!
Mr. ゴジラ 中島とウルトラマン古谷 、サンフランシスコに上陸！
Recent photo of Mr. Nakajima and Mr. Furuya by Godzilla Museum.
Legendary men-in-suit actors, Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima and Satoshi "Ultraman" Furuya will appear this weekend at Kirk von Hammett's Fear FestEvil, a full-blown horror convention and metal concert, held at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco — February 7th & 8th. Flying in from Japan, this dynamic duo will be signing autographs and taking photographs with fans — as well as appearing together on-stage for an hour long talk about their long careers in the kaiju business on Saturday, February 8th at 3:30 - 4:15 pm. You don't want to miss this show and meet these historic giants of monsterdom — as well as the other fangtastic guests, vendors, special events, and music!
Here are their bios from the event website:
Nakajima taking a break during GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971).
FEAR FESTEviL is pleased to welcome legendary monster suit actor HARUO NAKAJIMA! Mr. Nakajima is known the world over for having portrayed the screen’s most famous monster, GODZILLA — a role which he pioneered throughout the first 12 films of Toho’s long‐running science fiction series. It was following the performance of a dangerous fire stunt as a fighter pilot in Ishiro Honda’s EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953) that Nakajima was recommended to play Godzilla in the original 1954 film, since donning the heavy costume beneath sweltering studio lights required an unusual amount of strength and endurance.
Special effects master Eiji Tsuburaya was so impressed by Nakajima’s skill as a stunt performer and choreographer that he featured the actor in nearly every science fiction, horror and fantasy film produced throughout his own illustrious career. In addition to Godzilla, Nakajima would also embody an unprecedented number of notable movie monsters including RODAN (1956), Mogera in THE MYSTERIANS (1957), VARAN (1958), MOTHRA (1960), MATANGO (1963), Baragon in FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965), Gaira in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966) and even King Kong in KING KONG ESCAPES (1967).
His impressive body of film work also includes appearances in Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) and THE HIDDEN FORTRESS (1958). In 1966, Tsuburaya once again tapped Nakajima’s talents when the effects director first brought his monsters to television in the ground‐breaking series ULTRA Q and ULTRAMAN. Nakajima finally retired as the reigning champion of monster suit actors with 1972’s GODZILLA VS. GIGAN. Beginning in 1996, Nakajima made guest appearances at various sci‐fi & horror conventions throughout the United States, Japan, and most recently Germany, where thousands of adoring fans have flocked to meet him.
Satoshi Furuya and his Ultra-ego from a 1967 magazine interview.
Joining us next on the guest list is SATOSHI "BIN" FURUYA! Mr. Furuya portrayed one of the world’s most enduring superheroes in Tsuburaya Productions' 1966 sci-fi action television series ULTRAMAN. In 39 half-hour episodes, audiences thrilled to the colossal silver and red alien’s battles with large monsters in the imaginative program that spawned dozens of sequels. Those sequels continue to this day on both the small and big screens. No stranger to acting sans mask, Furuya had a regular role as Ultra Guard Agent Amagi in all 49 episodes of the extremely popular series ULTRA SEVEN (1967). Though he retired from acting during the 1970s, he has made appearances in several genre films, including the kaiju comedy MONSTER X STRIKES BACK: ATTACK THE G-8 SUMMIT (2008).
For more information, please visit the official Fear FestEvil website!
Recent photo of Mr. Nakajima and Mr. Furuya by Godzilla Museum.
Legendary men-in-suit actors, Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima and Satoshi "Ultraman" Furuya will appear this weekend at Kirk von Hammett's Fear FestEvil, a full-blown horror convention and metal concert, held at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco — February 7th & 8th. Flying in from Japan, this dynamic duo will be signing autographs and taking photographs with fans — as well as appearing together on-stage for an hour long talk about their long careers in the kaiju business on Saturday, February 8th at 3:30 - 4:15 pm. You don't want to miss this show and meet these historic giants of monsterdom — as well as the other fangtastic guests, vendors, special events, and music!
Here are their bios from the event website:
Nakajima taking a break during GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971).
FEAR FESTEviL is pleased to welcome legendary monster suit actor HARUO NAKAJIMA! Mr. Nakajima is known the world over for having portrayed the screen’s most famous monster, GODZILLA — a role which he pioneered throughout the first 12 films of Toho’s long‐running science fiction series. It was following the performance of a dangerous fire stunt as a fighter pilot in Ishiro Honda’s EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953) that Nakajima was recommended to play Godzilla in the original 1954 film, since donning the heavy costume beneath sweltering studio lights required an unusual amount of strength and endurance.
Special effects master Eiji Tsuburaya was so impressed by Nakajima’s skill as a stunt performer and choreographer that he featured the actor in nearly every science fiction, horror and fantasy film produced throughout his own illustrious career. In addition to Godzilla, Nakajima would also embody an unprecedented number of notable movie monsters including RODAN (1956), Mogera in THE MYSTERIANS (1957), VARAN (1958), MOTHRA (1960), MATANGO (1963), Baragon in FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965), Gaira in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966) and even King Kong in KING KONG ESCAPES (1967).
His impressive body of film work also includes appearances in Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) and THE HIDDEN FORTRESS (1958). In 1966, Tsuburaya once again tapped Nakajima’s talents when the effects director first brought his monsters to television in the ground‐breaking series ULTRA Q and ULTRAMAN. Nakajima finally retired as the reigning champion of monster suit actors with 1972’s GODZILLA VS. GIGAN. Beginning in 1996, Nakajima made guest appearances at various sci‐fi & horror conventions throughout the United States, Japan, and most recently Germany, where thousands of adoring fans have flocked to meet him.
Satoshi Furuya and his Ultra-ego from a 1967 magazine interview.
Joining us next on the guest list is SATOSHI "BIN" FURUYA! Mr. Furuya portrayed one of the world’s most enduring superheroes in Tsuburaya Productions' 1966 sci-fi action television series ULTRAMAN. In 39 half-hour episodes, audiences thrilled to the colossal silver and red alien’s battles with large monsters in the imaginative program that spawned dozens of sequels. Those sequels continue to this day on both the small and big screens. No stranger to acting sans mask, Furuya had a regular role as Ultra Guard Agent Amagi in all 49 episodes of the extremely popular series ULTRA SEVEN (1967). Though he retired from acting during the 1970s, he has made appearances in several genre films, including the kaiju comedy MONSTER X STRIKES BACK: ATTACK THE G-8 SUMMIT (2008).
For more information, please visit the official Fear FestEvil website!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
"MOTHRA" OVER FRISCO BAY ON MOTHER'S DAY!
Ishiro Honda's Classic Screening on May 12th
見よ、『モスラ』サンフランシスコ湾に現わる！
Original Japanese release poster for MOTHRA ('natch)! ©Toho, 1961
IMAGINE A MONSTER SO HUGE IT BLACKENED THE SKY! Join me as I host "Thrillville Theater" on Sunday, May 12th at The New Parkway in Oakland for a special screening of the uncut Japanese version of Ishiro Honda's 1961 spectacle, MOTHRA (w/English Subtitles)! I will blab about the film, share rare, behind-the-scenes images, and more! SEE! Eiji Tsuburaya's momentous miniature work as the featured creature smashes all in it's wake for the sake of the tiniest women in all creation! PLUS: Everyone attending will receive special Mothra door prizes (while supplies last) and Kimono My House will be on hand with a megaton of Mothra and Kaiju merchandize for sale! There will be only one screening, starting at 6:00 pm, so don't miss this night of food, beer, wine, couches, and MOTHRA at The New Parkway, 474 24th Street (near Telegraph), Oakland, California! Admission is only $6.00 (cheap) — order advance tix online from Brown Paper Tickets!
(Mothballs not included.)
Check in over at our Facebook Event Invite page!
Original Japanese release poster for MOTHRA ('natch)! ©Toho, 1961
IMAGINE A MONSTER SO HUGE IT BLACKENED THE SKY! Join me as I host "Thrillville Theater" on Sunday, May 12th at The New Parkway in Oakland for a special screening of the uncut Japanese version of Ishiro Honda's 1961 spectacle, MOTHRA (w/English Subtitles)! I will blab about the film, share rare, behind-the-scenes images, and more! SEE! Eiji Tsuburaya's momentous miniature work as the featured creature smashes all in it's wake for the sake of the tiniest women in all creation! PLUS: Everyone attending will receive special Mothra door prizes (while supplies last) and Kimono My House will be on hand with a megaton of Mothra and Kaiju merchandize for sale! There will be only one screening, starting at 6:00 pm, so don't miss this night of food, beer, wine, couches, and MOTHRA at The New Parkway, 474 24th Street (near Telegraph), Oakland, California! Admission is only $6.00 (cheap) — order advance tix online from Brown Paper Tickets!
(Mothballs not included.)
Check in over at our Facebook Event Invite page!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
HAPPY 58th ANNIVERSARY TO "GODZILLA"!
Premiered in Japan on November 3, 1954
Still the "King of the Monsters" after all these years! ©Toho Co. Ltd.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
GODZILLA FANS, WIN A RONDO FOR NAKAJIMA!
"Rondo Horror Awards" Voting Ends April 1st
Don't you think that Godzilla himself deserves a Rondo? Then VOTE!
Forget the inanity of the Academy Awards® and those flaccid Oscars© — it's time to voting for this year's nominees in 10th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards! Another year has passed, and I've again been humbled in being nominated thrice this time around! First, for my interview with Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima, appearing in Famous Monsters of Filmland #256 (an "All Japanese Monsters" issue in which I also served as Associate Editor). Then, another for my blog, The Good, The Bad, and Godzilla (which you are currently reading), for a fourth consecutive nomination! And last, but not least, for Mr. Nakajima's stage appearance at the Monsterpalooza convention last April, for which I presented and moderated (although I am not named on the ballot). There's a lot of competition every year, so please take the time to vote, because we have quite a few other deserving nominees, as always!
Here are the categories I'm running in for this year's Rondos:
14. BEST INTERVIEW (Award goes to the Interviewer): "Haruo Nakajima: The Man of a Thousand Monsters," by August Ragone. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #256. The man who played Godzilla, Rodan, Gargantua and many others recalls the hot suit, the staged battles and the work ethic.
18. BEST BLOG OF 2011: "The Good, the Bad and the Godzilla", August Ragone's G-blog is wise among giant monsters. (Although my blog is not limited to Japanese monster flicks, or giant monster movies, or even Japanese films, in general.)
20. BEST FAN EVENT OF 2011: "They Called Him Godzilla". Hauro Nakajima talks about wearing the Godzilla suit. Monsterpalooza in Burbank. (If this takes the win, despite the stiff [no pun intended] competition, I will present this Rondo to Mr. Nakajima, himself!)
I should also chime in that 15. BEST MAGAZINE FILMBOOK, THEME OR SPECIAL CONTENT has a "Write In" option; and I would strongly suggest writing in, "Famous Monsters #256: Colossal Kaiju Invasion" (All Japanese Monsters) Issue!
Thanks for indulging me and let's get Mr. Nakajima a Rondo because he's a living legend and deserves it (I hope you'll vote in my favor, too — because I never win anything; and it would be cool to win a Rondo)! For a full listing of this year's nominees, your ballot, and how to vote, please visit the link below: All ballots must be received by Midnight on Sunday, April 1, 2012! Good luck to all of this year's Nominees!
The 10th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Film Awards Ballot!
Monday, February 27, 2012
HEY, IT'S THAT "RONDO AWARDS" TIME AGAIN!
August Ragone Garners Three Big Nominations
The coveted "Rondo Award" statuette, sculpted by Kerry Gammill.
Forget the inanity of the Academy Awards® and those flaccid Oscars© — it's time to voting for this year's nominees in 10th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards! Another year has past, and I've again been humbled in being nominated thrice this time around! First, for my interview with Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima, appearing in Famous Monsters of Filmland #256 (an "All Japanese Monsters" issue in which I also served as Associate Editor). Then, another for my blog, The Good, The Bad, and Godzilla (which you are currently reading), for a fourth consecutive nomination! And last, but not least, for Mr. Nakajima's stage appearance at the Monsterpalooza convention last April, for which I presented and moderated (although I am not named on the ballot). There's a lot of competition every year, so please take the time to vote, because we have quite a few other deserving nominees, as always!
Here are the categories I'm running in for this year's Rondos:
14. BEST INTERVIEW (Award goes to the Interviewer): "Haruo Nakajima: The Man of a Thousand Monsters," by August Ragone. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #256. The man who played Godzilla, Rodan, Gargantua and many others recalls the hot suit, the staged battles and the work ethic.
18. BEST BLOG OF 2011: "The Good, the Bad and the Godzilla", August Ragone's G-blog is wise among giant monsters. (Although my blog is not limited to Japanese monster flicks, or giant monster movies, or even Japanese films, in general.)
20. BEST FAN EVENT OF 2011: "They Called Him Godzilla". Hauro Nakajima talks about wearing the Godzilla suit. Monsterpalooza in Burbank. (If this takes the win, despite the stiff [no pun intended] competition, I will present this Rondo to Mr. Nakajima, himself!)
I should also chime in that 15. BEST MAGAZINE FILMBOOK, THEME OR SPECIAL CONTENT has a "Write In" option; and I would strongly suggest writing in, "Famous Monsters #256: Colossal Kaiju Invasion" (All Japanese Monsters) Issue!
Thanks for indulging me and I hope you'll vote in my favor (because I never win anything; and it would be cool to win a Rondo)! For a full listing of this year's nominees, your ballot, and how to vote, please visit the link below: All ballots must be received by Midnight on Sunday, April 1, 2012! Good luck to all of this year's Nominees!
The 10th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Film Awards Ballot!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
The Original Godzilla: January 1, 1929
お誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん、中島春雄！
Publicity photo session for GODZILLA VS. GIGAN, 1972.
Read more about the incredible Mr. Godzilla, here!
Publicity photo session for GODZILLA VS. GIGAN, 1972.
Read more about the incredible Mr. Godzilla, here!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954
The Big G from DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968)! ©Toho Co., Ltd.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
GODZILLA WALKS AMONG US!
Nakajima Goes Hollywood After Monsterpalooza
中島ゴジラ様は、ロサンゼルスを征服！
"They call me, MISTER Godzilla!" Photo: August Ragone
During his stint in Southern California, to appear as the Guest of Honor at the amazing Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank last weekend, our intrepid team was able to take Mr. Nakajima and his daughter to various sightseeing spots this past Monday — including the world-famous Hollywood sign. It was in-between shots being taken by our photographer, Chris Mirjahangir, that I was able to catch this awesome candid of the man who played Godzilla, wearing an authentic Cowboy Hat (given to him by Texan, Brad Thompson)!
"Pimp" does not even begin to describe how cool Mr. Nakajima is!
"They call me, MISTER Godzilla!" Photo: August Ragone
During his stint in Southern California, to appear as the Guest of Honor at the amazing Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank last weekend, our intrepid team was able to take Mr. Nakajima and his daughter to various sightseeing spots this past Monday — including the world-famous Hollywood sign. It was in-between shots being taken by our photographer, Chris Mirjahangir, that I was able to catch this awesome candid of the man who played Godzilla, wearing an authentic Cowboy Hat (given to him by Texan, Brad Thompson)!
"Pimp" does not even begin to describe how cool Mr. Nakajima is!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
DESTROY ALL MONSTERPALOOZAS!
Godzilla Actor Crashes Event This Weekend
この週末は、中島ゴジラ様はカリフォルニア州に来る！
Exclusive 11x17 Event Poster: "The Man of a Thousand Monsters"
Finally, Godzilla is coming to town! This weekend, the man who played the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, will stomp into Burbank for the third annual Monsterpalooza horror film celebration at the Marriott Convention Center, April 8, 9 & 10, 2011! The "Man of a Thousand Monsters" will be signing autographs all three days, and will also be on stage for two presentations over the weekend, speaking about his experiences in bringing these characters to life — including the various accidents and injuries he sustained while taking on the roles of Rodan, Varan, Baragon, Green Gargantua, and many other titanic terrors, as — arguably — the world’s foremost monster suit actor.
“Mr. Nakajima starred anonymously in one of the greatest movie franchises in history — from the somber allegories of the 1950s to the colorful monster mashes of the 1960s. For many westerners, these films stimulated an interest in Japan, with Godzilla serving as a surrogate cultural ambassador — largely thanks to his performances. Mr. Nakajima is a living legend, and bringing him to Monsterpalooza is an honor, and he’s looking forward to meeting American fans,” said August Ragone, author of Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters. This may be Mr. Nakajima's last visit to the US, and his first trip back to California since 2000, and this may be the opportunity of a lifetime for some fans — so don't miss this event!
Monsterpalooza, organized by Eliot Brodsky, has quickly become the premiere gathering of fans of creature features in the US. Having hosted scores of actors and filmmakers from classic films to today's latest shockers, including this year's guests: Julie Adams and Ricou Browning (The Creature from the Black Lagoon), Bert I. Gordon (The Amazing Colossal Man), Carla Laemmle (Dracula), Joe Dante (The Howling), Alan Ormsby (Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things), Bob Dix (Forbidden Planet), Jack Hill (Spider Baby), James Hong (Big Trouble In Little China), and many, many more! But, this will mark the event’s first guest from Japan — a great opportunity for monster mavens to meet the one-and-only Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima — truly making this Monsterpalooza an international event!
At Mr. Nakajima's booth, all weekend, there will be several event-exclusive items for sale and auction, with a large portion of the proceeds going directly to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund, including (see top image for a look at our exclusive 11x17 "The Man of a Thousand Monsters" poster), while supplies last:
Glossy Color 8x10: "Godzilla Conquers Monsterpalooza"
Glossy B&W 8x10: "King of the Suit Actors"
In addition, we will also be auctioning off a handful of incredible and limited-edition 20x25 giclée prints of "The Man of a Thousand Monsters" poster art at Monsterpalooza (see top image), signed and numbered by Mr. Nakajima and the artist, Jolyon B. Yates. The entire amount raised in the auction of these beautiful giclée prints will be donated in full to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund.
For more information on this weekend's event, please visit the official Monsterpalooza website!
Exclusive 11x17 Event Poster: "The Man of a Thousand Monsters"
Finally, Godzilla is coming to town! This weekend, the man who played the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, will stomp into Burbank for the third annual Monsterpalooza horror film celebration at the Marriott Convention Center, April 8, 9 & 10, 2011! The "Man of a Thousand Monsters" will be signing autographs all three days, and will also be on stage for two presentations over the weekend, speaking about his experiences in bringing these characters to life — including the various accidents and injuries he sustained while taking on the roles of Rodan, Varan, Baragon, Green Gargantua, and many other titanic terrors, as — arguably — the world’s foremost monster suit actor.
“Mr. Nakajima starred anonymously in one of the greatest movie franchises in history — from the somber allegories of the 1950s to the colorful monster mashes of the 1960s. For many westerners, these films stimulated an interest in Japan, with Godzilla serving as a surrogate cultural ambassador — largely thanks to his performances. Mr. Nakajima is a living legend, and bringing him to Monsterpalooza is an honor, and he’s looking forward to meeting American fans,” said August Ragone, author of Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters. This may be Mr. Nakajima's last visit to the US, and his first trip back to California since 2000, and this may be the opportunity of a lifetime for some fans — so don't miss this event!
Monsterpalooza, organized by Eliot Brodsky, has quickly become the premiere gathering of fans of creature features in the US. Having hosted scores of actors and filmmakers from classic films to today's latest shockers, including this year's guests: Julie Adams and Ricou Browning (The Creature from the Black Lagoon), Bert I. Gordon (The Amazing Colossal Man), Carla Laemmle (Dracula), Joe Dante (The Howling), Alan Ormsby (Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things), Bob Dix (Forbidden Planet), Jack Hill (Spider Baby), James Hong (Big Trouble In Little China), and many, many more! But, this will mark the event’s first guest from Japan — a great opportunity for monster mavens to meet the one-and-only Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima — truly making this Monsterpalooza an international event!
At Mr. Nakajima's booth, all weekend, there will be several event-exclusive items for sale and auction, with a large portion of the proceeds going directly to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund, including (see top image for a look at our exclusive 11x17 "The Man of a Thousand Monsters" poster), while supplies last:
Glossy Color 8x10: "Godzilla Conquers Monsterpalooza"
Glossy B&W 8x10: "King of the Suit Actors"
In addition, we will also be auctioning off a handful of incredible and limited-edition 20x25 giclée prints of "The Man of a Thousand Monsters" poster art at Monsterpalooza (see top image), signed and numbered by Mr. Nakajima and the artist, Jolyon B. Yates. The entire amount raised in the auction of these beautiful giclée prints will be donated in full to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund.
For more information on this weekend's event, please visit the official Monsterpalooza website!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
The Original Godzilla: January 1, 1929
お誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん、中島春雄!
Studio Portrait from Godzilla Museum
Congratulations to Mr. Nakajima, still going strong, who has turned 82 this year! Mr. Godzilla will be signing autographs and speaking about his monster career during this year's Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank — April 8th-10th — don't miss your chance to meet Mr. Nakajima during this rare appearance in California!
Studio Portrait from Godzilla Museum
Congratulations to Mr. Nakajima, still going strong, who has turned 82 this year! Mr. Godzilla will be signing autographs and speaking about his monster career during this year's Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank — April 8th-10th — don't miss your chance to meet Mr. Nakajima during this rare appearance in California!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
GODZILLA CONQUERS MONSTERPALOOZA!
Haruo Nakajima Appearing in Burbank April 8-10
2011年春には、中島ゴジラ様はカリフォルニア州に来ている!
© Toho, courtesy of Greg Shoemaker (colorized by Bill Selby)
This coming spring, the man who played the original Godzilla — all the way from Japan — Haruo Nakajima, will stomp into Burbank for the third annual Monsterpalooza horror film celebration, taking place April 8, 9 & 10, 2011 at the Marriott Convention Center.
Taking up extra work at Toho Studios in the late 1940s, Mr. Nakajima appeared in numerous productions, including one of the bandits in Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI (1954). After volunteering for the first Japanese fire stunt in the WW2 epic EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953), the team prepping GODZILLA (1954) knew that he was the man for the job. From 1954 through 1972, Mr. Nakajima donned the heavy costumes to portray Godzilla, and a horde of other beasts, for film and television.
After 11 years, Mr. Nakajima will return to California to meet with his fans and sign autographs during the three-day Monsterpalooza event. He will also be speaking about his experiences in bringing these characters to life — including the various accidents and injuries he sustained while taking on the roles of Rodan, Varan, Baragon, Green Gargantua, and many other titanic terrors, as — arguably — the world’s foremost monster suit actor.
“Mr. Nakajima starred anonymously in one of the greatest movie franchises in history — from the somber allegories of the 1950s to the colorful monster mashes of the 1960s. For many westerners, these films stimulated an interest in Japan, with Godzilla serving as a surrogate cultural ambassador — largely thanks to his performances. Mr. Nakajima is a living legend, and bringing him to Monsterpalooza is an honor, and he’s looking forward to meeting American fans,” said August Ragone, author of Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters.
Monsterpalooza, organized by Eliot Brodsky, has quickly become the premiere gathering of fans of creature features in the US. Having hosted scores of actors from classic films, this will be the show’s first guest from Japan — a great opportunity for monster mavens to meet the one-and-only Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima — truly making this Monsterpalooza an international event!
There will also be Japanese monster toy and memorabilia vendors at the show — including Toyfreakz (California) and Clawmark Toys (Japan)! Those interested in vending at this historic show, should contact Monsterpalooza immediately — availability is extremely limited!
MONSTERPALOOZA 2011: The Art of Monsters, April 8-10, 2011, featuring award-winning Makeup FX Artists, Monster-related artwork displayed and sold, special presentations, a walk-through Monster Museum, and special guests from all realms of classic Horror and Sci-Fi Cinema!
For more information on the event, please visit the official Monsterpalooza website!
© Toho, courtesy of Greg Shoemaker (colorized by Bill Selby)
This coming spring, the man who played the original Godzilla — all the way from Japan — Haruo Nakajima, will stomp into Burbank for the third annual Monsterpalooza horror film celebration, taking place April 8, 9 & 10, 2011 at the Marriott Convention Center.
Taking up extra work at Toho Studios in the late 1940s, Mr. Nakajima appeared in numerous productions, including one of the bandits in Akira Kurosawa’s SEVEN SAMURAI (1954). After volunteering for the first Japanese fire stunt in the WW2 epic EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953), the team prepping GODZILLA (1954) knew that he was the man for the job. From 1954 through 1972, Mr. Nakajima donned the heavy costumes to portray Godzilla, and a horde of other beasts, for film and television.
After 11 years, Mr. Nakajima will return to California to meet with his fans and sign autographs during the three-day Monsterpalooza event. He will also be speaking about his experiences in bringing these characters to life — including the various accidents and injuries he sustained while taking on the roles of Rodan, Varan, Baragon, Green Gargantua, and many other titanic terrors, as — arguably — the world’s foremost monster suit actor.
“Mr. Nakajima starred anonymously in one of the greatest movie franchises in history — from the somber allegories of the 1950s to the colorful monster mashes of the 1960s. For many westerners, these films stimulated an interest in Japan, with Godzilla serving as a surrogate cultural ambassador — largely thanks to his performances. Mr. Nakajima is a living legend, and bringing him to Monsterpalooza is an honor, and he’s looking forward to meeting American fans,” said August Ragone, author of Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters.
Monsterpalooza, organized by Eliot Brodsky, has quickly become the premiere gathering of fans of creature features in the US. Having hosted scores of actors from classic films, this will be the show’s first guest from Japan — a great opportunity for monster mavens to meet the one-and-only Godzilla himself, Haruo Nakajima — truly making this Monsterpalooza an international event!
There will also be Japanese monster toy and memorabilia vendors at the show — including Toyfreakz (California) and Clawmark Toys (Japan)! Those interested in vending at this historic show, should contact Monsterpalooza immediately — availability is extremely limited!
MONSTERPALOOZA 2011: The Art of Monsters, April 8-10, 2011, featuring award-winning Makeup FX Artists, Monster-related artwork displayed and sold, special presentations, a walk-through Monster Museum, and special guests from all realms of classic Horror and Sci-Fi Cinema!
For more information on the event, please visit the official Monsterpalooza website!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
The Original Godzilla: January 1, 1929
お誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん、中島春雄!
Taking a break on the set of GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971) ©Toho
This is the first photo I ever saw of the man who played Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, in an early '70s issue of Greg Shoemaker's seminal Japanese Fantasy Film Journal (which subsequently appeared in the pages of Randall D. Larson's Cinefan and Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland), and I consider it to be the definitive image of the man (thanks Greg!).
Mr. Nakajima turns a spry 81 today, and wants his fans to know that he is still going strong (check out my 2009 birthday notice for more information on Japan's dean of monster actors)! We cannot thank him enough for his myriad of kaiju roles which started in 1954 with the roar that was heard around the world in GODZILLA. Help us to wish Mr. Nakajima have one of the greatest years ever, by expressing your own personal greetings and sending them to Armand Vaquer, who will officially forward them to Godzilla himself!
Taking a break on the set of GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971) ©Toho
This is the first photo I ever saw of the man who played Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, in an early '70s issue of Greg Shoemaker's seminal Japanese Fantasy Film Journal (which subsequently appeared in the pages of Randall D. Larson's Cinefan and Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland), and I consider it to be the definitive image of the man (thanks Greg!).
Mr. Nakajima turns a spry 81 today, and wants his fans to know that he is still going strong (check out my 2009 birthday notice for more information on Japan's dean of monster actors)! We cannot thank him enough for his myriad of kaiju roles which started in 1954 with the roar that was heard around the world in GODZILLA. Help us to wish Mr. Nakajima have one of the greatest years ever, by expressing your own personal greetings and sending them to Armand Vaquer, who will officially forward them to Godzilla himself!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
GODZILLA EVENT POSTPONED!
Show to be rescheduled for 2010
Due to unforseeable scheduling conflicts this summer, the GODZILLA & THE MONSTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION event slated for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on August 21-23, has been postponed until further notice. When the event can be rescheduled, we will break the announcement here, and on our official website: shock-it-to-me.com. So, stay tuned!
We thank you for your interest and consideration, and we hope to see you in 2010!
Best Regards,
August Ragone
Organizer/Producer
Post Script: In a message from Mr. Nakajima's daughter, she said that he is sad that he won't be seeing his American fans this summer; but they are waiting to reschedule the show, and he is looking forward to meeting everyone soon in San Francisco!
Friday, April 17, 2009
"Eiji and the King"
From KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962)
『キングコング対ゴジラ』より
Tsuburaya inspects the suit before shooting a fight sequence.
Tsuburaya inspects the suit before shooting a fight sequence.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
They Called Him "Godzilla"! January 1, 1929
誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん=中島春雄!
Enjoying some tea on the set of MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964).
The Dean of Monster Suit Actors, Haruo Nakajima, got his start at the age of 20, as an uncredited background actor and stuntman at Toho Studios, working on Akira Kurosawa's STRAY DOG (1949). While the scene was an intense knock-down-drag-out-brawl, shot on a rather sweltering summer day, Nakajima laughed that, after all of the retakes, the footage unceremoniously ended up on the cutting room floor. Still, that didn't deter him, as he dutifully appeared, and died, in an endless succession sword films. As thankless as many of those stints were, Nakajima relishes the fact that, as "Bandit C", he was cut down by the stoic Kyuzo (Seiji Miyaguchi) in Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI (1954).
But, it was a stunt that he volunteered for, that really brought him to everyone's attention at Toho. A scene in Ishiro Honda's World War II spectacle, EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953), required a live stunt in which a pilot becomes immolated when his Zero Fighter, sitting on the deck of a aircraft carrier, is hit by an incendiary. Asking for volunteers, it was Nakajima who fearlessly stepped up to the plate, and performed the first such fire stunt in Japanese Cinema. With this accomplishment, Nakajima became the "go-to guy" for stunt work, so when it was decided that Godzilla would be brought to life primarily by a man in a suit, his was the first name that came to mind.
From Honda's GODZILLA (1954) through Jun Fukuda's GODZILLA VS. GIGAN (1972), Nakajima was the primary Godzilla performer, who was also tapped by Eiji Tsuburaya to essay all of the major monsters for Toho's Fantasy Films of the 1950s and 1960s. Among Nakajima's favorites is Gaira (the Green Gargantua) from Honda's THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966). In the mid-1960s, Nakajima brought his considerable experience to television for ULTRA Q, ULTRAMAN, and ULTRA SEVEN. During this period, now considered a master at his craft, he helped to train a whole new generation of monster performers. In 1972, this all came to an end, when Toho disbanded its contract players, and Nakajima retired from monster acting.
Mr. Nakajima, despite recent health issues, traveled to Chicago last summer to attend G-FEST, where he received his "Mangled Skyscraper Award." During the ceremony, he was surprised by a proverbial flood of congratulatory letters from film professionals on both sides of the Pacific, extolling admiration for him and his work. While I had last met with him eight years ago at G-FEST in Hollywood, Nakajima was still as strong and tenacious as ever, still wielding that vice grip-like handshake, and a sharp and fiery tongue. Well, isn't that what one would come expect from Godzilla himself?
Cheers to Haruo Nakajima, King of the Monsters!
Enjoying some tea on the set of MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964).
The Dean of Monster Suit Actors, Haruo Nakajima, got his start at the age of 20, as an uncredited background actor and stuntman at Toho Studios, working on Akira Kurosawa's STRAY DOG (1949). While the scene was an intense knock-down-drag-out-brawl, shot on a rather sweltering summer day, Nakajima laughed that, after all of the retakes, the footage unceremoniously ended up on the cutting room floor. Still, that didn't deter him, as he dutifully appeared, and died, in an endless succession sword films. As thankless as many of those stints were, Nakajima relishes the fact that, as "Bandit C", he was cut down by the stoic Kyuzo (Seiji Miyaguchi) in Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI (1954).
But, it was a stunt that he volunteered for, that really brought him to everyone's attention at Toho. A scene in Ishiro Honda's World War II spectacle, EAGLE OF THE PACIFIC (1953), required a live stunt in which a pilot becomes immolated when his Zero Fighter, sitting on the deck of a aircraft carrier, is hit by an incendiary. Asking for volunteers, it was Nakajima who fearlessly stepped up to the plate, and performed the first such fire stunt in Japanese Cinema. With this accomplishment, Nakajima became the "go-to guy" for stunt work, so when it was decided that Godzilla would be brought to life primarily by a man in a suit, his was the first name that came to mind.
From Honda's GODZILLA (1954) through Jun Fukuda's GODZILLA VS. GIGAN (1972), Nakajima was the primary Godzilla performer, who was also tapped by Eiji Tsuburaya to essay all of the major monsters for Toho's Fantasy Films of the 1950s and 1960s. Among Nakajima's favorites is Gaira (the Green Gargantua) from Honda's THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966). In the mid-1960s, Nakajima brought his considerable experience to television for ULTRA Q, ULTRAMAN, and ULTRA SEVEN. During this period, now considered a master at his craft, he helped to train a whole new generation of monster performers. In 1972, this all came to an end, when Toho disbanded its contract players, and Nakajima retired from monster acting.
Mr. Nakajima, despite recent health issues, traveled to Chicago last summer to attend G-FEST, where he received his "Mangled Skyscraper Award." During the ceremony, he was surprised by a proverbial flood of congratulatory letters from film professionals on both sides of the Pacific, extolling admiration for him and his work. While I had last met with him eight years ago at G-FEST in Hollywood, Nakajima was still as strong and tenacious as ever, still wielding that vice grip-like handshake, and a sharp and fiery tongue. Well, isn't that what one would come expect from Godzilla himself?
Cheers to Haruo Nakajima, King of the Monsters!
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