60 Years of "King Kong vs. Godzilla"

Above, Universal's cheesy U.S. poster.

Sixty years ago yesterday, Toho's King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) was released in the U.S. by Universal Pictures on June 26, 1963.

It was a heavily-edited version that really did an injustice to the original Japanese version. But, at least it was released theatrically around the country. It was the first Godzilla movie I saw on the big screen. 

Above, looking south on Vermont Avenue, the Balboa Theater can be seen center left, early 1950s.

During its run, my parents took two friends and I to go see it at the Balboa Theater in Manchester/Vermont section of Los Angeles (the shopping area there got hit hard two years later during the Watts Riots of August 1965). It was the second feature to the John Ford/John Wayne comedy, Donovan's Reef. We sat up in the balcony.

After closing down, the Balboa Theater was used as a mosque. Currently, it is being used as a production studio. 

Above, the Balboa Theater in the 1970s.

For us, it was a night of brawls. First, between John Wayne and Lee Marvin and then between King Kong and Godzilla.

Here's the Universal teaser trailer:

Back then, it was inconceivable to me that I would eventually interview actress Akiko Wakabayashi, know THE Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima and meet actor Kenji Sahara, all stars of King Kong vs. Godzilla.

"You Only Live Twice": James Bond In Japan

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi and Sean Connery. United Artists photo.

Well, since we cannot go to Japan for the Olympics or for anything else right now, we can at least read up on some Japan cinematic history.

In this case is the 1967 James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, starring Sean Connery, Akiko Wakabayashi, Donald Pleasense and Mie Hama. 

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi autographed photo.

The U.K. website, Designer Women, takes a look at the movie in a new article. It has some errors, but its critiques of the movie are those I generally agree with. 

They begin with:

007 – No Time to Die, the twenty-fifth official film in the longest-running film franchise, is slated for release on October 7, 2021 – after being pushed back from last year due to the pandemic. In order to heat up the engines of this new blockbuster which, as we said, is part of one of the biggest, most traditional and beloved film franchises in the history of the seventh art, we have decided to create a new series of stories dissecting a bit of all the previous films, bringing you a lot of curiosities and a lot of information.

In the fifth film in the franchise’s official timeline, the most famous secret agent in cinema had it all. Or almost, since here the producers decided to take James Bond to Japan, where, among other things, he would train with ninjas, taste exotic Japanese cuisine and once again face the face of the organization. SPECTER criminal, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. . Check out the details of the fifth adventure with Spy 007 below.

Back in 2006, I stopped at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo for directions to Kadokawa Pictures, not realizing that the hotel was used as Osato Chemicals headquarters in You Only Live Twice. The hotel looked the same as it did in 1967.

So, pour yourself a dry vodka martini (shaken, not stirred) and read on by going here. 

Mental Floss: 11 Facts About "King Kong vs. Godzilla"

Above, the 1962 meeting between King Kong and Godzilla. Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Godzilla and King Kong (or just Kong) fans are ramped up in excitement for the long-awaited "rematch" between the two movie giants in Godzilla vs. Kong that is set to premiere next month 

For the fun of it, Mental Floss has posted 11 "facts" of the 1962 Toho King Kong vs. Godzilla. 

In their article, they noted that the movie featured a "future Bond Girl", Mie Hama. Actually, it featured one additional Bond girl, Akiko Wakabayashi. Both appeared in You Only Live Twice in 1967 with Sean Connery.

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi.

They begin with:

It’s east versus west, giant reptile versus mega-mammal, the “Big G” versus the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Godzilla vs. Kong—a new slugfest from Legendary Pictures—is set to be released in theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, 2021. But it won't be the first time these two iconic movie monsters have faced off. They met once before in 1962’s King Kong vs. Godzilla—a crossover battle for the ages that also featured a rampaging octopus and a future Bond Girl. Not to mention the craziest tree-related violence you’ll ever see outside an M. Night Shyamalan flick.

Above, the hilltop Atami Castle was the location used for the ending of King Kong vs. Godzilla. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Sean Connery, The Greatest 007 of All, Dies At 90

This one hurts.

Very sad news has been announced from the United Kingdom.

The Independent reported:

 Legendary James Bond actor Sean Connery has died, aged 90.

The Scottish Bafta-winning star played the British spy in seven films from 1962 until 1983.

He died in his sleep in the Bahamas. While a cause is yet to be announced, it is believed the actor had been unwell for a long period of time.

His first appearance as 007 came in Dr No in 1962. His other Bond films included From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), and You Only Live Twice (1967). 

He returned to the role twice more in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Never Say Never Again (1983).

To say Connery was a giant in pop-culture would be a gross understatement. Thankfully, he had a long life and passing away the way he did is the best way to go. 

Akiko Wakabayashi, who co-starred with Connery in 1967's You Only Live Twice (set in Japan), said in a G-FAN interview (by yours truly and Brett Homenick) of Connery, "James Bond in the movie is a ladies' man, but Sean-san is a warm-hearted honest man. He has a clear vision as an actor. He can be stubborn from time to time, but he is a real man with a bit of old-fashioned taste."

To read more, go here.

Follow Ian Fleming's (and James Bond's) Footsteps In Japan

Above, a view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower. Ian Fleming visited the city in 1962. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is more often associated with Godzilla, anime and other genres of pop culture, but James Bond and his creator, Ian Fleming, also visited the Land of the Rising Sun.

Now, visitors can follow in their footsteps.

Above, my copy of You Only Live Twice.

The Japan Times reported:

Tasked to trace the route across Japan that Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond, took in 1962 — and which Bond himself largely follows in Fleming’s penultimate 007 novel “You Only Live Twice” (1964) — it was suggested I could experience the same route but with modern sensibilities. 

In truth, if you wish to follow the two-week trip Fleming took across Japan — beginning in Tokyo and winding your way down to Kyushu — you can assuredly do so, either in one go or knocked off in discrete sections. You can visit nearly all of the places that Fleming went to and see the eternal sights that he did: the Mikimoto pearl fisheries and the Grand Shrines of Ise on the Kii Peninsula; the Nijo Jinya and Shimabara brothel district in Kyoto; and take a ferry ride from the city of Kobe along the islands of the Seto Inland Sea to the “hells” of Beppu, to finally arrive at the magnificent caldera of Mount Aso in Kyushu before taking in Fukuoka on a bullet train back to Tokyo.

Above, Sean Connery and his co-stars of You Only Live Twice at the
Pinewood Studios set. Thanks to G-FEST's Stan Hyde for finding this photo.

To read more, go here.

5 James Bond Japan Movie Locations

Above, Tokyo Tower was shown in You Only Live Twice, particularly when Tiger
Tanaka had a carload of baddies dropped into Tokyo bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan served as the primary central location in one James Bond movie. The movie was You Only Live Twice in 1967 starring Sean Connery.

Bond returned to Japan (although it wasn't specified) in Skyfall in 2012 at Gunkanjima (Battleship Island near Nagasaki.

Along with Gunkanjima, Gaijinpot.com has an article on four other James Bond Japan locations.

They start it with:

It’s been over 50 years now since the famous movie spy James Bond first visited Japan. Released on June 13, 1967, the film You Only Live Twice saw agent 007 adventuring in the capital and other parts of the country. Three years earlier, the Olympics had put Tokyo in the global spotlight. Now, the city is a mere two years away from hosting another Olympics. 

Next year also sees the release of the 25th installment in the Bond film series by Eon Productions. Anticipation for this latest movie has been further stoked by the recent announcement that it will be helmed by Danny Boyle, the Academy Award-winning director of movies like Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, The Beach and Trainspotting. 

If you live in Japan or plan on visiting (for the Olympics or any other time), these five locations will allow you to retrace some of James Bond’s globetrotting footsteps here. Since March 2018, Mount Shinmoedake — the volcano used for exterior shots of the villain Blofield’s secret rocket base in You Only Live Twice — has been logging major eruptions. With that in mind, it’s not the safest bet for travel at the moment — in fact, access to the mountain is currently restricted — but here are five cooler spots across the country that will allow you to get in touch with your inner spy.

Above, Sean Connery's co-star, Akiko Wakabayashi, of You Only Live Twice.

To read more, go here.

On The Tracks of 007: Guide To Japan

Above, an autographed photo from Akiko Wakabayashi
 I received after interviewing her for G-FAN in 2007.

It has been 50 years since Sean Connery joined Mie Hama and Akiko Wakabayashi in Japan for Eon Productions' You Only Live Twice (1967).

There is now a new book for fans to celebrate the movie called On The Tracks of 007: Guide To Japan by Martijn Mulder.

According to Benzinga.com:

Travel like 007 from Tokyo to Kagoshima, revisiting all the filming locations used in You Only Live Twice. From Osato Chemicals HQ to Tiger Tanaka's countryside house, from Blofeld's volcano base to the remote shrine where Bond married Kissy. It's an action packed adventure for movie buffs, Bond fans and film location hunters. Includes a bonus trip to Hashima (Gunkanjima or Battleship Island) in Nagasaki Bay, which served as the model for Silva's hideout in Skyfall (2012).

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi and Sean Connery
 at the sumo arena in You Only Live Twice.

The Hotel New Otani Tokyo served as the headquarters of Osato Chemicals in You Only Live Twice. It still stands today, I visited it in 2006.

To read more, go here.

Sean Connery Turns 86

The actor who made James Bond into a worldwide household name is celebrating a birthday today.

Sean Connery, now happily retired, turned 86.

Above, Sean Connery in Dr. No (1962). Eon Productions.

"James Bond in the movie is a ladies' man, but Sean-san is a warm-hearted honest man. He has a clear vision as an actor. He can be stubborn from time to time, but he is a real man with a bit of old-fashioned taste." - Akiko Wakabayashi, co-star in You Only Live Twice (1967), G-FAN interview by Armand Vaquer and Brett Homenick.


Happy Birthday, Sean Connery!

Ken Wallis, Autogyro Pilot For Sean Connery, Dies At 97

Above, 'Q' (Desmond Llewelyn) and James Bond (Sean Connery) review the functions of the autogyro "Little Nellie."

Back in October 1966, I saw a demonstration of the autogyro mini-helicopter at the annual Point Mugu Airshow.

The following year, the autogyro was featured as "Little Nellie" in the James Bond movie, You Only Live Twice, starring Sean Connery and Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama.

MI6-HQ.com, a website of James Bond enthusiasts, reports that the stunt pilot for Sean Connery of "Little Nellie" has died at the age of 97.

They wrote:

Commander Ken Wallis, known the world over to James Bond fans as the inventor and pilot of the auto-gyro seen in the 1967 adventure "You Only Live Twice" as Little Nellie, has died at the age of 97. 

Wing Commander Kenneth Horatio Wallis MBE, DEng (hc), CEng, FRAeS, FSETP, PhD (hc), RAF (Ret'd), was a leading exponent on autogyros and has held, and in some cases still holds, 34 records related to them.

To read the full article, go here.

Akiko Wakabayashi's Birthday(?)

Above, an autographed photo of Akiko Wakabayashi.  From Armand Vaquer's collection.

Some websites say she was born on December 13, 1939. And others say she was born on August 26, 1941.

Well, regardless of when she was born, here's a salute to actress Akiko Wakabayashi who appeared as Tamiye in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), as Princess Salno in Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) and as Aki in You Only Live Twice (1967).

What James Bond Did For Japan

Above, Akiko Wakabayashi and Sean Connery at the sumo stadium
in "You Only Live Twice."  Photo: United Artists.

In 1967, James Bond 007 (in the form of Sean Connery) had a mission to stop the hijacking of U.S. and U.S.S.R. space capsules by S.P.E.C.T.R.E. to prevent a war between the two nations.  That mission took him to Japan.  The movie was You Only Live Twice.

As this year is the fiftieth anniversary of the James Bond movies, the Japan Times took a look at what Bond did for Japan in "The Gentleman In The Tux and What He Did For Japan."

Along with Connery, Toho actresses Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama were featured as Japanese agents Aki and Kissy Suzuki respectively.

The article starts out with:

In 1967, James Bond made his official Japan debut in "You Only Live Twice": The gentleman spy came to Tokyo and Fukuoka, saw some sumo, consorted with ninja and got intimate with two homegrown Bond girls. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, "You Only Live Twice" goes down in Japan's collective memory as the one and only time 007 made it to these shores.

The movie version of You Only Live Twice is quite different from Ian Fleming's novel, although both are centered in Japan.

On working with Connery, Wakabayashi said in my interview with her, "James Bond in the movie is a ladies' man, but Sean-san is a warm-hearted honest man. He has a clear vision as an actor. He can be stubborn from time to time, but he is a real man with a bit of old-fashioned taste."

One bit of trivia:  the location used for Osato Chemicals in Tokyo was the New Otani Hotel.

To read the full article, go here.

Next: "You Only Live Twice"

On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming was finished (finally!) last night.

It is one of Fleming's best James Bond novels and I found that the 1969 movie with George Lazenby (as Bond) and Diana Rigg (as Tracy) was pretty close to the book, with some changes here and there.

The next book (in the order of publication) I am going to read is You Only Live Twice, which is set in Japan. It will be interesting to see the differences between the movie (with Sean Connnery (as Bond) and Akiko Wakabayashi) and the book.

Left, Akiko Wakabayashi.

Sean Connery Is 80 Years Young Today

Bond, James Bond turns 80 today.

No, not the Ian Fleming character, but the original movie James Bond, Sean Connery.

Described as a "man's man," Connery created the movie James Bond template that has endured the ups and downs of the movies and successor actors including Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and, currently, Daniel Craig. (Bond 23's production is being held up due to financial problems of MGM.)

My parents took me to see a double-bill of 1962's Dr. No and 1963's From Russia With Love (both starring Connery) and I've been hooked ever since. When it was announced that Goldfinger was about to be released, I already knew what to expect and looked forward to seeing it.

I have most of the Ian Fleming Bond novels (I hit the jackpot one day at a used book store).

It is generally conceded that Connery's Goldfinger (1964) is the best of the Bond movies. I think he hit his stride in that one although the aforementioned Dr. No and From Russia With Love were good movies.

Connery's last Eon Productions Bond movie was Diamonds Are Forever (1971). It had its moments, but it showed that the series was beginning to get into the silliness of the Roger Moore (who took over in the next film, Live and Let Die in 1973) years. He then went on to distinguish himself in other films such as The Man Who Would Be King, The Untouchables (he won a supporting actor Academy Award for that one), amongst others.

Connery's last outing as Agent 007 was in the independently-produced Never Say Never Again in 1982. In that movie, he showed that he still had the Bond touch.



Akiko Wakabayashi, who co-starred with Connery in 1967's You Only Live Twice (set in Japan), said in a G-FAN interview (by yours truly and Brett Homenick) of Connery, "James Bond in the movie is a ladies' man, but Sean-san is a warm-hearted honest man. He has a clear vision as an actor. He can be stubborn from time to time, but he is a real man with a bit of old-fashioned taste."

Connery says his acting days are over (almost sounds like one of his final lines in Never Say Never Again). He is enjoying his retirement. Perhaps, if the right project and role should surface, he could be persuaded to make a comeback. Never say never!

Happy Birthday, Sean Connery!