It’s July and it’s almost time to fly. With all the stress from the political situation at home I’m ready to land in Japan and to rest my weary mind. My Tokyo and Okinawa trip is a little over a month away. My list of things to do is getting shorter while my trip itinerary gets longer but frees days in Japan grow few. It’s going to be hot. I’m praying for good weather and travels. My trip will focus on Godzilla events and visiting Godzilla places. If you can guess “Where’s MyKaiju?” I’ll bring some goodies back for you. It costs you nothing but a guess. Learn more and enter my trip contest! 6.21.25/7.2.2024
Toho Festival
Last night Toho rolled out a beautiful new Wonder Fes Godzilla (1984) poster by concept artist Koji Tajima. This Godzilla 1984 will be made into a 3D bust kit! There will be a Toho Tokusatsu Wonder Festival special project “All Monster Modeling Total Attack Corner,” a corporate promotion corner, “Toho Tokusatsu Wonder Festival POP UP STORE” and a new “Godzilla vs. Gigan Rex” resin kit. This is going to be a heck of a show. Source: Read More | 6.28.2024
Godzilla Everywhere
When I thought it was safe to finish my itinerary two more Godzilla events were announced. Godzilla Store Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza Main Branch 「ゴジラ・ストア 博品館TOY PARK銀座本店 出張所」 will be held from 7/6 to 8/30. Godzilla appears in Nihonbashi for the Godzilla 70th Anniversary and Mitsukoshi Department Store’s 120th Anniversary (Part 1) will be held from 7/31 to 8/6. My schedule is packed! 7.3.2024
![Tokyo Tower SOS [Godzilla, Mothra, Toho Special Effects Exhibition]](https://mykaiju.com/wp-content/uploads/tokyo-tower-tokusatsu-dna-ad.webp "Tokyo Tower SOS [Godzilla, Mothra, Toho Special Effects Exhibition]")
Back to The Tower
Thirty years ago I climbed atop Tokyo Tower and now 30 years later I must return for the Tokyo Tower Exhibition “Tokyo Tower SOS Godzilla, Mothra, Toho Special Effects Exhibition.” The exhibit was held from July 16, 2022 to August 7, 2022. I thought it was going on during my trip. I was typing 2022 thinking it was 2024, ughh. My mistake and my apology. Tokyo Tower has been the stage for many iconic kaiju from Mothra to Mechani Kong to Kiryu and more. There will be quiz contest for the fans and a stair climbing certificate for those who climb the 600 steps to the main deck. This is going to be fun! And I might climb those steps. I’ve got a lot to do and see in a little time. Learn More | 6.28.2024 (Revised 8.10.2024)
Reasons to Go to Nagoya
If I had extra days I would go to Nagoya to see this! A special panel exhibition on the 70-year history of Chubu Electric Power’s Mirai Tower and Godzilla has begun on the third floor of the building. Nagoya tower is one of many famous and iconic locations destined for destruction. On every trip to Nagoya I make my way there walking the path Godzilla stomped in through Mothra vs Godzilla (1964) and Battra in Godzilla vs Mothra (1992). Godzilla has left his mark on Nagoya. Source: @oinagoya | 6.21.2024
My Okinawa Map
Back in 2022 I was stoked for the Godzilla vs Okinawa campaign held across the various island locations featured in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (1974). Although I couldn’t attend, my heart was there and I bought many event souvenirs on Buyee Japan. One was the Stamp Rally Map mapping out all the 10 stamp locations along with the 5 movie locations I plan to visit. The campaign recurred as “The Return of Godzilla vs Okinawa” (ゴジラ対沖縄の逆襲, 6.17.2023-8.20.2023) in 2023 and again this year as “Godzilla vs Okinawa 3” (ゴジラ対沖縄3) which began April 27 and running until June 30. I’ll miss the event again with all the props and promotional material but I’ll be there with my map, God willing. 6.23.2024
A Saturday Night Date in Tokyo
The night before Wonder Fes I gotta a date with Godzilla at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for the Tokyo Mapping Project’s Godzilla Attack On Tokyo. Screenings are held on the weekends and public holidays every 30 minutes from 7:30 to 9:30 since May 11. Over the years Godzilla has destroyed Shinjuku in his return in 1984 and in his battle against Ghidorah in 1991 before resting atop Hotel Gracery. Learn More | 6.25.2024
Changes for the Better
Every trip to Japan there are changes travelers need to be aware of. I appreciate the YouTubers who give lists of urgent updates. Last year my biggest surprise was the change in the JR Rail Pass. The process has been streamlined so that the rail pass booklet is no longer along with the pass checks by the station attendant at the ticket gate. The pass looks very similar to an ordinary train ticket but the rider must retrieve it upon exiting the ticket gate. 6.25.2024
My 2023 JR Rail Pass
Family Gifts from Japan
My cousin Jeanie brought me a snack from Japan today. This is Umiajisen (海味線), a bean snack made with selected seafood (squid beans, shrimp beans, crab beans, and bonito beans). Her family land in Philly early this morning after a 10-day trip in Tokyo, Hakone and Osaka. Back in 1999, my cousin, my mother and I went to Japan and toured Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. It’s great to recollect the past and to get a taste of what is to come. Thanks cousin! 7.2.2024
Japan 1994
Thirty years ago in 1994, I took to the streets of Tokyo carrying a traditional film camera, disposable panoramic camera and camcorder to capture my most favorite place in the world. These memories left an indelible mark on my life.
Trip Itinerary
- Wonder Fest
- 特撮のDNA
- KAMINOFUDE
- Godzilla Attack
- Godzilla Head
- Godzilla Store
- Mitsukoshi
- Hakuhinkan Toy Park
- Okinawa
- Godzilla Places
- Setagaya Museum
- Toho Studios
- Nakano Broadway
Tokyo Tower- CoCo Ichibanya
Japan is for Family and Friends
Almost all of my trips to Japan have been by myself. While that’s how it had to be, I’m so grateful for the friends I get to see when I’m there. Hanging out, sightseeing, talking over a meal, going shopping, watching the Big G on the big screen together is the stuff of a great trip to Japan. This trip will be no different. I hope to see as many friends as possible. 7.6.2024
Walking to Get Ready for Japan
About two weeks ago I started walking everyday for exercise but also to get ready for long periods of time in the intense heat walking and sightseeing in Tokyo and Okinawa. 7.7.2024
Tokusatsu DNA Ueda is Open
Director Tezuka Masaaki and Monster Maker Shinichi Wakasa opened up the Godzilla exhibit today in Ueda. I’m so looking forward to going. There are some cool promotional items I want to snag up. Photo: @Tokusatsu_DNA | 7.11.2024
Contest
“Where’s MyKaiju?” Contest
I’m headed to a secret Showa Godzilla movie location in Tokyo where I’ve never been before. If you can correctly guess the location, I’ll bring you back some Godzilla -1.0 stuff from the Godzilla Store in Tokyo. Email the correct answer. Place “MyKaiju Contest” in the subject line. Here is a sample answer: “Alien headquarters in Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla.” Multiple submissions allowed. Only one can win. The winner must live within the continental U.S. Start 6.7 End 7.23.2024
Two Weeks and Counting
Twice from today I will be on my way to Tokyo, God willing. There have been bumps along the way like a broken iPhone glass and travel scams to avoid. These things happen. My projects are getting done and everything is full steam ahead. And after a trip to the Apple Store my iPhone was ok and my screen protector was cracked 🙂 And I picked up summer shirts I needed. 7.9.2024
Packing Started
Happy 4th to those who celebrate. The trip is under 3 weeks away, so it’s time to start the packing process. My two bags are airing out. I’m gathering small items and checking my list for the big items. 7.4.2024
Finding Godzilla
Godzilla can be found all over Tokyo and across Japan. Here are some of my encounters over the years 7.2.2024
The Countdown Begins
My trip is exactly one month away. So now it’s time to do the time-sensitive items on my list. I need to make my online orders. I finally got my eye exam and my new glasses will be ready soon so I can watch the days go by. 6.24.2024
The Shopping List Begins
Tokusatsu DNA Ueda announced the definitive official DNA. Illustrated catalog to commemorated the Godzilla’s 70th anniversary. The book will cover Godzilla’s history and Toho special effects from Godzilla 1954 to Godzilla Minus One! There will be a new event t-shirt and pamphlet as well. Take my money! Learn More | 7.5.2024
No Godzilla Theater and Godzilla Expo
Godzilla 1954 is coming back to Japan’s theaters along with King Kong vs Godzilla (1962), Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster (1964) and Godzilla vs Biollante (1989) from July to September. Just perfect for my trip until it was announced the original Godzilla would be shown from July 5th until 18th. Thank you Makuta-san for letting me know! The first show will end 7 days before I arrive. I’m disappointed but there’s so much to do during my short time in Tokyo. 6.21.2024 | Here comes another Godzilla event in Tokyo, The Godzilla Expo in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. On display will be statues and movie props from August 13th through September 1st. Learn More 6.25.2024
New Glasses for Japan
So happy to pick up my new glasses today. They have been way overdue for a new pair. Now I can see Japan better than ever and enjoy Okinawa to the fullest. 7.3.2024
Things To Do
- Passport
- Visit Japan Web
- Travel Belt
- Travel Documents
- Travel Insurance
- JR Rail Pass
- MyKaiju backpack
- New Glasses
- Long Cables
- Contact Friends
- Gifts
- Summer Hat
- Summer Shirts
- Summer Shorts
- Itinerary
- Packing
News
Happy Birthday to the late great father of SPFX Eiji Tsuburaya (7/7/1901 – 1/25/1970) who has been my inspiration from the day I learned of him in Fantastic Films. His work and creations shaped my childhood and life and work of my adulthood. Until this day his picture hangs above my desk. Watch | 7.7.2024
Photo Credits: @SCREEN__STORE | @bg8ijfr4koJQ3yw
Meet A Legend
Yesterday SCREEN STORE held the Monster Talk Show (怪獣トークショー) on the 4th floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. The show spotlighted legendary Godzilla garage kit maker Eita Hara (原詠人). His work was pioneering and defining for the future of Godzilla kits and toys. His Godzilla 1954 released by Kaiyodo casts its shadow on the classic Godzilla (1984) promotional poster. His work sparked my imagination and curiosity when I bought Monsters Catalogue in 3D. After many years waiting, one attendee finally met Mr Hara and had his book signed by Mr Hara. 6.23.2024
Shinichi Wakasa (L) and Yoshio Suzuki (R)
Godzilla Maker Master Shinichi Wakasa standing with Mr Yoshio Suzuki who at the age of 19 helped design the original Godzilla. Mr Suzuki “is a former Japanese production designer. Beginning his career as a part-time modeler on Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla Raids Again (1955), Suzuki worked as an assistant in the camera and art departments at Toho for a time” (Wikizilla). Source: @shinichiwakasa | 6.23.2024
Missing No More
Ten years later we get a look at the deleted scene of the late great legend Akira Takarada in Godzilla (2014). 6.25.2024
New Stuff
Godzilla 1974 Bust
Diamond Select Toys announces the coming of a 10-inch Godzilla 1974 Bust. Pre-ordering has begun. 6.23.2024
Hard Chocolate King Shisa T-Shirt
This King Caesar tee goes hard. It’s the one I need for Okinawa. Learn More (Source: @HARDCC) | 6.23.2024
Godzilla Minus One Blu-ray Collector’s Edition
Godzilla Store Exclusive featuring Godzilla -1.0 and Godzilla Minus Color with English subtitles. Get Now | 7.10.2024
Godzilla Fes 5
Here comes Godzilla Fes 5 Great Monster Battle (フェス・ゴジラ５ 怪獣大決戦』) and its support project! We knew it was coming and here it is! The website states the series will reach its culmination with the next film. What will be the outcome of the deadly battle between Godzilla and Jet Jaguar as they face King Ghidorah?! Toho will continue credits for special thanks. There will be a replica of King Ghidorah’s scales. The campaign begins July 8, 2024. I got find a way to support this one! Learn More | 7.5.2024
What is Godzilla?
In a recent interview, Actor Shiro Sano finds that Godzilla has elements that are similar to Noh beginning with Godzilla’s “expression does not change but it is scary.” “Noh (能, Nō) is a form of theater involving music, dance and drama, originating in the 14th century. It was developed together with kyogen, which are comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance” (Source: JapanGuide.com). Sano explains SPFX Director Eiji Tsuburaya instructed suit actor Haruo Nakajima to “walk on tiptoe like in Noh” because the suit was so heavy making the legs difficult to lift. He further says, “I think that Godzilla has something in common with the Dragon Snake God dedicated at the Izumo Taisha Shrine’s Kamimukae Festival. If we trace back the roots of performing arts, which are similar to Noh, we arrive at a ritual of reverence, offering, and prayer to an invisible power. In other words, I think that what producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, the creator of Godzilla, was aiming for with his monster movies was a ‘modern Noh.’ This is clear from the fact that not only Godzilla, but also monsters such as King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Rodan all follow ancient Japanese mythology. Given this mythological background, I think that Godzilla movies are ‘offerings to the gods to calm the anxieties of the times.'” He expresses a strong preference for the actor over CG or VFX, because the most important thing is “attitude,” which is central to Noh and its “how to be there.” This is what Tsuburaya wanted to express in Godzilla. Sano also wants audience’s not to forget the “anti-nuclear and anti-war” themes of Godzilla movies. Source: 俳優・佐野史郎がゴジラ解釈論を展開…最新作「ゴジラ-1.0」から第1作まで「ゴジラには能に通じる要素がある」Hominis, Interview and text by Kenichi Inoue, 6.20.2024) 6.22.2024
From the Godzilla Reader
Reading The Story of Godzilla’s Birth has been so enriching and illuminating. Here are two excerpts I had to share:『ゴジラ』はアメリカで再編集され、1956年に『怪獣王ゴジラ』(テリー・モース監督)として公開され、ヒットを飛ばす。しかし、このアメリカ版のゴジラからは、反核・反戦のメッセージがそっくりカットされている。”‘Godzilla’ was re-edited in America and released in 1956 as “Godzilla, King of the Monsters” (directed by Terry Morse), which became a hit. However, the anti-nuclear and anti-war messages were completely cut out of this American version of Godzilla.” 『ゴジラ』は単なる娯楽的な怪獣映画ではない。それは、核兵器の恐怖をくぐり抜けてきた日本人が、その思いをこめて作った映画だからではないか。そんな気がしてならない。””Godzilla” is not just an entertaining monster movie. I can’t help but feel that this is because it was made by the Japanese people, who have lived through the horror of nuclear weapons, and who poured their feelings into it” (p 178). 6.25.2024
“Director Ishiro Honda has often spoken out about the horror of atomic power not only in Godzilla but also in many of his subsequent special effects works. In an interview titled “Monsters and the Atomic Bomb” published in May 1988, he said the following about Godzilla, the atomic bomb, and nuclear power plants: ‘As long as atomic bombs remain, even if I make the next Godzilla film, I probably won’t be able to stand in front of a train station and shout about the horrors of Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and nuclear weapons that have dozens of times the destructive power of conventional nuclear weapons, but I will cooperate with such efforts… Nuclear power plants are said to be malfunction-free. But there is no guarantee that they will be 100% safe. In this regard, foreign countries, even countries with political turmoil like Italy, say they will not build any more nuclear power plants as they are now. And yet they are still talking about building the largest nuclear power plant in Niigata. Whenever an accident occurs, it is the public who suffer the consequences.'” (p 185) 7.8.2024
Box Daze
Mondo Mecha
My Mondo MechaGodzilla designed by Attack Peter has arrived! A gorgeous figure in a cool box covered in Peter Santa-Maria’s beautiful linoleum prints. Follow Peter on Instagram and check out his work. 6.26/7.3.2024
Super7 PinBall Godzilla
My great friend Eric hooked me up with the Target exclusive Super 7 ReAction Godzilla Pinball Edition figure. The box is just as awesome as the figure. Now to find the MechaGodzilla to go with it. 6.30.2024
X-Plus Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1993
Big and small box dazes this month. This week the X-Plus Yuji Sakai Godzilla 1993 arrived. This is great representation of the Heisei Godzilla who just barely survived MechaGodzilla. It has great angles. But pictures don’t do it justice. I’m looking forward to shooting this one. 7.3.2024
Mondo Urban Aztec Godzilla
The amazing burning Godzilla by Urban Aztec has arrived. It is 10″ perfect standing out from all my suit-accurate figures. Get one if you can. Learn More | 7.16.2024
Godzilla Rubber Figures
A cool set of Godzilla Minus One Rubber Figure Set by Air Twokyo arrived. This is a cute set and I just had to have the Godzilla model and Shinseimaru. I hope someone out there is making a film accurate version of the Godzilla wooden model and a model kit for the minesweeper. 7.5.2024
Book Corner
The Next Godzilla Encyclopedia
There’s a new Godzilla encyclopedia coming on August 29. Godzilla Encyclopedia: The Complete History of Toho Special Effects (ゴジラ大鑑 東宝特撮作品全史) popped up for pre-ordering on Amazon Japan a day ago. This is an oversized 304-paged Japanese book published by Kodansha. It will cover the special effects history for all the Godzilla movies from 1954 to Godzilla -1.0 (2023) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). You can never have too many Godzilla books, especially in Japanese. This book is 8,800 yen. Get your copy on Amazon Japan 6.21.2024
What Is the Story of Godzilla?
From the New York Times Best-Selling Series comes an accessible version of Godzilla’s story by Sheila Keenan and illustrated by Robert Squier tracing Godzilla’s history from his nuclear origins in 1954 until today. This 108-paged book is full of beautiful illustrations that have a familiar feel. There is a great color movie timeline from 1954 to 2024 included. This is great for kids but adult fans too. Available on Amazon 6.25.2024
Facsimile Memories
Growing up in the 70s Godzilla books were few and far in between. I lived on Famous Monsters of Filmland and other magazines that cover the king from time to time. But I counted on every issue of the Marvel Comics Godzilla Series. It was my steady Godzilla content I needed. And Marvel just rolled off the presses a new facsimile edition of Godzilla King of the Monsters No. 1. My original is bit beaten and worn. This reproduction will be welcomed with open hands. 6.26.2024
Shinji Nishikawa’s Encyclopedia
The illustrated Godzilla Anatomy: Shinji Nishikawa Unravels the Depths of the Monster (ゴジラ大解剖図鑑 西川伸司が紐解く怪獣の深淵) is coming soon in English. The 216-page Godzilla The Encyclopedia published by Titan Books is packed with awesome illustrations, diagrams and explanations of every Godzilla and Toho monster from 1954 to 2016. It will retail for $34.99. Learn More | 6.28.2024
Book Daze
The Ultimate Minus One Book
The Record of G -1.0 is finally in hand. And it’s awesome. Included with the massive book is the storyboard book, monochrome poster and awesome book sleeve. Thank you Yuu-san! 6.27.2024
When the Yen was as Strong as Godzilla
Growing up in the 80s I remember when the Yen was strong during the bubble economy. A few weeks ago I spotted this Newsweek June 23, 1986 edition featuring a Godzilla-like monster with the title “Curse of the Monster Yen” on the cover. And I had to have it. The weak is strong at this time and good for foreign travel. But I hope Japan’s economy recovers soon. 7.9.2024
Miou Tanaka as Captain Tatsuo Hotta
Happy Birthday Hotta!
Happy Birthday Miou Tanaka (b. July 4, 1974), who played the powerful Tatsuo Hotta, captain of the destroyer Yukikaze. I sent my birthday wishes to his twitter account and I received a wonderful reply. “Thank you very much! I will do my best to continue to be involved in monster movies!” That is our wish also! Thank you! 7.5.2024
Here’s Comes Super7
And the Super7 ReAction Gold Shogun Godzilla figure! Debuting at Comic-Con 2024, Super7 Toho ReAction Figure inspired by the vintage model kit from the 1960s and the articulated Vintage Toy Hawaii Toho ReAction Hedorah. Available Super7 Comic-Con Booth 2543. 6.28.2024
Quote
“I just love Godzilla. Godzilla is the bad guy who destroyed Tokyo. But he’s a hero, or at least he’s popular. Godzilla was sleeping on the ocean floor, but he was awakened by a nuclear test. That’s why he had keloid scars all over his body. We did bad things to Godzilla. So it makes perfect sense for him to use violence against us. That’s why Godzilla is a star. Even though Mothra is the better guy.” — Jun Togawa | 6.27.2024
Jun Togawa is a Japanese singer, musician and actress. She is one of the greatest influences on Japanese avant-garde music and media, and her career spans over 35 years. Her close friends over the years include Susumu Hirasawa. She was mainly active from 1981 to 1995. (Wikipedia)
Wallpaper
Welcome to MyKaiju Daily, a daily diary and journal. While I’m in between writing articles and doing new toy photography, there’s daily Godzilla news I would like to comment on. This is a space for my quick blurbs, shares, comments and more on the old and new stuff about Godzilla.