FROM FIRST "GODZILLA" TO NEW "STAR WARS" Akira Takarada Goes to a Galaxy Far, Far Away!

旧ゴジラ俳優・宝田明、アニメ『スター・ウォーズ』に声の出演


The star of the original GODZILLA performing "Bendu" for REBELS.

Toho's top leading man of the '60s, Akira Takarada, has joined the Japanese voice cast of STAR WARS: REBELS! Starting with the third season, premiering on December 11th in Japan, Mr. Takarada can be heard intoning the character of "Bendu". In the English-language version, the imposing creature is played by Tom Baker of "Doctor Who" fame.


Tom Baker, best known as the Fourth Doctor, in a recent photo.

After recording, Mr. Takarada said, "Bendu is like a merciful father, so I felt like a good guy, but I had to remind myself to speak to Kanan [Jarrus] right from the bottom of my heart. After recording for eight hours, I felt as though it was a tough job, especially after such a long absence [from voice acting]. But it was very fulfilling." Previously, Mr. Takarada played "Jafar" for the Japanese-language version of Disney's "Aladdin", released in 1993.


Bendu of Atollon, a being who exists at the center of the Force.

Ecstatic was the reaction from REBELS producer-director [and diehard Godzilla fan] Dave Filoni, "Godzilla and Star Wars are both beloved in fans' hearts around the world, and are both similar in that respect. I was really happy to hear that Mr. Takarada was cast, then got to see him recording, which was amazing. The character was magnificently expressed by his voice, and I'm extremely satisfied with the results." Filoni suggested Takarada for the role in the first place.


Yes, REBELS producer-director Dave Filoni loves him some Godzilla.

STAR WARS: REBELS is broadcast nationwide in Japan on Disney XD, over Cable and Satellite Cable, Saturdays at 1:00 pm, with an encore broadcast on Sundays at 1:00 pm.

Original article published November 30, 2016 on Oricon Style (Japan Time), translated by August Ragone.

"PACIFIC RIM" IS A RESOUNDING WINNER! Guillermo del Toro's Epic Made a Grown Man Cry

デル・トロ監督の『パシフィック・リム』は勝利です！


Limited edition Japanese poster for Guillermo del Toro's mecha epic.

Yes, I had to see PACIFIC RIM on opening day... I grew up watching everything from ULTRAMAN to MOTHRA, and all that was in-between — including anime series such as BRAVE RAIDEEN and VOLTES V. Yes, PACIFIC RIM made a grown man cry. That man was me. Throughout, we were laughing with the funny bits, clapping and shouting during the amazing battle scenes, and we all left the theater buzzing... And those tears were tears of joy.



In short, PACIFIC RIM made me feel that my boyhood dreams of piloting a super robot were brought to thrilling, vivid life. I'm not saying that this was like the first time I saw STAR WARS when I was a kid, but if I were the same age seeing PACIFIC RIM for the first time, now, that's exactly how I'd feel (sans the John Williams fanfare). You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll thank Guillermo for being alive. I mean it. Really.



Del Toro's epic is the best, most satisfying American-made genre blockbuster in years. While the STAR WARS prequels left me cold, this bringing the SHOGUN WARRIORS to life made me feel like a kid again —best yet, PACIFIC RIM is not remake, a sequel or a video game, but an original creation. It sheds the usual, cliched negative cynicism for a refreshing humanitarianism and a true sense of wonder.



Never mind the so-called critics blasting the film, with pat allusions to POWER RANGERS and TRANSFORMERS, which only reveals their ignorance, and proves that they know not of what they speak — don't listen to these idiots. Ignore them. As Harlan Ellison said, "Without research, without background, without understanding, it's nothing. It's just bibble-babble. It's like a fart in a wind tunnel, folks."



If you've ever cheered the heroic actions of JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT or was riveted to the battle royale of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, then PACIFIC RIM was made for you — and it was made to introduce a whole new generation to the sheer joy those films and television shows brought us. So, go see PACIFIC RIM this weekend —sure, it's not Japanese, but it's the closest anyone's ever come — it's truly more than meets the eye.

Thank you, Guillermo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR CHRISTOPHER LEE! May 27, 1922

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER CUSHING! May 26, 1913 - August 11, 1994

As Sherlock Homles in THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1959)