Teruyoshi Nakano passes

7.5.2022

Today has begun with the sad news of the passing of the great special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano (中野昭慶) on June 27. Director Nakano was born October 9, 1935 in the former Manchuria (now northeastern China) and repatriated to Japan in 1946 after the end of the war. He joined Toho in 1959 after graduating from Nihon University. SPFX Director Eiji Tsuburaya was his mentor in the Showa years. After Tsuburaya’s death, Nakano-san would become head director of special effects for the remaining of the Showa era and continued into the Heisei Era with Godzilla (1984). He left his mark on many Toho tokusatsu productions and the body of his work is impressive.

Special effects director: Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), Zone Fighter (1973), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974), Prophecies of Nostradamus (1974), ESPY (1974), Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975), The War in Space (1977), The Return of Godzilla (1984), Tokyo Blackout (1987), Princess from the Moon (1987). Assistant special effects director: Sensuikan I-57 kofuku sezu (1959), Secret of the Telegian (1960), Storm Over the Pacific (1960), Gorath (1962), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), Matango (1963), Atragon (1963), Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Frankenstein vs. Baragon (1965), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), War of the Gargantuas (1966), Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966), King Kong Escapes (1967), Destroy All Monsters (1968), All Monsters Attack (1969)

His work had a profound influence on my childhood and adult life. The 70s Showa films filled my days with fun and joy. His direction for Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (1974) left the deepest and lasting impression shaping my imagination, creativity and professional life. Director Nakano passed at the age of 86. He will surely be missed. His legacy and work remain. Prayers and condolences to his family. Rest in Power.

Sources:
Wikipedia: Teruyoshi Nakano
Wikizilla: Teruyoshi Nakano
Nikkan Sports: 映画「ゴジラ」シリーズなど担当した特技監督の中野昭慶さん86歳死去　創意工夫で作品作り腐心

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